When you hear people tell you that a week at Walt Disney World won’t even scratch the surface of things you can see and do while vacationing there, we really aren’t kidding. And there is still SO much to do beyond the parks. I always suggest planning a few days away from the parks where you can enjoy the pool and not feel rushed to run from one ride to another.
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground is a bit off the beaten path. Many people don’t realize how much there is to see and do there – and you don’t need to be staying at Fort Wilderness to enjoy these fabulous experiences.
Make it a point to visit Tri-Circle D Ranch. One of the best kept secrets at Walt Disney World is the Tri-Circle-D Ranch at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.Stroll through the stables to see Cinderella’s Ponies and the majestic horses of Main Street, U.S.A.. Discover the Dragon Calliope—the horse-drawn musical instrument that Walt Disney purchased for the Mickey Mouse Club Circus Parade at Disneyland Park in the 1950s. Animal lovers of all ages will delight in the variety of breeds that live at Tri-Circle-D Ranch, including Appaloosas, Arabians, Belgians, Clydesdales, paint horses, Percherons and quarter horses, plus Shetland ponies.
Horseback riding is available here and advance reservations are highly encouraged. Riders must be at least 9 years old, taller than 48 inches and less than 250lb. Are you traveling with children that are not quite old enough for horseback riding? Pony rides are available for children 2 years and older; they must be no taller than 48 inches and weigh less than 80lbs. Reservations are not needed for pony rides.
The whole family can enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride (bonus for you if you’re visiting during the holiday season – you can even experience a Sleigh Ride!!) Wagon rides are also available here if you’d prefer to experience an old-fashioned ride through the resort grounds. (Note: Horse Drawn Carriage Rides are also available at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside).
You can even mine for gems at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. Purchase a bag at the Bike Barn and you can get sifting in no time!
And of course, there’s the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue. If you’re looking for some fun entertainment with your meal, you won’t want to miss this exciting experience. This takes place at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resorts 3 times a day and you’ll love every energetic minute of the show. Reservations are required and can be made as early as 60 days prior to your vacation arrival date.
If you visit during the holidays, guests go ALL OUT decorating their campsites… definitely take some time to explore the resort and take lots of pictures!!
Have you visited Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground? What did you do there?
Aly Hirst
