Fort Wilderness – A Different Kind of Disney!

​“On the road, again – I just can’t wait to get on the road again!”
 
If you’re looking for an amazing adventure, and see Walt Disney World through a whole new lens—I totally recommend a visit to Fort Wilderness!!  With so many options, Fort Wilderness is truly a community in itself – it’s a culture within itself, it’s Disney – a different way!

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Checking in and setting up 
No matter what type of camper you are – pop up tent, RV, or even a Cabin – there's a place for you at Walt Disney World's Fort Wilderness Campsites!!!

 
Loops:  Your Campsite or Cabin will be situated in a “Loop” throughout the property.   With some “Loops” being closer to many amenities (a favorite is the new “Meadow” location) – all have amazing scenery

 

PRO TIP!   When reserving your site – be sure to advise Disney if you are traveling with pets, as you would need to request a “Pet Loop”.   You will also need to bring documentation of recent vaccinations for your fur baby, as well as be prepared for a small fee attached to your reservation.
 
 
When you arrive at your site, take some time to set up and then explore!   If you need help, cast members will drive their golf cart down and help (even if you need help backing into your spot). ​​

​Keeping Clean!
The Comfort Stations, located throughout Fort Wilderness, are both heated and have AC – so no worries about temperature changes as you shower.  Each station has showers, sinks, outlets, mirrors, hooks for robes/ bags, bathrooms and baby changing stations. While there are windows, allowing natural light in, these remain closed to prevent bugs from coming in.  Each campsite loop has one bathhouse (sometimes two) and each loop has own trash receptacles. 
 
Every Comfort Station even has its own laundry facility – that works with the My Disney Experience app. You can download and watch your machine while you’re at the parks.  There are typically six machines and six dryers in every facility.  3 toilet stalls, 3 sinks and 3 showers / opposite for men and women. ​​​

​PRO TIP:  Don’t forget your Magic Bands if you run to the bathroom in the middle of the night; both the Comfort Station and Laundry Facilities  require Magic Band access – added security in the middle of the night!

​When to go to the parks?
The perfect part about a stay at Fort Wilderness is the flexibility;
-  You can spend the morning super slow, with breakfast at your site,

                                 OR

-  treat yourself to a buffet at Trails End (rated by Disney Cast Members as the BEST buffet on property!).  Then, hit the parks in the afternoon!
 
                                                                                                         OR
 
- Get up early and grab some yummies from "P & J's Takeout to get a jump start in the parks!!

How to Spend your Days?
While visiting the theme parks is often people’s #1 reason to visit Disney – a “Fort Wilderness” Disney trip adds so much more! 

• Bike Riding:  take your bikes and ride around the many trails
• Munchies:  In the heat of the day – totally hop into a golf cart to ride up to the Meadow or Settlement Trading post for a Mickey Bar.  
• Movie Night! Movies under the stars viewing the massive screen provided by Disney (They have often had a chuck wagon with appetizers:  chicken nuggets and French fries).
• Trail Rides:  Take a time out to stroll along the trails of Fort Wilderness and visit the amazing horses at Tri Circle Ranch (my daughter's favorite part of the day!
• Water Pageant and Fireworks:  At night the water pageant comes by; you can drive a golf cart and park close to the beach, or go out on the dock and watch.  The music is run throughout the camp grounds.  Disney also pipes in music from the fireworks for the Magic Kingdom
• Water fun:  When it’s hot, you can rent pontoon boats, or enjoy fishing excursions at the marina.  There are even canoe rides with life jackets available for kids and adults; with no time restraints, you can take your time and go slow
  • REMINDER:  all fishing excursions on Walt Disney World property are catch and release!)

​There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays!!!!
And OF COURSE – no one does the holidays like Disney – and Fort Wilderness adds a special touch. 
 
The campsites are decorated by both Disney AND the guests themselves!  Some campers reserve a site for weeks – so the decorations can remain up for everyone to enjoy!

PRO TIP:  If you're thinking of visiting Fort Wilderness at the holidays, be sure to reserve your campsite WELL in advance.  These are very popular locations – regular campers love to set up their area for a month to enjoy their time!
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With so many magical activities at Walt Disney World – Fort Wilderness is a way to slow down and enjoy them all at your own pace! ​

So much love to the Hatch Family for sharing their most magical memories of their stays at Walt Disney World’s Fort Wilderness!!!