Horses and Hoop Dee Doo

[plucky]

We are headed to WDW and have two horse loving daughters. I had read that you can tour the stables and meet some of the hard working, Disney horses. Is this true? The girls ride at home, so they aren't looking for a trail ride, as it might be a little boring for them. But getting to meet Disney horses is like meeting Mickey himself, in their minds.
We wanted to do Hoop Dee Doo and thought that we might make a half day of walking around FW, spending time at the stable, and doing HDD at night. Is this doable?

 

[Violet Parr]

We are headed to WDW and have two horse loving daughters. I had read that you can tour the stables and meet some of the hard working, Disney horses. Is this true? The girls ride at home, so they aren't looking for a trail ride, as it might be a little boring for them. But getting to meet Disney horses is like meeting Mickey himself, in their minds.
We wanted to do Hoop Dee Doo and thought that we might make a half day of walking around FW, spending time at the stable, and doing HDD at night. Is this doable?

If you aren't going to take a ride, I don't know if there is a half-day of stuff for you to do at FW. We LOVE FW, but some of the best activities there conflict with the HDD (the campfire, movie, etc.) It's a pretty spread out place, and the stables are on one end while HDD is on another end. There used to be a petting zoo area with ponies (including the ones that are used on Cinderella's carriage) but I think they closed it a few years back. I could be wrong though...

You might also want to ask on the Camping at Disney World forum.

VP

 

[Jennasis]

I'm a riding instructor and horse trainer and even I never miss a chance to go say hello to the horses at the Tri-Circle D! They may have rules about petting/feeding (ask when you get there) but you should be able to tour the facilities and see the off duty horses.

 

[Robo]

We are headed to WDW and have two horse loving daughters. I had read that you can tour the stables and meet some of the hard working, Disney horses. Is this true? The girls ride at home, so they aren't looking for a trail ride, as it might be a little boring for them. But getting to meet Disney horses is like meeting Mickey himself, in their minds.
We wanted to do Hoop Dee Doo and thought that we might make a half day of walking around FW, spending time at the stable, and doing HDD at night. Is this doable?

 

[BYC]

We always go to the barn before HoopDeeDoo! Half day not necessary. Get to FW a couple of hours before your show time, and walk over to the stable. They do have a pony ride area too, but only for little kids. I love strolling around there. The horses are beautiful, and the stables are immaculate.

 

[Babbletrish]

Funny, my family ran into Tri-Circle-D Ranch completely by accident last visit. We rented a Surry from the Wilderness Lodge bike barn and took it down the nature trail, which drops you off at the stables. We saw people touring the stables with a guide. I think this was the tour they were in the middle of.

 

[CrabbyPatty]

What are the hours for the stables? Last time we went to HDDR, we stopped by the stables and didn't see anyone around. Although I think we went to the last show, we got there a few hours early and looked around.