The Walt Disney Company caters to every interest in and around the Disney Parks and Resorts. While the leading interest for most Disney Guests is theme parks or the magic of Disney, there are many other experiences in the Walt Disney World Resort that involve additional interests.
Are you a horse lover? If so, did you know that plenty of experiences within the Walt Disney World Resort will incorporate horses? Let’s look at the equestrian experiences you won’t want to miss during your next Disney vacation.
Disney’s Saratoga Springs
Located in the Disney Springs area of the Walt Disney World Resort, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort is part of the Disney Vacation Club. The historic Saratoga Springs from upstate New York inspires the Disney Resort, which combines Victorian styling with an equestrian theme. Disney’s Saratoga Springs is split into five sections – The Springs, Congress Park, The Paddock, The Grandstand, and The Carousel. Each part of the Resort is a nod to the spas and horse racing Saratoga Springs is known for.
You will see equestrian theming throughout the Disney hotel, with plenty of details to admire. Visit The Springs on the hour to hear the hourly horns plan from The Carriage House. Explore inside The Carriage House, where you will see beautiful murals of famous Disney horses and other artifacts and artwork inspired by horses. If you’re up for a challenge, stop by the Horsing Around Rentals and pick up the Saratoga Springs Scavenger Hunt. If you complete the hunt, return here for a fun prize. Our favorite way to travel to Disney’s Saratoga Springs is via the Sassagoula River Boats from Disney Springs. Alternatively, catch a Disney bus from one a Disney theme park.
Why not upgrade your Disney experience at the Disney Deluxe Resort? Don’t just visit for a day, but stay here. Various Disney Vacation Club rooms are available, ranging from Studios to Grand Villas. The beautiful styling of the rooms is combined with gentle equestrian theming that you won’t want to miss.
The Headless Horseman
In the lead-up to Halloween, Magic Kingdom hosts Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Beginning in August and running through to Halloween night, the Disney Park celebrates the Disney villains and all things spooky. A must-see of the event is Mickey’s Boo-To-You Parade which travels through Magic Kingdom Park twice per evening. But something extra magical and a little mysterious happens ahead of the parade. The lighting is dimmed, and The Headless Horseman makes his way down the parade route from Frontierland to Liberty Square and Main Street, U.S.A. Ensure you don’t miss him when visiting the Walt Disney World Resort between August and October.
Tri-Circle-D Ranch
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is home to the Tri-Circle-D Ranch. Over 90 Disney horses call this home, and Guests can visit them when they are taking some downtime from their jobs around Walt Disney World.
The stables are located near the Settlement area, just passed Pioneer Hall. You can see the horses taking some downtime in their stables. Cast Members are also around to chat so you can learn more about the horses and ponies that call Walt Disney World home. Pony rides are available throughout the day at the stables for $8. They are a great way to introduce Guests over the age of 2 and up to 48 inches tall and 80 pounds in weight to the equine world. Visit this spot by catching the boat from Magic Kingdom.
Also, visit the Trail Blaze Corral at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. You will see more of the Disney horses at the Disney Resort’s main entrance. Guests who are booked onto the Horseback Trail Riding will begin their adventure here.
Cinderella’s Royal Coach
There’s something utterly magical about seeing Cinderella’s Royal Coach being pulled by six white miniature ponies. If you’re visiting Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa or Disney’s Wedding Pavilion on a wedding day, you may see the coach on its way to the wedding ceremony. Otherwise, Cinderella’s Royal Coach features in Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The Christmas Party events occur in Magic Kingdom Park in November and December each year. If you plan a festive Disney vacation, you won’t want to miss out on the Christmas fun.
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
If you love horses, riding the Prince Charming Regal Carrousel in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park is necessary. Enjoy beautiful views of Cinderella Castle and the rest of Fantasyland from your carousel horse. Make plans to ride during the day and at night to see two different views of the Disney Park. If you’re up for a challenge, aim to ride all 90 horses, as no two are the same.
Carriage Rides
If you’re looking for an evening activity outside the Disney Parks, why not consider a carriage ride? Carriage rides are available at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Each carriage ride is 25 minutes long and can take up to four adults or two adults and three children. For $55, Guests can uniquely explore the Disney Resorts. Carriage Rides are available to book on the My Disney Experience App.
If you plan on visiting the Walt Disney World Resort around Christmastime, you won’t want to miss the Holiday Sleigh Rides at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. Each sleigh is adorned with a garland and bells and provides a relaxed way of seeing all the Christmas lights that decorate the Fort Wilderness campground.
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
Did you know that there’s a second carousel in Walt Disney World? In the lobby of Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, the M.C. Illinois Carousel is a scale model that was designed in 1920. Stop by and admire the intricate details, including the Hidden Mickeys. You may even time it right to see it play favorite Disney songs in true carousel style while twirling.
Horseback Trail Riding
The Horseback Trail Riding experience at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort offers Guests a chance to ride the idyllic woodland trails and see the natural beauty of the Disney Resort. Trail rides are suitable for beginner and intermediate riders, age nine and over. Please make your reservation on the My Disney Experience App for $55 per person.
Main Street, U.S.A.
Every Guest of Magic Kingdom theme park will wall Main Street, U.S.A. Doing so is your opportunity to see some of the Disney horses pulling Main Street Trolleys that Guests can ride in. Why not hop on and experience this part of Magic Kingdom in a new way?
Make time during your next Disney vacation to experience all of these fun equestrian parts of Walt Disney World!
