Fort Wilderness Campground at Walt Disney World Review

image from wdwnews.com

One of the things on my bucket list is to camp at Fort Wilderness.  This may be a bit difficult though because my husband refuses to camp. :(  I grew up camping and have amazing family memories from different campgrounds.  I love the outdoors, sleeping under the stars, being able to listen to the crickets and wildlife as I lay in my sleeping bag, playing with the sticks and stones in nature and so on.  Camping was always so relaxing and fun for us.  

Since my experiences at Fort Wilderness only involve food, shows and movies, I can't properly share any experience about camping there!  But, my friend Larry from "Dis Is How We Do It" has had the privilege of camping at Fort Wilderness, so I'm going to let him share! Thanks Larry!

So you are thinking about a vacation to Disney World. You’ve heard about the various resorts and while they all sound amazing, you and your family really enjoy a more relaxed pace of the great outdoors. Have you considered a visit to Fort Wilderness? If you are a camping family, it may provide you with an option that makes a dream vacation to Disney World a reality for you.

My name is Larry Opiela and I have been going to Disney World since I stayed at Fort Wilderness in the 70’s. Now I am a travel agent helping other families plan their magical vacations and still a Disney guest multiple times each year.

image from wdwnews.com

While Fort Wilderness may not be the perfect choice for everyone, it does provide a lot of options for families that enjoy the outdoors. Campsites and cabins provide a little more space than a traditional resort room. A typical campsite may be used for up to 10 people. A campsite for a tent or popup camper may be rented for as little as $49.00 per day and up to $81.00 for a Premium Campsite that will hold a unit up to 45 feet long. Seasonal pricing may make the price higher for your visit, but you should always plan to make reservations in advance for your stay.

Campsites are secluded for privacy with dividing plants and trees between each of the sites. Sites are also paved for convenience. Sites are equipped with a charcoal grill as well as running water, electricity and cable TV hookup. Wi-Fi connection is available at the Meadow Trading Post.

image from wdwnews.com

The campground is arranged in a variety of smaller circular camping areas so that within the large campground, you are never far from a comfort station and bus transportation. The bus transportation is available to take you to anywhere within the campground including the trading post, the marina, the swimming pools, transportation to the theme parks, etc. The bus typically stops at the entrance to each camp loop and runs continuously throughout the day approximately every 15 minutes. If you desire, there are also golf carts available to rent while you are there or you are welcome to bring your own. Vehicular traffic within the campground is limited for safety. While you can drive to your site, you are traveling outside the loop.

Comfort stations at Fort Wilderness are among the best that I have ever experienced in a campground. The facilities are all tiled and well maintained. As with most places at Disney World, it is difficult to find the facilities in need of attention. There are multiple showers and plenty of hot water to go around.

image from wdwnews.com

The Meadow Trading Post is available for supplies and souvenirs. You also have a wide variety of recreation options within the campground. There are multiple swimming pools. Basketball and volleyball courts are also available. Do you enjoy horses? The Tri Circle (Reference to the Hidden Mickey in the Brand) Ranch is available for horseback riding, pony rides, wagon rides and at certain times of the year, sleigh rides. If Robin Hood is your favorite character, you may want to check out the archery range. Are water sports more your thing? There are a variety of options to rent including canoes, kayaks, motor boats and more. If that is not enough, there are playgrounds, bike rentals, nature trails, jogging trails and more to keep you busy. There is a daily campfire and movie under the stars featuring a different Disney favorite daily.

Dining options? You bet. The Trails End Buffet is there at Pioneer Hall along with Crockett’s Tavern. You also have a couple of great dinner shows in the Hoop Dee Doo Review and Mickey’s Backyard BBQ.

Outside of Pioneer Hall is the beach and marina area. This area also has the water shuttle to the Magic Kingdom and Wilderness Lodge. This area is a lot of fun during the day, but also a great area to view the Electric Water Pageant and the Wishes Fireworks display from the Magic Kingdom. Times for these will vary seasonally and should be checked to confirm.

If you like the sound of Fort Wilderness, but camping is outside of your comfort zone, there are cabins available for your stay as well. These feature a kitchen along with sleeping space for 6. The cabins are also a nice option for families who would have to reserve multiple rooms in a traditional resort to fit the whole family comfortably.

As you can see, Fort Wilderness is more than just a campground. It is part of a magical vacation at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. If you would like to explore the possibility of a vacation at Fort Wilderness or another resort, please feel free to email me at Larry@MagicalVacationsByMe.com or to visit my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MagicalVacationsByLarry.

Thanks for reading this and I look forward to your feedback,

Larry
Travel Agent
Magical Vacations by Me
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