Fort Wilderness Resort
Want to rough it at Walt Disney World? Or just go a little “rustic”? The Fort Wilderness Resort might just be the resort for you!
Where can you spend your morning fishing, your afternoon stretched out on a sandy white beach, enjoy a four-star dinner show, and then close out your evening with a 45-minute carriage ride beneath fireworks? You got it — Walt Disney World’s Fort Wilderness Resort!
As one of the original resorts gracing Florida’s Disney theme parks (it opened just after Magic Kingdom way back in 1971), Fort Wilderness boasts everything from the most basic campsites, to hookup campsites, to family friendly cabins. It’s a fantastic option for families that either don’t fit into the standard 4-person plans (cabins sleep up to 6) or want to bring along their RV, their extended families — even the dog! Yes, Fort Wilderness is the only pet-welcome resort on property. With prices starting at about $50 per night (basic campsites during value seasons) and capping out at over $450 per night (preferred cabins during the peak travel times), there’s also something for virtually every budget.
In the event something gets left at home, two trading posts onsite will have everything from the basic necessities (toothpaste, sunblock) to souvenirs (t-shirts, toys), and food items for happy campers — even camping essential like propane gas and tarps! Stuck in the cabin on a rainy night? Stop by the trading post for a DVD rental and microwave popcorn, then tuck the little ones in early so they’re ready for Animal Kingdom the next day!
Dining options at Fort Wilderness Resort are plentiful and can easily cover different dining tastes: There’s an old-fashioned dinner show (Hoop De Doo Revue with truly fantastic all-your-care-to-eat family-style meal that includes chicken, ribs, corn bread…and everything else to make it delicious!), Crockett’s Tavern in the resort’s Pioneer Hall (think sandwiches and such), the Trail’s End Restaurant (a buffet that even includes pizza delivery, should you choose to stay at your campsite), and last but not least is Mickey’s Backyard Barbecue (buffet style picnic dinner complete with a band that plays country music while the characters rock out on the dance floor). And let’s not forget the Chuck Wagon and the Meadows snack bar by the pool — lots of tasty treats can be picked up at either place for a quick bite.
The amenities at Fort Wilderness are vast and varied: check out the Tri-Circle D ranch for some horseback riding, or maybe fishing at any of the campground waterways (as well as the cruise that’s available for booking at Bay Lake, for more dedicated fishermen). There’s volleyball, tennis courts, archery, tons of water options from basic kayaks to pontoon rentals, carriage rides, basketball court, tetherball court…and then there are the two beautiful pools (the main pool at the Meadows has a themed water slide, a smaller pool near the campgrounds is more of the “quiet” variety). Take your favorite four-legged friend to the onsite dog park (aptly named “Waggin’ Trails”). But no matter what, be sure to take time for the daily campfire/singalong at the Meadows Trading Post. Of all the activities this is not to be missed; Chip and Dale arrive to lead the singalong, smores supplies and snacks are sold at the Chuck Wagon (or feel free to bring your own), and then a Disney movie plays at dusk.
It should be known that Fort Wilderness is home to a large number of critters and creatures: sightings of everything from everyday squirrels to peacocks to deer and rabbits are commonplace, especially when traveling on the transportation available to all four parks and Downtown Disney — and at Fort Wilderness, in addition to the standard shuttles, families have the opportunity to travel by boat, too, when headed toward the Magic Kingdom.
Like the idea of roughing it even at the Happiest Place on Earth? Fort Wilderness might just be the place for you! And remember, we are always happy to answer questions about any of Walt Disney World’s amazing resorts !
Happy Trails, and as Mickey would say, see you real soon!
Nicole Courson
Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
staging.mickeytravels.com
(412)735-6131
ncourson@mickeytravels.com
Making Magic One Vacation at a Time…
