Kent Phillips, photographer
O’er the river and through the woods of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort you go! Beginning November 27, 2015, Guests can revel in the magic of the holidays with an evening excursion in a one-horse open “sleigh.” How exciting it is that Disney is bringing a classic Christmas carol to life for its Guests!
The specially designed sleighs are festively decorated with lights, garlands and bows and even have cheerful holiday music for Guests to enjoy. Jay Sanderson, Assistant Animal Operations Manager of Tri-Circle-D Ranch, told Disney Parks Blog that it’s not at all unusual to hear, “Oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh … Hey! Jingle bells! Jingle bells!” coming from the sleighs as they wind their way through Mother Nature’s own holiday green.
During the 25 minute ride, Guests will take in the unspoiled beauty of the woodsy landscape surrounding Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground while sitting comfortably in their horse drawn carriage. As an added bonus, the sleigh passes by the campsites which are, oftentimes, elaborately decorated by the Guests staying there.
Campground decorated for Christmas – photo by Jennifer Gorum
At the end of the ride, Guests will be presented with a special limited-edition pin created specifically for this event. The sleigh ride is a great way to take in the sights, sounds and smells of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground that might have otherwise been missed.
If your itinerary allows, spend some time at the Tri-Circle-D Ranch to see where the horses live and get up close and personal with them.
The cost of the ride is $79 per sleigh. Sleighs can accommodate a group of up to 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 small children. These special Horse Drawn Excursion – Holiday Sleigh Rides will run November 27 through December 30.
DIStracted Tip: Due to the seasonal nature of this experience, reservations are strongly recommended! If you are currently planning your 2015 holiday vacation, then make your reservation by calling (407) WDW-PLAY, or (407) 939-7529.
Holiday sleigh rides depart from the main entrance of Crockett’s Tavern at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground every 30 minutes and are offered nightly during the month of December. (Excerpts from the Walt Disney World Resort website.)
DIStracted Tip: The sleighs do go out in a light rain, but the ride may be canceled during inclement weather.
Is a Holiday Sleigh Ride on your “things-to-do” list? We’d love to hear your thoughts and comments!
I will have to look into doing this on our first night in December.
George and I so wanted to do this our last trip but we just couldn’t find time. Great article as always Lisa!
Sorry but coming from Vermont our sleighs do not have wheels and there is snow on the ground. I enjoyed your article but would not be able to do this.
Looks like a fun way to spend an evening in Disney for Christmas! I would totally be game for that if I ever find myself back in Disney around the holidays. Thanks for sharing – I was not aware this was offered.
This is awesome!! I would love to do this.