Paul the Percheron
by Jennifer Marx

Fort Wilderness Resort—Fort Wilderness is a respite from the bustle of the parks, offering canoeing, boating, fishing excursions, biking, tennis, horseback trail rides, horse-drawn carriage rides, wagon rides, and a back trail adventure on Segways (see tours on page 272–page 273). You can also visit the horse barn (pony rides cost $4, and are for guests ages 2+, 45 inches or less, 80 lbs. or less), blacksmith shop, and a nightly campfire program (with character visits and free movies). The 45-minute guided trail ride is another hidden gem—we really enjoyed our horseback ride! Cost is $46 for ages 9+ (guests must be at least 48” tall and under 250 lb.). Phone 407-824-2832 for trail ride reservations (recommended). For more information on Fort Wilderness, see page 65.

Health Clubs & Spas—Many of the deluxe resorts have Disney-owned health clubs with exercise equipment—some even offer massage treatments, steam rooms, and saunas. Use of a fitness center (excluding treatments) is complimentary to resort guests or $12/day/person for non-resort guests. If you’ve got relaxation in mind, we recommend the remodeled and re-branded Senses spas at the Saratoga Springs and Grand Floridian resorts. These world-class, full-service centers offer many beauty and wellness treatments, nutrition and fitness counseling, and lots of pampering. Call 407-WDW-SPAS (407-939-7727), or visit their web site at https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/spas/senses.

Tennis—Tennis enthusiasts will find tennis courts at most of Disney’s deluxe resorts, Fort Wilderness, Swan and Dolphin, and Shades of Green. For more information, call 407-939-7529.

Disney Nature Reserve—The Nature Conservancy runs this 12,000-acre hiking haven at the headwaters of the Everglades. For information, visit http://www.nature.org.