fbpx
Around the WorldDisney Recreation

6 Ways to “Horse” Around at Disney World

Walt Disney’s love of animals is legendary. That love of animals, particularly horses, is on full display at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground and Resort. Whether you’re a horse lover or you barely know the difference between the front and back end, you will have plenty to do and explore at Fort Wilderness. Here are six ways you can “horse” around at Fort Wilderness!





 

6 – Horseback Trail Rides

Guests nine and up can sign up for a Horseback Trail Rides through the Fort Wilderness trail, which is full of Florida wildlife. Deer, ducks, armadillos, and rabbits may be spotted on this adventure! This experience is perfect for beginner and intermediate riders. Reservations are recommended by calling (407) WDW-PLAY, although walk-ins are accepted. Closed-toe shoes are required. Riders must be over 48 inches tall and weigh under 250 pounds. The cost is $65 per person for a 45-minute trail ride. Check-in is at the barn near the front of the resort near the bus stop.

5 – Explore the Gorgeous Tri-Circle D Ranch

In June 2020, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground opened a brand new barn at Tri-Circle D Ranch in the Settlement Bus Depot in the back of the resort. The new barn is gorgeous and includes larger stalls that are equipped with automatic water stations. The barn is twice as large as the original barn! The museum is dedicated to Walt’s love of horses and is still there, along with a wedding harness room showcasing tack for Cinderella’s ponies. You also don’t want to miss the 1907 Dragon Calliope, a horse-drawn musical wagon that Walt Disney purchased for Disneyland Park in the 1950s. It is currently on display at the new barn!

Credit: Disney

4 – Pony Rides

Younger guests can enjoy a memorable pony ride on the petite ponies at the Ranch. Riders must be at least 2 years of age, under 80 pounds, no taller than 48 inches, and able to hang on by themselves. A parent or guardian must lead the pony at all times. Pony rides are offered daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Tri-Circle-D Ranch in the main barn near Settlement Bus Depot. The price is now $10, and no reservations are necessary. Our children really enjoyed these pony rides!

11-29-2013-5940-1
Pony rides at Fort Wilderness Campground

3 – Wagon Rides

Enjoy an old-fashioned, horse-drawn wagon ride on a scenic tour through the resort and campground. These tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Wagon rides depart daily at 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. from the front of Pioneer Hall. These 25-minute wagon rides are $15 for guests ages ten and up and $10 for guests 3-9.





 

2 – Carriage Rides

For a more personal experience, guests can also take in the beautiful Fort Wilderness Resort through horse-drawn carriage rides. Carriages fit up to 4 adults (or two adults and three small children). Rides depart from the main entrance of Crockett’s Tavern near Pioneer Hall from 5:30-9:30 pm. Each carriage ride costs $65 and lasts about 25 minutes. Reservations are recommended and can be made online or by calling (407) WDW-PLAY. Check-in is near the Settlement Bus Depot in front of Pioneer Hall.

1 – Holiday Sleigh Rides

Although there won’t be snow, you’ll go over the river and through the woods on this magical holiday sleigh ride. The sleighs are decorated with lights and garlands and are available during December. Holiday Sleigh Rides depart from the main entrance of Crockett’s Tavern near Pioneer Hall. Rides can fit up to 4 adults (or two adults and three small children). Each carriage ride costs $80 and lasts about 25 minutes. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (407) WDW-PLAY.

Sleigh Ride at Fort Wilderness

All of these options provide an excellent opportunity for a slower-paced, relaxed experience that 99.9% of visitors to Disney World don’t even know is available. They provide a chance to slow down and enjoy nature for a break from the overwhelming hustle of the parks. All of these experiences are open to all guests. You do not need to be staying at Ft. Wilderness.

For a no obligation, FREE Quote on a Disney vacation package, please contact our travel partner Magical Vacation Planner at 407-442-0227 (407-442-0215 for Spanish). You can also request a FREE quote online by Clicking HERE.



 

Cindy E. Nykamp

After friends and family made them their go-to people for Walt Disney World advice, Cindy and Chad launched DisneyLists.com in August 2015 to share their knowledge and love of Disney. Cindy wears many hats for DisneyLists.com. As a content creator, she has written over six hundred articles providing news, tips, planning, and more, for trips to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line to our followers. She directs a team of authors to bring our fans up-to-date information so that they can have the best Disney vacation experience. Cindy manages DisneyLists.com's Instagram account, sharing photos and videos to bring some Disney magic into our followers' feeds. She is also our chief photographer and has her photos featured on the official Walt Disney World Instagram account. Finally, Cindy regularly represents DisneyLists.com at Disney media events. While attending these events, she gets an insider's view of all the new things that have come to Disney Parks and Disney Cruise Line and passes this information and tips to our followers.
Back to top button