Traveling with Your Dog to Orlando – Disney, Theme Parks and General Travel

Orlando is a pet-friendly destination that offers plenty of attractions and amenities for travelers with dogs.

However, it is important to know that most theme parks in Orlando do not allow dogs as pets on the park area. The exception is of course for service dog. But there’s more to Orlando than just theme parks. The city also boasts numerous dog-friendly parks, trails, and outdoor spaces where you can enjoy the city’s natural beauty with your furry friend.

When it comes to finding pet-friendly accommodations in Orlando, you have plenty of options. Many hotels and motels in the area accept pets, but be prepared to pay a nightly fee per pet.

Can You Take Your Dog to Orlando’s Theme Parks?

Pet Policy Overview

If you’re planning to bring your furry friend to Orlando’s theme parks, it’s important to know the pet policy. Each park has different rules, so it’s essential to check with the park you plan to visit before bringing your pet. Generally, pets are not allowed inside the theme parks. However, some parks allow pets in designated areas, such as kennels or pet care centers. These areas are usually located outside the park’s main entrance.

If you’re staying at a Disney resort, you can bring your pet along with you. However, there is an additional fee, and you must follow specific guidelines. Disney allows dogs only, and they must weigh under 75 pounds. You can leave your dog unattended in your room for a maximum of seven hours. If your dog is barking when you’re not in the room, Disney may ask you to return to your room, and you’ll need to get to your room as soon as possible to calm your dog.

Service Animals vs. Pets

It’s important to note the difference between service animals and pets. Service animals are specially trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities. They are allowed inside the theme parks and do not require any additional fees. However, you must follow specific guidelines, such as keeping your service animal on a leash and under control at all times.

Pets, on the other hand, are not allowed inside the theme parks. If you bring your pet to the park, you will need to leave them in a designated area outside the park’s main entrance. Some parks have kennels or pet care centers where you can leave your pet while you enjoy the park.

Before bringing your pet to Orlando’s theme parks, make sure they are up-to-date on all vaccinations. You should also keep your pet on a leash at all times and clean up after them. Remember, not everyone is comfortable around pets, so it’s essential to be respectful of others.

Dog Friendly Beaches

Canova Beach Park

Located on the Space Coast, about an hour away from Orlando, Canova Beach Park is one of the few dog-friendly beaches in Brevard County. It features 9.1 acres of space for your pup to run around and play, along with a small pavilion, grill, picnic tables, benches, restrooms, drinking fountains, and outdoor showers. Note that all dogs must remain on a leash while at the beach.

Lake Baldwin Park

If you’re looking for a dog-friendly beach closer to Orlando, Lake Baldwin Park is a great option. The park features a large, sandy beach area where dogs are allowed to swim and play off-leash, as well as a separate fenced area for smaller dogs. There are also plenty of amenities, including restrooms, water fountains, picnic tables, and a walking trail.

Ponce Inlet

Just south of Daytona Beach, Ponce Inlet is another popular spot for dog owners. The beach is wide and spacious, with plenty of room for your pup to run around and play. Dogs are allowed on the beach and in the water as long as they are on a leash. There are also restrooms, showers, and picnic tables available.

New Smyrna Beach

Located about an hour away from Orlando, New Smyrna Beach is another great option for dog owners. The beach allows dogs on-leash in designated areas, and there are plenty of amenities, including restrooms, showers, and picnic tables. Dogs are also allowed at Smyrna Dunes Park, which features a boardwalk and hiking trails.

Dog Parks

Lake Eola Park

Lake Eola Park is a beautiful 43-acre park in the heart of downtown Orlando. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and it’s also a great place to take your dog for a walk. Dogs are allowed on leashes throughout the park, and there are plenty of benches and picnic tables where you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

Park of the Americas

Park of the Americas is a newer off-leash park that offers plenty of space for your dog to run around and play. It’s divided into two sections, one for larger dogs and one for smaller dogs, so your pup can play with dogs of similar size. The park provides water bowls and a hybrid fountain to keep your dog hydrated during the hottest parts of summer.

Dr. Phillips Dog Park

Dr. Phillips Dog Park is a popular spot for dog owners in Orlando. It’s a large, fenced-in park that offers separate areas for small and large dogs. There are plenty of benches and shaded areas for owners to relax while their dogs play, and there are also water fountains and dog waste stations throughout the park.

Baldwin Park

Baldwin Park is a bit of a hike from the theme parks, but it’s well worth the excursion. It features a gigantic lake for swimming and a beautiful beach. Dogs of every breed and size romp and swim all day, every day. There are also plenty of walking trails and picnic areas where you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

Hiking and Trails With Your Dog

Mead Botanical Garden

Mead Botanical Garden is a beautiful place to take your dog for a walk. The garden offers several trails that are both stroller and dog-friendly. The trails are well-maintained and offer scenic views of the garden.

Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive

Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is another great place to hike with your dog. The drive offers several hiking and biking trails that are dog-friendly. The trails are well-marked and offer scenic views of the lake.

Bill Frederick Park At Turkey Lake

Bill Frederick Park At Turkey Lake is a great place to take your dog for a hike. The park offers several hiking trails that are dog-friendly. The trails are well-maintained and offer scenic views of the lake.

Campgrounds

Orlando/Kissimmee KOA Holiday

Orlando/Kissimmee KOA Holiday is a popular campground for families with pets. This campground offers several pet-friendly cabins and RV sites. There is also a large dog park where your furry friend can run and play. The campground also has a swimming pool, hot tub, and several recreational activities, including basketball, volleyball, and horseshoes.

Moss Park Campground

Moss Park Campground is another pet-friendly option for those traveling with their dogs. This campground is located in a beautiful park setting and offers several campsites for tents and RVs. There are also several hiking trails and fishing opportunities nearby. The campground has a dog park where your furry friend can play and exercise.

Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake

Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake is a great option for those looking for a pet-friendly campground close to downtown Orlando. This campground offers several RV and tent sites, as well as cabins. There are several hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and a playground for kids. The campground also has a dog park where your furry friend can stretch their legs.

Dog Friendly Hotels

1. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort

Located in the heart of Walt Disney World, the Four Seasons Resort Orlando is a luxurious pet-friendly hotel that welcomes dogs of all sizes. The hotel offers a variety of amenities for your furry friend, including a pet bed, bowls, and treats. There is also a designated dog park on the property where your dog can run and play.

2. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando

The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is another great option for pet owners traveling to Orlando. This hotel welcomes dogs of all sizes and offers a variety of amenities, including a pet room service menu, a dog walking service, and a pet relief area. The hotel also provides guests with a pet welcome kit, which includes a bowl, treats, and waste bags.

3. The Alfond Inn at Rollins

The Alfond Inn at Rollins is a boutique hotel located in Winter Park, just a short drive from downtown Orlando. This pet-friendly hotel welcomes dogs up to 25 pounds and offers a variety of amenities, including a pet bed, bowls, and treats. There is also a designated pet walking area on the property.

4. Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek

The Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is a pet-friendly hotel located near Walt Disney World. The hotel welcomes dogs up to 75 pounds and offers a variety of amenities, including a pet bed, bowls, and treats. There is also a designated pet walking area on the property.

5. Hyatt Regency Orlando

The Hyatt Regency Orlando is another great option for pet owners traveling to Orlando. This hotel welcomes dogs up to 50 pounds and offers a variety of amenities, including a pet bed, bowls, and treats. There is also a designated pet relief area on the property.

Dog Friendly Restaurants

Quick Bites

If you’re looking for a quick bite, check out some of the food trucks in the area. Many of them have outdoor seating where you can enjoy your meal with your dog. A few examples include:

• The Daily City Food Truck Bazaar: This food truck event takes place at different locations around Orlando and features a variety of food trucks, many of which have outdoor seating.
• The Vegan Hot Dog Cart: This food cart serves up vegan hot dogs and other plant-based goodies. They often set up shop at local breweries and other dog-friendly spots.

Sit-Down Meals

For a sit-down meal, there are plenty of restaurants in Orlando that welcome dogs. Some of our top picks include:

• The Ravenous Pig: This restaurant in Winter Park serves up upscale pub fare and has a spacious outdoor patio that is dog-friendly.
• The Strand: This restaurant in Mills 50 has a dog-friendly patio and serves up a variety of American and international dishes.
• The Smiling Bison: This restaurant in Sanford is known for its burgers and craft beer selection. They have a dog-friendly patio and often host events that benefit local animal shelters.

Dog Friendly Cafes

If you’re traveling with your furry friend to Orlando, you’ll be pleased to know that there are plenty of dog-friendly cafes in the area. Here are some of the best places to grab a coffee or a bite to eat with your pup:

• 407 Cafe: This cozy dog-friendly eatery serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner eats in a warm, inviting space that offers dog-friendly outdoor seating. Enjoy delicious hot and cold coffee drinks, loose leaf teas, real fruit smoothies, fresh croissants, crisp salads, paninis, homemade gelato, and a tasty selection of sweet treats.

• Cafe Murano: This Italian cafe in Altamonte Springs welcomes dogs at their outdoor tables and serves up delicious dishes like wood-fired pizza, pasta, and seafood. They also have a great selection of wines and craft beers to choose from.

• Drunken Monkey Coffee Bar: This funky coffee shop is located in the heart of Orlando’s Milk District and is a great spot to grab a cup of coffee or a quick bite to eat with your pup. They offer a variety of coffee drinks, smoothies, and baked goods, as well as vegan and vegetarian options.

• Foxtail Coffee Co.: With multiple locations throughout Orlando, Foxtail Coffee Co. is a popular spot for coffee lovers. They offer a variety of coffee drinks, teas, and pastries, and welcome dogs at their outdoor seating areas.