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!

, Horsin’ Around at Walt Disney World’s Tri-Circle-D Ranch

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.

, Horsin’ Around at Walt Disney World’s Tri-Circle-D Ranch
Merida riding at a Magic Kingdom Character Cavalcade.

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.

, Horsin’ Around at Walt Disney World’s Tri-Circle-D Ranch
Carriage rides through Port Orleans Resorts as well as Fort Wilderness

, Horsin’ Around at Walt Disney World’s Tri-Circle-D Ranch 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.

, Horsin’ Around at Walt Disney World’s Tri-Circle-D Ranch
The original Tri-Circle-D Ranch building is still used for trail rides.

, Horsin’ Around at Walt Disney World’s Tri-Circle-D Ranch

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.

, Horsin’ Around at Walt Disney World’s Tri-Circle-D Ranch

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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., Horsin’ Around at Walt Disney World’s Tri-Circle-D Ranch, Horsin’ Around at Walt Disney World’s Tri-Circle-D Ranch, Horsin’ Around at Walt Disney World’s Tri-Circle-D Ranch

In addition to pictures of Walt with horses, there are also pictures of horses in the parks., Horsin’ Around at Walt Disney World’s Tri-Circle-D Ranch, Horsin’ Around at Walt Disney World’s Tri-Circle-D Ranch

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.

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Wedding Harness Room

The Wedding Harness Room displays some of the beautiful harnesses used., Horsin’ Around at Walt Disney World’s Tri-Circle-D Ranch, Horsin’ Around at Walt Disney World’s Tri-Circle-D Ranch

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., Horsin’ Around at Walt Disney World’s Tri-Circle-D Ranch

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This horse is being taken to get cleaned up.
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They wash the horses out in the open.

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Not all of the stalls are accessible to guests, allowing the horses to have private time as well., Horsin’ Around at Walt Disney World’s Tri-Circle-D Ranch

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.

, Horsin’ Around at Walt Disney World’s Tri-Circle-D Ranch
They make it easy with a little landing to transfer onto the pony.

We paid to go around the loop twice. It took about a little less than 15 minutes, including being able to stop for photos.

, Horsin’ Around at Walt Disney World’s Tri-Circle-D Ranch

, Horsin’ Around at Walt Disney World’s Tri-Circle-D Ranch
Easy on, easy off.

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, Horsin’ Around at Walt Disney World’s Tri-Circle-D Ranch
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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? 

, Horsin’ Around at Walt Disney World’s Tri-Circle-D Ranch

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Laura Gonzalez
Laura is a recent transplant to the Orlando area. She grew up going to Disneyland and now proudly owns an annual pass to Walt Disney World. In her free time, you can find her in one of the many theme parks, the Central Florida beaches or traveling with her family. Family vacation planning is her thing! Follow Laura on Instagram @laurajgonzalez10 and @jwlovesdisney