Horseback Riding at Fort Wilderness

[Suzanne033]

I was wondering if anyone had info on the horseback riding at Fort Wilderness. Disney's website does not have a plethora of information. DD13 & I have a morning free but don't want blow a park ticket so I thought maybe we would go horseback riding.

Looking for price and any other info you might have. Pics are great too.

 

[GrandCalifornian]

We did the trail ride and enjoyed it. It leaves from a far corner of Fort Wilderness, but you can get there by bus from anywhere in FW or there is parking there if you drive. Almost as soon as you leave the stable you are on a trail and into the woods, and we didn't see much or any civilization. The horses are really sweet and mild mannered, and the guides make it fun.
The cost is about $42 per person, and the ride lasts 45 minutes but with time waiting to go and after you get back it does a pretty good job of taking up a morning. They leave at 8:30AM, 10AM, or 11:30AM for morning rides and you reserve your time when you make your reservation. Unlike ADRs the reservations can only be made a couple weeks ahead of time and have to be done over the phone by calling 407-824-2832.

 

[GrandCalifornian]

We didn't get any pictures from the ride itself, but we remember it seeming quite secluded considering we were so close to so much excitement. It made for a great contrast with the busy atmosphere of the parks when we were there in June. Here are a couple of pictures:

 

[Mousemommy1]

Not to hijack, but is there an age limit? We have an 8 and 5 year old and they would like to do this, I thought I saw some smaller ponies...
Also, is this something you need to make reservations for in advance?

 

[GrandCalifornian]

They have pony rides for little kids as well, but they are in a different location, near Pioneer Hall and the main stables. They are for kids age 2-8 and under 80 lbs. I also saw on the DIS boards that the kids have to be 48 inches tall or shorter, regardless of age or weight. The pony rides are shorter and only $5 for each kid.

A reservation is a good idea for the trail rides, because there is a limit on the number of people to go out on each ride, and by calling ahead you can know that you'll get the time you want. You might be able to arrive and wait, but you might have to hang around for the next session, which is an hour and half later, so waiting would get boring.

 

[spiceycat]

the min age for horseback riding is 9 years old.

was told that a child could not control a full grown horse until he/she was at least 9 years old.

so if you think your child has enough muscle development to do it - go ask them.

FW kennel use to be in the same area - so really miss the place.

 

[angelbaby29871]

Is there an upper weight limit for adults for horse back riding? I've not been able to find any info about this. Thanks.

 

[SwirlyGirly]

Oh (((!!! I think this is going to leave us out. My 10 year old is over 48 inches, but weighs a paltry 43 lbs. And she's way too tiny, at 10, to handle anything that designates the handler be 9 or over. By weight, she's the size of an average 6 year old. I've seen 5 year olds who could take her in a head to head!

 

[spiceycat]

here the information
http://www.wdwinfo.com/recreation/trailride.htm

max weight is 250 lbs.

 

[GrandCalifornian]

Is there an upper weight limit for adults for horse back riding? I've not been able to find any info about this. Thanks.

A few sites like this one say 250 lbs. max, but it might be best to confirm this with them at the reservation phone number. I haven't seen specifics from Disney on this either.

It is interesting that they say you can do the reservations up to 180 days in advance. It would certainly be worth trying as early as possible.

 

[princessmurdough]

Does anyone know how stringent they are with the age, or do they even ask? I have an 8yo who is a decent rider, but I don't want to get him excited and then be turned away.

 

[spiceycat]

you can try to convenience them.

if his muscle development and size is good enough to control a horse - you can definitely try.

they have ponies closer to the marina - if he can't do the horses - of course if he has ridden horses this is not alot of fun.

they have definitely asked especially if the child looks small - don't remember if they ask for proof or not?

 

[princessmurdough]

Yeah, and of COURSE, he's small for his age. He'll be 9 at thanksgiving, but he's *just* shy of 48" now...we're thinking he'll certainly get there before fall, but still, he's pretty lean.
Sigh. What to do what to do.
I hear that the Fort has some cool goings-on Halloween day...anyone been there?

 

[spiceycat]

the haunted hay ride or carriage ride is pretty good.

here the information - this is LAST year dates
http://www.wdwinfo.com/recreation/trailride.htm#hauwag

definitely do this one in advance - it will fill up

 

[princessmurdough]

the haunted hay ride or carriage ride is pretty good.

here the information - this is LAST year dates
http://www.wdwinfo.com/recreation/trailride.htm#hauwag

definitely do this one in advance - it will fill up

Yeah, but these aren't until evening...we'll be at MNSSHP by then
Plus, I think Princess (2) may not be a fan of the HH!

 

[Jabba20000]

We did this with DD's 10 and 15 one early morning and everyone seemed to enjoy it. My youngest wants to do it again next month when we return. It is a pretty standard trail ride, but if you aren't an experienced rider you will enjoy it.

As previous posters have said, you need to be 9 to ride and I would recommend you book ahead of time. We were the only ones on our ride but you just never know how busy a given day will be.