Bringing pets to Port Orleans Riverside: the dog-friendly policy and rules
Yes — Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside participates in Walt Disney World's dog-friendly program. Up to two dogs are allowed in designated pet-friendly rooms (specific buildings only) for a nightly surcharge; service animals are always welcome.
In this guide
Which rooms allow dogs
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside permits dogs only in designated pet-friendly guest rooms and buildings, not throughout the entire resort.
The specific pet-friendly buildings listed for Riverside are buildings 15, 24, 80, and 95. If you need a pet-accessible room, request a room in one of those buildings when booking or at check-in.
- Pet-friendly buildings: 15, 24, 80, 95
- Up to two dogs per pet-friendly room
- Service animals are allowed in all rooms regardless of the dog-friendly program
| What | Detail |
|---|---|
| Allowed dogs per room | Up to 2 |
| Pet buildings | 15, 24, 80, 95 |
| Service animals | Allowed property-wide |
Fees and check-in requirements for dogs
A nightly surcharge applies for dogs in pet-friendly rooms. The resort's published nightly surcharge covers up to two dogs in the same room.
Standard check-in rules still apply for any reservation: check-in begins at 3:00 p.m. and a credit card and photo ID may be required at arrival.
- Nightly pet surcharge applies (covers up to two dogs)
- Check-in time begins at 3:00 p.m.; online/mobile check-in is available
- A credit card and government-issued photo ID may be requested at check-in
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Nightly pet surcharge | Covers up to 2 dogs |
| Check-in time | 3:00 p.m. |
| ID/payment | May be required at arrival |
Rules for dogs while on property
Dogs must be restrained on a leash or kept in a carrier whenever outside the guest room. Owners are responsible for cleanup and for controlling excessive barking or other disturbances.
There are clear location restrictions: dogs are not allowed inside food & beverage locations, merchandise shops, pool areas, fitness centers, or in the theme parks and water parks.
- Leash or carrier required outside the room
- Owners must clean up after their dogs and manage noise
- Dogs are not allowed in restaurants, shops, pool areas, or fitness centers
| Allowed | Not allowed |
|---|---|
| Walking paths, some outdoor common areas | Food & beverage venues |
| Designated pet-friendly rooms | Merchandise shops |
| Outside leash/carrier | Pool areas or fitness centers |
Leaving dogs alone and boarding options
The resort's pet rules state dogs should not be left alone in the room for more than seven hours. If you need daytime care, off-site or on-property boarding options are available.
Disney property has a separate professional boarding partner where daytime or overnight care can be arranged; ask resort staff or check Best Friends Pet Hotel for availability and reservations.
- Rooms should not be left alone with a dog for more than seven hours
- Daytime and overnight boarding services are available off-site/on-property through partner facilities
- Contact the front desk or the boarding provider in advance to reserve care
| Situation | Recommended action |
|---|---|
| Leaving dog >7 hours | Arrange boarding or do not leave dog unattended |
| Need same-day boarding | Contact front desk or boarding provider early |
| Service animal | Allowed without time limit in room |
Where dogs can and cannot go on the resort grounds
Dogs are allowed on walking paths and many outdoor common areas, so you can stroll the Sassagoula River paths with your dog on-leash. Buildings that are pet-friendly provide convenient access to exterior walkways.
Dogs are not allowed in indoor dining areas, the Riverside Mill Food Court, Boatwright's Dining Hall, River Roost, Muddy Rivers pool deck or inside merchandise locations. Dogs are also not permitted in Disney theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs, or ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex even if staying at the dog-friendly resort.
- Allowed: exterior walkways, riverside jogging trail, outdoor common spaces (on leash)
- Not allowed: indoor restaurants, pool decks, shops, theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs
- Always follow leash and cleanup rules when walking on property
| Location | Dog policy |
|---|---|
| Resort walking paths | Allowed (on leash) |
| Pool areas and Muddy Rivers | Not allowed |
| Restaurants and shops | Not allowed |
Service animals and accessibility
Service animals are welcome at Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside regardless of the dog-friendly room program. They may accompany their handler in all areas where guests are normally allowed.
If you need accessible or specific room features, the resort offers accessible rooms on request and provides elevators in the Magnolia Bend section; request accommodations when booking or at check-in.
- Service animals: allowed property-wide
- Accessible rooms: available on request
- Elevators are noted in the Magnolia Bend section
| Need | What to do |
|---|---|
| Service animal | Allowed everywhere guests are allowed |
| Accessible room | Request when booking or at check-in |
| Elevator access | Available in Magnolia Bend |
Practical tips for traveling with your dog
Bring familiar items: bedding, toys, treats, and waste bags to make your dog comfortable and to meet cleanup requirements. Keep your dog's vaccinations and ID tags current and have a copy of records if you expect to use boarding services.
Plan ahead for meals, pool time, and park days — dogs cannot accompany you to restaurants, pools, or parks, so schedule walks and breaks within the resort's rules or arrange boarding if you'll be away longer than allowed.
- Pack leash, waste bags, ID tags, and a familiar blanket or bed
- Confirm pet-friendly building at booking or at check-in
- Reserve boarding early if you'll be away during the day more than seven hours
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Waste bags | Required for cleanup on walks |
| ID and vet records | Needed for boarding or emergencies |
| Familiar bedding | Reduces stress when left alone |
