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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 busses they ran trams like the parking lot at the Magic Kingdom around the campground loop until around 2AM. Busses 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 think 30 years late 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 have pets
For more information, see the
section below regarding "Specific Site Requests"
Site Pricing
Up until 2003, as with all resorts at Disney World, the years
was broken
down into four seasons, with a different price during each season.
They were (from highest cost to lowest) Holiday Season, Peak Season,
Regular Season and Value Season. Starting in 2004 they have added a
"Pre-Holiday" season for the November/December time frame.
The Pre-Holiday season will be priced just above the Value season ($4 more
per site)
Now, new for the 2008 rate year is individual day
pricing. Not only do you have a "season" price, but you
have additional charges for Friday/Saturday nights as well as several
holiday periods. So, if you were staying in a Full Hook Up site from
February 14, 2008 - February 28, 2008 this is how your rates would look
February 14 Peak season (S - T) price, $82 per night
February 15 - 17 Presidents day holiday price, $85 per night
February 18 - 21 Peak season (S - T) price, $82 per night
February 22 - 23 Peak season (F - S) price, $84 per night
February 24 - 28 Peak season (S - T) price, $82 per night
2008 Site Pricing
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2008 Site Pricing
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|
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Sunday - Thursday (tax not included)
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|
|
|
|
|
Type
|
|
Value
|
|
Regular
|
|
Peak
|
|
Holiday
|
|
Pre-Holiday
|
|
|
Partial Hook-Up Site
|
|
$
|
42
|
|
$
|
60
|
|
$
|
70
|
|
$
|
81
|
|
|
$
|
46
|
|
|
Full Hook-Up Site
|
|
$
|
47
|
|
$
|
71
|
|
$
|
82
|
|
$
|
94
|
|
|
$
|
52
|
|
|
Preferred Site
|
|
$
|
56
|
|
$
|
77
|
|
$
|
88
|
|
$
|
99
|
|
|
$
|
60
|
|
|
Wilderness Cabin
|
|
$
|
255
|
|
$
|
299
|
|
$
|
340
|
|
$
|
380
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
Friday - Saturday (tax not included)
|
|
|
Partial Hook-Up Site
|
|
$
|
42
|
|
$
|
62
|
|
$
|
72
|
|
$
|
83
|
|
|
$
|
48
|
|
|
Full Hook-Up Site
|
|
$
|
47
|
|
$
|
73
|
|
$
|
84
|
|
$
|
96
|
|
|
$
|
54
|
|
|
Preferred Site
|
|
$
|
56
|
|
$
|
76
|
|
$
|
90
|
|
$
|
101
|
|
|
$
|
62
|
|
|
Wilderness Cabin
|
|
$
|
255
|
|
$
|
314
|
|
$
|
355
|
|
$
|
395
|
|
|
|
N/A
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Slightly higher nightly pricing applies during the following holidays:
MLK weekend Jan 18-20
$44 Partial
$49 Full
$58 Preferred
Presidents weekend Feb. 15-17
$73 Partial
$85 Full
$91 Preferred
4 th of July weekend July 4-5
$63 Partial
$74 Full
$80 Preferred
Thanksgiving weekend Nov. 26-29
$48 Partial
$54 Full
$62 Preferred
| Value Season: 1/1 -
2/13, 7/20 - 10/01, 11/30 - 12/18 |
| Regular Season: 3/30
- 7/19, 10/2 - 11/29 |
| Peak Season: 2/14 -
3/29 |
| Holiday Season: 12/19
- 12/31 |
| Value Season: 1/1 - 2/13, 8/03 -
11/20 |
| Regular Season: 3/30 - 8/02 |
| Peak Season: 2/14 - 3/29 |
| Holiday Season: 12/19 - 12/31 |
| Pre-Holiday Season: 11/21 -
12/18 |
It appears the types of sites will change for 2009 pricing, so
check out the rumors.
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 June for the following
year. So in June 2004 the prices effective January 2005 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.
WW 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.
Recently, folks have been complaining that insurance has been added to their
reservations.
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.
When 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. As of 2008 there is a $95 booking fee, plus nightly points.
2008 DVC Points for the Fort:
Value Season: Jan 1 – Feb 13 and Aug 3 – Dec 18
Sun-Thurs 6 points/night
Fri-Sat 11 points/night
Regular Season: Mar 30 – Aug 2
Sun-Thurs 8 points/night
Fri-Sat 14 points/night
Peak Season: Feb 14 – March 29
Sun-Thurs 9 points/night
Fri-Sat 16 points/night
Holiday Season: Dec 19 – 31
Sun-Thurs 10 points/night
Fri-Sat 19 points/night
I will note that I am not a DVC member, and this program is
subject to change.
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. 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 and to drive in the guest gate. 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 |
407-824-2735 |
Campsites
There are 3 levels of campsites at Fort Wilderness:
Standard, which includes electric and water This includes the 1500
and 2000 loops.
Full Hook Up, which includes electric, water and sewer (most of them are this way)
This includes the 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1600, 1700, 1800, and
1900 loops.
Preferred, which includes electric, water, sewer and cable
TV. As of the summer of 2005 high speed internet access was added to the preferred loops.
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, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 and 1400 loops.
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. 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.
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.
Rumors abound about additional pull through sites as well as new loops for
larger rigs, but alas - just rumors at this point.
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. 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 preferred 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, or if you are not on a preferred 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 Crockets 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 $6 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. I After midnight you
need your room key to enter the comfort station, so don't forget it!
Emergencies
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.
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, Crockets Tavern and the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review. As the
name implies, Trails end is an all you can eat buffet while Crockets 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.
-
Exit the Disney complex on Hotel Plaza Blvd (Lake
Buena Vista) to 535, turning right on 535.
-
Drive under I-4, turning left at the first light
after you cross under I-4. This should be Vineland Ave.
-
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
-
Mon 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
-
Tues 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
-
Wed 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
-
Thurs 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
-
Fri 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
-
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 teh
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). They will get the tank filled and return it to your site by the
end of the day
Swimming Pool
While not a "theme" pool like many of the other
Disney resorts, Fort Wilderness boasts a nice heated pool which is open 24 hours
a day. Even on a December night I find it a nice place to unwind and
relax. Just remember, no glass on the pool deck.
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 busses 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 busses 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 company I have used is Golf & Electric Vehicles Group
(formerly known as CUSTOM CARRIAGES, INC.)
According to their Regional Sales Manager Steve
Senesi (they have 5 locations around
Florida) they have 2 passenger, 4 passenger and 6 passenger golf
cars available for rental. Additionally, they offer gas and electric
vehicles, although electric is preferable due to less noise and
pollution. Rental rates are less than FW but you have to factor in a
pickup
and delivery charge of $50 roundtrip. They will deliver the vehicle to FW,
coordinated in advance. Also, a rental agreement must be signed and
faxed to them before delivery can be made. Payment by check or cash due
upon delivery of vehicles. When I used them this is how it worked: On the appointed day they road up to my
site in the cart and the day were were leaving they picked it up at the
site. The down side to their services is that they do not pick up
or deliver on the weekends. But, if you are staying for a couple
of weeks and want a cart you can save money this way. Contact Steve
Senesi for more information.
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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.
Other sources of carts in Orlando include:
EZGO 407-847-3444
Yamaha Factory Outlet 407-847-5019
Orlando Golf Carts 407-426-9727
Here are the cart
rules that apply to both rentals and personally owned carts.
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Pets at Fort Wilderness
Fort Wilderness has an on site kennel for your standard
house pets. It will probably be best to leave your tiger at home. The kennel does NOT accept reservations
at all, so don't bother trying. They do have 8 or 10 large
outside runs that do not have A/C, but do have a full roof and ceiling fans
over them. Inside there is A/C, but the kennels are the stacking type,
but center dividers can be removed to create more space for larger dogs.
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, nor can you walk you pets out of the pet loops
themselves.
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.
New for 2008 is the fact that the kennel is no longer run by
Disney themselves. They have "outsourced" to a company called Best
Friends Pet Care.
- All boarding rates include two potty walks and up to two meals.
- There is a full day charge for day of check-in.
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Dogs |
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Overnight - Day Guest |
$20.00 |
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Overnight - Resort Guest |
$18.00 |
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Overnight - DVC Member |
$17.00 |
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Daycare |
$15.00 |
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Cats and Small Animals |
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Overnight - Day Guest |
$15.00 |
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Overnight - Resort Guest |
$13.00 |
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Daycare |
$10.00 |
Extra Special Services
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Extra Walk |
$5.00 |
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Cuddle Time |
$5.00 |
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Ice Cream Break |
$4.00 |
- Medication: $2.00 charge per administration for owner
supplied medications. (no injections)
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 other questions, you can call the kennel directly at 407-824-2734
(407-824-2735 is a recording of the kennel prices and rules)
Should the FW kennel be full, Disney maintains four other kennels on property:
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- Ticket & Transportation Center
- EPCOT
- MGM Studios
- Animal Kingdom
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The kennel is open
from 7:30AM to 9:00PM, but if you are out late they have installed a phone
next to the door. Pick it up and dial 23. Security will come by
and spring your fur kid from the slammer for you.
For pop up owners, be careful. The
Disney website states:
"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.
Rest assured if you are camping in a tent or pop up
you can bring your pet to the site. 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 or pop up. If you have any questions regarding
this give the reception outpost a call at 407-824-2735.
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. Busses 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
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
* 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 gauge 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 |
