Just Back from Tanque Verde Ranch and Arizona Biltmore

[lcsmom]

Can you describe the riding lesson/trail ride stuff the kids do? Do you know if they have levels or just age groups? DD10 is pretty advanced on a horse, DH is competent - he could accompany her in the adult activities - and, as for me, I need to stay in the arena and take some lessons.
We may have some extra points next year and Phoenix is easy access by air from Houston.

 

[pbharris4]

Thank you for the review! I like to hear about the other hotels w/ DVC. We stayed at The Plaza in NYC and were so disappointed with it. It just didn't live up to it's reputation and no where near kid friendly (what I mean is..no one would even hold a door for the stroller!) Glad you had a good time in AZ!

 

[wintergreen]

lcsmom, While I would say that a lot of the riding is geared toward the beginning/intermediate rider, the ranch offers "loping rides" to those that can pass a "loping test." They had these more advanced rides (no way I could make it to that level myself, LOL) for both the kids and the adults. Adults can ride with the kids on the kids' rides (we did that once--walking, not loping--and it was a lot of fun), but kids cannot ride on the adult rides (unless they are 12). The beginning and intermediate lessons that DH and I took were great! I really learned a lot.

 

[gopherit]

Ok, so it's not TOTALLY isolated from ESPN and the TV sports world... a glimmer of light shines!

Tell me about the food -- buffet type or menu offerings?

And so the kid's activities are all included too (no surcharge per head on those, like at WDW?)

WOuld the nearest airport be Tuscon? You noted that for a 4 day or more stay, transporation ot the TVR could be provided. Do they provide transport anywhere else off-grounds (such as to the zoo you mentioned) ?

Thanks for the info!!

 

[lcsmom]

Thanks so much! This place also shows up on one of my husbands frequent stay programs, so I'm glad to hear there is advanced stuff. DD turns 11 this week, so next year she would be 12. DD can definitely pass a "lope test." I understand that she's actually fun to watch on horseback - if your not her mother. DH could pass as well. Now once they boost me up on some old, trusty steed, I can, maybe, manage a nice, brisk walk.

Just reread, Tuscon! How long a drive to Phoenix?

 

[wintergreen]

For breakfast, you order hot food items (eggs, pancakes, etc.) off of a menu, then go to a cold food bar for fruit, pastries, cereals, etc.

Lunch is a buffet with a large salad bar, four or five hot foods, and an extensive dessert bar.

For dinner, you order entrees and off of a menu, and there is a small salad and soup bar. The lunch and dinner choices changed everyday, and I thought were quite good.

Tucson is the nearest airport (30 minutes). We flew into Phoenix and rented a car (2 hours). I'm not sure how you would get off of the ranch to do other things if you did not rent a car, but I'm sure the ranch could help you with a one-day rental, taxi, etc. These people were very helpful!