Outside the Parks: Taken for a Ride

There are many things at the Walt Disney World Resort that I want to experience. One of those things were the surrey bikes found at most Moderate, Deluxe, and Home Away from Home resorts. On our last trip, my family and I finally got to scratch it off our list.

Staying at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa, we headed down to Horsing Around Rentals to rent our Surrey Bike. We chose a 4 seat surrey bike for our adventure.

There were six of us, my mother, father, husband, son, daughter and I. After pulling our red Surrey bike from the pack, my father was given his "driving" instructions. The kids were placed in the front baskets and given their own bell ringing instructions. We all hopped into postions, were given final rules and course to follow, then, we were off.

Our strategy for renting a surrey bike at the Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa was that the course was flat and not that long. I must say, the course is not as flat as it seems. Actually, there are a lot more "small inclines" than we thought. Thankfully, we didn't do this at the Disney's Boardwalk Resort, like we had planned to every time we stayed there. We probably would have left the bike at the base of the large hill (you all know the one I'm talking about), and walked back to our room.

We left Horsing Around Rentals, rode past the DVC preview location, and headed towards the Congress Park section of the resort. We crossed the road and started around the lake. About halfway around the lake, we were exhausted and had to take a break. After a quick rest and a few excuses for our poor preformance, we continued on. It would have been easy for us to cross the bridge and cut the trip short, but the bridge is off limits to the surrey bikes. So, we reluctantly pushed on to finish the course.

The rental was for a 1/2 an hour, which translated (according to the Cast Member) to two trips around the resort. Let's just say we made it around once, then, we were done.

After we returned our bike, my kids tried out the single bikes. Each were given a helmet and their choice of a bike. They each got a bike equipped with training wheels (in their color choice), and off they went.

We followed the same course around the lake. We made a stop at the quiet pool (between the Paddock and Springs sections) and let the kids play on the playground. After a little climbing and sliding, the kids were back on their bikes and ready to hit the trail again. We decided to make a quick stop at our hotel room and change into our bathing suits. Pool attire and accessories in hand, we made our way back to Horsing Around rentals. We traded in our bikes and helmets for two very stylish (and necessary) life vests, and off to finish our day at the pool.

I know this sounds like an awful experience, but it's was actually a great one. My family joked and laughed about the ride for the rest of the day. I would even try it again next time, see if we can do better, or at least make it around the second time. My kids loved that they got to choose their own bike, and ride around the hotel. They get excited when they can go out and ride in the driveway, imagine how excited it was to ride with Walt Disney World as your backdrop.

All in all, it was a fun experience that everyone enjoyed. Okay, we enjoyed it more when the burning in our legs stopped, but more so, the time we spent together.

Surrey bikes and other rentals can be found at most Moderate, Deluxe, and Home Away from Home resorts. Prices, equipment availablity and hours may vary. Check with your front desk, concierge, or directly with the rental locations for specifics.

There's more to Walt Disney World than just theme parks, and a lot of time, the fun is just beyond your hotel room door. I advise every family to take a day, explore all that Walt Disney World has to offer...just outside the parks!

Stay tuned for more of my families experiences at the Walt Disney World Resort. So, until then... keep on strolling!