Celebrating the New Tri-Circle-D Ranch, Home to Heritage and Happy Horses

Dr. Mark Penning

by , Vice President, Animals, Science and Environment, Disney Parks

With the phased reopening of our Disney Resort hotels at Walt Disney World Resort, we’re excited to welcome guests back to the campground with a fresh new barn at Tri-Circle-D Ranch. Our animal care team continues to take great care of our horses, and are thrilled to share this magnificent milestone at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.

Tri-Circle-D Ranch has a long history of housing “The Happiest Horses on Earth,” as it was part of Walt’s vision to bring horses to Magic Kingdom Park much like he did in Disneyland. Tri-Circle-D Ranch was established before opening day of Walt Disney World Resort, making his wish come true. 

Back in August, we shared that our horses and ranch team were receiving a beautifully enhanced new barn, with plenty of space for play time, pony rides and more. The new stable features larger stalls for the horses, including 10 additional stalls – all equipped with automatic water stations. The barn is more than twice the size of the original barn with two tack rooms, a wedding harness room showcasing tack for Cinderella’s ponies and the return of the museum dedicated to Walt’s love of horses. 

Along with the museum, our horses themselves brought an iconic piece of Disney history back to the barn—the 1907 Dragon Calliope. Walt Disney purchased the horse-drawn musical wagon for Disneyland Park in the 1950s, and it is currently on display at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Watch the horse-powered move below:

But that’s not all that’s new at Tri-Circle-D Ranch! Last week, we shared the newest addition to our animal collection, Violet, a pony foal born right here at the new stable. Violet is already finding her independence as she plays around in the pastures and enjoys running around with her mom, Elsa, for some quality bonding time.

The ranch is a quick trot away from its original location, just around the corner from the bus loop by Pioneer Hall. To learn more about horses and many of the other animals in our care, visit DisneyAnimals.com.

Comments

  • I am trying to get information for employment at the Sri-Circle-D Barn. Years of experience with assisting riders, care of horses and working barn maintenance. When I go to the employment site for Walt Disney, I cannot find the correct area of interest. The only thing close is Science/Animal Care; which I assume is for inside the parks. Please let me know which avenue to send resume to! Thank you!

  • I loved visiting the old barn and can’t wait to see the new. I would’ve been so nervous if I were the driver of the calliope!

  • Last Spring 2019 we were at the Ranch before it all was being done over. We hope this September we might be able to mosey on over before Trails End…hoping Trails End finds a way to offer their delicious food. We look forward to seeing the ponies and horses in their beautiful new home! Just gorgeous!!!

  • The calliope is beautiful. Does it still play?

  • What a beautiful story! Thank you so much for sharing. A true Disney Magic Moment!

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