Disney’s Fort Wilderness
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This is truly a one of a kind camping experience for your family. While not your typical camping trip, it can’t be beat for location to the Walt Disney World Resorts.
There are 3 different types of campsites at this time. Standard (water and electric), Full hook up, and Preferred (FHU plus cable). The prices vary at different times of the year and the best way to get a quote is to call (407)939-6244. This campground books up quickly, especially for holidays. If you want to go during a holiday you will want start calling 500 days out. They release the sites in stages and it may take awhile to get all of the dates you want. For our next trip, I started calling 500 days out and it took about 6 weeks to piece together my trip.
There are many amenities at Fort Wilderness that are built into the campsite price.
~ The campfire program. This is offered every evening. Come up and roast marshmallows over two group campfires. (bring your own supplies or they are sold there). Sing along to some traditional Americana music and then stick around afterwards for the evening movie shown over a big screen (Always a Disney movie). There are benches with backs and plenty of bleachers. You may want to bring a cushion to sit on or a blanket to wrap up in.
~ You can see the evening fireworks from the Magic Kingdom at the Fort Wilderness beach. There is also an Electric Water Parade that goes by every evening. You can find out the times for these at check in.
~ There are daily scheduled activities for the kids, and big kids too. Dodgeball, kickball, swimming games, bingo, etc.
~ There are two pools and scattered play areas throughout the campground.
At the Bike Barn you can rent a golf cart, bikes, kayaks and canoes. I would recommend the golf cart for at least one day so you can go “looping” and check out all of the campsites. Especially over the holidays when they are all decorated.
Free Transportation to the Parks is a big benefit to staying at Fort Wilderness. You can take a boat to The Magic Kingdom, take the boat and then a monorail to get to Epcot, and then there are buses for Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios(formerly MGM) and Downtown Disney. You may have to wait a little bit for a bus, but at least you won’t have to worry about driving yourself to each park.
There is a sit down restaurant on-site, Trail’s End. It is buffet style and a bargain price compared to other Disney restaurants. Next door is Crockett’s Tavern, a great place to grab an adult beverage. There is also the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Review dinner show. Cheesy jokes and music, very good backyard style food and fun for the whole family. You will need reservations.
Fort Wilderness also has cabins available for those traveling without their RVs. They sleep up to 6 and have a kitchen and full bathroom. You can view the floor plans in the link at the end of this article.
There are two stores on-site for souvenirs and food staples. There are also grocery stores and convenience marts within a 10 minute drive. If you want to explore some of the “other” theme parks in the area, Sea World is a 20 minute drive and Universal Studios isn’t much farther than that.
In order to provide balance, I do feel the need to mention a few “cons”.
1- Most of the camp sites are narrow. As with most older campgrounds, the Fort was not designed with big rigs in mind. The loop roads can be hard to maneuver.
2-You are also not allowed to have a campfire at your site. If weather conditions permit, you can use your own fully enclosed fire pit but I wouldn’t count on that as there seems to be burn bans more often that not.
3- The cost. Let’s face it, WDW is not cheap, even if you are camping. Depending on how far you have to drive or pull your RV you may even end up spending more money that if you flew and stayed at a value resort. But then again you wouldn’t be able to sleep in your own bed or make a nice breakfast before going off into the parks.
Overall I would say Fort Wilderness is one of the nicest campgrounds we have been to. It is very clean, well run, has fully paved roads, recycling containers and even a new dog park. Here are some links with even more information.
Disney Fort Wilderness Resort Campgrounds
AllEars.net Fort Wilderness Campground Fact Sheet
For dining reservations you can call (407)WDW-DINE
Happy Camping,
Shannone
Last 5 posts by Lil'Darlin1972
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We stayed here late September 2007. Was very nice. Narrow sites for a 40′ coach and adequate. We didn’t have a toad, sister lives in Orlando & we used her car. I believe the toad needs to be unhooked as you are entering the campground after registering. If you have a trailer/5th wheel do not get close to the registration building, watch the overhang! Read reviews on other sites. Very walkable park. Good General Store. Restaurant is buffet and good. Very fun experience for us adults!
[...] Disney’s Fort Wilderness: “This is truly a one of a kind camping experience for your family. While not your typical camping trip, it can’t be beat for location to the Walt Disney World Resorts. There are 3 different types of campsites at this time. Standard (water and electric), Full hook up, and Preferred (FHU plus cable). The prices vary […]“ [...]
We stayed there several years ago. First of all, the prices are exorbitant. It’s simply too expensive for what you are actually getting.
It’s definitely nice. But there is a scattering of the better-thought-out private campgrounds around the US, that are probably just as nice. But, I would have to admit that FW probably ranks in the top 10%, at least as far as landscaping.
Also, it’s off to the edge of the main Disney complex. It’s takes a long time to travel to “The Magic Kingdom” or “Epcot”, using Disney’s public transportation. Driving from some of the private campgrounds south towards Kissimmee, to the Disney front gate, sometimes actually takes less time. The buses dropping people off inside the campground kept us awake until early morning. It was generally noisy and crowded; and the restrooms were surprisingly run-down, especially for a Disney operation. There appeared to be a lot of shabby people staying there, trying to save money, who normally wouldn’t be camping.
On our way back, we stayed at a private campground south towards Kissimmee. We paid about 1/3 the cost, and had just as good a time. We could drive to the front gate, in less time than it took to get there from Fort Wilderness.
I love the Disney attractions. There’s nothing quite like them in the world. Anyone who can’t find something to smile about in them, has to be a real grump. But they will get their hand into your wallet, at any opportunity they can. Expect to spend twice the money you originally plan to.
We stayed there two years ago and are headed back there in three weeks caravaning with our son’s family. Expensive but way less mind boggling than off site as far as crowds and transportation. Sites are rustic and beautiful with shower facilities a short walk away. Taking the boats are the only way to go especially getting home after the fireworks show.
This is our third trip to Disney Parks in less than a year. We’ve condoed it twice but love taking the motorhome better. We due take another vehicle in tow to visit surrounding attractions. Try to stay out of the pet loop if possible. Barking dogs can ruin setting out at the campsite.
…”way less mind boggling than off site as far as crowds and transportation”
On this point, I would have to disagree. At least for us, it was more difficult, time-consuming, confusing, and stressful to get from “Fort Bewilderment” to the Magic Kingdom or Epcot using Disney’s transportation system. In the morning, it was easier to drive from somewhere else, and simply go in through the main gate. As I stated; this actually took us little, if any, more time.
The feeling we got in Fort Wilderness was that a lot of the people there weren’t regular campers. It was rather notably noisy and congested. It felt “different” than a regular RV campground - not in a good way, either.
Our definite impression was that the people with RVs, just happened to own an RV that they really didn’t use very much, and were trying to save a buck (actually, many bucks!) over the hotels. A lot of people there don’t even have RVs, there were also a lot of tenters. There were even people sleeping in their cars, apparently without even a tent. Apparently, if you’re willing to pay the money, you get in.
I think that even if FW only charged the same as a private RV park (not in this life!) we would rather stay at a private RV park. This was pretty much our consensus on the return trip, so we found a private campground. It was much quieter in the private park. There was none of the crowds and confusion. The people there were more into the true RV lifestyle.
Disney World is a lot of fun, and I hope to go back again sometime. But having been there several times already, there are other things higher up on my “Bucket List” to see and do.
I think Fort Wilderness is more impressive to people that haven’t camped much at other places around the country. Fort wilderness seems to be a substitute for the real RV experience, touring the entire country, and seeing all the sights and beautiful scenery it has to offer. Like a lot of the Disney attractions, Fort Wilderness is a quick and easy imitation of the real thing. (eg -Cinderella Castle for Neuschwanstein, Epcot for a real foreign trip, etc.) There are a lot of beautiful places out there in the US. I’ll take waking up in my RV, by a clear running stream, and looking out my window to see 13,000-foot snow-capped mountains outside. But you’ll have to find it for yourself, it’s our secret spot.
There are always differing opinions about something and I can accept that but the post below not only presents a very distorted insight into Fort Wilderness but is riddled with wholesale inaccuracies :
Chris Says:
…But there is a scattering of the better-thought-out private campgrounds around the US, that are probably just as nice…
who knows what Chris means by “better thought out”
There are campgrounds that ARE just as nice - but one minor point: how many of them are across the lake from the Magic Kingdom ?
Chris Says:
Also, it’s off to the edge of the main Disney complex. It’s takes a long time to travel to “The Magic Kingdom” or “Epcot”, using Disney’s public transportation. Driving from some of the private campgrounds south towards Kissimmee, to the Disney front gate, sometimes actually takes less time.
Don’t know where to start but here goes :
1. Where is “the main Disney Complex” ? Been there 50 times - there’s no such thing.
2.It takes a long time to travel to the MK or Epcot etc., etc. NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH. FW is BETWEEN the MK and Epcot. IT IS THE CLOSEST LODGING TO BOTH FROM THE SAME PLACE. One look at the map will confirm this ! IN FACT - there is a DIRECT LAUNCH that runs from FW’S DOCK directly to the MK ! It will take you considerably more time to drive JUST from the main gate to the MK. Now add to that driving over from Kissimmee and your suggesting it’s faster ? PLUS - the launch from FW drops you off AT THE ENTRANCE to the MK. Driving from the main gate only gets you to the PARKING LOT. You now have to take a tram to either the FERRY or the MONORAIL then take one of them to the spot where the DIRECT LAUNCH from FW drops you off !
Any time you would like to race me from your campground in Kissimee to the MK I’d be happy to put up my camper against yours.
Now as to getting to EPCOT :
Hop on the DIRECT LAUNCH from FW to the MK. Now the ONLY THING CLOSER to the dock at the MK is the MONORAIL STATION where you can take the monorail directly to EPCOT.
OR - if saving maybe 10 minutes is curcial - take the OTHER LAUNCH from FW to the Contemporary [ which is CLOSER than the MK ] and take the monorail to EPCOT. [ It's one stop closer to EPCOT by about 1/2 mile.]
Want to race to EPCOT for your tow vehicle ?
Chris Says:
It was generally noisy and crowded; and the restrooms were surprisingly run-down, especially for a Disney operation. There appeared to be a lot of shabby people staying there, trying to save money, who normally wouldn’t be camping.
Again - don’t know where to start : 1.I’ve never stayed in a quieter campground and I can substantiate it. Regardless of how high the occupancy is - and we’ve been there many times when the place was DESERTED - most everyone is NOT AT THE CAMPGROUND - they’re out “at the parks” ! We’ve stayed only a few sites away from friends and not seem them for days !@ Because everyone runs off to the parks and it is so quiet we always spend at least a day or two at the campground just hanging around enjoying the peace and quiet.
2.Run down rest rooms … You have got to be kidding me ! FW has been rated at the top by ALL camping groups such as Woodalls since the day it opened. Every loop [ of 20 - 30 sites'] is a world unto its own with it’s own “comfort station” complete with immaculate laundry. They are cleaned at least twice a day by a team of 3 - 4 people. If there’s anything wrong there is a direct phone to maintenance at every comfort station.
3. …lots of shabby people staying there, TRYING TO SAVE MONEY… OK I GIVE UP - one minute the place is in your own words “exorbitant” - the next people are staying there to save money ! Maybe you should re-think this ?
“shabby people” ..who normally wouldn’t be camping. RIGHT ! Let’s see - this shabby homeless person decides to go to Disney and save some money - so - he books a reservation at “exorbitant” prices then goes out and buys an RV to stay in.
YUP - sounds like a deal to me.
FACT : There are probably more “high end” brand new rigs at FW than at all but a small number of luxury gated camping resorts. And according to Chris they’re all being driven by shabby people. Makes lots of sense.
Chris Says:
On our way back, we stayed at a private campground south towards Kissimmee. We paid about 1/3 the cost, and had just as good a time. We could drive to the front gate, in less time than it took to get there from Fort Wilderness.
First of all the “front gate” is one mile from FW. Secondly, the nearest campground to the “front gate” is about 5 miles or more. The speed limit on property between FW and the “front gate” is 50. To get there faster you would have to drive at about 260 - 270mph.
One minor point I hate to bring up :
Ok - just what do you do AT THE FRONT GATE ? Hmmmmmm … watch cars go by on their way to the MK, or EPCOT, or MGM that are all down the road from the “front gate” ?
When you get from KIssimmee to the “front gate” you still have ways to go to the parks. … and better yet … no one would ever want to go from FW to the “front gate” - because there’s NOTHING THERE !
Chris Says:
I love the Disney attractions. There’s nothing quite like them in the world. Anyone who can’t find something to smile about in them, has to be a real grump.
NO COMMENT
Wally
Chris Says:
[ ENTIRE EMAIL FROM CHRIS ]
February 20th, 2008 at 11:52 am
We stayed there several years ago. First of all, the prices are exorbitant. It’s simply too expensive for what you are actually getting.
It’s definitely nice. But there is a scattering of the better-thought-out private campgrounds around the US, that are probably just as nice. But, I would have to admit that FW probably ranks in the top 10%, at least as far as landscaping.
Also, it’s off to the edge of the main Disney complex. It’s takes a long time to travel to “The Magic Kingdom” or “Epcot”, using Disney’s public transportation. Driving from some of the private campgrounds south towards Kissimmee, to the Disney front gate, sometimes actually takes less time. The buses dropping people off inside the campground kept us awake until early morning. It was generally noisy and crowded; and the restrooms were surprisingly run-down, especially for a Disney operation. There appeared to be a lot of shabby people staying there, trying to save money, who normally wouldn’t be camping.
On our way back, we stayed at a private campground south towards Kissimmee. We paid about 1/3 the cost, and had just as good a time. We could drive to the front gate, in less time than it took to get there from Fort Wilderness.
I love the Disney attractions. There’s nothing quite like them in the world. Anyone who can’t find something to smile about in them, has to be a real grump. But they will get their hand into your wallet, at any opportunity they can. Expect to spend twice the money you originally plan to.
Drive up and down 192 and hotel rooms are 50 bucks anywhere. Why stay in a car?
We are headed to Fort Wilderness in two weeks–our second stay, and we are looking forward to it! Yes, the prices are above the “normal” or “average” for spots in private RV places. But hey, it’s Disney! So what?
I have a large Class A RV, and I had no problems backing into my site. I will admit that the sites are a bit tight from side to side, but as a previous commentator said, they are very well landscaped.
Transportation within Disney is a BIG No Problem….we rode our bikes to the bus stop every day the last time, and it was no problem to take either the bus or the ferry to our targeted park. Why fight driving into Disney and trollying through the big ol’ parking lots when the bus drops you off at the front gate, and by the way, picks you up there at the end of a long day on your feet?
In short, absent the valid complaint about being “pricey”, Fort Wilderness is a great destination if you have an RV and are doing Disney!
Disney, or WDW can be summed up very simply with this phrase.
Or at least, how we plan OUR trips there….
“WDW, it’s not a vacation………, it’s an advent.”
we know this when we plan the trip, because, your at the parks doing something ALL the time, usually all day…..
The campground is, by far, the best way to stay at WDW
I pretty much agree with the Fort Family’s response.
I first went to Disney in 1972 and started staying at Ft. Wilderness shortly thereafter. I generally go about twice a year and up to two weeks at a time, so this feels like my home away from home.
Sure, I’ll admit it is expensive, but I have also stayed at many of the other RV parks surrounding WDW, and they are not the same. Even if I am just down in Florida to go see some of the other area attractions, I will stay at Ft. Wilderness. Yes, I have had some problem neighbors over the years, but unless you complain to the staff about them, they can go unnoticed. I have seen Disney staff & security stand by while a camper packs up & leaves. The staff are fairly laid back and friendly, but they will not tolerate disruption or someone flagrantly violating the rules.
I have always found the campground to be clean & well maintained. The staff will try to oblige you if at all possible. I have come to know some of the employees at FW, many have been there 20+ years, and they can be very helpful with any problems you come across.
I have seen a lot of changes over the years in FW and WDW, some were good & some were not.
Transportation:
Years ago, the transportation around FW was the train. Even though this was neat & Disney-like, They had their problems - the noise & smell. (Faq: the Settlement Depot was the covered train stop located across the road from the Settlement bus stop, that is now used as golf car parking.) FW next went to the parking lot type trams, which were little protection against the weather - especially the rain. They next started using some of the older transportation buses (which usually had no air conditioning). Finally, they went to the new buses.
My one gripe about the system, is that they keep going back & forth on the route from Settlement to the TTC (Transportation & Ticket Center). This was the most direct route to EPCOT, since you caught the monorail from TTC to EPCOT. I have to check each time I stay at FW, to see if this route is available, otherwise you have to take the inner bus to Reception Outpost & another bus to EPCOT.
The Launch from FW to the Magic Kingdom works well. If you stay off WDW property, sure you can drive to the Magic Kingdom parking lot, but you still have to catch the ferry or monorail to get there plus probably a tram from the parking lot to get to the ferry or monorail station.
Trading Posts:
I used to never leave FW to get groceries, but now I have to in order to restock my supplies. The Meadow Trading Post used to be like a small grocery store, with a few souveniers, now it is the other way around. It even had a small fresh meat market where you could go and show them how thick you wanted that steak cut. They could make up picnic basket supplies with sandwiches and sides, so you could sit by the lake or pool & eat. Also, they had soft serve ice cream at both trading posts. The grocery prices were a little higher than regular retail, but it was well worth it for the convenience.
Trail’s End Buffet & Crockett’s Tavern:
Trail’s End Buffet is probably one of the little known best values on WDW property. The food is normally well prepared and the salad bar is fresh. The soups are good (my favorite is the clam chowder) and seafood night is on Fridays. Crockett’s Tavern has flip-flopped over the years. It was once a restaurant with a limited menu that included appetizers, entres,etc. You could eat the same food as was being served at the Hoop D’ Doo (beef ribs, fried chicken, stawberry shortcake, etc). It next went to an appetizer & drink only type place, where you could eat pizza late night. The pizza has been back & forth a bit. At one time you built your own or they would do it for you. Crockett’s Tavern is now (or as the last time I went), mostly combined with Trail’s End for seating purposes. The Tavern itself, just serves drinks.
Pools & swimming
As with most people, we hated when they closed down River Country. I understand the reason for the closure - the drought in Florida has caused Bay Lake (where River Country got its water), to become more stagnant, forcing the closure of not only River Country, but the swimming areas at FW beach. We were all hoping that they would redo River Country by cutting it completely off the lake, draining it, then concrete it like a regular pool, but it remains closed and is becoming an eyesore.
The pool at Meadow Recreation is great. It is always open (except for yearly servicing) and heated. They has been a lot of talk of it getting a complete rehab, including slides & hot tubs, but nothing definate yet.
Meadow Recreation:
Campfire program - This is so unique. Where else can you take the kids to see Chip & Dale, do a sing-a-long, roast marshmallows, and watch a Disney movie outdoors. My ‘kids’, (both girls) now 24 & 20, will still bring an old sleeping bag and lay down up front and look up at the screen.
You can rent boats, golf carts, bicycles, etc. They have tennis courts, playground equipment, volleyball, an arcade and other things to do.
Special events & stuff:
If you have not done this yet, stay at FW sometime between Thanksgiving & New Year. Some of the annual regulars, who stay there a few weeks or months at this time, put out some great decoration displays, including the golf carts.
Want to go on a late night cruise - get on one of the blue flagged boats (to Comtemporary/Wilderness Lodge. Try to time it when the fireworks goes off at the Magic Kingdom. The fireworks is also visable from the beach and the music from the Magic Kingdom is piped in.
Don’t forget the other things like the petting zoo (I understand they have done some changes there), and the stables.
Yes, I can go on forever, but I will continue to visit FW & WDW.
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We stayed at FW several years ago and it was great family experience. We find RV’ing as a whole beats cramped motel rooms hands down for family vacations. We are preparing for our second trip to DW and with gas prices, this time is will actually cost us more to hual our 5th wheel and stay at FW than to stay at one of the tacky value resorts, but it just would not be a complete vacation for us without camping. The days fun ends at a motel room once you get there. While camping… the fun continues after you settle in for the evening.
My only complaint about FW from our last visit was the loops were narrow and the sites tight for a triple slide 5th wheel. It was a real chore getting parked. Hoping this year goes much easier.