As part of a media event celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue at Walt Disney World we had the opportunity to interview Bruce Miller, the Zoo or Ranch manager at Tri-Circle-D Ranch in Walt Disney World’s Fort Wilderness and take a ride on a horse drawn wagon led by two beautiful draft horses. We also took a brief tour of the horse exhibit at the barn including a 1907 Calliope still in use today by the Walt Disney Company.
During the talk from Bruce, we met Kahn, a Black Percheron and one of the horses used in the Headless Horseman performance in Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. You might also encounter one on Main Street USA pulling the trolley. Or if you’re really lucky, at a special event pulling the 1907 Calliope as part of a team of horses.
The draft horses at the Tri-Circle-D Ranch are also used for Horse-drawn wagon rides. If you want a ride, they depart from Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort Pioneer Hall at 7 and 9:30 p.m. nightly. No reservation required.
A big thanks to Bruce and his team at Tri-Circle-D Ranch for the hospitality and the very informative talk. It was a fascinating look into an under-explored area of Walt Disney World for sure. Fort Wilderness is just a short boat ride from the Magic Kingdom, definitely worth exploring on your next Walt Disney World vacation.
Have you ever explored the Tri-Circle-D Ranch? What was your favorite part?
This is great. Our family and I are avid Disney fans! I don’t think we have ever taken the time to see the horses like this. Great post!
It’s easy to miss these great hidden attractions in Central Florida with the focus always being on the main theme parks. Thanks for sharing. I have now added a visit to Tri-Circle D Ranch to my “someday list” Cheers!
When I stay at Wilderness Lodge I run the jogging trail between the Lodge and the Fort and it comes out right next to Tri Circle D. One of my favorite things to do.
The Tri-Circle D is an often forgotten gem at WDW. I haven’t been there in years!
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