While spending time at Walt Disney World, parks are the main priority. Sometimes everyone needs a vacation from that vacation. Even mom or dad’s wallet. There are so many fun and family-friendly activities around the Walt Disney World property that you might have not known about, even if you are a Disney veteran like myself. For activities and tours that may seem like they are expensive, they are probably worth it when compared to the price of park admission. My suggestion to you is if you have an extra day, buy a ticket for a tour and see backstage Disney World. For today, we are going deep in the great outdoors and look at horseback riding at Disney World. Saddle up and let’s go!
How to Find Disney World Activities
On a bright, sunny Florida day there are so many things to do, especially on Walt Disney property. If you are new to traveling to Disney World, you might not know that a bunch of Disney’s resorts have fun things to do all the time. Over the phone or online, Disney Cast Members are extremely helpful when it comes to planning a new activity during your stay.
To browse the extensive list of activities online, simply go to Walt Disney World’s website. Once you are on its homepage, you will see several tabs across the top of the page. By clicking the third tab, “Things To Do”, you will see activities in categories. I found my hidden gem by going to “Sports and Recreation”. As mentioned, a lot of these activities are found at hotels, such as basketball, arcades, etc.
How Horseback Riding at Disney World Works
Wanting to do something special for my boyfriend, I decided Horseback riding was perfect. We love being outside and in the woods especially. To book this reservation, you must call the Disney line (407)WDW-TOUR / (407)939-8687 and speak to a Cast Member. The Horseback riding experience was only $55 per person for an hour tour. If you are skeptical about spending extra money, I am here to tell you it is worth it. Also, if you are anything like us, you will enjoy it to its fullest. This experience shows you and your family an entirely different side of Disney; the Walt side.
Trail Rides at Disney World
This hour-long tour takes you through peaceful, quiet trails that can only be seen during this activity. The best part is, it is time away from the bustling crowds in the parks. When you arrive at your destination, you have to check in at a little cabin. An important note: riders cannot be over 250 pounds. Though I am not sure what their wiggle room is, it is important to keep this in mind. Also, closed-toe shoes are required and long pants are strongly recommended. They will also provide you with a locker for your personal belongings.
Once you and your party are checked in, it is time to head over to meet your guides. The check-in cabin and your “loading dock” are located next to each other so the first time nerves finally can go away. Meeting your instructors and your horses are so much fun! The Cast Members assisting you are extremely friendly and make the experience stress-free. After a few basic safety tips, it’s off to the races! Just kidding, it is leisure at its finest. The trail takes you through the wooded trails at Fort Wilderness. Maybe I think it was so peaceful since in large part it was all away from the guest areas at the resort. If you are brand new to horseback riding don’t rule this experience out, the trail and riding are tailored to beginners.
Where Horseback Riding Is Located
The Disney Horseback riding experience is located in the heart of Fort Wilderness, at Tri-Circle-D Ranch. Be mindful that there are two of these; one for kid rides, and one for adult rides. The only thing I was a little nervous about was traveling. Knowing how deep in this ranch was, I left an excessive amount of room before our tour began just to travel.
To get there, here is what you have to do. Get on your resort bus to the Magic Kingdom. Once you have arrived, board the next bus to Wilderness Lodge. When this bus drops you off, luckily you do not have to go far. The next bus you will board is Fort Wilderness. It will pick you up right where the previous dropped you off. Since there are several stops around Fort Wilderness, you will exit at the Outpost. This is where Tri-Circle-D ranch is located.
I know, a little much but I cannot stress enough about giving yourself extra time for the travel. Our tour technically started at 8:30 a.m, but the guides highly advise you to get there a half hour before for a safety lesson. To be there at 8:00 a.m., we left our hotel room at All Star Movies at 6:45 a.m. It is no joke! Since my boyfriend did not know what we were doing until we got there, I had to reassure him several times the early rise would be worth it. And hey, at 7:30 a.m., the sunrise over the ranch’s field was unbelievable. For early morning rides, you might want to consider alternative transportation, like a Minnie Van!
Finding new things to do in Disney is made so simple at the click of a button. WDW Vacation Tips gives you so many helpful ideas to better your vacation. We do this so that the next time you go and someone says, “Isn’t it always the same?” you can firmly say “No!”. I hope you and your family can enjoy the activities across the WDW Property. Let us know in the comment section below if you have gone horseback riding at Disney World before. See ya real soon!
Hi Mousketeers! I am 20 “ears” old and have been going to the parks since I was two. Each time I’m there, I learn new things. Just like yours, my world revolves around Mickey, so a New York girl traveling to Florida as much as possible may seem crazy, but it’s very much worth it. WDW Vacation Tips is the perfect outlet to gain fast and reliable knowledge for your upcoming trip to the parks. Whether it’s your first or one hundred and first visit to Walt Disney World, there is plenty to know before you go. Stop by and read some articles so you can experience the magic in a whole new way!
