A Pioneer’s Review of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground

Gather ’round, buckaroos, and let me spin a yarn about Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground; the most unique and largest (750 acres) Disney resort in the wilderness. Despite being one of the original Walt Disney World resorts, opening in November of 1971, I have never been able to convince my family to “leave the reservation” and stay here. So, I recently jumped at the chance to play pioneer and trail blaze here.

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground

Come mosey around with me and take a video tour of this expansive and one-of-a-kind property!

Ready to set a spell? Let’s talk turkey:

Set Up Camp (Accommodations)

The Campsites (RVs and tents)

The approximately 2,000 campsites range in four sizes: from Premium (18′ X 60′), that accommodates RVs 45′ and longer, to (10′ X 25′) for tents or pop-up campers. All provide water, electricity, and cable TV hook-ups.  Accompanying outdoor charcoal grills and picnic table are standard. Most supply sewage hook-up. Each campsite hosts a maximum of ten Guests and pricing begins at $65 per night. *Pets are permitted in RV settings, but not tents or pop-up campers.

You can read about our RV rental experience at An Open Suitcase.

The Cabins

Another option for camping digs are the over 400 “log” Cabins, each provides the same rustic setting with the luxury of air-conditioning, full bathrooms, and kitchens. And housekeeping!! Six Guests can be accommodated here for a price tag that begins at $347 per night. *Pets are allowed in some units.

Gettin’ Purdy (Comfort Stations and Restrooms)

I know what yer fearin’. That dreaded BATHROOM situation… Never fear the tiny RV restroom. Each campsite is situated near laundry, shower, and toilet facilities.

And these facilities are spick and span clean. They are large, offer private showers, and are in apple pie order. Promise.

Get Along Little Doggies (Transportation)

Yup, this property is HUGE, so it takes some planning, and time, to git around this ponderosa. In my video I let you know that my preferred means of transit here is via Disney Water Transportation. If you are headed out to Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, or Disney’s Contemporary Resort, boats depart from the Fort Wilderness Marina about every 15 minutes. However, if your posse is traveling to any other spot on Walt Disney World Resort property, you will need to drive your own vehicle, or use Disney Bus Transportation.

Bus

What you MUST know is that there is an internal bus system- taking you from numbered bus stops located near your campsite or cabin- which will then take you to the external system at the Outpost Depot- which then motors you to specific parks. (As is the case at any Disney Resort hotel.) This will require time and patience lil’ doggies!!!

Disney’s Magical Express runs from the Reception Outpost, and the Resort Airline Check-In is located there as well.

Another option for internal travel (and the best way to get to the Fort Wilderness Marina, Trading Posts, and Pioneer Hall restaurants) is by electric golf cart. Each cart safely holds four adults, and can be rented by the day, week, or longer from the Reception Outpost. The daily rate is $59. As you can imagine, these vehicles are at a premium, so if you have a hankering for one, I advise that you reserve yours up to one year prior to your stay.

Vittles (Restaurants)

The most famous dinner show in the wilderness (and arguably all of Walt Disney World property) is the long-running Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue. For many wranglers, this is their first introduction to “the Fort.”

This restaurant, the other dinner show at this locale, Mickey’s Backyard BBQ, Trail’s End Restaurant, P & J’s Southern Takeout, and Crockett’s Tavern are all found within a short walk of water transportation. The internal bus system will also drop you near this Pioneer Hall area.

The barbecue chow at all of these spots is finger lickin’ good. Really!

Kit and Caboodle (Trading Posts/Markets)

We certainly never felt like we had been left out in the wild without our bedroll!

Conveniently, provisions for your campsite or cabin can be found at Meadow Trading Post and Settlement Trading Post. Go whole hog and purchase everything from Mickey Mouse Ears to toothpaste to a loaf of bread!

Gold Mining (Activities)

Gone are the Fort Wilderness Railroad and River Country, but have no fear. This property is chock-full of rip roaring activities. You will NEVER be bored here. I do believe you would have to set up camp here for at least a month to take advantage of all of the recreation at this property.

Bay Lake Water Sports

Giddy up on the ranch!

For a more in-depth view of activities at the Fort, high tail over to a fellow camper’s review: Happy Campers Guaranteed at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground!

A Disney Must-Do at this property is one of their Horse-Drawn carriage Rides; especially during Holiday seasons. What better way to take in all the camper Halloween and Christmas decorations?!!

During December, look for bedecked carriages and horses. Holiday Sleigh Rides leave from Crockett’s Tavern, and can be reserved by calling (407) WDW- PLAY.

Spending a day or a meal at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is a the perfect way to introduce your cavalry to this slice of days gone by. All fiddle faddle aside, this is a spot I could see Walt Disney himself falling in love with. And that’s all this New York City cowgal needs to know. I’ll be back. Until then, I will practice my YEE HAW!!

More from the Fireside:

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Secrets for Success from Disney Master Artist Kevin-John