Flying W Ranch

We were here for Fire on the Prarie and stayed a couple of nights while having the cowboy experience. Josh and Gwen were very accommodating even though the weather didn’t cooperate. We took our nephew for a dude ranch experience and he had a blast. He definitely enjoyed and wanted more horseback experience. Our hosts were very conscientious of our inexperience with horses and matched us with perfect mounts. I really had a great time!

I never write reviews, but I thought my experience warranted a posting. Our family spent over 6k in travel last year and last Saturday I sent a request via email to the guest services to discuss a group rate for a large family of 6. I wanted the kids to have a diversion away from the techno gear they so cherish. The annual Flint Hills Rodeo seemed like a perfect learning experience for them to participate in, and the Flying W seemed like a perfect place to stay for the 3 day event. I have received no response in 5 days after 2 follow up emails, and 4 phone calls that have yet to be returned. I finally called the number listed on the Rodeo’s Website to see how much tickets would run for the events, no one answered there either? Have traveled all over the country to see Battleships to Mountain Tops, staying in hundreds of Cabins to 5* Hotels, for more than 20yrs, and have never waited nearly a week for a response from a lodge, Hotel, or Resort. My final email requested information on other weekends they may have vacancies available if their booked for this event? No Response. I found it peculiar that the Rodeo does not post any pictures, any schedule of planned events, nothing except a number to call for tickets? It has come to my understanding, that this event though listed as a premier showcase for what the state of Kansas has to offer, is in actuality more an unspoken, «By Invitation Only» event. I understand the desire to preserve something, and avoid commercial interests to take over what they cherish, but have the courtesy to answer your emails or return phone calls to inquires. A polite were fully booked, and were not able to discount our rates for groups because of factor x. Don’t ignore people in this day and age. Word of Mouth takes on a whole new perspective when Technology is at everyone’s fingertips. Since I did say in a self deprecating manner «I would understand if you didn’t reply,» I guess their off the hook, but I didn’t think they would actually take that seriously? I tend to give people more information than they might want, or need. but I swallowed my pride and believed under the circumstances, I could try and ask for some assistance on a rate. They posted a $ 200.00 rate which would have ran $ 1200.00 for the 6 of us 3 of which were kids under 8. We had just taken our two nieces and a nephew under our roof unexpectedly. This has placed us in extraordinarily circumstance, watching our dollars very close. We only had our youngest son under our roof prior, we were comfortable but hardly affluent. We were looking for some great way to take their minds off all the change in their lives and ours as well. We have instead decided to take the kids to Worlds of Fun this weekend. Its not the Ranch, but then again we always feel welcome at WOF. We hold Season Passes and someone returns calls and responds to emails promptly and courteously. Maybe its best that things turned out this way? If you don’t take the time to greet prospective customers or guests in a timely manner, how long will you be waiting for a request when you actually stay there? Food for Thought. As for myself and my family I think we’ll «Steer Clear» of this Ranch, their are dozens of events that we attend regularly and thought we might add this one to the mix, sadly most places we cherish aren’t available in Kansas. We would advise others to get everything promised in writing confirmed by email before you swipe that credit card, that is if your able to actually receive a response to your inquiry in the first place. Sincerely,
Tracy Bell
Lyndon Kansas

A wonderful experience was had by this group if 7 Kansas City female «drovers.»
It was a spectacular day with the owners, Josh, Gwen and Josie Hoy taking great care of us during the 4 hours of our long horn cattle drive. Food was really good but I must say Gwen ‘s attention to the details of our mounts, the landscape and how to’s was so comforting and fun!