New luxury pet care center replaces kennels at Disney World – Video/Photos
Tails were wagging and kitties were purring when Best Friends Pet Care opened the doors to its new luxury pet resort in Walt Disney World. This new space replaces all the former kennels at Disney World.
The new one-of-a-kind pet center offers 17,000 square feet of air-conditioned indoor space, 10,000 square feet of covered outdoor runs and play areas, and a 25,000-square-foot dog park exclusively for the use of Best Friends clients and their pets.
Dennis Dolan, CEO of Best Friends Pet Care, and Phil Bernard, vice president of Walt Disney World Operating Participants, were joined by Pluto to open the center today.
“We’ve been looking forward to this day for a long time and we are very excited to finally be ready to open the doors and show off this special facility,” said Dennis. “It incorporates the very best concepts from our other Best Friends facilities with some imaginative ideas that we think will delight and surprise our Walt Disney World guests.” The center is open to all guests whether they’re visiting at Disney World or not. Although Disney Resort guests receive lower rates.
Dog owners can choose from a variety of accommodations, ranging from a standard 32-square-foot all-indoor suite ($37, $34 for resort guests, per night), to an expansive 226-square-foot VIP (Very Important Pet) suite with television, raised bedding and private outdoor yard ($76, $69 for resort guests, per night).
Feline guests will spend their visit in the separate “Kitty City” pavilion – away from the dogs – in two- and four-room condos ($21 to $32 per night). There also is a special area for boarding pocket pets such as hamsters, fish and birds ($10 to $23 per night). All animals except venomous ones and primates are welcome.
Other features of the resort include: a grooming salon, which will provide go-home-fresh baths and haircuts for pets, and two 1,100-square-foot camp rooms for play group and doggy day-camp, each opening onto an outdoor play-yard.
Best Friends also offers many a la carte activities from one-on-one playtimes and social playgroup with other doggy guests, to cuddle time and bedtime stories with staff. Additional amenities and upgrades include ice cream treats, bottled water and premium orthopedic bedding. Feline guests can also enjoy private playtimes, activity toys in their suites, and treats such as ”Cookies and Milk” or “Tuna on a Ritz.”
The private dog park comprises a walking trail and a large area of varying terrain for running and playing, including a 1,300-square-foot “canines only” splash-and-play water feature. There also are sitting areas where owners can relax and watch their dogs play. The entire park is secure from outsiders and is available for use after dark.
The facility is able to accommodate as many as 300 pets for both daytime and overnight boarding. Owners who are used to being able to pop-in and check on their pets when the kennels were located just outside the theme parks will be able to virtually check on them via the Best Friends website. Webcams are placed in the VIP suites and the common play areas of the facility. Those boarding their pets overnight can sign-up to receive a daily e-mailed photo of their pet.
Best Friends Pet Care is located across from Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside at 2510 Bonnet Creek Parkway. Currently there is no pet transportation offered to or from the facility.
More information, including prices, can be found at wdw.bestfriendspetcare.com or by calling 877-4-WDW-Pets.
Here’s a video tour of the new pet resort with interviews and more photos below:
Pluto was on hand to open the center.
Some of the dogs seemed to love the water fountains in the dog park.
A look in one of the VIP Suites.
The Cat Condo. Each cat has access to two levels and a room for the litter box. You may also rent a four level condo.
A cute Yorkie gets a trim in the Salon.
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Celebration long term resident & WDW employee – what R my employee rates?
Sharpen your pencil & make it good and news in Celebration will travel fast!
Any free one night stay grand opening offers?
How very helpful…will pass this on……Thanks so much
Obviously, pets, maybe dogs or cats, are fond of luxury shelters. The move of Best Friends Pet Care is really an appreciate one. The new suite is spacious and air-conditioned. It has also enough outdoor space. As you know, the mode of living style of pets affects their behavior too. You may have noticed the caged animals at zoos. Despite enough food, they seem ill. They are very rude in their behavior and get teased easily. You can say it psychological disorder. It is only due to the little-spaced compartment. The pets also like to play. They are considered as the true friends of their masters. So, their safety and comforts should not be compromised at any cost.