By David G. Molyneaux, editor, TheTravelMavens.com
When I was growing up in Ohio, everyone in my family agreed that when our current life was over we all wanted to come back as dogs, but not just any dog, one of my aunt Marcia’s dogs. They lived that well – loved, cared for, and cuddled on the couch.
Now I’ve found a new place for the next life, as a dog at Disney World, where the Mouse folks have built VIP suites at a one-of-a-kind pet retreat on Bonnet Creek Parkway near Port Orleans Resort.
Here, I may spend part of my next life in a luxury suite – air-conditioned of course – with outdoor patio and play yard for private days, and access to a 25,000-square-foot outdoor dog park when I want to play with friends.
At their own water park, above right, dogs may chase water jets back and forth.
This new pet world offers the kind of exclusivity you might associate with gated people communities. You only get in if you know the right people; that would be pet owners who sign up at Best Friends Pet Care, including guests at Walt Disney World and visitors who stay at lodgings off the property.
The new pet digs can house 270 dogs, up to 30 cats in a separate Kitty City, and a room for what Disney calls pocket pets, such as pet hamsters and birds.
Daycare rates start at $16. For dogs, boarding rates start at $37 a day ($34 if you’re staying at a Disney World hotel), $23 ($21) for cats, $12 ($10) for pocket pets. Rates rise with the digs. A VIP suite for your dog, with two potty walks, two playground visits, a flat screen TV, webcam, bedtime story and a bath every three days, is $76 ($69). Haircuts are extra.
For information, Best Friends Pet Care, 877-493-9738.
New from Peter Greenberg, Tips for traveling with your big dog.
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