Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground as been part of Walt Disney World since (nearly) the beginning, having opened just over a month after the rest of the Vacation Kingdom on November 19, 1971. From the start, Fort Wilderness was a bit overshadowed by the rest of the Resort, especially by its fellow opening year Resorts: Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
That overshadowing has continued to the current day, as even many regular Walt Disney World visitors have never set foot on the Resort’s property.
However those who’ve never explored Fort Wilderness might just be missing the most fun place — outside of the theme parks — in Walt Disney World.
When discussing how much fun can be had at Fort Wilderness, we have to start with the main draw of the hotel: the campground itself. Sure, it’s not for everyone, but for those who want to add at least the illusion of roughing it to their Walt Disney World vacation, the Resort offers about 800 campsites equipped to handle both tents and RVs. Fort Wilderness also offers over 400 cabins for those who want a tad more structure for their stay in nature.
Those who choose to camp at Fort Wilderness have access to a litany of outdoor recreational options not available anywhere else a Walt Disney World. Guests can fish, canoe, kayak, ride bikes, and play tennis in various areas of the property.
Fort Wilderness is also home to the Tri Circle D Ranch, an animal care complex where the horses who perform at the nearby Magic Kingdom live. The ranch offers activities including trail rides, carriage, and hay rides. In addition, the resort’s marina features numerous rentable watercraft that can be used to explore Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon.
Speaking of water, Fort Wilderness offers a pool that should merit a mandatory visit from Disney history aficionados. You see, the resort’s Meadow Swimmin’ Pool offers a water slide that’s looked over by a giant water tower. What’s so special about that, you ask? The tower is from Disney’s beloved first water park River Country, which existed as part of Fort Wilderness from its 1976 opening until its unceremonious closure in 2001.
If all those activities leave you with a mighty appetite, Fort Wilderness has several fun dining options for you. The Resort features the Trail’s End Restaurant and, for those looking for a slightly more adult setting, the Resort also features Crockett’s Tavern, which offers beer, wine, and wings. This is also where you’ll find the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, a beloved dinner show!
Find reader reviews of Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue here!
Once the sun goes down, Fort Wilderness offers some of the best nighttime entertainment at any Disney World hotel. For those traveling with children, there’s the Campfire Sing-Along with Chip ‘n’ Dale, which feature the two namesake chipmunks, campfire singalongs, two fire pits for s’mores, and a Disney movie shown on an outdoor screen.
As you can see, there’s more than enough fun to be had at Fort Wilderness to make it a vacation destination all on its own. Have any great Fort Wilderness memories you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments below.
Click here to peruse Reader Reviews of Fort Wilderness Campground!
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Fort Wilderness Cabins are one of the best places to stay on Disney property. At times you almost forget you are at Disney as it is so unlike the other resorts. We have stayed several times and the family has enjoyed the swimming pool, trail rides, Hoop De Doo, and many other amenities. It is also a quick boat ride to Magic Kingdom. The only drawback is the property is very large and if you want to get around quickly, you need to rent a golf cart which can be pretty pricey.