That's just ridiculous!! I love WDW and consider myself a Disney obsessive fan but I would have to draw the line there. I could not afford it and would have a horrible time justifying it. Maybe my fairy godmother could come out of hiding and grant me that wish!
If you are willing to compromise on the coachmen--and save like $2470--you can get a 30 minute ride in a white open carriage with I think 2 horses for $30. The carriages fit 2 adults and up to 3 kids. We are doing it. It either leaves from Fort Wilderness or Port Orleans Riverside. When I called to make the ressie at 1-407-WDW-TOUR she said that the tour from the campground is more in the woods and the one from Port Orleans goes around the lake and you can see more hotels and stuff. They start I think around 5:30 and go until 8:30 or 9:00. My DD(7) takes horseback lessons and was desperate to ride in WDW but she is too young so this is our compromise. If you hunt around on the Disney website--somewhere on there I think I saw a pic of the carriage....
anyway--just some additional stuff to consider. I wasn't sure from your post, but it seemed like this was for your family vacation so it might be nice.
Yes, Cindy's Carriage is rediculously expensive. When I told my friends DBF and I were considering a Disney Wedding (when we get engaged, that is...) they insisted on paying for me to have the carriage ride. Then I filled them in on the price.. now they're thinking a blender would be nice, too!!
We actually had the Carriage... but in Disneyland for our Wedding. It wasn't quite as much back then, but still pricey... It was a must though for me b/c my childhood neighbor's mom plays the Fairy Godmother out there (back then and still does to this day...) and I just HAD to ride in and make my grand entrance with her! I don't know if the one in WDW is the same, but the seats are really small... barely fits two people... not really meant for a long ride anyway.