DaveInTN 3,247 Posted February 12, 2011 Report Share Posted February 12, 2011 Riding a pony at the Tri-Circle-D Farm at the Fort is one of our favorite activities. My DD5 rides once on every trip. Figured I'd put some pictures and information out there from our most recent visit to the Fort for those that are interested in this activity...one of the "simple pleasures" at the Fort. Keep in mind, this information is only current as of late 2010/ early 2011. Per information that has been widely reported by everyone but Disney itself, there are plans to move the barns, including the pony rides, from their location in the Settlement area of the Fort out to a "to be constructed" new barn area near the Outpost, near the current site of the horse trail rides and the former kennel location. As of this writing, I don't think construction has begun yet, so whether or not this happens in the next year or two is still somewhat speculative. The pony rides are currently located in the Settlement area, within sight of the Settlement bus depot. For guests traveling from other resorts by bus (with the exception of Wilderness Lodge), you will change buses at the Outpost depot onto one of the Fort Wilderness internal buses. Any color bus will take you to the Settlement, but the Yellow bus seems to be the quickest to me. WL guests can take either a bus or boat directly to the FW Settlement area. Guests from the CR or coming from the MK can also take a boat to the FW Marina, which is a short walk to the TCD Farm and the pony rides. This is what you'll be looking for as you approach the pony stables:As of Oct 2010, pony rides were $5. A pretty good deal by Disney standards! This sign shows not only the price and hours, but also the height and weight requirements to ride a pony at Fort Wilderness.In the center of the riding area there is a small building where a few ponies are kept while they are "on duty", and this is where you pay and where your child will mount the pony, with the help of a raised platform. The CM will provide instructions, and then you will lead the pony around the pathway on your own. We have never had another guest behind us on the path, so we've been able to go at our own pace to extend the ride a bit. There is really no hurry as long as you aren't holding anyone up. And you can't stray from the pathway, as you are always in an enclosed area as you can see in this picture. After you arrive at the end, there is a second platform to dismount, and you are done. All in all, the ride doesn't take very long, but it's a lot of fun! After the pony ride, be sure to check out the rest of the TCD Farm area, including the horse barn and the blacksmith shop. I hope your family enjoys this activity as much as mine does! The TCD Farm area is just about my favorite spot in all of WDW. If you haven't yet, be sure to check it out! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lou... 3,118 Posted February 12, 2011 Report Share Posted February 12, 2011 Walk-up basis only. Guests may call (407) 824-2832 for further information. Parents must walk with children and lead pony during the ride. Ages 2+ (Up to 80 Pounds) $5.00 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
LONE-STAR 370 Posted February 13, 2011 Report Share Posted February 13, 2011 Our 16 month old went on the pony rides this past December and loved it. But she has loved horses since she was about 9 months. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
campingdawgs 4 Posted February 13, 2011 Report Share Posted February 13, 2011 Is there an age or height limit? MyDD7 loves the pony rides, but will be 8 next time we are at the Fort. She is a peanut and probably won't weigh 80 lbs until she is a teenager!So, I should probably ask : what is the age/weight requirement for the trail ride? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Memphis 105 Posted February 13, 2011 Report Share Posted February 13, 2011 Age does not matter. As Lou says riders must be at least 2. Riders must me under 48" tall and under 80 lbs. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lou... 3,118 Posted February 13, 2011 Report Share Posted February 13, 2011 So, I should probably ask : what is the age/weight requirement for the trail ride?See reply #1. That is official WDW published info. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Memphis 105 Posted February 13, 2011 Report Share Posted February 13, 2011 Yep, Lou is right. I was not thinking about the low end and was basing my info on the sign posted in the OP. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lou... 3,118 Posted February 13, 2011 Report Share Posted February 13, 2011 Yep, Lou is right.Can't take any credit, copy & paste. I'm just the messenger. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ghester 0 Posted February 13, 2011 Report Share Posted February 13, 2011 My daughter wanted to know if we could pet the horses/ponies? I think I saw a sign in one of Dave's pics that said no petting. Is that right? ;D Quote Link to post Share on other sites
daddyphat808 - Eric 16 Posted February 13, 2011 Report Share Posted February 13, 2011 You can pet the one you are walking but they do not let you pet the others in the corrals. We do this every time we go and the kids just love it! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ftwildernessrick 10 Posted February 14, 2011 Report Share Posted February 14, 2011 It would be nice if they would bring back the petting zoo. We always enjoyed it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
datgrt@fw .... Doug 1 Posted February 14, 2011 Report Share Posted February 14, 2011 Doug / datgrt@fw Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo..Karla 77 Posted February 15, 2011 Report Share Posted February 15, 2011 Grandson had his first pony ride on "Snow" today. He was absolutely thrilled.One note, the ride still costs $5.00 but it's CASH only. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
johnnyb aka John 15 Posted February 15, 2011 Report Share Posted February 15, 2011 You know, I was gonna try the pony rides, but the pony took one look at me :partythree: and took off running!!! :doublebeer: Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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