WL Holiday Carriage Rides?

[aubriee]

In Dec. I'm taking my 73 y/o mom for her first ever trip to WDW and don't know who's more excited me or her. I want this trip to be perfect for her, as it will truly be a once in a lifetime trip for her. Can someone tell me about the Holiday Carriage Rides at WL? Is this something she would enjoy? What is the price, when can you book it, do AP holders get a discount, and finally is it worth it? Thanks!

 

[PB'sMOM]

Do you mean the carriage or sleigh ride? There is a difference and you will want to be specific when booking or you might get the wrong one.

My family and I did the sleigh ride last Christmas and really enjoyed it. I don't remember the cost,but I am sure it was minimal-even with tip. There is no discount for AP holders.
You can book it 90 days out and they go quickly. Last year I had it booked for X-mas eve and had to cancel and change(almost didn't get another date-lucky for a cancellation).
The driver picks you up in front of the lodge. There are wool blankets, in case you get chilled. He will take you on about a 30-40 minute trip around the area. When we went it was a 9pm ride so it was dark and we couldn't see alot. But it was still really nice and it put my DD2 to sleep.
If I were to do it again, I would try for an early evening time so I could see more.
If I were you, and it is a once in a lifetime(and 1st trip) to WDW-i would go for it and enjoy.

Cindy M.

 

[BeccaGrace]

That sounds awesome! There are 5 of us--3 adults, a 4 year old and 2 year old--would we all be able to fit?
And is this something our travel agent at DU can book for us just like they reserve the ADRs? Do we have to pre-pay for it?

 

[aubriee]

I'm a little dense today I guess. How does a sleigh work without snow?

 

[MistyD]

The sleigh is basicly the carriage...it just has rails on the side and if I recall is painted red and green for the holidays. DH and I did this last December and it was great...except that it was 80 degrees! No need for the wool blankets on that one!

 

[Dizzyworld]

I surprised my DD with this "sleigh" ride last year. I think it was $30 (plus tip) for 30 minutes per carriage. I don't know about anyone else, but after we left the WL porch area, the driver turned off the lights that outlined part of the sleigh. So it was a relaxing ride, with sleigh bells in the dark, in the woods. We still had a good time and my DD would like to do it again this year on our girls only weekend in Dec.

Make sure you make a reservation. There was no discount that I can recall either.

Have fun.

 

[Tinkaroo]

For those who have done this, which is better - the sleigh ride at WL, or a carriage ride at POR/POFQ?

I'd like to do one or the other, and can't decide. DH says we should do the WL one since it's only available at the holidays, but I keep going back and forth...

 

[Amyrlin]

I may be wrong, but I though the carriage rides were also WL

 

[Boardwalk Tigger]

I was very excited to do this last year from the WL but I was dissappointed. The driver barely spoke to us. The ride goes down a portion of the woods adjacent to the front/ side of the hotel. There is almost nothing to see. Personally I would rather spend more money and be given hot chocolate and have either a tour or some Christmas music in the background. This could be really fun but was rather boring JMO

I would love to hear about the other location for the ride( POR/PORFS)

 

[klinlin]

Who do you book this through? Anyone have the number?

Thanks!

 

[DisFan331]

I spoke with CRO yesterday and you can book the sleigh ride 90 days out by calling 1-407-WDW-PLAY. It is $30 for a 30 minute ride and can accomodate up to 3 adults and 2 children. They run from 5:30 to 10:00 each night. I can't wait to book mine! Have fun.