Just back from Tanque Verde w/ DVC points...

[Luvmyfam3]

It was wonderful! I was just curious if anyone was considering it and had any questions.

Yea DVC!!!!

Kim

 

[scott.campbell]

Glad you had a great time. The ranch has been something I've been considering, and I do have soome questions.

I've been around horses for most of my life, and love the idea of a ranch type vacation, however my wife does not like the idea at all. How would it be for a non-rider?

Also my son is only 4 years old, would it be suitable?

 

[Luvmyfam3]

They have two swimming pools, daily hikes, daily mountain biking, daily nature walks, and several tennis courts with free lessons a few times a week. They also have yoga a couple of times a week. So, it's the type of place where you can do everything or nothing.

As for your son, their children's program starts at age 4. It is excellent. We had our three daughters in it and they loved it. The young ones (4-6) have riding lessons in the corral twice a day. They also have tennis lessons, crafts and nature walks. They eat with the other kids during the meals unless they choose to be with you. You can pull them out anytime you wish.

BTW, you didn't ask, but the food was wonderful!!

Kim

 

[KNWVIKING]

Was rare red meat served at all meals ? mmmmm hope so.

Dw and I are planning on going as soon as she teaches me how to properly ride a horse, so far I've mastered the WDW trail ride, (whoopee). How advance are the trail rides,how well behaved are the horses ?

 

[Luvmyfam3]

No need to master horseback riding beforehand. There were many people there getting on a horse for the first time. They offer basic horsemanship (ie: "this is the front of the horse....", etc.) Then they also offer intermediate horsemanship. It was so good, I took it twice and would have taken it again if I had had time. This lesson works on loping, trotting, etc. There are also loping lessons. At the end of each loping lesson, they would tell you whether or not you passed. If you did, you could go on the loping rides which were offered about 3 times a day. There were also 3-4 walking rides a day. BTW, I don't think I ever went on the same trail twice and I rode at least twice a day. There are also breakfast rides. The kids can go as well with their group and meet you there or you can ride with the kids.

As for the horses, for the most part they were VERY well behaved. There are a few obstinate ones, but they know which ones are more spirited and usually save those for the loping rides. The wranglers were very knowledgeable.

Oh, for the truly hardy, they also offer an all-day ride on Mondays. It's from 8:00 - 3:30. My husband went on that and said it was the highlight of the trip for him.

I probably told you more than you wanted to know! Sorry!

Kim

 

[Luvmyfam3]

Oh! About the meat!!! I asked for medium rare and it was cooked to perfection every time!!

Kim

 

[disneydawn]

Glad you had a good time! How many points was it for how many people? Also, was everything included...food the riding, etc.? Were there any other costs once you got there? We have 8,6,and 4 year olds and this sounds like a great trip. When is the best time to go for the weather and is that more points in that season? Thanks!

 

[Luvmyfam3]

It was 252 pts. for three nights in November. We paid the other two nights in cash and it was about $500/night for a room that sleeps six. November, December and spring are a perfect times to go. The evenings are cool, but the days are warm enough for short sleeves. I think that it's more during their "winter season" than their "summer season". After all, who would want to go horseback riding in the desert in 110 degree weather??

Yes, EVERYTHING was included. Meals, horseback riding, guided hikes and the kids program (including all the crafts!). The only things that weren't included were alcohol and soft drinks. But, they did offer water, tea or lemonade. All in all, I thought it was pretty reasonable when you consider that it included all the meals, lodging and entertainment.

Kim

 

[Disney On The Bayou]

It is stated that the maximum points charged for this resort are 67 pts/ night. 252 points for 3 nights seems a bit steep. Are the points charged based on the number of people in the party or strictly on the type of room selected?

 

[Popovich]

Glad you had such a wonderful trip! It sounds great. What was the room lay out like and how were they as far as comfort? Would they be classified as a moderate or deluxe accomodation?

 

[Partridge4ever]

I plan to do this in 2006 (that's the year my daughters will both be in the same child program group). I'd love any and all details, no matter how small. Feel free to email me if you write a trip report.

 

[AZKathy]

Glad you enjoyed it out west! You picked a great time to visit! We got a cold spell this weekend, so the trip would not have been as nice!

 

[Luvmyfam3]

Well, as far as the points go, it is strictly by the room. I would have to check to make sure about the points, but that's what my husband said I wrote down. But, I will check again to make sure I didn't make a mistake about that!

As far the the accomodations go, I would consider them moderate. The rooms are large, but the buildings are older. We certainly didn't mind! We had two rooms during our stay (since we extended our stay). Our first room had a separate sitting room with two couches, one of which opened into a bed. Both had patio doors that lead to the patio which looks over the desert and mountains. (All rooms are ground floor rooms). The main bedroom had two beds. There was a fireplace in both of our rooms.

Our second room looked more like an apartment. The bedroom was totally separate from the rest of the place with a king bed. The sitting area was large with two couches that both opened to beds. The decor was rustic. Oh, both rooms have large pictures windows toward the scenery.

We have been on several cruises and I would say that they are both wonderful. Difficult choice!!!

Kim