Walt Disney World may be the ultimate destination for kids, but now its set to become the ultimate destination for pets as well.
Best Friends Pet Care Inc. has signed an agreement with Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., to build and operate a full-service, luxury pet "resort". The facilities will provide a range of pet hospitality services including dog and cat boarding, grooming and day camps.
Facilities for pet guests will not be far off from those for humans. The luxury suites will include televisions, raised bedding, and even bedtime stories for the pet who finds it hard to sleep. Activities will also include nature walks and playgroups. Even ice cream pet treats will be available for the pampered pooch in your life.
The Walt Disney World Resort already offers pet boarding facilities located at the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios, Disneys Animal Kingdom and Disneys Fort Wilderness Resort. Beginning in January of next year, Best Friends Pet Care will assume responsibility of these existing facilities on top of the newest pet "resort".
"We are thrilled to have this opportunity to come to Walt Disney World Resort to create the premier vacation destination for pets," said Dennis Dolan, president and CEO of Best Friends Pet Care. "This facility will be designed to fit into the Walt Disney World Resort vacation experience and will be unlike anything else in the industry."
Walt Disney World is eager to be working with Best Friends Pet Care on this project. "We know they will deliver a unique experience for the family pets of our guests and employees that is both fun and consistent with the Disney approach," said Kenneth Janik, regional manager for Walt Disney World Operating Participants.
Although Best Friends Pet Care has not yet set rates, they are usually based on the local market. Their facilities in North Carolina tend to be cheaper than those in Chicago. Facilities in locations such as Atlanta are closest to the expected rates for their Disney World resort.
At their Marietta, Ga., facility the rate for a dog under 50 pounds is $27.50. The rate for cats is $20.50. Discounted packages, which include various activities and amenities, are offered at all of their facilities and will also be offered at their Walt Disney World resort. Other amenities and activities are offered at an additional cost.
"It will be a unique and one-of-a-kind facility," said Debra Bennetts of Best Friends Pet Care. "It will go well beyond what theyre offering right now."
As for the safety of your pet, veterinary care will be available 24 hours a day seven days a week, as with all of their facilities. "We maintain close relationships with vets in the area," said Bennetts. Their Orlando location will be no different.
The state-of-the-art facility is set to open in mid-2009 and will be located on Bonnet Creek Parkway inside the Walt Disney World Resort.
For more information regarding Best Friends Pet Care Inc. locations please visit the Best Friends Pet Care web site or the Walt Disney World web site..
