Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground Fact Sheet

Facts about Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground at Walt Disney World | AllEars.net
Facts about Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground at Walt Disney World | AllEars.net

Facts about Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground at Walt Disney World | AllEars.net

Fort Wilderness Resort Highlights:

  • Features cabins and campgrounds for accommodations
  • Features a variety of recreational activities, such as horseback riding, archery, and more!
  • Features several restaurants, including Trail’s End and Hoop Dee Doo Revue
Fort Wilderness Resort

Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground opened in November 1971. The resort has 799 campsites and 409 air-conditioned Wilderness Cabins residing on more than 700 acres of lush vegetation and surrounded by pine and cypress trees. It is not unusual to see wildlife such as rabbits, deer, armadillos, ducks, geese, and peacocks roaming the grounds. Fort Wilderness Resort is a pet-friendly Disney resort — there are accommodations that are pet-friendly in the cabins, and all loops are now pet-friendly, too.

Below are the more frequently asked questions concerning this fabulous resort.

How do I get to Fort Wilderness (FW)?

Take exit 64B from I-4 to World Drive. Follow the signs to the MK main entrance/toll booth and get in the right guest lane. Tell the attendant you are staying at FW and/or show them your reservation. They will wave you through. Following the FW signs, you will take the first right turn onto Vista Blvd. The FW resort entrance will be on the left.

What are Fort Wilderness rates?

Rates vary by which accommodation you want and the season you’re visiting in. They range from $53 to $164 for campsites (Holidays up to $175) and $324 to $454 (Holidays up to $566) for the Wilderness cabins. Check the Disney site for more information.

There is a $6/night charge for each cot.
There is a $45/night rental fee for a tent.
Firewood: $25 per 1/2 bin; $50 full bin.
Additional $5/night with pet in pet loops.

Annual passholders are often eligible for discounts on Cabins and campsites throughout the year. Availability varies and many times rates aren’t announced until three or four months in advance so keep an eye out in your Mickey Monitor or call the Annual Passholder line at (407) 560-7277.

Other Discount Rates — Disney keeps close track of room bookings and when those bookings fall below projections they may offer resort discounts.

What can I expect at check-in?

Check-in at FW is essentially the same as at other Disney resorts. If you’re staying in a Wilderness Cabin, park at the Reception Outpost and check in at the front desk. If you’re checking in early, you may store your baggage in the secure storage area behind the front desk. Here you will receive a your Magic Bands, and a portfolio containing park maps, an information sheet with park hours, and a Fort activities sheet. If you would like charging privileges on your Magic Bands and/or you would like to use express checkout, you can do so by providing the Cast Member (CM) a credit card at this time.

Fort Wilderness Reception Outpost

If you are driving your own vehicle or rental, you will then be given directions to your Cabin. If you do not have a vehicle, you will be driven to your Cabin via an electric cart.

Guests in recreational vehicles and those planning to tent camp remain in their vehicles and register at one of several drive-through windows at the Reception Outpost. Be aware that if you are arriving late in the evening, the drive-through lanes could be closed and you will check-in at the Reception Outpost.

Fort Wilderness Reception Outpost

If you are checking into a campsite and your site is not ready, you will be asked to park in the lot by the old Fort Wilderness kennel. You’ll be given a phone number to call to find out when your site is ready. You can either stay there with your vehicle or you can go enjoy the parks and move into your site when you return.

I hear that there are no more room key cards at Disney resort hotels. How do I get into my room?

Walt Disney World has converted their room keys and admission tickets from plastic cards to Magic Bands, flexible plastic wristbands, resembling a watch or bracelet, that use Radio Frequency (RF) technology. Your Magic Band is linked to your My Disney Experience (MDE) account and acts as your Disney resort room key. Simply touch the Mickey symbol on your MagicBand to the RFID reader near your room door to gain entry. Read about using MagicBands for park admission, FastPass+ and more HERE.

What are the Fort Wilderness Cabins like?

The 407 Wilderness Cabins (WC) are about 12′ x 42′. There is a wood deck outside, with a picnic table and a charcoal grill. The cabins underwent a substantial rehab starting in late 2015. For full details check out our blog with photos and video.

Fort Wilderness Cabin

Inside, the cabins are laid out as follows: starting at one end: bedroom with with queen bed, bunk beds, a nightstand, a chest of drawers, closet space; full bathroom with tub/shower; small hall closet; full kitchen with amenities listed below; living area with big screen color television, a dining table that seats six, and a pull-out sleeper sofa.

Kitchen includes:

  • Full-size refrigerator with ice maker
  • Two burner cooktop
  • Large convection/microwave unit.
  • Dishwasher
  • One 10 cup coffee maker (stored in cupboard)
  • Toaster
  • Tea kettle
  • Flatware for six: forks, salad forks, teaspoons, soups spoons, knives and steak knives
  • Dinnerware for six: mugs, cereal bowls, dinner plates, dessert plates
  • 6 handled mason jar glasses
  • 1 serving spoon
  • 1 glass measuring cup
  • 1 2 qt. pitcher
  • 1 2 qt. casserole with lid
  • 1 glass baking dish
  • 1 oval platter
  • Manual can opener
  • Bottle opener
  • Cutting board
  • Bread knife
  • Ladle
  • Spatula
  • 1 12″ skillet
  • 1 1 qt. saucepan with lid
  • 1 2 qt. saucepan with lid
  • Metal colander
  • Spoon rest
  • 2 potholders
  • 2 sponges
  • 4 cloth dish towels
  • Fire extinguisher (under sink)
  • Packets of dishwasher soap
  • Liquid dish soap
  • Paper towels (under sink)
  • Trash bags (under sink)

NOT INCLUDED are salt, pepper, sugar (or sweetener), coffee filters, or small drinking glasses for the bathroom.

Hall Closet:

  • Portable crib with sheet
  • Broom
  • Dustpan

The Cabins also have “enhanced wilderness theming,” which includes furniture that appears to be roughhewn from branches and a log cabin-like veneer exterior. Also, all Cabins come equipped with bunk beds in the bedroom, in addition to the queen bed, and therefore, will all sleep 6 persons. There are 13 Wilderness Cabins that are set up to be handicapped-accessible, all located on Loop 2800. Interior and exterior photos of the Cabins are located in the FW Photo Gallery.

Fort Wilderness Cabins

The number of Cabins in each loop is as follows:

2100 loop – 44 cabins; 2200 loop – 44 cabins; 2300 loop – 30 cabins; 2400 loop – 49 cabins; 2500 loop – 33 cabins; 2600 loop – 65 cabins; 2700 loop – 72 cabins; 2800 loop – 70 cabins. Additionally, there are two cabins located on campsites 118 and 120 in the 100 loop that are used exclusively by Disney management and other corporate types. Finally, there is an unfurnished single cabin near the 2300 loop that is used by Housekeeping.

Are there accessible cabins?

Yes. When you make your cabin reservation, make sure Fort Wilderness knows you want a fully accessible cabin with roll-in shower. The cabin is 18 inches wider than the standard cabins and the hallway is wide enough for even an adult size wheelchair The picnic table is also accessible. The double bed in the bedroom is noticeably lower to the floor, and the bedroom still has the standard bunk beds. The bathroom has a roll-in shower, plenty of grab bars, an accessible sink, and cupboards behind the door. See photos of the accessible cabins in the Fort Wilderness photo gallery.

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.

Campsites at Fort Wilderness ©Disney

It is very important to specify the RV’s length, if it has slide outs 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 five categories of campsites at FW, premium, premium meadow, preferred, full hook-up, and partial.

A 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.) meaning they have a larger, level-paved pad. They also feature all of the amenities – water, power, sewer, cable, and access to the high-speed Internet, plus upgraded picnic tables and grills, as well as prime locations.

A new category, Premium Meadow Campsite, was added on June 19, 2019. The new category offers the same options as the Premium Campsites with one addition. Premium Meadow Campsites offer proximity to Meadow Trading Post, Meadow Recreation Area, Bike Barn and Campfire Area

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.

Preferred Campsites include: water, power, sewer, cable. Internet Access is free. There will be a $125 deposit hold on credit card. Once kit is returned the hold will be released). Campsite sizes vary in length and width and some can accommodate equipment up to 10′ X 60′.

Preferred Campsite at Fort Wilderness ©Disney

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

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:

Loop 100 – Preferred
Loop 200 – Preferred
Loop 300 – Preferred
Loop 400 – Premium
Loop 500 – Premium
Loop 600 – Premium
Loop 700 – Premium
Loop 800 – Premium
Loop 900 – Premium
Loop 1000 – Premium
Loop 1100 – Premium
Loop 1200 – Premium
Loop 1300 – Premium
Loop 1400 – Premium
Loop 1500 – Partial
Loop 1600 – Full
Loop 1700 – Full
Loop 1800 – Full
Loop 1900 – Full
Loop 2000 – Partial

There is room to park one vehicle per site (in addition to the camping vehicle) at no charge 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.

Are campfires allowed at campsites?

It used to be that you couldn’t have a campfire at the sites, because they worried about people letting them get out of control etc. But this policy changed.

Campsites at Fort Wilderness ©Disney

You can bring in your own contained campfire unit. Typically, stores call them fire pits or outdoor fireplaces. It’s a solid metal bottom on short legs with metal mesh sides and a top. A mesh top is okay at all campsites EXCEPT any of those that are creekside. If you have a creekside spot, you must have a solid metal top for your fire pit. This is to better prevent embers from spreading to the greater amount trees and foliage (and wildlife) that are around the creeks. For example, the creek/dog walk along Loop 300 has a large wooded area with deer, eagles, armadillos and more making their home there. Click here for a list of acceptable campfire pits.

Of course, Fort Wilderness also has the Campfire Program where you can enjoy campfires as well as everything offered at this special program. To read more, click on that link.

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 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.

Fort Wilderness Comfort Station

Laundry Facilities: The washers are $3. The dryers $2.75 per 55 minutes, $3.00 for 60 minutes and $3.25 for 65 minutes. Vending machines for laundry detergent, fabric softener and bleach ($1) are also provided. There is a laundry facility 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.

Are there smoking and nonsmoking cabins/areas?

As of June 1, 2007, all Disney resorts and guest rooms are 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 Magic Band 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 Magic Band to open from midnight to 6 a.m. All laundry facilities require a Magic Band to open.

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 Disney Springs 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).

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/Disney Springs: 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 to 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 Disney Springs 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 Disney Springs and transfer.

To get to All Other Resorts: Take a bus to the Outpost Depot, then catch a bus to Typhoon Lagoon/Disney Springs, 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 Meadow 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 golf carts.

Fort Wilderness Golf Carts

Guests often rent an electric 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 ($62.84/day tax included) or the week. Guests must be 18 years or age and older to rent a cart, and reservations are highly recommended (a MUST during peak times). Rent at the Outpost (407-824-2742). Fort Wilderness carts may be reserved up to one year in advance. There are a few carts that will seat 6 persons available on a first come basis.

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.

Trail’s End Restaurant, also located in Pioneer Hall, provides an all you can eat buffet for breakfast and dinner, a la carte lunch.

Trail’s End

P and J’s Southern Take Out – limited carry-out items all day located at Trail’s End on the left.

The Fort Wilderness Food Truck offers an assortment of burgers and salads to go.

The Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue, an all-you-can-eat dinner show, is held nightly at Pioneer Hall (described above).

Waving Napkins at the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue

What are Rapid Fill Mugs?

The Rapid Fill beverage program allows Disney Resort guests to buy (or receive as part of the Disney Dining Plan) a resort mug that can be refilled for a certain period of time as designated at time of purchase. These mugs are enhanced by an RFID bar code that enables the mug to deactivate when the designated time is complete. For complete details visit our Refillable Mugs page.

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. 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 ECV.

Walt Disney World offers a grocery delivery service for the Fort Wilderness cabins. If you’re a cabin guest, you can pre-order a pantry full of fresh groceries days and even months before you arrive and they’ll be ready to enjoy the moment you arrive.

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Fax: (407) 824-1221
  • US Mail: Fort Wilderness Cabins, ATTN: Meadow Trading Post, 4510 North Fort Wilderness Trail, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830-1000

Your cabin will be stocked with your selections after 5 p.m. on the day you check in.

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, 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. The Electric (Golf) Carts are for rent at The Outpost; see more information about them here.

Does FW allow pets?

Yes, pets are allowed in some of the Cabins and all campsites.

For the campsites:

Request a pet site when making reservations.  There is an additional charge of $5 per day.

For the Cabins:

As of October 15, 2017 Walt Disney World has made four hotels pet-friendly, one of which is Fort Wilderness. Read our page on Pet-Friendly Hotel Rooms for more details.

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.  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, and at the entrance to the pet walk in loop 300.

Pets may also be boarded at the Best Friends Pet Care kennel across from Port Orleans Riverside.

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

The campfire program has no admission fee and is open to all guests. It generally begins around 6:30-7 p.m. during the fall/winter season and 8 p.m. after the time changes in April through the summer. (Check your Activities Sheet to Confirm Times) It is held near the Meadow Trading Post in the campfire area. The program begins with a sing-along led by a Disney CM and a marshmallow roast around two campfire rings. You may bring your own marshmallows or buy them at the Chuck Wagon. You may also buy pizza, hot dogs, candy, nachos, juice, popcorn, sodas, coffee, beer and other refreshments at the Chuck Wagon.

While this is going on, Chip and Dale make an appearance to visit with guests and sign autographs. The sing-along lasts about 40 minutes. Next, one or two Disney animated features, depending upon the season, are shown on a large outdoor screen. Seating is available in bleachers or on benches. There is also plenty of room to lay out a quilt or blanket. In the event of rain, the sing-along is still held on the porch of the Meadow Trading Post. Here is a typical movie schedule to give you an idea of what is shown:

March 2020

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
Hercules
2
Cinderella (1950)
3
The Luck of the Irish
4
Beauty and the Beast (1991)
5
Pocahontas
6
Moana
7
Incredibles 2
8
Toy Story 4
9
Lady and the Tramp (1955)
10
The Lion King (1994)
11
Ratatouille
12
The Princess and the Frog
13
Inside Out
14
Frozen II
15
Hercules
16
Cinderella (1950)
17
The Luck of the Irish
18
Beauty and the Beast (1991)
19
Pocahontas
20
Moana
21
Incredibles 2
22
Toy Story 4
23
Lady and the Tramp (1955)
24
The Lion King (1994)
25
Ratatouille
26
The Princess and the Frog
27
Inside Out
28
Frozen II
29
Hercules
30
Cinderella (1950)
31
The Luck of the Irish

 


What is the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue and how do I get there?

The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is the most popular and longest-running dinner shows offered at WDW. The show is held at 4, 6:15 and 8:30 p.m. nightly at Pioneer Hall. Reservations are a must and can be made up to two years in advance. To get there, FW guests may take a bus to the Settlement Depot. Non-FW guests may get to Pioneer Hall by driving to FW and parking in the visitor lot then catching a bus at the Outpost Depot. One can also drive to the Contemporary or Wilderness Lodge and take the boat launch to the FW marina. Another way, depending on the hours at the Magic Kingdom, are to take a resort bus to the MK and then take a boat from the MK to the Fort Wilderness marina. Pioneer Hall is a very short walk from the marina. The menu for the dinner portion of the Revue is: Fresh baked bread, tossed green salad with vinaigrette dressing, country fried chicken, smoked BBQ pork ribs, corn, baked beans, strawberry shortcake, coffee, soft drinks, hot and iced tea, unlimited beer and wine.

Are there pools and where are they located?

There are two heated outdoor swimming pools available for FW resort guests only. The main pool is located near the Meadow Trading Post in the center of the campground and the second smaller pool is located with the Wilderness Cabins, between loops 2500 and 2700, which is more near the resort entrance. Lounge chairs and tables are provided. The pools are open 24 hours, but the lifeguard hours vary seasonally.

The main pool, the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool at the Meadow Trading Post has just been enhanced with a themed water slide, hot tub, and children?s play area. Ask a Cast Member about planned pool activities for children.

Do they offer horseback rides at Fort Wilderness?

Trail Rides are offered several times a day, weather permitting. They’re guided horseback rides at the Tri-Circle D Livery at Fort Wilderness. The rides, which cost $46 per person, last approximately 45 minutes. Riders must be at least 9 years old and 48 inches tall and can weigh no more than 250 pounds. Nothing can be carried while on horseback; small storage lockers to hold cameras and backpacks are provided at no charge. Open-toed shoes, flip flops, and strapless shoes are not permitted. Parents must sign a consent form for all children under 18 years old.

Horseback Riding

The horses are tame and walk pretty much single file during the ride. If you’re an experienced rider, this ride may be too dull for you. If you’ve not had an opportunity to ride a horse before or have done so rarely, this ride may be just what you’re looking for. To make advanced reservations, call (407) WDW-PLAY — reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance. To make Same-Day reservations, call 407-824-2832. Guests must pick up tickets on the same date at the Fort Wilderness Kennel at least 30-minutes prior to the start of the ride. Please allow for transportation time from other Disney resorts.

To reach the Trail Rides you can drive to Ft. Wilderness and park in the visitor lots at the front of the resort. Walk to the old Kennel Building for check-in. OR Board a Ft. Wilderness bus from the parks (Magic Kingdom take the boat) or Disney Springs. The bus will stop at the front Outpost Depot and is a short walk to check-in. OR Take the boat from the Magic Kingdom, Contemporary or Wilderness Lodge. When you arrive at the Fort Wilderness Marina, walk to the Settlement Post bus depot and get on the bus that takes you to the front of the resort. Short walk from here to check-in.

What other recreational activities are available at FW?

There are so many fun things to do at FW that some campers never leave the resort. Activities/facilities include:

  • Tennis: Two lighted tennis courts with complimentary equipment available for resort guests at the Bike Barn, if you don’t want to bring your own. Open 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily.
  • Archery Experience: Whether novice or expert marksman, an archery guide at the Bike Barn offers training and tips on how to hit the bulls-eye with a Compound Bow. Open to resort guests and non-guests alike, ages 7 and up, the 90-minute experience costs $39 (plus tax) per person, includes equipment and instruction and can be booked up to 90 days in advance by calling 407/939-7529. Credit card information is due at the time of booking. Walk ups are accepted. Offered Thursday, Friday and Saturday afternoons from 2:45 – 4:15pm; the class has a maximum number of 10 people.
  • Specialty Cruises: cruise around Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon with the option of ending with a special view of the Magic Kingdom Fireworks! Prices include a driver with Private Dining available upon request. Call 407/WDW-PLAY and see our Specialty Cruises page.
  • Tri-Circle-D Ranch – located at the Outpost (Resort Entrance). Offers with 45-minute guided trail rides on horseback. Tickets can be purchased at the Kennel or call (407)WDW-PLAY. See more information
  • Tri-Circle-D Ranch & Farm / Stables – located at the Settlement (the marina). Guests can also see a blacksmith affix horseshoes (on select days) to Cinderella’s Ponies and the horses horses seen on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom Park (also the horses for the Halloween parades). Also see the tribute to horses in Disney movies.
  • Pony Rides: from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for children at least 2 years old, weighing no more than 80 pounds and no taller than 48 inches. They must also be able to hold on by themselves. Cost $8 — Cash only. Located in front of Pioneer Hall, at the Tri-Circle-D Farm, home to Cinderella’s ponies and many other ponies & miniature horses. Close by are the working Blacksmith Shop and Draft Horse Barn for the all the horses who work at Walt Disney World. See the Tri-Circle D Ranch information. NOTE: Children must wear closed-toe shoes to ride the ponies at Fort Wilderness. No reservations are required.
  • Playgrounds Climb, slide and play at outdoor activity areas located at Pioneer Hall, the Meadow Recreation area, Creekside Meadow and the Marina/Beach area.
  • Nightly Wagon Rides at Pioneer Hall. For more information, click HERE.
  • Private carriage rides – See Carriage Rides HERE for more info. Special carriage rides are offered during the holidays.
  • Bicycle rental: $9 plus tax/hour, $18 plus tax/day. (Prices are estimates, call the Bike Barn at (407) 824-2742 for current pricing.)
  • Fishing in canals (free) or chartered largemouth bass fishing excursions on Bay Lake, which include a professional guide, refreshments (soft drinks, coffee, hot chocolate & water), fishing gear and a dozen shiners. See our Fishing Excursions page HERE. You may also fish in the many canals running through Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. You can also rent Casting Rod Fishing for $6 per 1/2 hour or $12.50 per day. You can purchase Worms or Wrigglers for $5 per package and Nightcrawlers for $6 per package.
  • Sand Volleyball Court near Meadow Trading Post
  • Horseshoes and shuffleboard
  • Basketball and tetherball courts: In the following locations: 200 loop, 300 loop, 900 loop, 1300 loop, 1400 loop, between the 1800 and 1900 loops. Basketballs are available at the courts
  • Arcades – Davy Crockett Arcade at Pioneer Hall (near Settlement Depot) is open 7 a.m. to midnight. Daniel Boone Arcade (near Meadow Trading Post) is open 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Two heated outdoor swimming pools. See more about the pools.
  • White sand beach: Soak up the sun or kick up the sand on a white-sand beach along tranquil Bay Lake.
  • Rent boats/watercraft at Fort Wilderness Marina (open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily) including:
    21′ Suntracker pontoons ($45/half hr), must be 18 to drive; Sea Raycer by Sea Ray® ($32/half hr), Drivers must be 12 years of age and up and at least 5 feet tall; younger Guests may ride as passengers. The maximum combined weight permitted for a Sea Raycer by Sea Ray is 320 pounds. Boston Whaler® Montauk ($45/half hour),fit up to 6 Guests, who must be 18 years of age and up to drive. These boats are restricted to the waterway from which they are rented. Parent or guardian signature required for all drivers 12-18 years old. Enjoy this video of the pontoon ride to the Magic Kingdom. NOTE: (Prices are accurate at time of publication, call the Bike Barn at (407) 824-2742 for current pricing.)
  • Water skiing, wake boarding – starting at $140/hour with a 5-guest maximum
  • Parasailing: See our Parasailing page HERE.
  • Swamp Trail – 3/4 mile loop along the shore of Bay Lake
  • Fort Wilderness Exercise Trail – 2.3 mile paved and sand path
  • Electrical Water Pageant – nightly at 9:45 p.m. all around Fort Wilderness’ beaches and the marina

Was there ever a train running inside Fort Wilderness?

Yes, old time steam trains began running in Fort Wilderness back in 1973. The steam trains served as transportation for guests around the campground up until 1977, when they were decommissioned. Two of the cars were repainted and made into ticket booths at Pleasure Island. The trains sat around for years rusting in the Florida humidity but I’m happy to report they have been rescued by the Carolwood Pacific Historical Society. For more information about the CPHS, Walt Disney’s railroad interests, or possibly how to become a restoration crew member, visit CPHS’s wonderful website. Remnants of the track can still be see at various places throughout Fort Wilderness.

Two great articles on the train can be found on AllEars.

What is this I hear about a real cabin at Fort Wilderness?

There was a single real cabin on site 1205 that was available for guest booking. Unfortunately, it has been dismantled and moved to another location within the campground where it serves as an interpretive center — it is no longer available for guest reservation.

Is it true Fort Wilderness has a Segway tour?

Wilderness Back Trail Adventures offer tours of the stunning surroundings of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort on a Segway X2 Personal Transporter to view the scenery of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, its beaches, Wilderness Lodge, and Bay Lake. No experience is necessary – training is provided before the tour. For more information, check HERE.

Does Fort Wilderness have Internet access?

Yes. Like the other resorts, Disney offers free WiFi. It’s available at Reception Outpost, Meadow, Crockett’s Tavern and the cabins. Technical Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by calling the vendor, Smart City, at their help desk: 407-938-HELP. Campsites must pick up modem kit at reception post. Internet Access is free. There will be a $125 deposit hold on credit card. Once kit is returned the hold will be released.

What does Fort Wilderness do for the holidays?

No other resort does more than Fort Wilderness for all the holidays. It not only decorates, it holds special events that no other resort has.

Easter: not only do they have Field Day Fun (old fashioned games like Red Rover) and Tug-of-War at the Bike Barn, plus Trail Blazin’ Bingo and the nightly movie at Chip N’ Dale’s campfire area, guests get to take part in the Search for the Golden Egg. It’s a time honored tradition and an Easter egg hunt like no other. Guests search clue by clue for the Golden Egg with a new clue given out every hour after the starting time until the Golden Egg is discovered.

The Fourth of July: guests come from around Walt Disney World to see something special: Disney features an annual hometown style parade with guests as a part of it! Like the Halloween and Christmas parade, these are the only parades that guests and Disney do together! Guests march, drive decorated golf carts, and ride decorated bikes in the parade. If you want to be in the parade, get a registration form at the Outpost, the Settlement, or the Meadow Trading Post.

Halloween: quite a few things happen during Halloween! Disney holds another Parade with the guests with all the decorated golf carts. Plus, they have a Site Decorating Contest and a Pet Costume Parade and Contest! They also have the Mummy run where a team makes a mummy costume out of toilet paper on one team member; that person has to then run with the other mummies and after all are back, the costumes are judged! Prizes are awarded for all of these. If you would like to be part of any of these, get a registration form at the Outpost, the Settlement, or the Meadow Trading Post. VIDEO Halloween Decorations at the Fort!

Christmas: Three events go on during the holiday season. Site Decorating Contest: holiday campers have an unofficial decorating competition. Fort Wilderness cast members bring extension ladders so guests could hang lights high in the 60′ high trees. The prize is for your site to be a featured stop on the campground tour. Starting a few feet away from the resort’s giant Christmas tree and Tri-Circle-D Ranch, old-fashioned horse-In 2009, guests started holding a cart parade each Saturday night. This is a casual event that may not happen on a particular Saturday due to weather or other considerations. Holiday Golf Cart Parade VIDEO.

Sleigh Rides: the resort has horse-drawn “sleigh rides.” From approximately Thanksgiving week to the end of December, a fire-engine red sleigh on wheels with garland and holiday lights takes you on a leisurely 25-minute ride into the forest and parts of the resort. Four adults or two adults and three small children can ride on each sleigh. Rides are $60 per party and depart from the Blacksmith’s Shop near the Settlement area. During the season, you can book the experience by calling 407-WDW-PLAY.

What are the rules for decoration my Fort Wilderness site?

Disney’s Fort Wilderness has the following decoration rules:

  • Displays in public areas: To ensure the safety of our Guests, please do not place holiday decorations in public areas. Holiday decorations are limited to the Guest’s campsite only.
  • All holiday decorations need to be at least five feet away from all sidewalks: If your site is adjacent to a sidewalk, please do not place decorations within five feet of the walkway. This will maintain safe and clear access for all of our Guests who utilize sidewalks.
  • All holiday decorations need to be at least 30 feet away from all main roadways: To minimize traffic congestion and distraction to nearby motorists, all decorations need to be at least 30 feet away from the main roadways.
  • All holiday decorations need to be placed on the Guest’s site: The site boundaries are defined as the space that is halfway between one site pad and the next. All holiday decorations need to be inside of this boundary. Any decorations that disrupt or interfere with a neighboring site will need to be removed or relocated.
  • Any holiday decorations suspended from trees must be illuminated: Please remember to maintain clear visibility for all decorations that are suspended from trees or other items. Any suspended decorations which pose a potential hazard to the safety of our Guests will need to be removed or relocated.
  • All holiday decorations must be in good taste: We ask that all holiday decorations be family friendly, please.
  • All electric power access must come from the Guest’s own site: All decorations that require electrical power must only be powered from from the Guest’s own site. Plugging into a neighbor’s power supply or into a public area location is prohibited.
  • All electrical cords must be secured and clear from all walkways: To maintain a safe environment, we ask that all electrical cords be secured.
  • All outdoor lighting must be outdoor rated: Please do not use lighting or electrical cords that are intended for indoor use only. All lighting must be clearly marked as UL approved. Please consider fire safety at all times.
  • Use of LED lighting is strongly encouraged: To conserve energy, and to ensure an adequate power supply, please use LED lighting for all light displays.

If you would like to print these rules for your trip, here is the official rules page. This is the official page from Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort:

Print the Fort Wilderness site decorating rules. (Large PDF file)

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT FORT WILDERNESS HAS TO OFFER, CHECK OUT THIS ALLEARS TV VIDEO!

Places to Eat in Fort Wilderness

Room Options (1)

  • Wilderness Cabin