Hmmm, several questions about FW...

[gilesdad]

I've seen some posts here that seem to imply that the petting zoo area at FW has been closed. Can anyone confirm this?
Also, how exactly do the pony rides work? Is it one of those circle walks with five ponies following each other around in a circle?
Has anyone taken a carriage ride? This sounds pretty nice. I think we'll give that a try. Just wondering what others that have already done it think about it.
Also, we're going to be there the week after Thanksgiving on Tues, Wed, and Thurs nights. Am I correct to assume that I should pack our electric ceramic heater for the tent, as well as the small oscillating fan? Could be warm, could be cold? Best to be prepared I suppose.

 

[TuckandStuiesMom]

Can't answer the question about the petting zoo (there were a couple of goats in the enclosure last year when we were there last). But for the pony ride question, I DO have an answer! There is a path outlined with log-fencing that you lead your child around on a very gentle pony. It's quiet, shady, and a great way to have a parent-child-fuzzy little equine bonding moment. My kids loved it!

 

[PrincessMom98]

We were there during the same week last year. We did the pony ride the same as previous post described. I have also heard the rumor about the petting zoo but I can't confirm it. I can tell you about the beautiful weather we had! It poured on our first night but the rest of the week we wore shorts and t-shirts with maybe a light jacket in the evening. We used the AC in our trailer but I don't think we needed the heat. Hopefully your weather will be as good but I would still bring the heater just in case.
Have a great trip! That week was my favorite Disney trip. Good weather, low crowds and Christmas decorations!

 

[mrsgus06]

The petting zoo has been transformed into a pony farm. It still has a couple of goats and the two pigs (was told they were too fragile to transport). The cow, chickens and donkeys are gone. I really am going to miss Eeyore and Blossom, the donkeys. Anyway, they are also trapping the peacocks and moving them to the animal kingdom. The other animals were not moved to AK, but to private farms according to the cast member I spoke with. The pony ride is neat and my 4 yo dd loves it. I have not done the carriage ride. As for the weather, I was there in early Dec in 03 and it was so cold ! Plus, they were taping the Christmas parade that day and it was crowded! However, we will be going over Thanksgiving week this year and I am so hoping for warm weather.

 

[gilesdad]

That's all good info. Thanks for the posts! Looking forward to our quick trip.

 

[NCDisNut]

they are also trapping the peacocks and moving them to the animal kingdom.

I was wondering why they weren't around. Any idea why they're getting rid of them?

 

[christinou]

We were so sad when we went there in August, there is nothing left of the petting zoo, just a couple of pigs and the ponies, it used to be so nice, to just go walk around and see the animals, you can still go to the horse barn to see the horses.

 

[Gillian]

Wear close toed shoes if you are going to walk your child around on the pony. I don't know if this is always enforced, but it was the last time we were there.

 

[Third times a charm]

We did the carriage ride twice when we went in February. Very relaxing! The driver takes different routes, my sister and her husband went a completely different path (more romantic, I assume) that where my family went. We really enjoyed it and would do it again.

Plus, the horse barns are fun to walk through.

If you are up to horse back riding that is available too, but it is really for novices, my dd rides a few times a year and it was really like a guided trail tour. Not something we would do again.

Have fun!!!