Shawn,
Your wish is our command!
As it happens, the simplest way to get to and from the
Magic Kingdom Theme Park to the
Tri-Circle-D-Ranch and Trail's End Restaurant is by boat!
If you were to look at the interactive map on the Walt Disney World website, it makes it appear that the ranch is located at the southern end of the Fort Wilderness area. However, it is actually just a very short walk (1/4 mile, 1/2 kilometer) from the boat dock at Fort Wilderness, which is located at the northern end. My girls and I have enjoyed visiting the ranch residents before dining at the
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, and have also made special trips just for the pony rides.
Trail's End Restaurant is located right there too, by the ranch and the boat dock. All you want to do is hop on the boat from the Magic Kingdom park to Fort Wilderness. You will find it docked right outside the Magic Kingdom park entrance. It will likely make a stop at
Disney's Wilderness Lodge first, but it will get you where you are going. When you are done with horseback riding your dinner is just a few feet away, and then you can hop on that same boat back to the Magic Kingdom!
BONUS TIP #1You are just a simple boat ride away from dinner and horseback riding. Fantastic! But if you have any extra time on your hands between riding and dinner, consider visiting the nearby
Settlement Trading Post. This resort store has some really fun souvenirs, including resort-specific shirts.
BONUS TIP #2The boat ride should take about 15 minutes, but of course you may also have to wait for your boat to arrive at either dock. I would give yourself at least 30 minutes for the trip, maybe more for the return trip, so that you don't miss your reservations or the show.
Have a Magical Vacation!
Doug