Walt Disney World's Sleepy Hollow Halloween Hayride at Fort Wilderness

When people think about Walt Disney World, they don't usually think about hayrides during the Halloween season. Which is why Walt Disney World's Sleepy Hollow Hayride at Fort Wilderness remains one of Walt Disney World's best kept secrets. Taking guests on a hayride complete with an encounter with the Headless Horseman, this low-key "attraction" is a far cry from Disney World's more advanced technological wonders.

Guests are taken from the loading area into the woods of Fort Wilderness as a ghostly storyteller hitches a ride with the group. As you make your way to the "tavern," which is regularly alluded to during the ride, you encounter Ichabod Crane himself. Ladies, fair warning: Ichabod Crane Disney-style is not even close to Tim Burton's Ichabod Crane portrayed by Johnny Depp. Disappointing, I know.

As the group and Ichabod must decide whether to go the "right" or "wrong" way along the path, Ichabod takes the right way, parting company with the group as, of course, you'll be taking the wrong way. Soon, coming upon the schoolhouse to which Ichabod was making his way, we see a ghostly figure in the distance. Gasp! Who could it be? It's the Headless Horseman, of course.

This portion of the hayride allows you to see a great view of the Headless Horseman running parallel to the wagon, holding aloft his "blazing" pumpkin.

However, it's as you near the cemetery, just when you think you've lost your pursuer, that you get a true close encounter with the Hessian. Seeing the tell-tale signs of a struggle with Ichabod, the Headless Horseman appears and pursues the wagon. Those in the back of the wagon get an up close and personal encounter with the horse and his Horseman which is a fairly bewitching sight.

The Halloween Hayride at Walt Disney World makes for a perfect outing for the Halloween season and the atmosphere is so different from that of the rest of the Walt Disney World Resort that you might find yourself wondering if you're even in the same place.

For adults, the hayride will be all in good fun. There's nothing truly scary about the ride save for those unaccustomed to dark, wooded areas and perhaps those with a fear of horses. However, younger children might find the ride a bit unsettling.

Those worried about actual hay in the wagon can rest easy. The wagon is hay free so you won't have to struggle with allergies outside of those that might occur due to the surrounding trees. Also, the horses are magnificent in both size and beauty, but make sure you ask the attendants if it's okay to pet them as some horses do spook easily.

If you're interested in attending the Sleepy Hollow Hayride, you'd be advised to get to Fort Wilderness' Kennel early in the morning as there are no advance ticket sales and tickets do sell out quickly. Fort Wilderness only holds six rides every evening, so there's a limited amount of space available.

Tickets are $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for ages nine and under. This is a Halloween season only event. 2007 select dates begin intermittently on October 10th through the 31st. Make sure to call Fort Wilderness at 407-824-2900 and ask for specific dates and time. Inclement weather will cause that day's hayride to be canceled.

Also, watch your head while you're out and about in the woods of Fort Wilderness. Cheesy joke? Absolutely.