Visiting FW from WL?

[BlueFairy]

Hi folks. We will be staying at WL in December, and I'm hoping for some low-key entertainment and dining at FW for part of one day. I have lots of questions.
1. How long is the boat ride from WL? How long is the walk from WL to Pioneer Hall?
2. Would you recommend bringing a 2 yo. for a visit to Trails End and the petting farm on check-in day for dinnertime or on checkout day for breakfast?
3. If we are there in December and would like a carriage ride to see the campers' decorations, would you say that a reservation is a must? We'd prefer to keep things very flexible, and I understand that requires a credit card. Is it likely that we can walk-up without a reservation in early Dec?
4. Do you recommend dinner ADRs in early December?
5. About what time does the campfire/movie get going at that time of year?

Thanks so much!!!

 

[Rhonda]

Hi!

1. The boat ride from WL to FW is about 5 minutes. The walk is about 20 minutes, give or take.

2. Either choice is good! Check with FW to see what time the pony rides end each day, so you don't miss them if you don't come over til dinnertime.

3. I've never done it in December, so I can't help with this one.

4. Yes, I highly recommend ADR's! Especially if there's a restaurant that you absolutely have to go to! But if you're flexible with places and times, then you try & get by without reservations.

5. Campfire program starts at 7pm in the winter.

 

[BlueFairy]

Hi!

4. Yes, I highly recommend ADR's! Especially if there's a restaurant that you absolutely have to go to! But if you're flexible with places and times, then you try & get by without reservations.

Thanks for all the tips. Actually, I was specifically referring to ADRs for dinnertime at Trails End. Since we don't know our arrival schedule, I'd prefer to be flexible with that one.

Anyone else know about the carriage rides?

 

[nbodyhome]

I have photos of the walk from FW to the WL here: http://www.mousesteps.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=22&Itemid=47

I like Trails End for all the meals, breakfast and then lunch are my favorites. But if you are leaving, you don't want to feel rushed either.

I do know the wagon ride goes around the campsites during December, I really enjoy that (or I'll walk around the campsites myself - sometimes both!) I have not seen the carriage rides go that way, generally they head down to the WL and back. I'm not saying they can't, but I've never seen them (I've done the carriage ride once). The wagon rides shouldn't need a reservation, you would make one for a carriage ride.

Yes, I'd make an ADR for Trails End. You may or may not need it, but TE is much busier than it used to be.

I'm thinking 6:30 or so is the start of the campfire, I did it a few times last year.

 

[nbodyhome]

Oh - the petting zoo is much smaller than it used to be. It won't take long to go through. (Smaller meaning fewer animals). The horse barn is always enjoyable for me to stop at too.

 

[BlueFairy]

I have photos of the walk from FW to the WL here: http://www.mousesteps.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=22&Itemid=47

I like Trails End for all the meals, breakfast and then lunch are my favorites. But if you are leaving, you don't want to feel rushed either.

I do know the wagon ride goes around the campsites during December, I really enjoy that (or I'll walk around the campsites myself - sometimes both!) I have not seen the carriage rides go that way, generally they head down to the WL and back. I'm not saying they can't, but I've never seen them (I've done the carriage ride once). The wagon rides shouldn't need a reservation, you would make one for a carriage ride.

Yes, I'd make an ADR for Trails End. You may or may not need it, but TE is much busier than it used to be.

I'm thinking 6:30 or so is the start of the campfire, I did it a few times last year.

That's so good to know about the carriage. I think we'll wing-it and leave time to do the wagon ride. That's easier for scheduling, too. We'd really prefer to see something on our little journey. DD would enjoy the wagon with other kids, even if it's less "romantic."

Is there enough food available at the campground to make a meal, or is it just sweet snacks? Perhaps we could do this on arrival: boat to FW, campfire and wagon ride. Then on checkout day do TE breakfast and the petting farm before heading back to WL for some pool time.

 

[Rhonda]

Is there enough food available at the campground to make a meal, or is it just sweet snacks?

The Trading Posts have snack foods like chips and stuff. You could also get bread and peanut butter for sandwiches. Or bagels & cream cheese.

At the Campfire Program, there is a stand that sells pizza, nachos, ice cream, popcorn, hot dogs, etc.

You can also go to Crockett's Tavern for appetizers like wings and nachos. Or you can get pizza to go from the Trail's End.