Disney, Bedbugs & K9's

~ °o° ~ When you see this WDW K9 Van it can be a good thing or a bad thing. Disney does employ dogs (besides Goofy & Pluto) to help with security. These dogs are helpers to sniff out illegal things including (I’d imagine) explosives. Sometimes you will see them at the bag check areas at the Parks and even at the resorts.

But did you know that Disney also employs these “super sniffer K9s” as part of their bedbug control program? I know what you’re thinking….ick! bedbugs! Surely not a Disney!

Bedbugs are a real problem at any resort or hotel no matter what the price point, and even at once in a great while, at Disney.

They can happen anywhere in the world in any hotel (even at Disney- although rare). You always should check. You could even bring them with you on your luggage. They can even be in the luggage compartment of the airplane.

If you suspect you have bedbugs while at Disney, call/go to the front desk, show them your evidence and ask to be moved. They will check first before moving you. If you suspect bedbugs before you have entered your room with your luggage, then moving you will be without worry.

Disney has bedbug sniffing dogs that they can bring in and take measures to move you and your belongings. One of the things they will do will be to bag all of your belongings and take them to be treated with high heat. (I mean really high heat). They will treat your luggage, kids toys, etc. – anything that is cloth-based. They also are known to give people an allowance to go buy some clothes for the day so you can at least enjoy the day while you are being moved.

This is a problem everywhere, including at Disney, so it’s something to take quite seriously. If you have any questions, please ask. There is also a lot more info out there on the subject. I have some tips on how to check for bedbugs and some basic facts about them. If you would like it, just send me an email.

My #1 tip for any hotel, is to put your luggage in the bathroom tub and to check the mattress, etc. before you unpack. Check for the marker of these beasties…. like a felt tip maker and made a “dot” on the fabric of the mattress on top +/or underneath including the box spring. Check the pillows too. Keeping in mind that they can be in the drawers, fabric headboards, behind picture frames, etc.

While I don’t want to experience bedbugs while I’m traveling, I definitely do not want to bring them home either. So I don’t unpack in my bedroom, but empty everything in my suitcase in the bathroom/laundry room once I’m back from my trip.

P.S. I've traveled extensively worldwide, including at least once a year to Disney and I have personally not experienced bedbugs. But it's something to always be thinking about and it will not hurt to check. Better safe than sorry and bitten.