Yesterday I discussed the various campsites and cabins at Fort Wilderness and the transportation options. Today I’m going to talk about the many opportunities for adventure found at the campground.
Most people who visit Walt Disney World focus their attention on visiting the theme parks. But when you stay at Fort Wilderness, you have a slightly different attitude. Yes, the parks are terrific and cannot be ignored. But the campground offers a host of low-tech activities that also command your attention. Let’s start at The Outpost.
For those of you with a hankerin’ to ride a horse, head over to Trail Blaze Corral (Tri-Circle-D Ranch – The Outpost). Offered several times a day, these rides last about 45 minutes and offer a leisurely walk through the pine forests of Fort Wilderness. All tours have two guides, one who leads the way and another to bring up the rear. If you’re an experienced rider, you’ll probably be bored with this tour. But if you’re a city-slicker with limited opportunities to be around horses, then this adventure will be right up your alley. Riders must be at least 9 years old and 48 inches tall and can weigh no more than 250 pounds. To make advanced reservations, call (407) WDW-PLAY (939-7528). Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance. To make same-day reservations, call 407-824-2832 or touch 57 on your in-room phone.
The Meadow offers the widest array of activities for outdoor fun. But before we start with the goings-on, let’s take a look at the Meadow Trading Post. This spot sells the usual collection of Disney souvenirs, but there are also a few Fort Wilderness exclusive pieces that cannot be found outside the campground. In addition, the store sells a reasonable selection of food stuffs to help accent the groceries you brought with you. Free WIFI is also available in and around this shop. Removable propane tanks can also be refilled here. Packages being delivered from the parks will be dropped off at the Meadow Trading Post for you to pick up at a later time. The Meadow Trading Post is open from 8am to 10pm.
As you might imagine, bicycles can be rented at the Bike Barn. However, other equipment can also be obtained here. Canoes, kayaks, rods & reels (and bait), shuffleboard equipment, tennis rackets, and other sports paraphernalia are available from 9am to 7pm. Note, fishing is on a “catch and release” basis.
Paddling the waterways of Fort Wilderness is the perfect way to while away an hour. One of the canals makes a circle in and about the campsites and unspoiled woods. It takes about 30-45 minutes to complete the journey and along the way you’ll see a varied assortment of wildlife. You might also recognize one of the bridges that the old Fort Wilderness Railroad once traversed.
Wilderness Back Trail Adventure offers guests a chance to experience a Segway X2 Personal Transporter. This is an off-road tour that winds its way around the campground with a side trip to the Wilderness Lodge and back. The event lasts two hours including training. For reservations call 407-939-8687. Groups meet at the Bike Barn.
Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Disney offers the Fort Wilderness Archery Experience. At this activity, instructors conduct a short training session, teaching guests how to hold and fire a compound bow and arrow. When target practice begins, the trainers will offer tips and techniques on how to better hit that coveted bull’s-eye. The session lasts one and a half hours.
Near the Bike Barn is Meadow Swimmin’ Pool. Open 7am to 12 midnight, this pool is the perfect spot to cool down with a dip during the hot Florida summer. Numerous lounge chairs are available for you to sunbathe (don’t forget your sunscreen) as are tables for games and conversation. Lifeguard hours vary. Check the posted sign for current times.
In an effort to pay homage to past Fort Wilderness attractions, the Imagineers designed the water slide at Meadow Swimmin’ Pool with something special. The large barrel that anchors the slide used to welcome guests arriving at River Country. In addition, the Imagineers have repainted the barrel to sport the logo from the old Fort Wilderness Railroad.
One of the best kiddie pools at Walt Disney World can be found at the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool. Two slides, water spouts, geysers, cascading buckets, and more entertain those too young to venture into deeper waters.
Hungry? Meadow Snack Bar offers hotdogs, flatbreads, salads, and sandwiches. Soft drinks, beer, and a limited selection of cocktails will help quench your thirst. A number of picnic tables are nearby. This spot is open for lunch only.
Next to the snack bar is Daniel Boone’s Wilderness Arcade. Open daily from 7:30am to 10pm, this is the spot to put your hand/eye coordination to the test with electronic wizardry.
Also in The Meadow area is Chip & Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long. This is a Fort Wilderness tradition and a must-attend for families with little ones.
Each evening around dusk, a campfire is started. At the nearby chuck wagon, marshmallows and hotdogs can be purchased for roasting over the open fire. Even S’mores kits are for sale. It’s a hoot to watch the young’uns attempt to roast their marshmallows without setting them ablaze.
As the evening’s guests begin to settle in, a singing cowboy, joined by Chip & Dale, take the stage and encourage the audience to join them in song. Old standards like “Home on the Range” and “She’ll be Comin’ Round the Mountain” are the songs du jour. These are melodies that everyone knows the words and can easily join in. Even the “Hokey Pokey” is performed with participants putting their left leg in and their left leg out. There is nothing sophisticated about this sing-a-long.
When the melodies come to an end, the movie begins. Each evening, a different Disney classic film is shown under the stars. Check the campground information guides for times and movies.
I do need to warn you, the log benches leave a lot to be desired when it comes to comfort. The evening I attended, one seasoned couple brought their own folding chairs.
The Meadow is a great recreational area. I’ve tried to discuss most of the activities, but I know I’ve forgotten a few. In my opinion, The Meadow is the heart of Fort Wilderness.
Now let’s move north to The Settlement. The Settlement lies on the banks of Bay Lake and this is where guests can catch boats to Wilderness Lodge, the Contemporary Resort, and the Magic Kingdom.
Near the boat dock is the Fort Marina Recreation and Boat Rentals. Here you can rent one of the speedy Sea Racers or a more leisurely pontoon boat. This is also the spot where you can arrange for a two hour fishing trip out on Bay Lake. An experienced guide and fishing equipment are included in the package so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the experience.
On the white sandy beach are dozens of lounge chairs, tetherball poles, and volleyball nets. This is a great spot to relax in the shade of the nearby trees or bask in the sun. Note, swimming is not allowed in Bay Lake.
A short walk from the beach is a Fort Wilderness oddity, the Lawnmower Tree. Discovered here when Disney bought the property is an old push-style lawn mower that was left leaning against a tree. As the years passed, the tree began to grow around the equipment. In the early years of Fort Wilderness, the lawnmower was easy to see. But as time marched on, more and more of the metal was obscured by the growing tree. A few years ago, Disney cut most of the tree down. I don’t know if this was because the tree was diseased or if this was an effort to stop the eventual total consumption of the lawnmower. But the remains of the tree and lawnmower are still on view today.
Near the Lawnmower Tree is the Settlement Trading Post. Like its sister store located at The Meadow, this spot sells Disney souvenirs, Fort Wilderness exclusive merchandise, and groceries.
I have never attended Mickey’s Backyard BBQ Dinner Show, so I cannot offer any firsthand information, but here’s what Disney says:
Mickey’s Backyard BBQ Dinner Show is an all-you-care-to-eat Disney Character dance party with live entertainment. Frolic with Mickey, Minnie and Friends at this neighborly outdoor picnic in the middle of the covered, open-air Pavilion at Fort Wilderness. With foot-stomping music from a country-western band, line dancing, rope tricks and kid-friendly fun, you won’t sit still for a second. Little ones can even dance a jig with their favorite Disney Characters on the dance floor! Enjoy a delectable buffet featuring all your beloved country vittles: barbeque smoked ribs, smoked chicken, hamburgers, hotdogs with all the trimmings, corn on the cob, watermelon and more. It’s a mouth-watering, knee-slapping good time!
Pioneer Hall offers three treats: Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review, Trail’s End/Crockett’s Tavern, and Rocking Chairs.
Let’s start with the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review. For me, this is one of the best experiences to be had at Walt Disney World. I absolutely love this show. Every time I see it, tears run down my cheeks I laugh so hard at the corny jokes. This show offers something for everyone. However, since I’ve written an entire blog on this subject, I’m not going to go into detail here. To read my complete review, click here.
I do want to mention, the title song, “Hoop-Dee-Doo Polka” has been replaced by a new number. From what I understand, Disney did not have the rights to use the song and a replacement was needed.
Trail’s End offers a buffet breakfast and dinner and menu-service at lunch. At one time, lunch was also a buffet, but this eatery is so sparsely attended mid-day that Disney found it financially impractical to maintain the buffet at this time.
I like Trail’s End, especially at dinner. The buffet offers a decent salad bar including peel-your-own shrimp. For entrees there are fried chicken, BBQ ribs, pulled pork, a nightly carving item, fish, several vegetables, potatoes, and great chili. Dessert includes soft-serve ice cream, cobbler, cake, cookies, and pecan pie.
There is nothing fancy about Trail’s End. The surroundings are rustic and the food uncomplicated. But everything tastes great and the service is friendly. I highly recommend this spot for your evening meal.
I saved the best for last – rocking chairs. Lining the porch of Pioneer Hall is a number of rocking chairs. For me, sitting here and enjoying the atmosphere is a fantastic experience. Once, I literally sat here for over an hour with my brother and sister-in-law who were vacationing from California. This was the perfect spot to reconnect after a long time between visits. Crockett’s Tavern offers nearby window service in the afternoon/evening so a refreshing beverage is also close at hand while rocking away the hours.
In the evening, 45 minute Wagon Rides are offered which take you on a leisurely jaunt through Fort Wilderness. And if you’re in the mood for something a little more romantic, private Carriage Rides are also available.
Have you ever wondered where the horses that pull the trolleys on Main Street go when their shift is over? Well, they live at Tri-Circle-D Farm & Ranch (The Settlement). By the way, have you noticed the “tri-circle” creates Mickey Mouse?
A large barn, which is open to guests, can be visited during the day and you can have a peek at the living conditions these four-legged cast members are provided.
Outside the barn you’ll often find the white Shetland ponies that are used to pull Cinderella’s glass coach for weddings and parades. The ponies are also available for rides for the younger set. Children must be at least 2 years old, weigh less than 80 pounds, be under 48″ and led by an adult around the small course.
Also at the ranch is a real blacksmith. This is one of the rarer cast member designations. If you time your visit right, you can see him shoeing a horse or fixing a wagon wheel.
I said earlier that I’m a champagne and caviar type of guy. Yet, I still love Fort Wilderness Campground. This is a wonderful spot that seems miles away from the hectic theme parks. I love to walk the sidewalks and trails here and inhale the rich scent of pine. This area clears the cobwebs out of my brain.
I have tried to touch on the highlights of this wonderful resort, but there is no way I could adequately describe all the activities there are to enjoy here. And remember, with the exception of the swimming pools, the rest of these offerings are open to everyone. Just because you’re staying at the Grand Floridian doesn’t mean you can’t come over to Fort Wilderness for some archery or bike riding or a meal at Trail’s End. So on your next trip to WDW, take the time and spend an afternoon poking around this wonderful retreat. You’ll be glad you did.
For a more detailed look at Fort Wilderness, check out the AllEars Fact Sheet.
As always, I have created a video highlighting the various activities found at Fort Wilderness Campground. Enjoy.
Jack – great work! My family would go to FW every year starting in ’73 until I was a teenager – we would camp with 5 other families and would be all in a row in the 100 loop (back then there was no pool only the beach – with yes, swimming) so 100 was the closest to the beach and the boats to MK. The campfires were the best because there and the movie theater in the Contemporary were the only places you could see old disney movies (no DVD or VCRs back then). The memories I have from those days were the best – and it is great to reconnect with those old family friends and reminise. Now that I have my own family – we continue the great Disney traditions but as DVC members don’t get to stay at FW – but it is place I love to take my family back and show them “how it used to be” back then….
Thanks for taking me back……
Tricia
Now waaaait just a gol’ durn minute there, Mister Spence! Whut in tarnation is Disney thinkin’ to even allow thuh Hoop Dee Doo comedical and dramatical spectacular to continue without its title song, the wildest song in the wilderness, a song that once brought Teddy Roosevelt to tears for its fierce beauty and beautiful fierceness, the Hoop Dee Doo Polka?! Am I to understand that the certified gene-yusses up on stage a-singin’ and a-dancin’ AREN’T runnin’ around shoutin’ WA HOO! HOOP DE DOO! Why I reckon such a sight would bring another tear to ol’ Teddy’s eyes again, but they would be tears of rage, sir! I do hope that this is a temporary change and Disney can get the rights back soon, but until such time I feel they must change the name to the Hoop De Don’t musical revue! WA HOO!
(In less cowboy news, I’m not surprised that they just up and got rid of lunch at the Trail’s End. They tried to go with a cheaper option a couple of years ago and people threw a fit, so just getting rid of it is a smart play.)
thanks Jack! my brother worked at FW while in college and kept telling me i should stay there. i was hesitant at first because it did not seem a “Disney” enough place to stay. but i have taken my family (with young children) there twice and we cannot imagine staying anywhere else. you have the proximity of the parks with the peace and quiet of the Fort – and you can’t beat that! you’re also right about the people staying there being friendlier than other places. this alone is reason enough to stay. we have been twice during the Christmas season and it’s an awesome place to stay during that time for both the way the resort is decorated and the way the campers bring their own decorations.
We are veteran WDW guests with, as near as I can remember, 160 nights on property in value, moderate, & deluxe resorts. The cabins at Ft. Wilderness have become our favorite place to stay. The relaxed pace and laid back atmosphere suit us. Trails End Buffet also has the best fried chicken and sweet tea in WDW. At Ft Wilderness you can “Slow Down an Smell the Roses”. Thanks Jack for another great article. You always seem to find nuggets of info in your posts that even seasoned WDW vets do not know. Keep them coming.
As always you put a great big smile on my face and brought back so many memories. Last time I visited Fort Wilderness, I had 3 teens and my mother. Thought I was going to regret my reservation choice…… but then it was the “cabin” that slept 5 adults. It was one of the best times I have had in Disney in over the 40 times I have visited. thanks for the memory!!!
Jack! As always, a superlative tour of one of my favorite places. I LOVE Ft. Wilderness – there’s still something about it that takes me right back to my childhood. It reminds me of Frontierland in the late ’70s/early ’80s when I first started visiting the World, and it’s an absolute treat.
Thanks for the trip back there – even if it is only virtually through my computer. Your work is always much appreciated!
Hi Jack,
As always, even if the reader has already been there, you add things we didn’t know. And a fantastic intro if the reader has not been there yet!
We bring the grandparents over to Fort Wilderness on the boat – which is always a pleasure (and eliminates the need to take the buses inside Fort Wilderness).
AND the Trails End Dinner buffet has something for everyone, and is the least costly buffet on property!
Marlene
Hi Jack,
I’ve known about Fort Wilderness from the first book about Walt Disney World, which I purchased back in 1971.
My first experience wasn’t until Father’s Day, two years ago, when my dad wanted to have lunch at Trail’s End, since seeing the restaurant on Samantha Brown’s “Great Hotels.”
I was surprised how empty the restaurant was on Father’s Day, but the food was excellent, and the chefs only prepared small amounts of food to keep the food selection hot and fresh.
Last Christmas season, I was invited out with friends to see many of the holiday decorations, and we had reservations at Trail’s End. This time, the restaurant was hopping, but what really knocked me over were all the Christmas decorations at the RV campsites!
After dinner, we strolled through the RV campsites, marveling at the elaborate displays by families that obviously were investing quite the time and money in camping out at Disney. It almost made me want to own an RV.
You are so right about the super friendly environment all around Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds. It has that small town Americana feel, not to mention the quiet peaceful and gorgeous natural setting.
Great blog as usual. Would love to be able to spend a week in one of the cabins.
Hi Jack! Fort Wilderness is a great place to visit over the holidays. There is so much to see. I love how a lot of the campsites decorate!! There’s such a sense of togetherness at this resort.
We have stayed here twice, on weekends between DVC stays. We love it and always wish we had planned more time here. Last time we did the archery thing, and our family won the trivia contest at the campfire. We also got a takeout chicken dinner at Trails End.
We have loved looking at the Christmas decorations, and just talking to folks there.
Great article!
Rhonda
Hi! Great article!
When commenting on part 1, I had forgotten about all the wildlife we saw while at FW. While taking my niece for a ride around the campgrounds, we pulled over and watched a family of deer for a few minutes. She loved it. All the cute bunnies hopping around was cool too.
We really enjoyed the sing-a-long.
Mickey’s Backyard BBQ – We did this. The food is plentiful although very mediocre. This is not the place to go for the food. Well, OK, it was better than the food at ABC Commissary at Hollywood Studios but that’s the best I can come up with. Much to my brother’s excitement, beer was included in the price. The BBQ is definitely something you do for the character interaction. Chip & Dale, in adorable aprons, greet guests as they arrive. After food service starts, the characters come out.(Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Chip, Dale) They don’t come to the table or sign autographs but that’s OK because there is still plenty of interaction. They dance between the tables and all are welcome to come up and dance with them (but, please, let the kids go first!). They actually do several sets. By the third, most people have left and that’s when you get the best opportunity for interaction with the characters. They do a really cute ending dance. (Mickey and Minnie do pose for photos between sets.) I enjoyed it because my niece had such a great time and I got great photos of the characters in their picnic finery. Personally, I wouldn’t do it myself without kids with me. But, if character interaction is high on your list, it is great.
Hi Jack,
One of my fondest memories of Fort Wilderness was walking along a trail and seeing two elderly nuns sitting in rocking chairs just enjoying the day.
Thanks Jack for another great blog! I’ve never had the pleasure of staying at Ft. Wilderness. Even though while I was growing up my family camped, but we stayed in an off-property campground. Now I’m married and my wife isn’t a camper.
I did get to go to Ft. Wilderness once though. In 2008, on the day that we were supposed to leave Pop Century to go to Daytona, my wife became very ill (it was a 24 hour bug that our daughter had had at the beginning of our trip). We had to extend our stay for one day, and I was forced to come up with something on the fly to keep our then 4 yr old daughter entertained.
My daughter and I spent the day at Downtown Disney, and thanks to AllEars, I knew about the Campfire Sing Along at Ft. Wilderness. After a quick stop by our room to check on my wife and call for more information on the campfire, we were on our way to the campground.
She had a blast roasting marshmallows for the first time ever, doing the chicken dance and meeting Chip & Dale. We also lucked out with the movie, because that night they showed The Little Mermaid, which was her favorite movie at the time. I’ll never forget that time, watching the movie under the stars with her. Even though I had to carry a very sleepy girl to the bus stop, where we had to wait seemingly forever for the bus to come to take us back to our car, it was nice to look at the full moon and see a little tiny bit of the Electric Water Parade through the trees. I definitely plan on going back someday!
Great job on capturing all the details! Are you ever going to do a review for Typhoon Lagoon?
Keep up the good work!
Jack’s Answer:
Actually, I had plans to review both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, however, Jim Korkis just wrote an in-depth article about Typhoon Lagoon in the Newsletter two months ago. I’m not sure I could offer any more information. However, I do plan on videotaping both water parks like I do everything else — extensively (or as some people would say, too long) LOL
Anyway, time will tell. Maybe later in the year, I’ll tackle the water parks — after people have forgotten Jim’s piece.
Jack:
I think Trailer Life’s rating of Fort Wilderness is wrong — on a scale of 1-10 it’s a 12.
I’m not completely sure, but I think FW is the only resort where you can bring your pets and keep them with you.
We went to FW twice last year — all January and 2 weeks in November.
Off-topic: I like the new column header/graphic. Very professional.
Dan
Thanks Jack for another great blog! I remember going many years ago in 1976 with my family in our camper and the many activities there were.
Those were the days with the train running. I still have my stuffed Mickey I bought from that trip!
Love, love, love the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue! Sure, it’s corny, but it’s the good kind of corny. I can’t imagine the person so cynical they wouldn’t be grinning and playing the washboard by the time the shortcake was cleared away. Also, tasty food and some of the best servers in the resort.
Hey Jack, Great second half of the Ft Wilderness report! The video was great! I’ve looked at the one of thWilderness Lodge, and the Contemporary, are there any more?
When we went our first time in 1978 I remember that we could swim, then in later years (don’t remember when) swimming was stopped because of high bacteria counts in the water, happens all over Florida. Think, liability.
Keep up the good works Jack!!
Dave.
Jack’s Answer:
I’ve made many Walt Disney World videos — almost all of the resorts have been covered. I’ve also done a number of attraction videos. Go into the AllEars search engine and type “Jack” and the resort or attraction you’re curious about. Then check out the blog. If I’ve made a video, it will probably be at the bottom of the blog. If it’s a two-part blog, it will probably be at the bottom of part two.
I remember as a child, swimming was allowed in Bay Lake. I assumed it was safety issues as to why they no longer allow it. And I personally think that Trails End to-go has the best pizza to be found at WDW. Especially while waiting on the electrical water parade.
I have a 7 year old boy and a 15 month old boy. We have just recently purchased a camper. We are planning our first trip with the camper to Disney in Oct. 2012. This was a great insight to things. We do disney once a year, but have always stayed in a hotel. We are so excited and your great blogged just raised the excitement even more. If you or any of your readers have any tips I would love to hear them!
hey jack
there certinly seems to be a lot of activities to do and the activities seem to be fit for all ages. If I ever stay there I will make sure that I keep time open to try a lot of things. Also loved the video as always. Can’t wait for your next blog and as always keep up the great work.
Another delightful blog, Jack! It makes me want to stay at Fort Wilderness, even though I’m a Port Orleans Riverside girl!! Honestly, the video you made brought my stress level down as I watched it!! I feel so relaxed now! Thanks for all the hard work!
Jack, Your blogs are always the highlight of my day, especially when I am in a mood to really miss the world. Thank you for your thoroughness, your attention to detail and your willingness to explain the history behind what you are writing about. I always feel like I am in the place you are describing, which makes the days, months, time between trips pass much more happily! Your time writing is so appreciated by us all!! Thank you!! Amy
Great article as always. I haven’t been here in a long time, and this brought me back to the first time I went to WDW when I was five, back in 1980. We never stayed here, but I think we rented one of the boats for the afternoon to explore. I also remember riding my first horse here, the Hoop-Dee-Doo, and spending a lot of time at River Country. I’m glad a lot of the simple charm is still here, and this makes me want to make the resort part of our next trip to the World.
Thanks for the great review of Fort Wilderness Jack!
It’s our favourite campground and we just love to spend time there whenever we can.
It’s a hidden gem that many people overlook when they visit Walt Disney World. There is so much to do at “The Fort” that it sometimes feels like the theme parks are getting in the way!
Gary Cruise
Hi Jack,
Great job as always on capturing all the details of your subject. Having stayed in the campground every 3 years or so since 1978, I think you captured all the stuff that makes Fort Wilderness one of the best places in Disney. I have heard so many people say they could easily spend a week just in the campground, and your blog really shows why. Nighttime at the Fort is fun as well. My family likes to go to the chairs on the beach to watch the fireworks over the Magic Kingdom and the Electrical Water Pagaent. Afterwards we’ll drive around in our golf carts to see who can spot the first armadillo. Thanks again for the wonderful blog, and especially for the great video!
Hi Jack
What a great job as usual, I did not realize the extent of activities there are available for everyone, I am waiting till tonight to watch video with my daughter.
We are heading down for April vacation and I am sure the video will start things off right, just an FYI on the fishing, at the dock where the boats are kept my daughter Monica caught and released a 5lb-10oz bass, she caught it under the dock, our guide at the time was Miss Rose, she is not there any longer, she really knew Bay Lake and treated everyone like they were pro’s.
Thanks again and keep up the good work
Randy Hatch