We had fun at Disney's Fort Wilderness

Octopus Prime · 07-20-2019, 07:41 PM

For the first time in forever (see what I did there?), we did not want to leave Disney World when it was time to go. And at ten days, it was the longest trip (Disney or otherwise) we have ever taken.

We stayed the night before at another area campground, and we checked in at Fort Wilderness just after 8 am on arrival day. They had our site ready, so we set up camp.
We ate brunch at Trails End. It wasn't bad, but we weren't impressed.

We enjoyed the atmosphere of the campground. The kids enjoyed the playground and pool that first day.
We sat in rockers and watched them play at one point, and that was nice.

The boat service was very quick and efficient, as were the buses.
Everyone says you NEED a golf cart; we didn't. We only waited more than five minutes once or twice, and even those wait times were acceptable.

We had difficulty backing into our site, and the loop roads were narrow. The concrete pad at our premium site was ample, however.
The site was small, but did offer a sense of privacy with the vegetation.
We saw deer, turkeys, a gator (in the lake during water transportation), rabbits, and the famously entitled squirrels.
We said before we checked in that the Fort Wilderness would be a one-and-done because of the price, but we liked it so much that we decided we want to go again if we can afford it when it is time to go to Disney again.

Grumpy · 07-20-2019, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Octopus Prime

For the first time in forever (see what I did there?), we did not want to leave Disney World when it was time to go. And at ten days, it was the longest trip (Disney or otherwise) we have ever taken.

We stayed the night before at another area campground, and we checked in at Fort Wilderness just after 8 am on arrival day. They had our site ready, so we set up camp.
We ate brunch at Trails End. It wasn't bad, but we weren't impressed.

We enjoyed the atmosphere of the campground. The kids enjoyed the playground and pool that first day.
We sat in rockers and watched them play at one point, and that was nice.

The boat service was very quick and efficient, as were the buses.
Everyone says you NEED a golf cart; we didn't. We only waited more than five minutes once or twice, and even those wait times were acceptable.

We had difficulty backing into our site, and the loop roads were narrow. The concrete pad at our premium site was ample, however.
The site was small, but did offer a sense of privacy with the vegetation.
We saw deer, turkeys, a gator (in the lake during water transportation), rabbits, and the famously entitled squirrels.
We said before we checked in that the Fort Wilderness would be a one-and-done because of the price, but we liked it so much that we decided we want to go again if we can afford it when it is time to go to Disney again.

Glad you had a "MAGICAL" time and IT IS ADICTIVE....

**Midnightmoon** · 07-20-2019, 07:57 PM

I'll be there in just over a week. Can't wait.

I'm happy to hear you had a good time. I will agree on the backing in. Not looking forward to that.

oldmanAZ · 07-20-2019, 08:12 PM

We'll be there in about a YEAR! Can't wait! It's VERY addictive!

**Midnightmoon** · 07-20-2019, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldmanAZ

We'll be there in about a YEAR! Can't wait! It's VERY addictive!

Come on down....I have room for you as long as you don't mind sleeping on the dinette. Bring your own towels though.

oldmanAZ · 07-20-2019, 08:29 PM

Thanks for the invite! As tempting as that is, just yesterday we finished paying for our 2018 WDW trip. DW says next time we need to have the $$ in the bank BEFORE we go.

**Midnightmoon** · 07-20-2019, 08:38 PM

I understand completely. I'll leave the light on for you if you change your mind.

Bassdogs · 07-21-2019, 07:31 AM

You either are or you aren't into stuff like Disney. The park and the CG are magical if you can get past the $$$$, the crowd, and the long lines [Good idea to have someone in your group with a cast on a leg]. You can already guess that I'm in the latter group. I just can't enjoy myself spending copious amounts of $$$$$ to walk in a crowd. That doesn't mean its not fun for the majority. Just be prepared to pay and pay and pay.

michael.g · 07-21-2019, 08:31 AM

We love Fort Wilderness, but they have priced us out. Less than 15 years ago a Premium site in the Value season was $40/night. We used to go twice a year in early spring and fall. It's almost 3 times that now. One week now, costs more than 2 weeks back then.

We live close enough to Disney that we will often do day trips. Park for free at Downtown Disney (aka Disney Springs) and then take a bus to the Fort. Trails End is not as good as it used to be, not since they stopped the Lunch buffet, but we still enjoy the experience. During the right time of year, it's not too outrageously expensive. The parks are our least favorite part of Disney and all the Golf Carts at the Fort. We used to love walking along the lake from the Fort to the Lodge, but now with the DVC cabins at the lodge, that path is no longer accessible.

-Michael

Grumpy · 07-21-2019, 10:12 AM

Yep, prices went up and so did the crowds. Halloween 2020 is sold out at the FORT already.

oldmanAZ · 07-21-2019, 10:14 AM

Yep. And they removed some cabins to add more RV sites.

GABob · 07-21-2019, 10:33 AM

Go for the Hoop de Doo musical review dinner show if you can. Food and drinks are ok, but the atmosphere is so worth it!

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