3 Generations Wandering the Wilderness from "Cabin" Camping to Club Level-FW & WL

[hstrickland]

Intermission


"We interrupt this regularly scheduled program for a July the 4th update!"



Did you really think I was going to allow our lake pictures to just sit in a file on my computer? Lucky for you, I left my camera at home. So….only a few pics to share.


We had an extended weekend at Lake Sinclair, Georgia.



Even at the lake, I rise and shine. Honestly, I tried to sleep in, but it just doesn’t happen.












This was our Happy 4th of July picture. Of course Jesse doesn’t look overly excited…only because he wanted to drive the jet ski. Obviously that isn’t even a remote option…he’s 7! But Jesse doesn’t get that.







He fished instead! Stephen photo bombing in the back…





















One morning, we got the kids up early so Stephen could try his hand at wakeboarding. Ya have to get out early so the lake is smooth.








Brotherly love…







We all thought this might take some time since this was Stephen’s first attempt









To our surprise, he was up after a few pulls! I think he shocked himself!







We had a great time doing nothing…just being with family and friends is the best!















Up next….Tri-Circle D Pics (promise )




​

 

[pas130]

I love the intermission!!!! Stephen is so amazing, I remember his fearlessness on water slides..now look at him go!!!! You have awesome kiddos Heather, and their personalities just shine! Looks like a great family-filled time!!!!

 

[amandaw]

Love the lake pictures! Looks like y'all had a fantastic July 4th holiday!

And "Go Stephen!!" That's awesome that he just took the wakeboarding. He's a natural!

 

[Pinkocto]

What fun!!! Too cool, Stephen is a natural. Thanks for sharing the photos

 

[hstrickland]

I love the intermission!!!! Stephen is so amazing, I remember his fearlessness on water slides..now look at him go!!!! You have awesome kiddos Heather, and their personalities just shine! Looks like a great family-filled time!!!!

Just like you, we're fortunate to have great kids (or at least I think so ) Even with some of their struggles, we still feel blessed.

Love the lake pictures! Looks like y'all had a fantastic July 4th holiday!

And "Go Stephen!!" That's awesome that he just took the wakeboarding. He's a natural!

Excellent time at the lake! Always nice to get away and do nothing

What fun!!! Too cool, Stephen is a natural. Thanks for sharing the photos

His dad was proud Bill did lots of wakeboarding way back when....unfortunately his glory days have passed

 

[ProudMommyof2]

Awesome pics! We had a similar 4th at my sister's house on a lake. We had to have our 4th on the 5th because hurricane Arthur decided to come play on the 4th.

There is a boat parade every year with all the boats armed with water guns etc. fortunately, someone has to stay back and get the grill going while the guys bring out 12 kids with water guns

 

[hstrickland]

Day 4
Tri Circle D Ranch
Part 1




If you like horses, you must visit Tri Circle D Ranch! Remember though, there are 2 stables; one in the front and one by Pioneer Hall. We’ll start with the one at the front of Fort Wilderness.











If you’re interested in doing a trail ride, this is where ya come. Guests 9 years of age and up can ride through a woodland with deer, ducks, armadillos and rabbits. The rides cost $46 per person and last approximately 45 minutes.








Moving on to the stables by Pioneer Hall…



This are my favorite of the two – just so much more to see and do!













The ponies are precious! Jesse and Faith both wanted to ride, but they were too tall.









Seeing their disappointment, this young man said they could come in and pet one of the ponies. He told us about the Shetlands and what he actually did…very interesting.
















There is a horse that has a Hidden Mickey shaved in its hair, but we couldn’t find it.














The blacksmith wasn’t there, but we were told this is where they fix hooves and attach horseshoes.








Time to wander into the big stable… I was quite impressed with this facility!! If I were a horse, guess this is where I would want to live.













Continued to next post...




​

 

[hstrickland]

Continued from previous post...



Day 4
Tri Circle Ranch
Part 2




When you walk into the stable, make sure to take some time to read and look at the pictures.



















There are a variety of breeds that live at Tri-Circle-D Ranch, including Appaloosas, Arabians, Belgians, Clydesdales, paint horses, Percherons, quarter horses, and Shetland ponies. My favorite…the Percherons! Just beautiful!!!








This horse was a trip…seriously. He did the oddest things!







Whenever someone spoke to him or got close, he would rub his head on the door…shake his head from side to side…make these weird noises. It was funny-weird!











They had this one suited up to go…












Just another reason we love the Fort …. Make sure you stop by Circle D Ranch for a visit!!




Up next….dinner at the Caribbean Beach Resort



​

 

[hstrickland]

Awesome pics! We had a similar 4th at my sister's house on a lake. We had to have our 4th on the 5th because hurricane Arthur decided to come play on the 4th.

There is a boat parade every year with all the boats armed with water guns etc. fortunately, someone has to stay back and get the grill going while the guys bring out 12 kids with water guns

That sounds like tons of fun...for the kids, at least The hurricane messed up my sister's plans, too. They had tickets to the Red Sox game and it was postponed for the next day. Glad you had a happy "4th"!

 

[amandaw]

Very interesting post! I can honestly say that is the first time I've ever seen or read anything about the stables. I mean, I knew they existed but that was pretty much all I knew.

That was really nice of the guy to let the kids go in & see the ponies even if they couldn't ride them. They're precious! The kids & the ponies!

Those horses in the big stable are just beautiful! And I'm not even a "horse person".

 

[jennyjinx3]

Wow we are so making time to visit the horse stable with the kids, looks like so much fun!

 

[DisneyDoc5]

Good Morning!
All caught up, I had been so busy that my dis time had taken a hit! LOVE all the updates...House of Blues and Downtown Disney - yummy looking! All the relaxing pool pictures....that's why you were there right?! River Country, I always wished I could have gone there, I just don't understand Disney sometimes, they are so image conscious, but this is a mystery why they let it decay, I can't imagine it would be that expensive for them to tear down. I loved the monorail loop tour and dinner, GORGEOUS pictures Heather, that sunset was breathtaking! Tri-Circle D looks really cool. You have convinced me that a stay at FW cabins might be a good idea in our future!

I love all of the resorts too, I guess it's when you add all of that love together it's why I'm just happy being on Disney property even when we don't do a theme park (yes, we do this people and it's great, usually when flying into Orlando and we only have a few days to blow before checking into a beach condo or cruise). Since we don't have annual passes, we have used these short stays for water park visits and resort time and it's great!

Lake pics in Georgia look awesome! We are heading to Grand Haven MI on our boat today for the weekend (just think of it as camping on water!) I'm reading Dream It! Do It! by Marty Skylar so I'm in my Disney bubble while we are there! I won't have internet so I will look forward to more updates on Monday! Happy Friday! Erin

 

[Wood Nymph]

Just another reason we love the Fort …. Make sure you stop by Circle D Ranch for a visit!!

We'll be at the WL at the end of October and we are looking forward to really exploring FW. We've walked to FW from WL many times for breakfast and dinner at Trail's End. But we really want to spend more time at the fort. Your trip report is giving us some great ideas.

 

[FancyNancy]

My father and stepmother own land on lake Oconee which is very close to lake Sinclair so your vaca update made me smile!

 

[pas130]

That is sad they did not get to ride the ponies. But it looks like a great experience there!!! The horses are beautiful!

 

[Pinkocto]

Loved this update! How nice of the CM to let the kids get some time with the pony even if they couldn't ride.

When we walked over from WL we stumbled upon the stables, that was a highlight for me

 

[RGirl]

Hi Heather! Sorry - I fell behind (been constantly sick) but I’m here to catch up!

Loved all the pics from HoB - it looks like a really fun place! I totally would have ordered what you did - shrimp and grits!

Gorgeous early-morning lake pictures, Heather! Wow - the River Country situation is just sad.

OMG! The looks on the kids’ faces when they saw the characters at CR - so SAD!!!! And so cute!!!

Wow - the Poly construction scene is pretty awful. I hadn’t seen any pics before!

The GS pictures are so beautiful. Wish I was there now…..

Looks like y’all had a great Fourth get-away! So fun!

Oh, we would totally be visiting Tri Circle D when we stay at the WL except that Willow will only be 8. I’m not sure she could stand it if she knew riding was an option but not for her! I absolutely loved seeing all the pics of this place!

 

[disneyquilter]

Hi there! I am new to your trip reports and I'm loving every minute! We leave for CL WL for 14 days (our longest WDW trip ever) in 339 days and your report makes me want to book the first four days at a cabin at Ft. Wilderness before going to Wilderness Lodge! We love animals so my daughters can't wait to visit the 2 stables. Did you guys end up going horseback riding?

House of Blues looks awesome! I love the decor and the food looks fabulous

I had never been to River Country, but it looked like a great place and your pictures of the disrepair made me sad. I hope Disney decides to do something great with that space.

You all look like you had a great time!!! Can't wait to read more

 

[hstrickland]

Very interesting post! I can honestly say that is the first time I've ever seen or read anything about the stables. I mean, I knew they existed but that was pretty much all I knew.

That was really nice of the guy to let the kids go in & see the ponies even if they couldn't ride them. They're precious! The kids & the ponies!

Those horses in the big stable are just beautiful! And I'm not even a "horse person".

Bill doesn't like horses, either Before going to FW, I always wondered where Disney housed all the horses. Now I know! Really interesting to see how things work over there. Wish we could have seen the blacksmith...next time.

Wow we are so making time to visit the horse stable with the kids, looks like so much fun!

Do it! Your girls would love it! It's amazing what a great life those horses have

Good Morning!
All caught up, I had been so busy that my dis time had taken a hit! LOVE all the updates...House of Blues and Downtown Disney - yummy looking! All the relaxing pool pictures....that's why you were there right?! River Country, I always wished I could have gone there, I just don't understand Disney sometimes, they are so image conscious, but this is a mystery why they let it decay, I can't imagine it would be that expensive for them to tear down. I loved the monorail loop tour and dinner, GORGEOUS pictures Heather, that sunset was breathtaking! Tri-Circle D looks really cool. You have convinced me that a stay at FW cabins might be a good idea in our future!

I love all of the resorts too, I guess it's when you add all of that love together it's why I'm just happy being on Disney property even when we don't do a theme park (yes, we do this people and it's great, usually when flying into Orlando and we only have a few days to blow before checking into a beach condo or cruise). Since we don't have annual passes, we have used these short stays for water park visits and resort time and it's great!

Lake pics in Georgia look awesome! We are heading to Grand Haven MI on our boat today for the weekend (just think of it as camping on water!) I'm reading Dream It! Do It! by Marty Skylar so I'm in my Disney bubble while we are there! I won't have internet so I will look forward to more updates on Monday! Happy Friday! Erin

Hope y'all enjoy your weekend on the water!!! And your new book!

And yes, Erin...you need to try FW. You are a TA ...you need the first hand experience for your customers Actually, a visit to each resort would be nice Tell Bret it's a "work" related thing....

We'll be at the WL at the end of October and we are looking forward to really exploring FW. We've walked to FW from WL many times for breakfast and dinner at Trail's End. But we really want to spend more time at the fort. Your trip report is giving us some great ideas.

And walking over there during October won't be nearly as hot as June Make sure to read all the interesting tidbits at the stable. Even the stalls have signs about each horse. Very cool!

My father and stepmother own land on lake Oconee which is very close to lake Sinclair so your vaca update made me smile!

You're kidding?! Small world, isn't it!? We were just at Lake Oconee in May for Stephen's shooting sports tournament.

That is sad they did not get to ride the ponies. But it looks like a great experience there!!! The horses are beautiful!

I should have asked about the height thing. I didn't quite understand it. Even though Faith was too tall, she's super light...like the weight of an average 5/6 year old. Jesse weighs almost 10 pounds more than her. Who knows? Oh well.

Loved this update! How nice of the CM to let the kids get some time with the pony even if they couldn't ride.

When we walked over from WL we stumbled upon the stables, that was a highlight for me

The little ponies are really precious, aren't they?! And the horses are absolutely gorgeous...and sooooo huge! Especially the Percherons!

Hi Heather! Sorry - I fell behind (been constantly sick) but I’m here to catch up!

Loved all the pics from HoB - it looks like a really fun place! I totally would have ordered what you did - shrimp and grits!

Gorgeous early-morning lake pictures, Heather! Wow - the River Country situation is just sad.

OMG! The looks on the kids’ faces when they saw the characters at CR - so SAD!!!! And so cute!!!

Wow - the Poly construction scene is pretty awful. I hadn’t seen any pics before!

The GS pictures are so beautiful. Wish I was there now…..

Looks like y’all had a great Fourth get-away! So fun!

Oh, we would totally be visiting Tri Circle D when we stay at the WL except that Willow will only be 8. I’m not sure she could stand it if she knew riding was an option but not for her! I absolutely loved seeing all the pics of this place!

Sorry you've been feeling bad Hope you're on the mend since you have a trip coming up very shortly

Willow would enjoy seeing the horses but maybe not so happy about being too tall. You'd have to explain before you arrived And while you're there, you can walk over and take a sneak peek at RC

Hi there! I am new to your trip reports and I'm loving every minute! We leave for CL WL for 14 days (our longest WDW trip ever) in 339 days and your report makes me want to book the first four days at a cabin at Ft. Wilderness before going to Wilderness Lodge! We love animals so my daughters can't wait to visit the 2 stables. Did you guys end up going horseback riding?

House of Blues looks awesome! I love the decor and the food looks fabulous

I had never been to River Country, but it looked like a great place and your pictures of the disrepair made me sad. I hope Disney decides to do something great with that space.

You all look like you had a great time!!! Can't wait to read more

Happy to have to tag along!!! And yay for a WL CL visit!!! It's a fabulous resort. Y'all will totally love it!! Really! And by the time you get there, all the construction will be done.

Even if you don't book a few days at the Fort, you can walk or ride the boat over from the WL. We did not do the horseback riding on the trails. While some people love it, I thought I might get a little bored since you can only "walk" the horses. Faith would have loved it though, but you have to be 9 years old...maybe next time for her.

As far as RC goes, the DVC rumors that would be constructed where RC is located have been put on hold for whatever reason. Can't imagine having a DVC at the Fort.

 

[FancyNancy]

You're kidding?! Small world, isn't it!? We were just at Lake Oconee in May for Stephen's shooting sports tournament.



Nope totally serious! I try to make it down about once a year. It's a beautiful spot as you know Good fishing!