Can someone tell me about the Petting zoo and pony rides at Fort Wilderness?

[Tiggerlovinggrandma]

We will be at WDW in September with our 2 yr old grandson. As a little bonus we wanted to take him to the petting zoo and for a pony ride. However we don't know anything about them. So I have some questions and I hope someone can help me with them.

Are these only for Fort Wilderness guests?
Is the petting zoo and pony rides offered year round?
Is there a fee for each?
What type of animals are are at the zoo?
Is it worth it to go?

 

[Shan-man]

I can tell you that the petting zoo is gone. The pony rides are still there, but I don't have any information about it on the tip of my tongue. I will go in search, but I'll also assume someone will have answered the question by time I get back... LOL

 

[medic9016]

The petting zoo is no longer there.

Guided horseback rides are offered 5 times daily (8:30, 10, 11:30 am, 1, 2:30pm) at the Tri-Circle D Livery at Fort Wilderness. The rides, which cost $42 per person, last approximately 45 minutes. I believe this is still correct.

 

[Shan-man]

Ok, here is a good thread for you about the pony rides: click me. The pony rides are available whether you stay at the Fort or not, and $5 per ride.

 

[medic9016]

Sorry, I was thinking of the guided horseback ride. Not the pony ride.

 

[sarahk0204]

I am pretty sure I copied this from a post on here.

There is no longer a petting zoo at Fort Wilderness. The pens that used to hold the petting zoo animals are now occupied by ponies, and you may not pet or feed them according to the signs posted everywhere.

But, the Draft Horse Barn is still there, and is open from 8 am to 8 pm daily. In addition to the magnificent horses, there is a little display in the barn about the Tri-Circle-D Ranch that is interesting to look at. Pony rides are offered from 10 am to 5 pm daily. Also, on various days, the Blacksmith shop is open from 9 am to 4 pm.

Hope this helps!

 

[DisneyBishops]

no petting zoo but pony rides are offered. 5 bucks per ride. kids have to be a certain height. forget what the minimum height is.

the best part is that you can lead the pony around.

 

[motherwild]

The last time I was there March 09. The pony rides were $5. An adult was needed to lead the pony. There was a man there with two little girls so I offered to lead a pony. We ran in to the same man later that night outside the MK while we were watching the fireworks. I don't remember a height restriction.

 

[Shan-man]

The pony rides operate from 10 am to 5 pm. Children must be 2-8 years old, and can weigh no more than 80lbs.

 

[Tiggerlovinggrandma]

Thanks everyone! We will definitely do the pony ride with our grandson wshen we go in September. It sounds like he will really enjoy it!

 

[bobnjenn0828]

I'm sad to hear there is no longer a petting zoo. Does anyone remember the Minnie moo cow that was there years ago? We would make trips to FW just to see her and the horses.

 

[Shan-man]

Here is a post, with pictures of Minnie Moo -- then and now (sort of, LOL)

 

[bobnjenn0828]

Here is a post, with [pictures of Minnie Moo -- then and now[/URL] (sort of, LOL)

I don't think I will ever look at another hamburger quite the same!!! My kids really thought she was cool! Maybe that's why my dd won't eat hamburgers!

 

[Ellisonfamily]

Also, if I remember correctly they only take cash, for the pony rides.