Horsin’ Around at Walt Disney World’s Tri-Circle-D Ranch
The new Tri-Circle-D Ranch, where the horses of Walt Disney World are boarded, opened back in June 2020 at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground with little attention in all the excitement of the reopening of the resorts and theme parks. I decided to take my son Johnny and check it out over his Winter Break, he even got his first pony ride. The new ranch is absolutely beautiful!
The history of Tri-Circle-D Ranch and its horses
The Tri-Circle-D Ranch was a part of Walt Disney World even before the Magic Kingdom opened. The ranch’s main purpose is to house “The Happiest Horses on Earth”. The horses were originally at Magic Kingdom on Main Street. Currently, you can see some in the Character Cavalcades.
The horses have also been used for Wagon Rides, Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides and Holiday Sleigh rides. While these options are currently not available, we look forward to their return.
Horseback riding has also long been offered at Tri-Circle-D Ranch. The trail rides remain at the original ranch location at the Outpost. Trail rides are available daily, reservations are suggested but not required. You must be a minimum of 9 years old, over 48 inches and under 250 pounds to ride. The rides last 45 minutes and go through wooded trails.
The New Tri-Circle-D Ranch
The new ranch has a beautiful modern rustic look. It is a working ranch where they care for the horses including feeding and bathing. Inside the barn, there is much more than horses: there are some Disney treasures to be found.
Walt Disney and Horses
It’s pretty well known that Walt Disney loved animals. so it’s a nice touch that the ranch has a room dedicated to Walt Disney and his love of horses.
In addition to pictures of Walt with horses, there are also pictures of horses in the parks.
Dragon Calliope
Once on display at Fort Wilderness, the 1907 Dragon Calliope returns in all its splendor to the ranch. This wagon was originally used in the 1950s at Disneyland Park and was used for various parades until the 25th anniversary. It was even featured in the movie “Toby Tyler, or Ten Weeks with a Circus” (a charming 1960s film). The Calliope then came to Walt Disney World where it was used for parades for some time. Now it has been restored and is available for viewing once again.
Wedding Harness Room
The Wedding Harness Room displays some of the beautiful harnesses used.
Up Close with the Horses
While you cannot get right up to the stalls, you can get pretty close. And since it’s a working ranch, the horses are moved throughout the day and you may get lucky enough to be there when it happens.
Not all of the stalls are accessible to guests, allowing the horses to have private time as well.
Pony Rides
For the little ones, pony rides are available daily. You have the option to do one or two loops around a fenced trail. A parent or guardian leads the pony. You must be at least 2 years old and be under both 80 pounds and 48 inches to ride. There are no reservations, it is first come, first ride.
We paid to go around the loop twice. It took about a little less than 15 minutes, including being able to stop for photos.
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Let’s Hear From You
Johnny really enjoyed getting up close with the horses. Although he was nervous to ride, he cannot wait to go again. And since he’s growing fast, we will have to make it again sooner than later! Tri-Circle-D Ranch is a great place for a break from the parks while enjoying some Disney history and getting to see these majestic horses.
Have you visited the Tri-Circle D Ranch, either the original location or the new one? Would you or the kid in your life want to take a ride on one of the horses?
