Disney Parks and Pets: Ensuring Safety in the Summer Heat
The summer months are always bustling at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. Families from around the globe flock to Central Florida and Southern California to join Mickey Mouse and Friends, ride thrilling attractions, savor delicious food, and indulge in must-have merchandise.
However, summer also brings extreme heat. It’s crucial for guests to stay hydrated, take frequent breaks, and seek shade whenever possible.
Pets at Disney Parks
In our current era, many people bring their pets everywhere, including Disney parks. But what happens to your dog while you’re in the parks? Sadly, some guests leave their four-legged friends in their cars, sometimes for hours. This issue is particularly prevalent at Disneyland, where many guests are locals.
A Heated Debate Over Pet Safety
Recently, a guest sparked a heated debate when she and her boyfriend noticed a dog left in a car at Disneyland’s Mickey & Friends parking garage.
Jennifer Mendez, visiting with her boyfriend and two-year-old daughter, saw a dog in a car. A note on the window claimed the dog was fine, with the car temperature set to 72 degrees. Despite this, Jennifer felt uneasy.
Her post ignited a flurry of discussion, though moderators removed it before things got too heated.
Concerns and Defenses
Many people argued that a dog should never be left in a car while its owners visit the theme parks. They worried about potential car malfunctions and air conditioning failures. They encouraged Jennifer to contact Disney security, but she was told they couldn’t intervene since the dog didn’t appear distressed.
Conversely, some defended the owner, noting the car was a Tesla equipped with Dog Mode. This setting maintains the car’s temperature as long as the battery is above 20%. If the battery drops below 20%, the owner receives a notification.
They believed the dog was perfectly safe, showing no signs of distress. According to the post and comments, the dog was in the car for at least an hour, though the exact timing of the car’s arrival and the guests’ return is unknown.
Options for Disney Dog Owners
Disney understands that guests may not want to leave their pets behind when vacationing. For years, Disneyland and Disney World guests could drop their pups off at a Disney kennel, where they would be walked, given treats, played with, and allowed to relax in giant air-conditioned rooms.
