Spotlight on: Pony Rides and Petting Horses at Tri-Circle-D Ranch!
Tri-Circle-D Ranch at Fort Wilderness is the place that Walt Disney World’s huge team of horses call home. The beautifully refurbished ranch is open daily to visiting guests, and anyone who has seen a horse pulling Cinderella in a Disney Parade or providing transportation to Merida or Gaston Cavalcade can visit with these famous equine on their next Walt Disney World vacation!
The day I visited, a lot was going on at the Ranch! Some horses were being taken out for exercise while others were headed to work in the Parks. That was great news for me, because it meant that Cast Members were able to bring the horses close enough to me so I could pet them!
This is Grady. When I found out what he did for a living, I was a little star struck. He was on his way to Epcot to pull the Princess Cavalcade when I was visiting! Grady has been performing in Disney Parks for a few years now, and according the Cast Members, he has the perfect demeanor for his newest lead role in Epcot.
Grady was on his best behavior as he stood patiently while myself and other guests pet his snout and took his picture. Keep in mind that it is not guaranteed that you’ll be able to pet a horse on your visit, but I found that asking politely will usually reap rewards at Tri-Circle-D Ranch…the proof is in the photos!
Pony Rides at Tri-Circle-D Ranch
Tri-Circle-D is also the place to take youngsters for a one-of-a-kind pony ride around the Ranch! Kids can climb onto a small pony and take him or her out on a tour around the Ranch!
With a parent or Cast Member holding the pony’s reigns, the children don’t have to worry about controlling their pony…their only responsibility is to take it all in!
When I visited, a young Cinderella Pony was practicing his prancing. He’s in training to become a pony that offers rides, and he needed some practice interacting with guests. If you haven’t been able to tell already, I LOVE animals, so I was more than willing to help him get some experience interacting with guests!
He was also very patient while I got in my pets, and the longer I stood with him, the more relaxed and happy this little guy became. His gorgeous blue eyes melted my heart and made me wish I was little enough to take a pony ride myself! Pony rides can be booked with any Walt Disney World Vacation Package. If you’re interested in booking a pony ride, contact me here, I’d love to help you set it up!
I highly recommend visiting Tri-Circle-D Ranch on your next Walt Disney World vacation! It’s a free experience that lets you get up close and personal with the Disney horses, and it’s an experience I can’t wait to have again on my next trip out to Fort Wilderness! For even more Parks and Resorts content, visit me on YouTube at DisneyWorldLocal for the latest ride POV’s, restaurant reviews, and updates from WDW from a Disney World Local!
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For my no-fee help planning, strategizing, and booking your next Disney vacation, contact: msalerno@mickeytravels.com! I am an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner (Platinum Level) and all of my services are ALWAYS free…see you in the parks!