What are the campsites like?

There are 788 conventional campsites at FW located in 20 loops (100 through 2000). Most sites are fairly secluded from one another by a generous growth of brush and trees between sites. All campsites are back-ins and are a combination of paved driveway, which range in length from 25 to 60 feet, and sandy pad. Each site is approximately 25 feet wide and comes with a picnic table and charcoal grill. All sites have electricity (20/30/50 amps) and city water. There are 695 full hookup sites that also provide sewer. The 90 partial hookup sites, primarily used by tent campers and those with tent trailers, are located on loops 1500 and 2000.

It is very important to specify the RV's length, if it has slideouts or awnings, and any other details about its size when making a reservation so the right sized campsite is assigned.

The number of campsites in each loop is as follows:

100 loop - 25; 200 loop - 37; 300 loop - 63; 400 loop - 33; 500 loop - 56; 600 loop - 37; 700 loop - 35; 800 loop - 74; 900 loop - 32; 1000 loop - 23; 1100 loop - 24; 1200 loop - 22; 1300 loop - 34; 1400 loop - 61; 1500 loop - 21; 1600 loop - 46; 1700 loop - 41; 1800 loop - 32; 1900 loop - 38; 2000 loop - 69

There are four categories of campsites at FW, premium, preferred, full-hookup, and partial.

The Premium Site is billed as "big-rig" friendly. They accommodate RVs larger than 45 feet in length and those that have multiple slide outs. The sites are wider (up to 24 ft), and deeper (up to 60 ft). They also feature all of the amenities - water, power, sewer, cable, and access to the high speed Internet (Internet is an additional daily fee), plus upgraded picnic tables and grills as well as prime locations.

Construction to build the new Premium Sites begins in July 2008 and finishes in late 2009. The refurbishment schedule is (all dates are subject to change without notice):

Loop 900: COMPLETE
Loop 1000: currently closed for refurbishment
Loop 1100: rescheduled -- NOT STARTED YET
Loop 500: COMPLETE
Loop 800: COMPLETE
Loop 400: COMPLETE
Loop 600: COMPLETE (Expansion Complete)
Loop 1300: COMPLETE
Loop 1200: COMPLETE
Loop 1400: COMPLETE
Loop 700: COMPLETE

Tent campers can use premium sites, but since they have a full pad with no sand area at all, unlike the preferred, full, and partial, it can be impossible to find a place to put in tent stakes. The actual size and shape of each site "will depend on Mother Nature", as Disney likes to say.

To Disney, preferred sites means those that are located near the Settlement Trading Post, Pioneer Hall, Meadows and marina areas (meaning the preferred/in demand areas). Preferred Campsites include: water, power, sewer, cable, and the ability to access the Internet (Internet access is an additional daily fee). Campsite sizes vary in length and width and some can accommodate equipment up to 10' X 60'.

Sites in loops 1600, 1700, 1800, and 1900 are being equipped with cable and Internet, but due to their location, will remain Full Hookup. Changing over the sites won't cause the loops to close, unlike construction on the premium sites. The cable installation in all of these sites is complete.

Non-preferred sites are located farther from the Pioneer Hall/marina area. A Full Hookup site in a Preferred area will include cable, but you can have a non-cable (Partial Hookup) site in a Preferred loop.

Loops 1500 and 2000 will remain as partial hook-up sites for campers using tents, pop-up campers and van campers. As now, RV will not be allowed on these sites. All sites include cable TV and offer high-speed Internet access for an addition daily fee. Picnic tables and grills will remain as they are now. As of now, there are no pet loops in this category.

Fort Wilderness also has an area called Creekside Meadow: it is a primitive campsite area and will remain unchanged for use by scout troops, schools and other group campers.

Here is an easy guide to what loops have what kind of sites (once the premium site construction is complete). Pet Friendly loops are also noted.

Loop 100 - Preferred
Loop 200 - Preferred
Loop 300 - Preferred (Pet friendly loop)
Loop 400 - Premium (Pet friendly loop)
Loop 500 - Premium (Pet friendly loop)
Loop 600 - Premium (Pet friendly loop)
Loop 700 - Premium (Pet friendly loop)
Loop 800 - Premium (Pet friendly loop)
Loop 900 - Premium (Pet friendly loop)
Loop 1000 - Premium
Loop 1100 - Premium
Loop 1200 - Premium
Loop 1300 - Premium
Loop 1400 - Premium
Loop 1500 - Partial
Loop 1600 - Full (Pet friendly loop)
Loop 1700 - Full (Pet friendly loop)
Loop 1800 - Full (Pet friendly loop)
Loop 1900 - Full (Pet friendly loop)
Loop 2000 - Partial

There is room to park one vehicle per site (in addition to the camping vehicle) and each site is limited to 10 people. Additional parking is available at the main parking lot. Check-in time for the campsites is 1 p.m., check-out is at 11 a.m. Multiple tents or combinations of campers and tents can occupy a site; however, there is a $2 charge per adult when there are more than two adults per campsite. Weekly and monthly discounts are available in the off season.

What things should I remember to bring?

For Cabins and Campers: Flashlight or lantern, insect repellent, charcoal and matches.

Specifically For Campers: Extension cord, rope or clothesline cord, toolbox, fire extinguisher, hatchet/ax, broom and dustpan, trash bags, outdoor rug/door mat, portable heater, water pressure regulator, drinking water hose, gray water hose and holding container, wheel chocks, leveling blocks, roll of quarters for laundry, laundry detergent, trailer hitch latch pin and trailer lock, cable (if you are planning to use a cable hookup), and last but certainly not least, the keys to your trailer and any locks.

Are there plenty of comfort stations and are they clean?

There are 15 comfort stations strategically located through the campground. Many loops have their own comfort station; however, some of the smaller loops share a single, centrally located station. The comfort stations are all air conditioned and include private showers, restrooms, laundry rooms, pay and house phones, and ice machines ($2 per 7 lb. bag). They are open 24 hours a day, with the exception of the laundry. The comfort station doors have card key security locks that are activated from midnight to 6 a.m. The comfort stations are clean and are cleaned at least once a day. If you experience any problems, you can use the comfort station's phone to call the front desk.

Laundry Facilities: The washers are $2, the dryers $2 per 30 minutes. Vending machines for laundry detergent, fabric softener and bleach ($1) are also provided. There is a laundry located at the Wilderness Cabin swimming pool as well. For those who don't want to do their own laundry, bags are left in the closet of each Cabin that will be picked up by Housekeeping. Campers may contact Housekeeping as well for laundry bags and service. Laundry picked up by 8:30 a.m. is returned by 7 p.m., except on Sundays and holidays.

As of June 1, 2007, all Disney resorts and guest rooms are now smoke free. At Fort Wilderness, you can smoke at your campsite and on the porch of your Fort Wilderness Cabin. You cannot smoke inside the cabins. There are designated outdoor smoking areas in the "public" areas of the resort. Check the resort map or with a Cast Member for locations.

Which are the best loops?

Best is a subjective term. Generally, campers want to be near the Settlement Trading Post on the north end of FW, which would allow them to be close to the FW marina and beach, Pioneer Hall, and guest services. Loops in this area are 100 through 500 and 700. Others may want to be more near the center of FW near the Meadow Trading Post, the campfire program, the main swimming pool, tennis courts and Bike Barn. Loops in this area are 600, 800 through 1600. For those campers who want to be a little farther away from the action and are looking for quieter surroundings, loops 1700 through 2000 are best. Guests in Cabins are located in loops 2100 through 2800. 2100 is the closest to the center of the resort. Loops 2200 through 2800 get increasingly farther away as the loop number increases with 2800 being the closest to the south end of the resort near the entrance.

Is there security at the campground?

Yes. There is a gated entry to the resort that requires a valid FW resort ID to open. Additionally, security personnel patrol the resort. There are safes in the Wilderness Cabins and safe storage for valuables is also available at the Front Desk. There are security locks on the comfort stations that require a valid resort ID to open. The locks are activated from midnight to 6 a.m.

Babysitting and Childcare Services

Working with Kids Nite Out, Fort Wilderness offers one-to-one in-room babysitting for both the cabins and the campsites, arriving prepared with age-appropriate toys, activities, books, games, and arts & crafts. You can even reserve a childcare specialist to go with you and your family during your visit to the Parks, providing a helping hand. The services are available for children ages 6 months to 12 years. To make a reservation, contact the Reception Outpost during your visit.

How does the FW transportation system work?

Three internal buses run - Purple, Orange and Yellow -- between the Outpost Depot near the resort's entrance to the Settlement Depot, near the resort's marina. Guests use these buses to travel to points within the resort. Buses announce each stop through the sound system as well as on the LED sign. The complimentary transportation is available one hour prior to Disney Theme Park opening time up to 3 hours after Disney Theme Park closing time. Additionally, buses operate until 3:00 a.m. from the Downtown Disney Area. Certain areas of Walt Disney World Resort are also connected by well-lit, paved, low-grade walking paths.

The Purple route travels between the two main depots through the Wilderness Cabins loops.

The Orange route travels straight through the middle of the resort along the Fort Wilderness Trail, past campsites, the Meadow Trading Post, and also runs through the cabin area, (if you are staying at the cabins, and want to get to Meadow Trading Post, take an Orange Settlement).

The Yellow route passes the 300, and 1400-1900 campsite loops, on the eastern side of the resort.

See the Fort Wilderness Destinations Map HERE.

To get to the Magic Kingdom: Take a bus to the Settlement Depot, and walk to the marina to catch a launch (with the green flag) to the Magic Kingdom.

To get to Epcot, Animal Kingdom/Blizzard Beach, Disney's Hollywood Studios or Typhoon Lagoon/Downtown Disney: Take an internal bus to the Outpost Depot (the resort entrance), then catch the appropriate bus,

To get to the Contemporary or Wilderness Lodge Resorts: Take a bus to the Settlement Depot, and walk to the marina tto catch a launch (blue flag). You can also take a bus to Wilderness Lodge from the Settlement Depot There is also a walking/biking path to Wilderness Lodge that begins near the Settlement Depot. (Golf carts are not allowed on this path.)

To get to the Polynesian or the Grand Floridian Resorts: Take a bus to the Settlement Depot, walk to the marina to catch a launch to the MK or the Contemporary, and then take the monorail.

To get to Epcot Area Resorts:Take a bus to the Outpost Depot, then catch a bus to Disney's Hollywood Studios and either take a Friendship boat or walk; or take the bus to Downtown Disney and transfer. Take a bus to the Outpost Depot, then catch a bus to and either take a Friendship or walk; or take the bus to Downtown Disney and transfer.

To get to All Other Resorts: Take a bus to the Outpost Depot, then catch a bus to Typhoon Lagoon/Downtown Disney, Epcot, or Animal Kingdom/Blizzard Beach (if the parks are open). Transfer to a bus for the final destination. An alternative, take a bus to the Settlement, and take the Magic Kingdom launch at the marina (if the park is open). Transfer to a bus for the final destination.

If you need quicker transportation, if you don't have a car, take a Yellow Cab (407) 699-9999. It will pick you up at the Reception Outpost.

Inside FW, automobiles are prohibited except when entering or leaving the resort or parking at The Meadows Trading Post; therefore, you can walk, ride bikes or golf carts, or use the bus system. Be sure to look at the Bus Routes posted at each bus stop, to determine where you are and where you want to go. There are numerous covered bus stops throughout FW. You may request to be near a bus stop when they make their reservations. Waits for buses are usually no more than 10-15 minutes but can be more, especially at night after a Hoop-Dee-Doo show lets out.

Do I need a golf cart to get around inside Fort Wilderness and how much are they?

Fort Wilderness is a large resort area. The Fort Wilderness map says the campground is "one mile as the crow flies" long but some say it's more like 1.5 miles long, one-half mile wide. There are internal buses running within the campground to get you to the marina, the Trading Posts, pools, etc., but bus waits can be up to 20 minutes. It is very much of an advantage time-wise to either have bicycles or to have the electric carts.

Guests often rent an electic cart to Explore the more than 700 acres of Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort. Carts have windshields and headlights, seat up to 4 adults and can be rented by the day or the week. Guests must be 18 years or age and older to rent a cart, and reservations are highly recommended. Carts can be rented for $54/day plus tax at the Outpost (407-824-2742). Fort Wilderness carts may be reserved up to one year in advance.

Where can you eat in FW?

Dining at the Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort includes 2 restaurants, 2 dinner shows, and snack bars - all serving American food. Restaurant meals range from under $15 to $60 per person, based on average Guest check, not including alcohol, tax and tip.

Crockett's Tavern, located in Pioneer Hall, features beverages and snacks such as pizza, quesadillas, etc. Pizza may also be ordered from the Trail's End Restaurant next door from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. and eaten outside the Tavern. A 16 inch cheese pizza is $11.95. Toppings are $1.00 each. See the Crockett's Tavern menu.

Trail's End Restaurant, also located in Pioneer Hall, provides an all you can eat buffets. Refillable mugs are available here for $12.99, which includes free refills for coffee, tea, and soft drinks. The mugs can also be refilled the Meadow's Pool area (self-service). See the Trail's End Restaurant menu.

Mickey's Backyard BBQ, an all-you-can-eat buffet with a live country band, line-dance instructor, and appearances by Disney Characters, is held on certain evenings at the Fort Wilderness Pavilion. See Mickey's Backyard BBQ menu.

The Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue, an all-you-can-eat dinner show, is held nightly at Pioneer Hall. See Hoop Dee Doo Menu.

And the Chuck Wagon and the Meadows Pool Snack Bar are just a few of the snack places available

What shops does Fort Wilderness offer? Are groceries available?

Fort Wilderness has two main shops:

The Settlement Trading Post is across from Trail's End and Crockett's Tavern. It features: Fort Wilderness souvenirs, Disney Merchandise, pin trading, Health & Beauty Supplies, Photo Supplies, Sporting Goods, Kid's Goods, Women's Goods, Baby Goods, beer and other alcoholic beverages, and groceries (milk, bread, juice, cereal, sandwich meats, bacon, sausage, eggs, canned vegetables, frozen dinners, pizza, stuff for spaghetti, chips, hot dogs, etc.)

The Meadow Trading Post is located at the Meadow Recreation Area in the center of Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort. It has a small parking lot available for cars across the street from the store. It features the same items as The Settlement Trading Post, but it also has: camping supplies (including propane tanks, sewage hoses, etc.); a deli, video rental, and an expanded selection of Fort Wilderness souvenirs. The Meadow Trading Post is also easier to navigate in if you are using a wheelchair or electric conveyance vehicle.

If guests need any further supplies, Goodings Supermarket is located in the Crossroads area, and three Wal-Marts are also close to the resort.

Can you rent camping gear at FW?

Yes. The official policy for Fort Wilderness is that rental tents and cots are only available to groups of 20 or more using Creekside Meadow, the primitive camping area. However, official policy and practice seem to differ. Individuals have rented equipment before and I've called FW myself and been told they do rent equipment to individuals if they have it available and a group hasn't already made arrangements to rent it. Tents are $30 per night, cots are $4 per night, so it's not cheap. Also, if you do stay in Creekside Meadow, the cost is $10 per person (20 person minimum). For group reservations, call (407) 939-7807 Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Where do I rent bikes, golf carts, tennis equipment, etc.?

The Bike Barn (open 8 a.m.-6 p.m.) is located behind the Meadow Trading Post and rents bicycles, canoes, pedal boats, kayaks, and equipment for fishing and tennis. Life vests (provided) must be worn by all guests while in the boats. Gear for shuffleboard is complimentary to guests with valid FW resort IDs. The phone number is (407) 824-2742. Note: Surrey bikes may be rented at the Fort Wilderness marina. The Electric (Golf) Carts are for rent at The Outpost; see more information about them here.

Does FW allow pets?

Yes. In fact, Fort Wilderness is the only pet friendly resort on Disney World property. Request a pet site when making reservations. Pets are allowed in Premium, Preferred and Full Hook-Up campsites in loops 1600 through 1900, 300, 700 and 800, but must be kept in those areas. Depending on the season and demand, Fort Wilderness might also temporarily designate certain loops as pet loops. There is an additional charge of $5 per day.

Fort Wilderness also has the fenced-in, leash free Waggin' Trails Dog Park: 'Where dogs on vacation can "Lose the Leash"'! The park is located next to the playground at loop 300, but all the pet loops have access to it by way of the designated paths. Currently, Disney doesn't have these on their maps, but they will hopefuly include them soon. All the paths are marked with signs, so you can easily find your way to Waggin' Trails. Leashed dogs are also allowed on the golf carts now, making the park even more accessible. It is open from dawn to dusk, and has several watering stations where the bowls are self filling. (Note: if they haven't been used, the water in them gets very warm, so you will want to get it to fill again with cool water.) There's also a picnic table where you can relax while your dog plays. Dogs must be accompanied by guests age 12 and over at the park; no unaccompanied dogs, puppies under 4 months, or dogs in heat are allowed. Use of the dog park is limited to FW guests staying in one of the designated pet loops. (See the photo section for a sign with all the Waggin' Trails Dog Park rules.)

Owners are expected to clean up after their pets in all areas. There is a receptacle to deposit pet waste, as well as collection bags with which to pick up the waste, located at each of the entrance/exit of the pet loops. Collection bags are also located between sites #1632 and #1634 beside the path to the comfort station, at the entrance to the pet walk in loop 300, and in the dog walk area next to the kennel.

Pets may also be boarded at the kennel near the FW entrance. Note there are kennels elsewhere on Disney property if you can't get your pet in the Fort Wilderness kennel. Disney has contracted with Best Friends Pet Care to provide kennel and care services. The fees are:

Boarding: All boarding rates include two potty walks and up to two meals. There is a full day charge for day of check-in.

Dogs

Overnight - Day Guest	$23.00
Overnight - Resort Guest	$21.00
Overnight - DVC Member	$20.00
Daycare	$18.00

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Cats and Small Animals

Overnight - Day Guest	$18.00
Overnight - Resort Guest	$16.00
Daycare	$13.00

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Extra Special Services

Extra Walk	$5.00
Cuddle Time	$5.00
Ice Cream Break	$4.00

Medication: $2.00 charge per administration for owner supplied medications. (no injections)

Vaccine Requirements: Vaccines: Dog must be current on Rabies, DHPP and Bordetella. Cats - Rabies and FVRCP Pets with unverified vaccines and aggressive pets must be attended to by the owner. Extra services, feeding and walks are not available.

For inquiries or to make a reservation, call (407) 824-2735. More information on Disney Kennels HERE.

Fort Wilderness also has pet walks, in addition to walking dogs around the loops themselves. One is along the canal at loop 300, a second along the creek at loop 800, and the third behind loop 1900, servicing the four pet loops around it (1600 - 1900).

When does the campfire program begin and what is it like? What is this month's campfire movie schedule