Best Dog-Friendly Hotels in Orlando

Before you go

What happens when you get there

Theme parks

Walt Disney World permits only service animals in its theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs and on Disney transportation, which takes in the buses, boats, monorail and Skyliner. Universal Orlando's pet rule and kennel arrangements aren't something we've been able to confirm, so check Universal's official page before you plan a day there.

Day boarding at Disney

Best Friends Pet Care at Walt Disney World Resort is the on-site kennel, with 17,000 square feet of air-conditioned indoor space and 10,000 square feet of covered outdoor runs and play areas. You can check a dog in or out from one hour before the earliest park opens until one hour after the latest park closes, and you'll need proof of up-to-date vaccines from a vet. Its group Day Camp is for locals only and needs an interview, so expect boarding, not group play. Prices aren't published on the pages we read, so ask when you reserve.

Flying into MCO

Orlando International Airport does not permit dogs in the terminal unless they are working dogs or in a carrier approved for travelling onboard an aircraft. A dog too big for a cabin carrier can't be walked through to meet someone. Pet relief areas are at Terminal A Level 2 at the east end, Terminal B Level 2 at the west end, the North Cell Phone Lot, inside security in each gate wing and in Terminal C near Gates C236 to C242.

Brightline

The train takes dogs and cats only, in a closed, leak-proof carrier no bigger than 17 x 10 x 10 inches that fits under the seat. One pet per adult, at least eight weeks old, added to the booking at least 10 minutes before departure, and the carrier replaces your carry-on bag. The pet fee is USD 45 on Orlando routes. Pets can't go as checked baggage, so a dog that doesn't fit the carrier can't travel.

Winter Park

Lake Baldwin Park at 2000 S. Lakemont Avenue is 23 acres where dogs may be off lead from 8am to sunset. It is closed until 12pm on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month for maintenance. The City of Winter Park calls it the city's only dog-friendly park, so don't assume its other parks, Central Park on Park Avenue included, take dogs without checking first.

Lake Eola

Downtown's Lake Eola Park has a 0.9-mile paved path around the lake and a Sunday farmers market the City of Orlando describes as pet-friendly. We haven't confirmed the park's lead rule, so keep the dog on a lead and check the city's park rules.

Alligators

Florida's wildlife commission guidance applies to any fresh water in the state, which here means every lake, pond and resort lagoon. Keep pets on a lead and away from the water, never feed an alligator and keep your distance if you see one. The commission says serious injuries are rare. Its nuisance alligator hotline is 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).

Weight limits and fees

ette hotel takes dogs up to 20 lbs (about 9.1 kg) at USD 150 per dog per stay. Lake Nona Wave takes dogs under 40 lbs (about 18.1 kg). Signia and Waldorf Astoria take two dogs at 40 lbs combined. Waldorf Astoria doesn't publish a fee, and it is worth asking Signia to confirm its fee is current when you book.

Best walks

Park Avenue in Winter Park, 0.2 miles from The Alfond Inn, with the Winter Park Farmers' Market at 0.4 miles, Mead Botanical Garden at 1.5 miles and the Cady Way Trail at 4.1 miles, all on the hotel's own list of places for dogs. Lake Baldwin Park for an off-lead run from 8am to sunset. The 0.9-mile paved loop around Lake Eola downtown. At Bonnet Creek, the designated pet walking areas on the Waldorf Astoria and Signia grounds, marked on the resort map you get at check-in. Keep to the paths and away from the water's edge at every lake.

When to go

None of the rules on this page change with the season. The theme park rule, the airport rule and the hotel terms are the same all year. What does change is the timing of the walks: Lake Baldwin Park is off lead from 8am to sunset and shut until noon on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, and the Lake Eola farmers market is on Sundays. We don't publish heat or storm advice we haven't checked against an official source, so look at the forecast for your dates and plan long walks for the cooler ends of the day.