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Actually, my first camping trip ever was
to Fort Wilderness. We lived in Miami at the time (around 1974) and
Miami was not know as the camping capitol of the world. I was in high
school and on the baseball team. As a team "field trip" we went to FW
for a few days.
We packed up the old yellow school bus and trucked up the turnpike to
this new place to check it out. We reserved 3 campsites if I remember
correctly, and ended up on the Little Bear Path.
For those who never camped there in the early days, neat things happened.
For one, instead of buses they ran trams like the parking lot at the
Magic Kingdom around the campground loop until around 2AM. Buses to
the park (remember it was just the MK then) only ran from the
settlement or reception outpost. The trams were neat because you could
ride round and round all night.
The were still running the steam train then and that was a lot of fun to ride.
Who would ever have thought that 30 years later I would still be going to FW.
Until you visit and look around, you may have difficulty
understanding the impressiveness of Fort Wilderness. Many have said
that Fort Wilderness is the standard by which all commercial campgrounds
should be judged. I do agree with this! The campground boasts over
700 camping sites with a wonderful canopy of trees throughout. With
swimming
pools, arcades, marina (sorry you can't bring your own boat) and activities
galore there is something for every camper. With so many sites, the campground is divided into individual
camping loops of 30 or 40 sites. Each loop has both a number (i.e. the
1900 loop) and a name (i.e. Conestoga Trail). It is hard to imagine the
size and scope of Fort Wilderness until you have been there.
Reservations
Reservations at Fort Wilderness
are easy to make as Disney has a large full time reservations center which
handles reservations for thousands of rooms on the WDW property. No toll free call here,
1 407-W-DISNEY (1-407-934-7639) is central reservations.
Some things to keep in mind
when making a reservation at Fort Wilderness. The folks who answer
the phone (i.e. reservations cast members) have differing levels of
expertise regarding Fort Wilderness. Think about it, there are
tens of thousands of Disney hotel rooms fitting into a few categories such
as Value, Moderate and Deluxe and most rooms, no mater what property have
similar size rooms, room capacities and rules regarding the room.
So, the reservations cast members have most of the information regarding
rooms in their head. Except for the exceptional reservations cast
members, for Fort Wilderness they usually read what is on the screen in
front of them. You may need to guide them with your reservation as
you may actually know more about the campground then they do. At the
very least, make sure they note the following things in the comments for
your reservation:
-
Type of camping unit (i.e.
trailer, tent, motorhome/coach etc.)
-
Length of your entire rig
including tow vehicles and toads
-
Number/location of all awnings
-
Number/location of all slides
-
Let them know if you are bringing pets
For more information, see the
section below regarding "Specific Site Requests"
Site Pricing
For
years I tried to keep up with the site pricing, but with the changes
made in 2008 it has just become to difficult to keep up with. So2011 Site Pricing can be found on the Mousesavers Web Site.
Suffice
to say, the pricing is a little confusing. For most properties
Disney divides the year into four rate "seasons, but for Fort
Wilderness that add a fifth. Additionally, there are four levels
of sites, each with a different price. There is more on the types
of sites below.
Previous Pricing
Many people ask what to do if Fort
Wilderness is booked
full. I
have been lucky and have always been able to get into Fort
Wilderness. If you
are told that there are no sites available you can always call
back. You can try as often as you like - cancellations are very
common. The
computer system seems to release the cancellations at 7AM, so an early
morning
call is usually best.
When calling for reservations remember you are talking to WDW
Travel or WDW central reservations (see more about these groups below), not Fort Wilderness. Any questions
about the campground itself should be directed to Fort Wilderness staff.
Campsite pricing is usually posted in July/August for the following
year. So in July/August 2011 the prices effective January 2012 would be should be
posted by Disney. Prices generally remain firm for the entire year once
posted. Discounts are available most of the year and change
regularly. The best site I have found for discount information is MouseSavers.com
WDW Travel and CRO
When calling 1-407-W-DISNEY two groups answer the phones
CRO = Central Reservations
WDW Travel = WDW Full Service Travel Agency
In the "olden days" the only group that existed was CRO and all they
did was book rooms/sites. As the need for a full service travel agency
arose for things like packages, airfare, cruises and the like WDW
Travel was created. WDW Travel books complete packages including
air, cruises, tickets and other stuff. Trip cancellation insurance has been a big moneymaker for travel agencies for years, especially in the cruise industry, so be sure to ask if it's included.
Now, we do have to remember to compare apples to apples. Most times
when WDW Travel quotes an all inclusive price (i.e. trip insurance has
been added) they have already added taxes also. Taxes at WDW are a big
part of the "add on" price. CRO usually quotes the price without taxes and other add ons.
When I called once to book a trip I was quoted $186.70. I asked if that included
taxes, the reply NO. Knowing full well that I was in Value Season ($40 a night
at that time) I knew right away I was talking to WDW Travel.
When I questioned the price and who I was talking with, the CM state
that she was with WDW Travel and it included trip insurance. I asked to
be transferred to CRO. CRO then booked the same 4 days for $178.40 +
tax.
So the insurance on my 4 night stay was going to be $8.30 As the
insurance is sold a a percentage of the total cost, the insurance fee can add
up quickly on a cabin with tickets and other stuff included.
Disney Vacation Club Members
If you happen to be a member of the Disney
Vacation Club, you can book nights at Fort Wilderness using your DVC
points.
Park Tickets
In the past I have purchased tickets from both AAA as
well as Orlando based ticket brokers. This has provided up to a 5%
discount form face value. I never purchase from roadside stands or e-bay as
the tickets may be no good. I always purchase more days than my stay
(usually the longest ticket available) with the no expiration option. As the
tickets never expire, I use the same ticket over several trips. If
you don't want to have days left over, they do sell shorter duration
tickets. In most cases you just need to purchase them a few days before
you arrive and can pick them up at Guest Relations at any of the four
parks.
Now, the options available on tickets can be very
confusing so I recommend that you read up on the issue before you decide
which park tickets you are going to buy. Reading the following two
web pages will help:
Both of these pages are by Mary Waring, and are on her MouseSavers.com®
web site. This site is one of the best I have found
regarding saving money on your trip to Walt Disney World. Check it
out!!
Specific Site Requests
When making reservations you can ask to be assigned to a
specific loop, and they will even note a specific favorite site, but remember
nothing is guaranteed! While I could give specific instructions, I would
just recommend reading one of the best articles I have found regarding
site/room requests is "Faxing
Your Room Preferences To Your Disney Hotel" by Jack Marshall.
This and other great information is found on the All
Ears Net/Walt Disney World Information Guide.
Now, with that said I will give you my personal
opinion. Make your site selection known when you make your reservation
so they can note it on your reservation. You are much better off
requesting the things you like about the site/loop rather than the site/loop
itself. For example, if you like the site because it is near a comfort
station, then request that, if you like it because it is in the back of the
loop and is quieter request that. The problem with asking for a specific
site/loop is that the site assigners really don't know why you wanted that
site/loop. If your request is not available they really don't know what
you might find as a comparable site.
Check In
The easiest way to get to Fort Wilderness is to follow
the signs for the Magic Kingdom (MK). When you see the toll booth
for the MK, move all the way over to the right and try to use the
first open toll booth on the right. It works easiest if you have
your reservation confirmation available, just pull up to the toll booth
and show your reservation. You will be waived through, no
charge. Turn right at the very first corner (it comes up quick)
which is Vista Blvd. You will follow this all the way to the fort.
Look for the sign for check in and turn into the drive. You will
again stop, this time at a kiosk where Disney security will again confirm
your reservation and direct you to the proper location. If camping
in a cabin, you will be directed to the parking lot so you can go inside
the reception outpost to check in. If you have your home with you,
you will be directed to the "drive through" check in lanes.
Check in time is 1PM (check out is 11:00AM). If
you arrive prior to 1PM and you site is not ready, you can still get your
resort ID's and enjoy the campground or the parks. There is a very large parking
lot at the reception outpost, so you can stash the camper there and check
out the pool or other activities. If you want, you can go to a park
and make a day of it. When you return, get your site assignment and
set up camp.
Room Keys
You may never think of it, but yes you
will be issued a room key at Fort Wilderness. The keys are
electronic "key cards" which resemble a credit card with a magnetic
stripe on the back. Remember when you made your
reservation? They will have a key for each member of your party
on the reservation. If you present a credit card, you "room key"
can be set up with charging privileges for most locations around the
world. The two things you really need this key for are to get
into the comfort stations after midnight. The guest gate that you
were able to use with the key has been removed and all guests have to
drive through the guard gate line. While I have seldom been
challenged, transportation operators (bus drivers) at times will ask to
see you key as you board a bus.
Fort Wilderness Phone Numbers
| Location |
Phone Number |
| Reception Outpost |
407-824-2900 |
| Reception Outpost Fax |
407-824-3508 |
| Bike Barn |
407-824-2742 |
| Kennel (Now Offsite) |
407-824-2735 |
| Meadows Trading Post | 407-824-2740 |
Campsites
There are 4 levels of campsites at Fort Wilderness:
Standard, which includes electric and water and
cable TV. This class of site is for tents and pop up campers.
This includes the 1500 and 2000 loops.
Full Hook Up, which includes electric, water and
sewer. Cable is bing added This includes 1600**, 1700**, 1800**, and 1900** loops..
Preferred, which includes electric, water, sewer and cable
TV. .
See the section on "Internet Availability"
below. The preferred sites are also in loops situated closer to the settlement
which includes the marina, beach, restaurant, and many other activities.
Also, if you plan on using the cable TV hook up, remember to bring a long
coaxial cable to hook up with. If you don't have one Disney will be
happy to sell you one.
The preferred loops include the 100, 200, and 300** loops Premium,
which includes electric, water, sewer and cable TV. The
sites feature an expanded parking area over other sites. They are
wider (up to 24 ft), and deeper (up to 60 ft). They also feature
new upgraded picnic tables and grills and new landscaping to allow more
privacy and better appearance. The exact size and shape of each
campsite depend on Mother Nature. While all the campsites in this
new category are enhanced, the final dimensions will be based on the
limitations of the natural surroundings for each individual site.
The Premium loops include the 400**, 500**, 600**, 700**, 800**,
900**, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, and 1400 loops. Loops marked with ** are pet loops. See below for more information on pets at FW.
The preferred and full hook up
sites provide a full length concrete parking pad for the tow vehicle and
camper. Behind that is a compacted sand/gravel pad on which you will
find a full sized picnic table. The premium sites have an extended length concrete parking pad and NO sand/gravel pad. On the standard sites you will find a
smaller concrete pad and larger sand/gravel pad.
Also on each site is a charcoal
grill. You are
allowed a camping vehicle and 1 tent on the site, so the kids can have a tent
to themselves. Most sites are under a full canopy of trees with bushes
shielding you from adjoining sites. While you will still see your
neighbors, you are not in a field like many campgrounds, you are truly in the
woods. Conveniently spaced around each loop are trash cans and recycling
containers (aluminum, glass and plastic).  The loops are lighted at night
by soft low to the ground lights allowing you to actually see the stars at
night. My biggest disappointment at Fort Wilderness is the rule against
open campfires at
each site as we do love to have one. I do understand that it would be a
lot of smoke for 4 or 5 hundred campfires to be burning at the same time.
Now, if you have a totally enclosed portable fire pit, if there is no burn
ban you are allowed to use it. It must have mesh sides as well as a
top. Phones are not available at any level site but the cellular coverage inside
the campground is quite good.
Prior to your occupancy Disney
cast members go over the campsite cleaning the grill, raking the sand area
and cleaning off the concrete. Unless there is a mix up you never
have to worry about dealing with the previous campers trash. Loop Names
In addition to a loop
number, Fort Wilderness assigns names to each loop. See a complete list HERE.
Pull Through Sites
FW experimented
with converting sites to a pull through configuration. They
converted sites 1203 and 1205 to pull through (when entering, you
access them from the main road rather than from the loop) but never
went any further. During the remodeling in 2008 the rear of these sites have been
closed off, so no more pull through. Sites Near Cabins
Many
times folks with RV's want to stay at Fort Wilderness with friends who
do not have RV's. Unfortunately, there are no combined Cabin/RV
Camping loops. The closest you will get is the several sites in the 1100 camping loop that back up to sites on the 2100 cabin loop.
Ex[plain the situation to the reservations cast member and have
it noted on both reservations. There is a good chance you will be
within walking distance of each other.
Rental Campers
So,
you like the idea of camping at Fort Wilderness but you have a small
issue - No Camper. If you are like me, a tent is out of the
question. What to do? It's easy, rent a camper.
There are many places both nationally and locally that can rent you a
camper for your trip. Some things to keep in mind while you are
planning:
1. How many miles will you have to drive/tow the
camper? Many rental companies charge a mileage fee in addition to
the rental fee.
2. What is included in the rental. Some
companies include everything while others charge extra for things like
sheets towels plates, etc..
3. If you rent in Orlando, how do
you get from the airport to the rental car company? Will they be
open if your plane is late?
4. Once you get to the campsite in your rental how do you back it in. Campers don't back up as easy as your family Chevy!
My
suggestion, rent from a Fort Wilderness camping expert. Two
companies were started by avid Fort Wilderness campers to cater to
folks who want to camp but are missing the camper.
Site Decoration
If you feel up to it remember to bring along any tacky
lights or site decorations you may have. During holidays (i.e.
Christmas, Thanksgiving...) people tend to pull out all the stops.
Lots of lights and other decorations abound. So decorate the trees
and bushes on your site and have at it.
Site Electric Service
Each site has an electric power pole that provides 20a,
30a and 50 a service. In addition to the RV power pole, FW is adding
electric outlets to every site number pole to make it easy to plug in a
golf cart.
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"Original" electric service poles were
themed to appear to be tree stumps
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Here is the working side of the "tree"
One 50a, one 30a and two 20a outlets. These "tree"
poles are being replaced with standard RV electric poles that only
have one 20a outlet.
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Site Number Pole
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Internet Availability
Originally, if
you had a need to hook up your laptop to the Internet a phone jack was
(actually, still is) available at the reception outpost. Disney
has finally figured out that folks want to stay connected while
camping, so a couple of more options are now available. No matter
what folks tell you, WiFi is NOT one of the Disney options at
the campsites, but a small hot spot exists on the porch of Pioneer Hall and in the Internet "cafe" at
the Reception drive thru . While
many folks have reported WiFi signal at FW campsites, this is probably from someone
who has set up their own WiFi hot spot in their RV. In addition to the
dial up phone jack at the reception outpost, two Disney options are available:
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At the sites, there is a sign on
the utility post advising you to check with the front desk for
information about high speed Internet. The cost is $9.95 for 24
contiguous hours of access.
With a deposit of $125 to be charged to your room account (the
deposit is reversed when the kit is returned) an Internet kit is
available for check out. The photo to the left shows the kit in
the carry box provided. |
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To the left you see the instruction sheet
provided in the kit. The hook-up is pretty simple, a cable
splitter gets attached to the connection at the site. This way you can
use both TV and Computer. Use your own cable to hook up the TV, the
other cable goes to the modem, and then the cat5 cable attaches the
modem to your lap top.
NOTE: THIS IS NOT A WIRELESS CONNECTION
After hooking up, and attempting to open your browser, a screen comes up
and asks you to enter the last ten digits from your Key to The World
Card (room key). The screen, like the instruction sheet, tells you that
you will be charged $9.95 for 24 contiguous hours of access. After
entering the numbers as instructed you will be directed to the
Disney home page. From there, you can go wherever you like.
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If you don't want to hassle with the hook
up at your site there is a "free"
Internet cafe in a small room right between the camper check in lanes.
The free part deals with dial up lines available. WiFi is
available in the cafe and in the area of Crockett's Tavern. The
$9.95 per 24 hour fee still applies. |
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The photo to the left shows the
interior of the "cafe" which is set up for computer use. The
jacks in the wall are for both dial up and high speed. Additionally,
WiFi is available in this area. There are signs
in there stating that the charge is $9.95 per day to use the high speed
connection, so that is not free. |
Off Air TV Reception
Folks report being able to receive the following off air
stations:
2 - Local NBC Affiliate
6 - Local CBS Affiliate
9 - Local ABC Affiliate
15 - Daytona Beach
18 - WB 18
24 - PBS
27 - WRDQ
35 - Local FOX Affiliate |
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Campfire Sing Along and Movie
Each night Fort Wilderness hosts a campfire (yes, bring
your marshmallows), sing along and enjoy a Disney movie in the Meadows area.
This is free, and you do not have to be staying at the "Fort" to
attend. For those who do not have marshmallow, a "smore kit"
is sold at there. Adult beverages are allowed, so bring them along
or buy them there. At the beginning of the month the movie schedule
is posted, so check out what is playing during your trip. This
activity is held every night, weather permitting. When you check in
ask about the time as it changes seasonally due to the differences in
sunset.
Hayrides
Nightly hayrides begin in the settlement area.
Cost is around $8 per person and they leave when the wagon is full.
For those who want a little more privacy or romance they also offer carriage
rides during the evening for around $30.
Tri-Circle D Ranch
Open daily in the settlement area is the Tri-Circle D
Ranch. This includes a barn
tour area and pony rides. While the barn tour area
are free, the pony
rides are around $3. This used to be the location of the petting
zoo, but the animals were removed in the summer of 2005.
Comfort Stations (Bathhouses)
Bath houses, know
as "Comfort Stations" are well placed around Fort Wilderness, with 2 loops usually
sharing 1 comfort station. They are air conditioned, have private hot
showers, laundry facilities and ice machines. In several trips to Fort Wilderness
I have
never found them anything but clean. While they can get busy during the
morning rush, I usually shower at off hours and was usually alone. Both
house (all Disney Properties) and pay phones are outside of every comfort
station. After midnight you
need your room key to enter the comfort station, so don't forget it!
Emergencies
As
always, in an emergency situation attempt to call 9-1-1 or your
emergency response number as soon as possible to activate the
emergency responder system in the area! All comfort stations, as well as other high activity areas
(like the pool area) have phones to allow calls for all types of
emergencies. New in 2004 are AED's (automated external defibrillator)
in most of these same locations. These are devices meant to be used by
lay persons to assist victims of cardiac arrest. But just like CPR,
training is always helpful. Check out the American
Heart Association web page for more information. I
would recommend checking with your insurance provider for Urgent Care
facilities within your insurance plan in the area of Disney.
Should you need less than "emergency" care you will already have
information on a provider that accepts your insurance. As a
starting point, here are a couple of facilities in the area:
Meals at Fort Wilderness
One of the nice things about
camping is saving a few dollars on food. For those times when you don't
feel like cooking several options are available right inside the
campground. Located in Pioneer Hall in the settlement area is the Trails
End Buffet, Crockett's Tavern and the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review. As the
name implies, Trails end is an all you can eat buffet while Crockett's is a
"finger food" type place. The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review has
to bee seen! A family style meal and a wonderful country dinner
show. Seating for the Hoop-Dee-Doo is assigned by the date you reserve,
so book early.
Refillable Mugs
For those people who drink coffee like I do, one of the best
deals in the campground is the refillable mugs. Buy a mug at Trails End
for about $11.50 and fill it up anytime you want for your entire visit.
At Trails End you can select coffee, hot chocolate or fountain cold
drinks. At the Meadows Trading Post coffee and hot chocolate are the
choices. By the end of my last 5 day visit, my cost for a cup of coffee
was down to about a quarter.
Food Shopping
The meadows trading post has a small grocery section for
emergency shopping. While the prices are not totally outrageous, they
are higher than local supermarkets. If possible I would suggest stopping at a
local store (my favorite is the Florida chain Publix
Supermarkets) on your way in as to go back out can be quite a drive.
If necessary stop again if you
make any side trips off Disney property. There are many other stores in
the local area including Winn Dixie and Goodings (a bit high in prices).
The closest Publix I have found is Publix
Regency Village Shopping Center.
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Exit the Disney complex on Hotel Plaza Blvd (Lake
Buena Vista) to 535, turning right on 535.
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Drive under I-4, turning left at the first light
after you cross under I-4. This should be Vineland Ave.
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Continue on Vineland Ave, pass the outlet stores
(nice center) and follow the signs to Publix.
This is about 5 minutes further than Goodings, but you save
a bunch!
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Sun 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
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Mon 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
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Tues 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
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Wed 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
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Thurs 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
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Fri 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
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Sat 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
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Grocery Delivery
If you don't have a car available, groceries can be ordered
for delivery at Fort Wilderness. One company that delivers in the
central Florida area is GardenGrocer.com.
Excerpt from the "2007 Unofficial Guide to Disney": GardenGrocer.com
will shop for you and deliver your groceries. If you are staying at a hotel
you can arrange for your groceries to be left with bell services..."
(Complete article on page 370). Reports I have read form folks who have
used their services are positive.
Ice
There is an ice machine located at every comfort station
(bathhouse). If you plan to use them, bring a roll of quarters.
This is one of the few areas that Fort Wilderness disappoints me in. A
small bag of ice is $2.00! As with food, I suggest picking up ice on a
stop outside of the Disney property. Almost all supermarkets, quick
marts and gas stations have larger bags cheaper.
LP Gas Fills
While
FW does not offer a "while you wait" service, LP Gas is available at
FW. Just take the tank to one of the trading posts in the morning
(leave it on the porch, don't take it inside) and it will be ready that
afternoon. Folks have reported getting quick "emergency" fills
during the winter when heat was needed.. While I have never
used this service, folks report that the price is not out of
line.
Swimming Pool
After
years of requests, Disney has added a "theme" pool to Fort
Wilderness like many of the
other Disney resorts has. Fort Wilderness boasts slide, childrens
splash & play area. The pool is heated and open 24 hours a
day which can be nice for a late evening swim. Even on a December
night I find it a nice
place to unwind and relax. Just remember, no glass on the pool
deck. There is a second "quiet" pool in between the 2500/2700
cabin loops. While much smaller, this pool is also available for
a quick soak.
Arcades
Available adjacent to the pool as well as in the settlement
area, arcades are available to use up all the available quarters.
Playgrounds
Fort Wilderness is chock full of play areas for kids.
Most loops have some sort of play area such as volleyball, basketball, tether
ball and things like that. Also in several areas of the campground are
larger playgrounds, just check out the map.
Watercraft
Both canoes and paddle boats are available for rent at the
bike barn. With a small pond in front of the barn as well as several
canals available you can canoe to your hears content. Jut remember, not
private watercraft is allowed on any Disney waterway. For a little more  action,
drop on by the marina area behind Pioneer Hall. Small personal
watercraft (water sprites) can be rented and operated by guests. Other
power boats are rented with a captain or crew running the show. For that
someone special in your life, why not book a champagne cruise to watch the
fireworks? But remember, for special cruises like this book early!
If you plan to spend a lot of time on the water, you may want to check out the
marina at the Wilderness Lodge. Ask about discounts as they are offered
off and on. AAA usually gets you 10-15%.
Vehicle Use
Fort Wilderness restricts the use of motor vehicles inside the
campground. Your "room key" allows access to the campground
roads via the returning guest gate next to the reception outpost. Other
than four 15 minute restricted spaces at the Meadows Trading Post, the ONLY
place to legally park is on your campsite.
Skate boards, skates and scooters can be used on the camping loops and
hiking
trail only, not on any of the roads. Motorized 2 wheel
transportation, i.e. mopeds, scooters and the like are prohibited. In
the Fort Wilderness Gazette (the paper they give you at check in)
it states: "Motorbikes or Cycles: No two-wheeled motorized vehicles are allowed in Fort
Wilderness."
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Transportation (Buses)
Internally, Fort Wilderness provides buses for transportation
around the campground
Fort Wilderness has been divided into three colored
internal bus routes: ORANGE, PURPLE and YELLOW
All internal buses stop at the Reception Outpost
(Check In Area) and the Settlement Depot (Pioneer Hall Area).
YELLOW Route: 300, 500, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800,
1900
PURPLE Route: 2000, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700, 2800,
Creekside meadows / Group Camping area
ORANGE Route: 600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300,
Meadows Trading post, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700, 2800,
Creekside Meadows / Group Camping area
The Reception Outpost Bus Stop has direct buses to the Ticket
& Transportation Center, , Downtown Disney, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom/Blizzard Beach
Settlement Depot Bus Stop has direct buses to the
Disney (MGM for you old folks) Studios
During busy periods (park opening and closing) the buses get crowded
quickly! Boat transportation is available at the marina if your
destination is the Magic Kingdom or the Wilderness Lodge (one of
Disney's premier resorts). For transportation to other parks, I suggest
taking your own vehicle. As a Disney resort guest, no parking fee is
collected at any of their parks.
Transportation (Bikes)
Remember, Fort Wilderness is very large - more than
750 acres and over a mile as the crow flies from the Reception Outpost
in the front to the Settlement/Marina area in the back. My preferred
method of transportation at the fort is my bike. I generally ride it
everywhere. Bike racks are available at all destinations within the
campground, plus a little exercise never hurt me. You can find them at Trail's End, by the marina dock, at the
Settlement Trading Post, at the pool, at the Meadows Trading Post, and
at the Reception Outpost bus area. I generally only lock them if I leave
them fore more than an hour, but do what you think is best.
Transportation (Golf Carts)
The Bike Barn in the meadows area has golf carts
available for rental to FW campers. At around $42 a day the cost can add
up quick. The rental carts are electric and run quite a while on a
charge. There is electric available at both your site as well as some
other cart parking areas to allow you to keep it fully charged.
According to FW, The guest must be 18 years old (and have a valid
drivers license) to rent the cart. The guest must be 16 years old (and
have a valid drivers license) to drive the cart.
But, fear not for those of you who have your own personal electric cart,
Disney will allow you to bring it into the campground. For a time there
was a big business of commercial cart rental companies delivering rental
carts to FW, but Disney no longer "officially" allows them to be delivered to the
campground. If you have a means to pick them up and transport them
yourself, outside rentals are still available, or some companies will
deliver utilizing an unmarked vehicle.
A source for off site carts I have used is Steve
Senesi When I used him this is how it worked: On the appointed day he road up to my
site in the cart and the day were were leaving they picked it up at the
site. If you are staying for a couple
of weeks and want a cart you can save money this way. As of June 2011 this is their pricing: $266.25 per week for a 4 passenger cart, including tax, pickup and delivery, with $35 per day for extra days 6 passenger cart is $372.75 per week including tax, pickup and delivery, with $45 per day for extra days. Golf Cart Rentals, LLC 352-630-9564 kartimann@msn.com Contact Steve
Senesi 352-630-9564 for more information, and as things change - contact him to verify current pricing. Another
source for carts is Tee Time Golf Cart Rental.
Reviews I have read are positive and internet web boards
folks are saying the place to rent a cart is from "Kenny" at Tee Time.
Tee Time Golf Cart Rental (Kenny)
407.276.0809
ttimegolfcarts@aol.com
Costs for 4 person carts (as reported by DISers in early 2009, call for current pricing)
approx. $224-$240/7 days (as reported here - call for current pricing)
$293.28/10 days (as reported by a DIS board member 8/23/10 - call for current pricing)
$470.80/month-31 days (as reported here 6/19/09 - call for current pricing)
Prices include delivery (6am - 9pm), taxes, plastic rolldown rain shield, head & tail lights, and a windshield.
30% cancellation fee within 2 weeks of scheduled delivery.
Other sources of carts in Orlando include: Golf & Electric Vehicles 407-568-2122
EZGO 407-847-3444
Yamaha Factory Outlet 407-847-5019
As I said above, bikes are my favorite mode of transportation in the
campground. Most mornings while I'm at FW, you will see me on the bike
headed to the Meadows Trading Post for my first cup of coffee.
Here are the cart
rules that apply to both rentals and personally owned carts.
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Pets at Fort Wilderness
The on site Fort Wilderness kennel has closed. As of 2008 the kennel is no
longer run by Disney themselves, but it has been "outsourced" to a
company called Best
Friends Pet Care.
A new centralized kennel for all resorts is now open. It
is off site from Fort Wilderness, but it is just around the corner from
the Fort and across the street from Port Orleans Riverside. It is
staffed 24 hours a day, so if you are out late you can pick up your fur
friend.
Within Fort Wilderness, three "pet walk" areas include a canal pet walk off the 1800
loop, a canal pet walk off the 300 loop and a nice wooded walk behind the 700
& 800 loops.
Additionally, a pet play area was constructed as of January 2008.
You must drive them to the kennel, you can NOT walk them to the kennel
(it's too far and off property). The old rule was that you could
not walk you pets out of the pet loops themselves, but that is a
thing of the past. With the new off leash park, pets
are walked all over (but not in the stores of pool area).
As for which loops are pet loops, The rule has traditionally been that pets were restricted to
certain pet designated loops. In early January 2008 folks began
reporting that pets were now allowed on all loops. I called the FW front
desk on two occasions and was told once that they were now allowed in all
loops and the second time that the rules were still the same... Pets were restricted to pet loops -not all loops.
So, either the rules are the same as always or as has happened in the
past we will have months of confusion while the "new" rules get out to
everyone. So far, everyone I talk to reports that the old pet loop
restrictions are still in place as of February 2008.
For the safety of your pet and others, it is required that dogs be current on
their required vaccinations which include:
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- Rabies
- Parvovirus
- Distemper
- Hepatitis
- Parainfluenza
- Bordetella (kennel cough)
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Many vets list some of these on their records as DHP (Distemper, Hepatitis,
Parainfluenza) or DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
For pop up owners, be careful. The
Disney website used to state:
"Q. Can you tell me more about keeping my pet at
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground?
A. Specific areas of Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
have been made available to Guests with pets. These are full hook-up
campsites. There is a $5.00 per day pet charge. (This is a per day, per site
charge only, not per pet.) Sorry, Guests in tents and pop-up campers may
not keep pets at their site - they must be kenneled. As of January 2011 it was changed to: Pets
Pets like to go on vacation, too, so we offer a limited number of
pet-friendly Preferred Hook-Up and Premium campsites. Pets are not
permitted to stay in vehicles without air-conditioning or at tent sites. As of June 2011 it now states: Pets
Pets like to go on vacation, too, so we offer a limited number of pet-friendly Preferred Hook-Up and Premium campsites.
- All pets must be kept on a handheld leash that is 6 feet or shorter
or confined in the interior of the owner's personal recreational
vehicle. For pop-ups and tents, pets must be secured in a container,
such as a portable cage or kennel.
- Campsite Guests with pet privileges may take their dogs to play in
the off-leash Waggin' Trails Dog Park or walk the many on-leash trails.
So that our Guests with pets can enjoy ample time at the Walt Disney
World theme parks and destinations, day and overnight kennel care is
available at Best Friends Pet Care.
- Pet owners are required to pick up after and properly dispose of their pet's droppings.
- Pets that interfere with the quality of the Guest experience at
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground in any away (such as
aggression, noise, etc.) or generate a legitimate complaint to
management will result in the pet owner being required to discontinue
the pet's inappropriate behavior, remove the pet to an off-site kennel
or leave the Resort.
So,
previously the "official" rule was no pets in pop ups. Rest
assured if you are camping in a tent or pop up you can bring your
pet to the site as long as you book a space in a pet loop. The
two tent loops (1500 & 2000) are not pet loops. I have spoken
to FW Cast Members several times and they state that the statement
should be that pets can not be left unattended in a tent and that as
long as the pop up has A/C your pets are welcome. If you
have any questions regarding this give the reception outpost a call at
407-824-2900.
Veterinary Care While at Fort Wilderness
Tent Camping
While the only time I have tent camped in Fort Wilderness was way back in
73, I see lots of tents on every trip. While most seem to stick to the
partial hook up sites to save a few dollars, I have seen them on every loop in
the campground. Remember, every site has electric so bring a couple of
extension cords and away you go.
For those in tents, or pop ups which are really a tent on wheels use common sense
in securing valuables at your campsite. Keep cash and valuables locked
in your car or you can use a lock box at the reception outpost.
I really liked this site pictured to the right. A partial shelter under which you will find
all the comforts of home; refrigerator, microwave, coffee pot, and toaster!
Sleeping takes place in the tent.
Handicapped Availability
Fort Wilderness
was designed for handicapped access. Campsites have level concrete pads
connecting to the loop roads with no curbs or other obstructions.
The bathhouses
each have at least 1 roll in shower and 1 accessible toilet
stall. The handicapped sink is equipped with an automatic faucet
as well as an angled mirror. Buses used for transportation within
the campground are all equipped with wheelchair lifts
Satellite Coverage at FW
A common question I hear is
"What is the chance of getting a site that will give satellite TV
coverage?" While I don't use satellite TV, folks I talk to say it's hit
or miss on satt around FW due to the tree cover. After last years storms a lot
of trees went down so older reports of good sites or loops may not be
valid. With that said I see lots of folks with dishes out and the TV's
in their coaches seem to have a great picture
RV Repair at FW
As
luck would have ti, some folks report having RV trouble while at Fort
Wilderness. Several members of The Dis web boards have reported
using Masters RV Mobile service with good results. Again, I
haven't used them but I have read positive reviews.
Masters RV Mobile Service
112 Celava Court
Kissimmee, FL 34743
Phone Number: (407) 348-0862
Fax: (407) 348-0862
Another mobile RV tech with good reviews is Protech Mobile RV Service & Repair.
Mobile Service (860) 803-2359
Available seven days a week mid December thru mid March.The rest of the year he is at his shop in Eastford, CT
Dump Stations (i.e. where do I get rid of the gray
water)
Fort Wilderness is unusual in this respect, they do not have
a dump station. For those of us who contain our gray water but do not
get a full hook up site, just stop by the comfort station and call the
reception outpost. FW cast members direct you to any vacant full hook up
site to dump in.
As there are only 2 loops which do not have sewer
connections this is not usually a problem. In my opinion it is just
easier to pay a few extra dollars a day and get a sewer hook up.
Parking & Extra Vehicles
Fort Wilderness only allows the camping unit and one vehicle
at each campsite. Any additional vehicles must be parked at the
reception outpost parking lot. Cabins have two small spaces, really it's
space for a car and a golf cart. Driving around the campground is
discourage, and other than a few 15 minute spaces by the Meadows Trading Post
there are no parking spaces in Fort Wilderness.
Each evening there is a wonderful parade on the waters of Walt Disney
World. Passing Fort Wilderness at 9:45PM (ask when you check in, times
may change) is a wonder of sight and sound. So grab your beverage of
choice and wander on down to the waterfront to enjoy the show.
Fishing at Fort Wilderness
Catch and release fishing is allowed in the canals and ponds
of Fort Wilderness. As a matter of fact you can rent poles and buy bait
for your expedition. No State of Florida fishing license is
required. For a little more action, the marinas at most resorts can arrange
a boat fishing trip including guide.
Fort Wilderness "History"
I had to go back to my old Disney stuff to figure this out, and here is the
"History of Fort Wilderness" as I know it:
Fort Wilderness opened November 19, 1971 on 750 acres between the Contemporary Resort and the
Walt Disney World Village. At that time it had 231 camping sites including loops 100 - 600.
June 1973 added 481 sites, loops 700 - 1900
April 8, 1974 "Treasure Island" opened with a
pirate theme
April 1974 Pioneer Hall opened
April 1976 Treasure Island renamed Discovery Island and
became an accredited Zoological park
June 1976 added 113 sites, loops 2000 - 2100
June 1976 River Country opened
April 1979 added Creekside Meadow group camping area
December 1986 added 383 cabin sites, loops 2200 - 2800
June 2008 New "Premium" site level created with the conversion of existing sites
* the current sites of cabins had rental Terry Trailers on them
For a look at older documents relating to Fort
Wilderness, check out my Fort
Wilderness Scans Web Page. If you have old menus, price lists or
any printed matter from FW that would be of interest, contact me.
Mickey with a Musket
It appears that the last "Mickey with a musket" sign is still
hanging over the Fort Wilderness marina dock. It's probably just a
matter of time before this one is gone like all of the others.
The Wilderness Line Steam Train
During many of the early years Fort Wilderness had an actual railroad
running around inside the campground. My 1978 Resort Guide states
"This authentic, narrow gage steam train provides guests with a scenic
journey across the length of Fort Wilderness. Resort guests may ride for
$ .50 a day."
I'm sorry to say that it did not last long. I remember riding it on
one of my earlier trips to Fort Wilderness. Apparently Disney found it
too expensive to retain and removed it. All that is left is a section of
track bed leading from "Fort Wilderness Trail" next to the 700 loop
into the woods. I followed this for about 100 yards into the woods
following the back of the 700 loop until weed growth and fallen trees blocked
my path. If you take a look at the 1978 maps below you can see the
entire train route.
 
A great site giving an overview of
the train is the Fort
Wilderness R. R. web site. Additional information on the Fort
Wilderness Steam Train is available at startedbyamouse.com
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