Trying Horse

Throughout my 20 years of visiting Disney World, I've stayed at Port Orleans Resort – Riverside twice and visited multiple times. But it wasn't until my most recent staycation at the resort that I saw

Throughout my 20 years of visiting Disney World, I've stayed at Port Orleans Resort – Riverside twice and visited multiple times.

But it wasn't until my most recent staycation at the resort that I saw other guests riding in horse-drawn carriages and wanted to reserve a trip for myself.

Although walk-ups are accepted, the popular attraction has limited openings. Making a reservation on the My Disney Experience app or the Disney World website about two months in advance is highly recommended.

The rides last 25 minutes and are offered daily between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tickets cost $55, but I paid $50 because of my annual passholder discount.

I wanted to secure one of the earlier reservations so I could take photos and have good views of the resort. Luckily, I was able to snag a 5:30 p.m. slot after a couple of days of trying.

When I first saw the carriage, I was nervous about stepping into it since I was wearing high heels. I managed, but a step stool would've eased the process.

A downside is that these rides aren't completely accessible to guests in wheelchairs. The Disney World website reads, "Guests using a wheelchair must be able to step up into the carriage."

It was just me and my sister on the ride, but the carriages can accommodate up to four adults or two adults and three children.

The seats had very comfortable cushions, and my back didn't hurt at all during the ride.

The coachman was very open to questions, so I asked him about the horses and resorts.

He told me there's a mix of 20 Clydesdale, Percheron, and Belgian horses that rotate through carriage rides daily. The horse that transported us across the resort was named Cal.

Our coachman also mentioned that the employees have to have equestrian backgrounds before they're trained by Disney to conduct the rides.

Although our carriage started in Riverside Resort, about 2/3 of it took place at Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter. I didn't mind because the resort had beautiful buildings, cobblestone streets, and magnolia blossoms.

It was fun to observe the unsuspecting guests at French Quarter's main pool when they saw our carriage pass through the area.

Disney offers its guests many ways to get around the property for free, including by boat.

Several boats were transporting guests on the Sassagoula River to Disney Springs, and I enjoyed waving to the other guests as they passed by.

Since we arrived back at the starting location early, our coachman didn't rush us when we were taking last-minute photos before heading out. He even offered to take one of us sitting in the carriage together.

Even though the next party was waiting for their ride, we were allowed to finish the full 25-minute experience that we paid for, which was nice.

For $50, the horse-drawn carriage was a worthwhile attraction.

Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort also offers carriage rides year-round and "sleigh" rides during the holiday season.

You don't have to be staying at the resorts to book a ride, so it's a great opportunity for those who want to experience them without spending hundreds of dollars a night.

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Trying Horse