Fort Wilderness Resort Campground Review
Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground is an actual campground with both campsites and cabins at Walt Disney World. This review features photos of the both, the dining options and other amenities, and thoughts on the experience of staying at Fort Wilderness.
The overhaul of the Fort Wilderness Cabins is entirely complete (we’ll get to that below). We’ve stayed at Fort Wilderness several times, and this review covers our experiences over the course of our vacations at Fort Wilderness, mostly in anecdotal form.
Fort Wilderness really is an experience, one that feels unlike any other resort at Walt Disney World. If you didn’t know any better, you wouldn’t realize you were just outside of a theme park. Not only is the “resort” isolated from the rest of Walt Disney World, but it’s also largely untouched and under-developed. It also offers a wealth of outdoor recreational activities and perks you won’t find anywhere else at Walt Disney World. With that said, Fort Wilderness definitely is not for everyone…
When I was young, my parents and I used to stay at Fort Wilderness in our camper. The few memories that I could recall from Fort Wilderness are good ones. I remember getting a Dale (dressed in his Chip ‘N’ Dale Hawaiian shirt) plush on one of our first trips there at the Outpost, going to the Hoop De Doo Revue a couple of times, and swimming at River Country, but that’s about it. However, I hadn’t even visited there in roughly 15 years prior to booking a return trip.
When Sarah and I first stayed at Fort Wilderness, we didn’t book it because of my fond memories, but rather, for lack of a better option. By the time we went to book a room, none of the Value Resorts had discounted rooms, and for only $20 more per night, we could do a Fort Wilderness Cabin. Why not, we thought?
My biggest concern initially was the internal bus routes at Fort Wilderness, as we have heard that they can make getting to and from Walt Disney World’s theme parks a pain. After that first trip, I reported back that my concerns were unfounded…
After subsequent stays at Fort Wilderness (and visits there to eat), I think it’s a bit more complicated and at least in part depends upon where you’re staying within the resort, to which park you’re headed, and when you return.
During our most recent stay at the Fort Wilderness Cabins, we were reminded of how frustrating its transportation can be. There are 3 internal bus routes that deliver guests to the front and back of the the resort, with buses departing from the front to take guests to the parks, and boats departing from the back (Settlement) to take guests to Magic Kingdom (and other Bay Lake resorts).
This might not seem bad as a twice-per-day thing, but the resort is so spread out that a bus is also necessary if you want to eat, shop, or swim. The internal bus route is about as efficient as it can be, and although it can be a bit quirky and initially confusing, it gets the job done. Over the course of a week-long trip, though, that extra time can add up–and can get old.
However, this is the price you pay for the seclusion Fort Wilderness offers: it’s a necessary evil if you want this level of spaciousness and seclusion. I don’t think it’s possible to have it both ways, and given the situation, the Fort Wilderness bus routes are very workable. With that said, the spread out nature of the resort is also why so many Fort Wilderness guests rent golf carts.
Likewise, the marina transportation was quick and enjoyable. The smaller boats that transported guests to the Contemporary and Magic Kingdom showed up promptly and provided an enjoyable and unique method of getting from Fort Wilderness to the Magic Kingdom.
Taking a boat from Fort Wilderness is such a great and relaxing form of transportation. Although it’s not technically an “attraction,” this is one of my favorite attractions at Walt Disney World.
The entertainment and recreational offerings at Fort Wilderness are robust. I’d say the daily slate of entertainment at Fort Wilderness is better than any other resort at Walt Disney World. There are numerous paid offerings, from fishing to archery classes to boating, and more.
There’s also a lot you can do for free. From nature trails to the Electrical Water Pageant to campfires (I’m probably forgetting a lot), there’s a ton to do. Most notable among these is Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-Along, which is a nightly campfire show that occurs at 7 or 8 p.m., depending upon the season.
There’s also the petting zoo at the Tri-Circle-D ranch, and the Settlement Trading Post, which sells is your typical gift shop/grocery location.
If you’re looking to rent a recreational option, the Meadows Recreation Area has a bike barn and the Fort Wilderness waterways and bicycle trails. You can also swim, and play tennis or volleyball at the complex.
Fort Wilderness also contains one of the hidden gems of Walt Disney World: Trail’s End Restaurant. This is an all-you-cant eat (although it has tested an a la carte menu at times) cafeteria found in Pioneer Hall. We already have reviews of the Trail’s End Breakfast Buffet and the Trail’s End Dinner Buffet, and we’re working on one for brunch (spoiler: like the other meals, it’s also awesome).
Speaking of awesome, Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is a staple of Walt Disney World dining entertainment, and we think it’s a must-do. This long-running show has been entertaining guests for four-plus decades, and many families return again and again. I loved Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue as a kid, and I still love it as an adult.
The cabins were recently overhauled, and we have a comprehensive look at what was changed–including improvements and downgrades–in our new Cabins at Fort Wilderness Review. Suffice to say, these cabins feature a full kitchen, living room (that doubles as a bedroom), and bedroom with queen bed and bunkbeds.
The cabins sleep 6 plus infants in a crib, but sleeping 6 adults comfortably would be quite a feat. Uncomfortably, you could probably sleep 8 people in one of these bad boys.
I’m not really sure what to say about the camp-sites, other than “they exist.” Actually, there’s quite a bit more to know. There are roughly 800 campsites at Fort Wilderness spread out across 20 loops. These campsites are secluded from one another by an overgrowth of brush and trees.
Campsites are back-ins with a combination of paved driveway and sandy pad. Each site is ~25 feet wide and includes a picnic table, charcoal grill, electricity, and water hookups. There are four categories of campsites at Fort Wilderness: premium (big rig-friendly), preferred (better location), full-hookup (includes sewer), and partial (ideal for tents).
There are 15 comfort stations located throughout Fort Wilderness Campground. Some loops have their own comfort station and some of the smaller loops share a centrally located station. They’re all relatively convenient to access.
One final note on the campground front: at Christmas-time, campers go wild decorating their campsites and golf carts at Fort Wilderness with all sorts of displays. (Hence the above photo, which otherwise might seem random.) It’s pretty cool to see, even if you’re not staying at Fort Wilderness.
One of my favorite things to do at Fort Wilderness is get up early and walk to the marina (no matter where we’re staying) to watch the sunrise. This early morning walk of the resort is a great experience, and really made me appreciate the place all the more. It’s so tranquil and undeveloped, and in many ways, still retains a lot of the charm of old school Walt Disney World.
It’s almost as if Fort Wilderness Campground is “off the grid” and hasn’t been victim to as many of the changes made that have sanitized and made some of the other original ‘Vacation Kingdom of the World’ resorts less endearing.
While I would definitely stay at Fort Wilderness again soon at the opportunity, it’s definitely someplace where we’ll stay when we have kids. I look forward to our kids enjoying playing at the playground, fishing, and enjoying other things like the Campfire Sing Along with Chip & Dale.
To me, it seems Fort Wilderness offers more for young children to explore than many of the other resorts at which we stayed. In an era when entertainment for kids primarily occurs in front of an LCD screen, Fort Wilderness is a breath of fresh air.
Overall, Fort Wilderness Campground is a breath of fresh air if you’re looking for somewhere at Walt Disney World that is totally different and lacking the same amount of hustle and bustle as the theme parks. If you want somewhere to stay that will balance out the chaos of the theme parks, or if you just want to get in touch with nature, Fort Wilderness is an exceptional option.
The amenities and entertainment are wonderful, cabins are really well done, and camping at Walt Disney World is a unique experience. My only real quibble is the transportation system, but even that is about as good as it can be considering the nature of the resort. I would not hesitate to book a stay at Fort Wilderness if a more rustic setting appeals to your party. It’s unlike anywhere else at Walt Disney World, and is a great way to shout SERENITY NOW! and get away from it all.
Not sure which Walt Disney World hotel is right for you? Check out our Walt Disney World Hotel Reviews page, which offers quick-hit capsule reviews of the strengths and weaknesses of every Walt Disney World hotel, plus links to our reviews and photo pages for every hotel we have reviewed. Looking for comprehensive Walt Disney World vacation tips? Make sure to read our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide.
Your Thoughts…
What do you think of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground & Resort? Have you stayed in a cabin at Fort Wilderness? What about one of the campsites? Have any tips in terms of entertainment, dining, or recreation at Fort Wilderness? Are you a “Fort Fiend” or is Fort Wilderness not your style? Any questions? Hearing from readers is half the fun, so please share your thoughts in the comments below!
My sister, my daughter, and I have stayed in the cabins in 2005, 2007, 2012, and 2014 and we love them! We have talked about staying elsewhere but always come back to the cabins.
We love the space to spread out in the cabins. We love that we have space and don’t have to hear doors slamming, loud t.v.’s, and people up and down outside of rooms like in a hotel. We love the peace and quiet when we come back from the parks. There is still lots to do with canoes/kayaks, biking, movies/campfires, dinner shows, etc. We never needed a golf cart – EVER! We never waited for an internal bus more than 10 minutes. Usually to boat to MK; and either took a bus to the other parks or drove. I would highly recommend staying here.
This fall will be our first experience at the Cabins. We are normally Orleans Riverside or Caribbean fans. Can I ask you a few questions about the transportation? If we ferry to MK, is there a place to park our car near the marina? And how long a trip is it, once on the ferry? As far as the bus, are there a ton of stops after you board the bus? Its such a HUGE place – it seems like you could be in the resort 30 minutes! 🙂 Thanks for the help!
Unfortunately, you need to park your car at the front of Fort Wilderness, or at your cabin. There is no parking near the marina unless you are parking your golf cart. We love renting a golf cart as it gets you right down to the marina very quickly, but you shouldn’t have a problem with the internal bus system getting you there, too. I’ve heard only good things about the bus transportation, but I’ve never experienced it for myself. If you can afford to spring for the golf cart, I encourage you to do so. It is just so fun!
The trip on the ferry from FW to MK is maybe 10 minutes? I’ve never really paid attention, actually, because the boat ride is so enjoyable. It is like another attraction before you’ve even entered the parks. You can also take the boat from FW to Wilderness Lodge if you make a dining reservation there. My husband and I have done that for date night, and the boat ride adds to the romantic experience.
My husband and I are planning a trip next year and want to stay at Fort Wilderness. We were thinking of going in October but now I’m thinking about December. So my question is, is Fort Wilderness/Disney better for Halloween or Christmas??
We stayed at the Fort Wilderness cabins from August 31 – September 8, 2015. There were six in our party and while we could have booked two rooms at a value resort for less money, we decided there were more amenities at Fort Wilderness. We were very impressed and would definitely recommend it. It is a huge resort with excellent bus service to take you around the resort. We did however rent a golf cart, but that was more to do with providing the four adult children (ages 19, 20, 21 and 22) that were accompanying my wife and I with a quick and novel way to get around.
The boat service to Magic Kingdom and the Contemporary Hotel were very efficient (there are two different boats).
Had arranged with Garden Grocer to have groceries delivered before we arrived and everything was in place in our refrigerator. This is a service I highly recommend.
Overall, I highly recommend Fort Wilderness.
We stayed at the cabins at Fort Wilderness in June 2014. We loved the cabins and they were perfect for our family vacation of 11 people! We had 2 cabins with 6 in one and 5 in the other. We had groceries ordered on line and delivered by Garden Grocer. Their service is amazing! The only complaint we had was the busing service. With twins in a double stroller, it made it quite a feat to unload and fold up each time we were boarding…especially in the pouring rain! Only one driver let us in the wheelchair door and we loved him for that! We would stay here again in a minute! It was a magical vacation for our family!
Hi, thanks for the tourist information on Fort Wilderness. Its a place I’ve always wanted to check out. Quick question, if you are traveling there single what would possible be the best option; tent or cabin, and are the tents on site or do we have to bring them?
You have to bring your own tent if you use a campsite.
A campsite is much cheaper. A cabin rents for about $300/night.
Thanks for this guidance…and sowing love to fort!!!
My parents are staying in the 100 area, are the cabins a far walk for my husband two year old and 6 year old to walk?
A far walk from what? There is an internal bus, so not if you use that, but if you choose to walk instead of using the internal bus, it is a long walk throughout the resort.
Thanks for the guidance here!
A question about room cleaning– are there maids/cleaning crew onsite daily to change bed linens and clean the cabins just like at other resorts?
Also, my parents are hoping to camp their 5th wheel at Fort Wilderness while my family stays in a cabin. How likely are we to arrange their campsite close to our cabin?
Thanks!
Yes, housekeeping in the cabins is just like a regular Walt Disney World hotel room.
Love the review. We’ve stayed off Disney site (don’t recommend for full experience) and on site. We absolutely fell in love with the new Art of Animation. It’s perfect for little ones. We are debating the cabins this March and I’m having a hard time deciding. Pluses are definitely the light show on the water and fireworks you cannot see from Art of Animation and having your car right at your room/cabin. I love the woods like feel with the ability to have your own shower/bathroom. My doubts are about the pool, it looks very small and plain from pictures I’ve seen and one this Art of Animation does extremely well is the pools and decor. You feel like you’re in a Disney park the entire visit. Also do cabins have regular hotel towel service? Do they have the cute disney soaps and shampoos? Meaning do you still retain some of the perks of a hotel? Also, the cafeteria at Art of Animation you can buy a Disney mug and get free fills ups of coffee tea and soda your entire trip, is this the case at the fort? We have two small families staying together and we enjoyed thoroughly taking turns watching kids so each of us could have some time to walk and get morning coffee and breakfast. Can we do this at fort? Kitchen is nice but if you have kids you understand those precious morning moments to yourself! Thanks for your help and insight!
Yes, you receive all of the standard Walt Disney World amenities at the Fort Wilderness cabins. The pool definitely isn’t as nice there as Art of Animation, and overall Fort Wilderness has a TOTALLY different tone. It’s more laid back, more “adult” (lots of older couples there), whereas Art of Animation is more family-oriented. Less Disney characters, more quiet moments (if that makes sense).
I love Art of Animation, but it and Fort Wilderness don’t really compare at all. They are apples and oranges. It’s hard for me to make a recommendation to you–just know that it is a very different experience, albeit still a great one.
We have found that renting a golf cart or bringing your own helps with the transportation issue. You do not have to ride the internal buses and can just ride them to either the marina or the bus depot to the parks. 🙂
Greetings! We were wondering…how long are you on the bus before getting to MK? And, same with the boat ride!
~Thanks!!
I have stayed there twice during the Christmas seasons. My favorite thing is to see all of the decorated camp sites; those people go all out and it’s amazing!
I am planning going with my family of six (husband, my mother, and three kids 11, 5 and 2 years old). But the only issue I have is that there is only 1 bathroom at the cabins. Is there any restroom near the cabins?
I have stayed at the Fort Wilderness cabin on many occasions. We usually rent a golf cart to get around except last time we had one of the two cabins in the 100 loop so we didn’t need one. We were so close that the fire works shook our cabin. We always have friends and family from Florida come and stay with us. You can park one car by the cabin and anyone else showing up can park by the check in building. You didn’t stop to do the s’mores at the Chip & Dale Campfire?
When did you stay is it something you requested? I’m staying here next week and would really like to stay in the 100 loop?
We need one night at the camping site before we go in the value resorts the next day. How is the TENT site? any tips? what time is the campfire?
Team Spence – there is parking for golf carts at at the Settlement area, where you catch the boat to the Magic Kingdom. There are two parking areas there, one is by the dock and the other is about 200 feet away by Trails End Restaurant / Pioneer Hall. There is also parking at the outpost, where you catch the bus to other Disney Parks. And no, there is no bus to Universal or any other non Disney Park. There is very limited resort to resort transportation. Fort Wilderness, Wilderness Lodge, and the Contemporary Hotel has boat transportation that runs between the three. From the Contemporary, you can catch the monorail to Polynesian and Grand Floridian. To get to other resorts, you have to get to one of the theme parks, then get on a bus to the other resorts. We will there in October ourselves. Don’t forget to get you tickets for Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party !
Also, if you there through Halloween, the Fort is well known for people decorating our golf carts and the golf cart parade and we have a lot of trick or treaters, mostly up in the Settlement area. The other year I gave out over 1200 pieces of candy.
Have fun!!
As someone who used to stay at Fort Wilderness annually during Christmas, this resort is truly remarkable. It’s very much “untouched” by Disney, but is unfortunately being tampered with, as of most recently. For those who worry about getting to the boat dock and the “main area” in a timely manner, I highly recommend renting bikes or to splurge, a golf cart. It’s very much worth it, especially to just “check out” all of the sites, or as many Fort Wilderness veterans call, “looping.”
How is it being tampered with now? I know there were plans for a Fort Wilderness Disney Vacation Club addition at one time, but those were canceled.
Little things are definitely becoming obsolete. The much loved lawn mower tree was taken down just a couple months ago. Hidden hangout spots (such as behind the 300 loop) is no longer an area where you can really fish or hang out, as they are replacing the log home with a bat house due to mosquito issues. There are a lot other things I haven’t noted, but the Fort Fiends website has a thread on it. I was extremely sad to see the lawn mower tree removed since it was pretty nostalgic! This, of course, won’t stop me from staying there, but it’s definitely a bummer.
My husband and I have always stayed at FW, first in a tent, then a camper, and finally the cabins. They are just perfect for a family – and in my opinion, a much better option than a hotel room, just for the fact that you can open the door and send the kids outside to play and still be able to see and hear them. In a hotel, they’d go down the long hall and take a trip in the elevator and then be completely unsupervised if they found their way to the lobby! The beach at FW is a nice place to watch the fireworks from the MK, as well as the Electrical Water Parade. Love, love, love Fort Wilderness and look forward to retirement when we’ll have time to drive the camper down and stay in one of the loops that allow pets. (The kennel there is NOT a great option, we found.) Biking around FW is a pleasure, as well. It’s all flat! I remember going to River Country on our honeymoon and I’m glad you mentioned it… I can’t for the life of me remember where it was! Please refresh my memory.
River Country was (still is, actually) back near the dock. You can still see remnants of it as you approach or leave Fort Wilderness on the boats.
We have stayed at Fort Wilderness all four of the trips we have taken and we LOVE it!! We usually request the 2800 loop so that walking to the bus stop is easy if we need to, but have generally reserved a golf cart on each of the trips. Some of the other fun things that we have done while staying there are Chip N Dale sing-a-long campfire! You can buy the fixins for smores there and it gives you enough for the entire family! We have also done the Archery Experience and that was wonderful. We have done the horsebacking riding on several occasions and found the people to be most friendly and helpful. I love the feeling of Fort Wilderness.
Another great option your readers may like to know about is renting an RV for Fort Wilderness. http://www.FloridaCamperRental.com offer several RV’s to choose from and included everything that a family would need for there camping trip. Including set up and delivery. Guest only need to bring there food and clothes and everything is provided, making a fun filled camping trip which is affordable and easy to do.