I have mentioned this on previous threads and it seems there is some curiosity here as well. After my WDW stays (so far CBR, BC, POP and now booked for POR, I stay at a Universal Premium hotel. I have stayed at HRH, RPR and Portofino. I am booked again at Portofino for a week my next trip.
CBR at Disney was okay at the time but it is now under serious construction. I did not find BC worth the money for my dates. POP was actually quite nice but I missed certain amenities. Hence POR.
That said..."why if I don't agree with canine pets at POR do I even stay at Universal's "Deluxe", dog friendly resorts?
Because of the following:
I have never seen a pet at a Universal resort.
They have separate, distinct buildings adjacent to pet relief areas for the people choosing to use the Leow's Loves Pets program.
The pets are NOT allowed to be unsupervised. Guests are provided kennel facilities and a list of in room pet sitters.
A penalty of $10 per hour is assessed for infractions and is enforced.
Because the program has always existed, it is well known, well implemented and as mentioned, I have never seen a pet.
Policies are more stringently enforced at Universal.
Policies are clearly communicated at Universal.
WDW has a horrible track record of enforcing rules. (example: guests smoking on the balcony at POP throwing the butts into the garden area below for a week and no enforcement despite me providing photos)
WDW does "trials" with no follow through, no communication and no training with some frequency.
I can ask for a pet free room at Universal and not be told "there are no guarantees".