At 47 square miles, the Walt Disney World resort is roughly the size of San Francisco. So don't be surprised if you spend a week in Orlando and leave with the feeling that you've just barely scratched the surface. After all, it's the number one tourist attraction on the world for a reason.
Over 44 million people visit Orlando each year, and most of them spend the majority of their days and nights at one of the two major theme parks in town, Walt Disney World or Universal Studios Florida. Unfortunately, neither of them allows pets. Same goes for Epcot Center, SeaWorld, Islands of Adventure, or MGM Studios. Even at Animal Kingdom, dogs aren't allowed. So you're sort of out of luck when you bring the dog to Disney. Except for the fact that all seven of these theme parks have affordable kennels that are members of the American Boarding Kennel Association. Fees range from $4 to $6 per pay and proof of vaccinations are required.
If dropping the dog off at the kennel isn't your idea of a fun "family" vacation, don't rule Orlando out yet. There are tons of activities in the area that your dog can enjoy with you. Hit the trails in the Ocala National Forest or Wekiwa Springs State Park, where dogs are allowed on a 6-foot leash. Or go boating in one of Central Florida's hundreds of lakes, springs, and rivers. Just don't let your dog hop into the water. Local alligators are rumored to be quite fond of dogs, if you know what I mean.
If the dog is going to be stuck in a kennel while you're off enjoying the Magic Kingdom, treat him to a romp in Lake Eola Park afterwards. The 11-acre park requires dogs to be leashed, but it has a fantastic view of Orlando's skyline and is a favorite with local dog owners. You know what that means. There will be tons of other pooches for your dog to sniff as he makes his way around the lake on a 1-mile paved walkway.
When you've finished the loop, grab a sandwich from 903 CitySide (behind the swan boat rentals on the west end of the park) and cop a squat on the lawn to enjoy it. Afterwards, you might want to walk over to the Walt Disney Amphitheater and see if anything is happening.
There are lots of free events held at the amphitheater throughout the year – outdoor movies, weekend concerts, a monthly comedy show, Shakespeare in the Park, and a Sunday Farmers Market. There's even a Jingle Bell Dog Jog and Christmas Parade held the last weekend in November. Good times.
