Pony Rides at Tri-Circle-D Ranch at Fort Wilderness Campground and Resort

One of the things I love about the Walt Disney World Resort is that there are activities outside the park that do not require park admission. With a surprise in mind, we recently visited Tri-Circle D Ranch at Fort Wilderness Campgrounds. We started the day at the Magic Kingdom, but we didn’t have to hike back to the parking lot to drive anywhere, we took a relaxing boat launch from the seven seas lagoon onto Bay Lake, past the Contemporary Resort and docked at the campgrounds! We love the Disney transportation systems! After arriving, Parkhopper Dave and I told junior Parkhopper Carly that we had a surprise for her. We lead her down the trail, as we approached Tri-Circle-D Ranch, Carly’s eyes got big and said, “we are going horse back riding!” Yes indeed, we were taking her on her first pony ride. Dave had done some research on the ranch and found out that children under 48” and less than 80lbs can ride a pony. We were greeted and Carly asked about riding a pony. The fee is only $5.00! (cash only). The ranch hand introduced us to Cloud, a white pony. Carly climbed the platform, and hopped right into the saddle.  I was given the reigns to lead Cloud and Carly around the trail. The trail weaves in and out of the pony pens allowing us to take a look at all the ponies on the ranch. It was about an eight minute ride. After dismounting, Carly was able to pet and talk to Cloud for a couple of minutes. It was also educational, we found out that a pony is a pony and will not grow any larger and are different from horses. They weigh about 200 pounds and can carry half their weight for many miles with out tiring. We said our farewells to Cloud and headed for the Tri-Circle D barn. In the barn we saw the Walt Disney World Calliope carriage that has been in many parades and listened to its music. There is also a display of awards, saddles, and many pictures of Walt Disney riding horses in parades. Down the barn corridor we saw many of the horses that are used on Main Street and the famous horse that carries the Headless Horseman in Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, Boo to You parade. There are some retired Main Street horses that now are used for the trail ride that is available on the campgrounds. All the ranch hands we spoke to were very knowledgeable, helpful and we could tell that they loved their jobs. The trail around the pony pens and the Tri-Circle-D Ranch barn are free to tour, and the pony ride could be the best $5 you can ever spend at the resort! So the next time you find yourself by the Magic Kingdom, be sure and take a cruise to the Tri-Circle-D Ranch at Ft. Wilderness Campgrounds, you’ll be glad you did! See ya real soon! Parkhopper Michelle Michelle Ness She is a a Jesus freak, mom, wife & Disney fanatic. Can one be all those things? She says,  why not   Michelle is also the friend that coined the name WDW-Parkhoppers.  Follow Michelle on Twitter.