Horse Barns & Petting Zoo Questions

[chattadisser]

I will be travelling to WDW this month with my husband and two daughters, 5 and 17 months. I thought that I had read previously that at Ft. Wilderness there is a petting zoo and that you could go to the horse barn to visit the horse that pull the trolley's on Main St. Is this still the case? Does anyone have any additional information about these activties? We thought this would be a good activity on a day when we need a break from the parks. TIA!

 

[medic9016]

The petting zoo is long gone. You can walk through the barns.

 

[CooperPrincesses]

I was sadly told that the petting zoo is gone, but there are still pony rides. We are heading down this month for my daughters 4th birthday and she is so excited about riding a pony.

Hope you enjoy your trip.

 

[Tri-circle-D]

Here's a link to a thread from last year that has information about the pony rides: Pony Rides at Fort Wilderness

Also, so we are clear, all of the buildings and fenced-in pens remain in place from the petting zoo. Just the animals have been moved. There are now ponies in the pens. But, you're not supposed to pet them. Just ride.

Also, just for kicks, here's a post with photos from the petting zoo back in 1999. The area looks the same, just no animals to pet now: Old Petting Zoo photos

And, here are a couple of other old petting zoo photos:

(If you look in the background of this photo, you will see the petting zoo's most famous former resident-Minnie Moo).



TCD

 

[chattadisser]

Thank you for the quick replies! Whatta bummer the petting zoo is gone! Just out of curiosity, does anyone know what happened to the animals? In your opinion is it worth coming over from the Poly to see the horses and ride the ponies, or would our time be better spend elsewhere?

 

[Schminston-Mo]

Ft Wilderness is a great place to visit with kids your age (or kids my age-43!).

It is a great relaxing atmosphere with lots of open space for the kids to run around. The pony rids are just a loop with you leading the horse, but I believe they are reasonably priced and my kids loved them...even looked for "their" horse when we returned 2 years later.


You could combine it with a campfire movie night too.

 

[itch1]

I think anytime spent at the Fort is worth it. Take your time relax on the rocking chairs at Trails End , go to both trading posts, walk the Marina and watch the boats come in. Then go to the ponys and see the horase barn. If you feel adventurous walk down to the three hundred loop and play at the playground. I'm thinking all in all you could make 1/2 a day of it if you relax and take your time.
If you go before lunch do a little then at lunch pick up a giddy up and go chicken dinner and eat on the porch at Trails End, then spend the rest of the day walking it off doing the above mentioned things.
If you do this you might get bitten by the Fort Wilderness Bug and have to stay there on your next trip !!!!!!
ITCH

 

[luckycharm19335]

You forgot 'Fishing'.
It doesn't matter if you catch anything, that is a big plus. It just doesn't get anymore relaxing.

 

[retired and happy]

I don't recall seeing a horse-drawn trolley/wagon/whatever on Main Street in some time. Am I just missing it?

 

[LauraLea]

[QUOTE

(If you look in the background of this photo, you will see the petting zoo's most famous former resident-Minnie Moo).



TCD[/QUOTE]

I remember Minnie Moo. Whatever happened to her?

Laura

 

[tiggger1]

just to let you know, if your kids want to do the pony rides you have to be the ones who lead the pony around . they wont do it! so If you are skiddish around them find another adult to do it!

 

[Tri-circle-D]

I don't recall seeing a horse-drawn trolley/wagon/whatever on Main Street in some time. Am I just missing it?

I met a CM earlier this month who was prepping a horse for the MK. They still are there, but much less than they used to be.

I remember Minnie Moo. Whatever happened to her?

Laura

According to this old thread: Minnie Moo, Minnie Moo left this world in August, 2001.

TCD