Canoeing and Fort Wilderness questions

[Pigletlover]

Hi

We are going to Disney December 9 - 19, and I was wondering if the rental canoes and paddleboats etc are only seasonal or all year round?

Do you use the canoes on the canals and can you actually see any wildlife? Anyone know the approx cost?

Also, what exactly are paddleboats?

Is the petting zoo closed permanently or just for rehab?

How often do the ferry boats go between Fort Wilderness or Wilderness Lodge and the Magic Kingdom in December?

Thanks for any help!

 

[logella]

Not sure if they are seasonal or not but they've been available the last 2 Octobers that we've been there. They're rented at the Meadows Trading Post and only go around that lake and up the canals connected to that lake. I think that's correct but having never rented I'm not exactly sure.

The petting zoo was open a few weeks ago when we were there.

Hvaing never been at the Fort in December I can't say frm first hand knowledge but I don't think they adjust the ferry schedule during December. the Fort is just as crowded in December as in October (at least that's what I presume with all the reports of people not being able to get a reservation b/c it's all booked) and we've never had to wait more than about 10 or 15 minutes for a ferry. Most of the time it's about 5 to 10 minutes.

 

[Pigletlover]

Thanks a lot for your help on this!!

 

[ftwildernessguy]

The petting zoo, however, consists of ponies and a couple goats. It is a mere shadow of its former self.

 

[logella]

I actually wouldn't know what the petting zoo has or doesn't have. Our routine is that the Mrs. takes the kiddos to the petting zoo, marina, playground, etc. as soon as we get there. By the time they have gotten back I've competely setup camp.

 

[Disney711]

The boats are NOT rented from the Meadow Trading Post. They're rented across the pond from them, at the Bike Barn. And yes, they are available year-round. The only thing that keeps them from being rented out is lightning.

And you can see wildlife from the boats. Lots of people see alligators when they go further into the canals. There's a 3-footer that frequents the pond in front of the Bike Barn.