HITS Ocala Horse Show + Disney World VIP Tour: The Perfect Florida Combo
Competing at HITS Ocala? Disney World is just 90 minutes away. Here's how equestrian families combine the HITS Ocala circuit with a private Disney VIP tour — and why it's one of the best family trips in Florida.
If your family competes on the HITS Ocala circuit, you already know the drill: weeks in Florida, long days at the showgrounds, and the constant question from non-riding family members — "Can we please go to Disney?"
The answer is yes. And with a Magic VIP Tours private guide, you can do it right.
Disney World is 90 minutes from HITS Ocala on the Florida Turnpike. Equestrian families make this trip every year — but most of them do it the hard way, fighting crowds and waiting in lines after an already exhausting show week. Here's how to do it properly.
About HITS Ocala
HITS (Horse Shows in the Sun) Ocala is one of the premier hunter/jumper show circuits in the United States. Held at the HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala, Florida, the circuit runs from January through April — prime season for Florida tourism and Disney crowds.
The HITS Ocala circuit includes:
- Hunter/Jumper divisions from short stirrup through Grand Prix
- Equitation classes at all levels
- USEF-rated shows throughout the circuit
- Grand Prix events with significant prize money
- Classes for young riders, amateurs, and professionals
Families travel from across the country — and many stay in the Ocala/Gainesville area for weeks at a time. Disney World is a natural add-on for the non-riding days.
Why Equestrian Families Love the HITS + Disney Combo
The Timing Is Perfect
HITS Ocala runs January through April — the same window when Disney World is at its most manageable. January and February are among the least crowded months at Disney. March brings spring break crowds, but a VIP tour handles that easily.
Non-Riding Family Members Need Something to Do
Let's be honest: horse shows are long days for the non-riders. Spouses, siblings, and grandparents who aren't involved in the equestrian world spend a lot of time waiting. A Disney day gives everyone something to look forward to.
Your Rider Deserves a Break Too
Even competitive riders need a day off from the barn. A Disney VIP tour is the perfect reset — fun, low-stress, and completely different from the showgrounds. Your rider comes back refreshed.
The Drive Is Easy
Ocala to Disney World is a straightforward 90-minute drive on the Florida Turnpike. No flights, no complicated logistics. Leave after morning barn chores, spend the day at Disney, drive back in the evening.
Planning Your HITS + Disney Day
When to Go
The best days for a Disney visit during HITS Ocala are Mondays and Tuesdays — typically the lightest competition days on the circuit. Check your show schedule and identify a day with minimal or no classes.
If you're doing a multi-week circuit stay, plan your Disney day for the middle of your trip — after you've settled in but before the final week's competition pressure builds.
Which Park to Choose
For a one-day visit from Ocala, we recommend Magic Kingdom as the priority. It's the most iconic, has the most to do, and delivers the biggest "Disney magic" moments. If you have two days, add EPCOT for the second visit.
Book Your VIP Tour in Advance
HITS Ocala season overlaps with Disney's busy winter/spring period. Book your Magic VIP Tours guide 6–8 weeks in advance to secure your preferred date.
What a VIP Tour Looks Like for Equestrian Families
Skip Every Line
Your private guide uses Disney's VIP Tour access to get your family on attractions through dedicated entrances. No standby waits. No Lightning Lane purchases. You walk on.
On a 7-hour tour, equestrian families typically experience 12–15 major attractions — rides that would take 2–3 full days to hit on your own during busy season.
A Relaxed, Unhurried Day
Equestrian families tend to appreciate a well-organized, unhurried experience — and that's exactly what a VIP tour delivers. No rushing, no stress, no standing in lines. Your guide handles everything; you just enjoy the day.
Flexible Scheduling
Need to be back at the barn by 6 PM for evening feeding? No problem. We build the tour around your schedule. Morning barn chores done by 9 AM? We can start the tour at 11 AM and have you back by 7 PM.
The Whole Family, Together
VIP tours work beautifully for multi-generational equestrian families. Grandparents who can't handle long walks get priority access and minimal standing. Young riders who've been in the saddle all week get a fun, active day. Everyone wins.
Sample Itinerary: HITS Ocala Family Disney Day
7:00 AM — Morning barn check and feeding at HITS Post Time Farm
9:00 AM — Drive to Disney World (90 minutes)
10:30 AM — Arrive at Magic Kingdom; meet your Magic VIP Tours guide
10:45 AM — Tron Lightcycle Run (walk-on during Early Park Entry)
11:15 AM — Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (walk-on)
11:45 AM — Big Thunder Mountain + Splash Mountain
12:30 PM — Lunch at Be Our Guest Restaurant
1:30 PM — Haunted Mansion + Pirates of the Caribbean
2:30 PM — Character meet-and-greet
3:00 PM — Space Mountain + Buzz Lightyear
4:00 PM — Jungle Cruise + Liberty Square Riverboat
5:00 PM — Souvenir shopping, dessert at Main Street Bakery
5:30 PM — Drive back to Ocala
7:00 PM — Back at the barn for evening check
That's 10+ attractions, a character meet, and a sit-down lunch — all in a comfortable day that gets you back to the barn on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is HITS Ocala from Disney World?
HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala is approximately 90 miles from Walt Disney World — about a 90-minute drive on the Florida Turnpike (I-75 to FL-91).
What are the best days to visit Disney during HITS Ocala?
Mondays and Tuesdays are typically the lightest competition days. Check your specific show schedule. January and February weekdays are the least crowded times at Disney.
Can we do a VIP tour with a large group?
Yes. VIP tours accommodate groups of up to 10 guests. For larger equestrian families or groups traveling together, we can arrange multiple guides.
Do we need to stay at a Disney resort?
No. Day visitors are welcome at all Disney parks. You'll purchase day tickets and meet your guide at the park entrance. Disney resort guests get Early Park Entry, but day visitors can still have an excellent experience with a VIP guide.
How far in advance should we book?
For HITS Ocala season (January–April), book 6–8 weeks in advance. January and February dates fill up quickly.
Make Your Florida Horse Show Trip Unforgettable
HITS Ocala is one of the best show circuits in the country. Disney World is one of the best family destinations in the world. Combining them — with a private VIP guide — makes for a Florida trip that your whole family will talk about for years.
Get a free quote for your equestrian family VIP tour →
Call us at (888) 50-GOVIP. We work with equestrian families every season and know exactly how to make the HITS + Disney combo work perfectly.
Ready to skip every line?
Get your Disney or Universal VIP Tour quote in 5 minutes
Explore Topics
Written by
mckenzie-r
Magic VIP Tours Team
Expert travel writer sharing insider tips on Disney World and Universal Orlando VIP tours.