Fort Wilderness was one of the first accommodations to open at Disney World in 1971. In fact, you'll see tree-trunk trash cans spread across the park which are recycled props from a former Disney attraction, the Indian Village, which closed in 1971. With 750 acres of woodland, Fort Wilderness allows family to get a rustic camping experience while still enjoying the hustle and bustle of Disney World.
Site Options & Amenities
There are four different types of sites available at Fort Wilderness and they can accommodate up to 45-foot vehicles. If you are planning to tent camp at Disney World, there are a few site options. Partial hookup sites offer water, electricity, charcoal grill, picnic table and cable TV connection. They're suitable for up to two tents, or a small pop-up camper and one tent. Full hookup sites are slightly larger, and can accommodate an RV and tent. Full hookup sites offer the same amenities as a partial hookup, although they also feature sewer hookups.
A preferred site is a good option for a family traveling with an air-conditioned vehicle and pet. These sites are in a good location, and some allow pets as long as you have AC. Pets are not allowed at tent-only sites. Preferred sites also feature upgraded grills and picnic tables,and can accommodate larger motor homes and trailers as well as tents. They have full hookups. A premium campsite is the largest site available, located in a premium location. They feature an extra large, concrete parking pad and full hookups.
All campsites at Fort Wilderness in Disney World allow a maximum of 10 people per site. For groups of 20 or more, the tent-only Creekside Meadow group campsite can be reserved.
Facilities
Fort Wilderness features air-conditioned comfort stations throughout the park. These areas are available 24/7 for families to relax in a cool, indoor location. Comfort stations also boast private toilets, showers, laundry rooms and ice machines. A resort ID card can be used to access the stations at all hours, with the exception of the laundry rooms which are only open on request.
There are two stores located in Fort Wilderness--the Meadow Trading Post and Settlement Trading Post. Both stores sell basic groceries, frozen foods, alcohol, baby supplies and hygiene products. The Meadow Trading Post also has a video rental service, so families can enjoy a movie in their RV or on their portable DVD player. Camping supplies, including propane tanks, can also be purchased from the Meadow Trading Post.
On-site Activities
Fort Wilderness Resort offers traditional camping activities such as swimming, hiking, outdoor sports and fishing. The camp boasts a 2.3-mile wilderness trail, ideal for walking or jogging. There are also many exciting activities the whole family can enjoy, such as guided horseback tours through the Tri-Circle-D Ranch. You can also rent a bike or watercraft to experience all the resort has to offer. For the more adventurous, Sammy Duvall's Watersports Centre offers water skiing and wake-boarding instruction. Tennis, volleyball, tether ball, basketball and archery are all offered throughout the park as well. You can also enjoy a game of horseshoes or shuffleboard. There are four outdoor playgrounds at Fort Wilderness, located near popular activity areas such as Pioneer Hall and the beach. Swimming is available at the beach, as well as at the two pools located in the park.
Every evening, there is a campfire sing-a-long hosted by Disney's chipmunk friends, Chip 'n' Dale. The campfire is followed by a classic Disney movie under the stars. Alternately, families can enjoy the "Electric Water Pageant," a parade that drifts by the beach every night at 9:45 p.m.
Special Services
Fort Wilderness offers many services for campers with specific or special needs. For guests with disabilities, mobility and medical equipment is available. The resort will also accommodate special requests, such as allowing service dogs and providing access to TTY telephones. The resort has wheelchair-accessible rooms and bathrooms.
For those traveling with pets and camping at designated campsites, kennel and care services are offered through Best Friends Pet Care. Pets can stay at the kennel for the day or overnight, will be feed twice daily and taken for short walks.
Families who are traveling with children between the 6 months to 12 years old can arrange for childcare while the adults enjoy Downtown Disney--or other areas--alone. The babysitting services can be in-room or on-site, and will keep your kids bust with many fun activities while you enjoy some alone time. Visitors can even arrange for help to travel the theme parks with their family, offering extra help and an extra set of eyes for larger families.
Transportation
When you camp at Disney World's Fort Wilderness, transportation to and from the parks is free. The various theme and water parks are all easily accessed by bus or boat. Transportation is available one hour before the theme parks open and three hours after they close. Buses are available until 3 a.m. for those who are enjoying Downtown Disney well into the evening. If you'd prefer to walk, some areas throughout the resort can be accessed by paved foot paths.
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