When to reserve activities

[Dakota731]

How far ahead do we reserve bikes, boats, horses etc? Do we call or can we do it online? Thanks! We are excited for our first stay at the Fort!!

 

[bama_ed]

How far ahead do we reserve bikes, boats, horses etc? Do we call or can we do it online? Thanks! We are excited for our first stay at the Fort!!

Hi @Dakota731 . Each one of your examples has a slightly different answer and I'll take a stab at them.

First, bikes rented at Disney's Bike Barn between the Campfire/Movie Ring and the Meadow Pool aren't reserved - they are for walk-up DAILY rentals only. Rates a few years ago were $20/day/bike but be aware the bikes CANNOT be kept out overnight. They must be returned to the BB each evening before it closes (so knowing the opening/closing hours is key here). Which means they're good for a one-day experience. If you want bikes for multiple days, a bike shop in Celebration rents and delivers/picks up at the Fort and one of our DIS folks used them about a year ago and was pleased. We always bring our bikes from home (we drive in from Alabama) and the Fort is a great place for biking.

Second, boats can no longer be rented at the Fort marina (and a few others were closed down). When covid hit, ALL boat rentals in WDW were suspended - when covid restrictions were lifted, some resorts did not resume boat rentals. Speculation was it was also time for a vendor contract renewal. There are no more little water sprites anywhere but a few WDW resorts still now rent the pontoon boats (up to 10 people) for $49 per half hour. Nearest locations to the Fort are the Contemporary or Grand Floridian. See this:

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/motorized-boats/

Note the link says pontoons are first come, first served (no reservations). We did it once and enjoyed it and likely will again.

Third, by 'horses' I assume you mean the Trail Ride at the front of FW behind the checkin area and NOT the pony rides down at the Tri-Circle-D Ranch near Bay Lake.

Info for the Trail Ride is here:

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/campsites-at-fort-wilderness-resort/horse-trail-rides/

Note it has a 60-day booking window like dining reservations do and there are multiple rides per day. Obviously book as soon as you know your vacation schedule.

I hope these leads help.

Bama Ed

 

[Dakota731]

Hi @Dakota731 . Each one of your examples has a slightly different answer and I'll take a stab at them.

First, bikes rented at Disney's Bike Barn between the Campfire/Movie Ring and the Meadow Pool aren't reserved - they are for walk-up DAILY rentals only. Rates a few years ago were $20/day/bike but be aware the bikes CANNOT be kept out overnight. They must be returned to the BB each evening before it closes (so knowing the opening/closing hours is key here). Which means they're good for a one-day experience. If you want bikes for multiple days, a bike shop in Celebration rents and delivers/picks up at the Fort and one of our DIS folks used them about a year ago and was pleased. We always bring our bikes from home (we drive in from Alabama) and the Fort is a great place for biking.

Second, boats can no longer be rented at the Fort marina (and a few others were closed down). When covid hit, ALL boat rentals in WDW were suspended - when covid restrictions were lifted, some resorts did not resume boat rentals. Speculation was it was also time for a vendor contract renewal. There are no more little water sprites anywhere but a few WDW resorts still now rent the pontoon boats (up to 10 people) for $49 per half hour. Nearest locations to the Fort are the Contemporary or Grand Floridian. See this:

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/motorized-boats/

Note the link says pontoons are first come, first served (no reservations). We did it once and enjoyed it and likely will again.

Third, by 'horses' I assume you mean the Trail Ride at the front of FW behind the checkin area and NOT the pony rides down at the Tri-Circle-D Ranch near Bay Lake.

Info for the Trail Ride is here:

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/campsites-at-fort-wilderness-resort/horse-trail-rides/

Note it has a 60-day booking window like dining reservations do and there are multiple rides per day. Obviously book as soon as you know your vacation schedule.

I hope these leads help.

Bama Ed

Thanks so much! Do you know if the trail rides fill up? I hate to book now then it rains all day. Can you cancel? Also we may do a pony ride for our little one, so do we book that ahead?
Also do you need to book archery ahead of time? My grandson would love that!

 

[bama_ed]

Thanks so much! Do you know if the trail rides fill up? I hate to book now then it rains all day. Can you cancel? Also we may do a pony ride for our little one, so do we book that ahead?
Also do you need to book archery ahead of time? My grandson would love that!

@Dakota731,

I know nothing about the demand levels for the trail rides. As to the cancellation policy for same, either read the regs if booking on-line or ask same question if calling to make a reservation.

Pony rides are walk-up at the new Tri-Circle-D Ranch horse barn across the road from the Settlement Bus Depot down near Bay Lake. The Barn is open 10a-5p daily.

Kids must fit a certain size/weight to ride the ponies. The requirements and other info are listed here:

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/campsites-at-fort-wilderness-resort/pony-rides/

As to the archery activity, that is limited is size (maybe 10 people max) so it is an advance reservation activity.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/fort-wilderness-archery-experience/

It takes place DIRECTLY behind the Meadow Bike Barn behind the Meadow Trading Post (and across the pond). I have even seen many adults taking part in that activity so again, advance reservations are definitely recommended.

I have to ask, though, with regards to trail rides and archery - what time of year are you going to be at FW?

Finally, there is a DIS poster here in the past (Marty is his real first name) that I told that the job of us DIS Camping posters is to make the new camping posters (like you) heroes to your family. As in, when to book trail rides (and getting them) and when to ride ponies (and doing that) and how to book archery (and getting in for that).

We are the silent brigade behind you loving, active grandparents/posters. It's why we're here.

Bama Ed

PS - as fyi for the pony rides at the TCD barn, the pony is led by an adult/parent (not a CM). I think the fee covers TWO times around the loop. Trust me, the pony knows where he's going so Helen Keller could lead the pony on a very enjoyable ride for a qualifying kid. So don't be afraid when you or some other adult has to lead the pony - the pony will lead you.