Advertisement
Did you know that there's a way to visit Walt Disney World and stay on property inexpensively? While the word "inexpensively" is a relative term, it's true. All that's required is that you have a love for the outdoors and for at least some, a willingness to try something new. We're talking about the Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, located along the southeastern shore of Disney's Bay Lake.
For many families, this is not really a stretch. According to a report prepared by Coleman Corporation for the Outdoor foundation, 15% of all Americans participated in some kind of camping activity during 2011. In 2015, a report chartered by Kampgrounds of America (KOA) indicated that a full 44% of Americans go camping at least once a year. While that's a relatively large number of people, it still leaves a staggering number of folks who have yet to experience this exciting and rewarding activity.
Camping at Fort Wilderness is about as safe and clean as it gets. There are nearly 800 campsites that range from simple tent sites to full hookup RV sites. There are also over 400 fully furnished, air conditioned cabins in case camping is not exactly what you had in mind. And in case you want to camp but lack the equipment, there is a service from Disney that lets you rent a tent and cots. You'll need to bring the rest of your equipment yourself. To learn more about this service, you can call Campground Guest Services at 407-824-2900.
Staying at Fort Wilderness is not just a place to stay while you visit the parks. It can be used as a destination of its own. With activities like boat rentals, campfire movies complete with s'mores, swimming pools, and fishing you can stay entertained all within the 700 acres of the campground.
Fort Wilderness is organized around three basic areas
When you first arrive at Fort Wilderness, you'll be at the Outpost. This is where you initially check in, and where you'll catch the buses that take you to most of the parks and Disney Springs. The exception is that buses don't normally run from Fort Wilderness to the Magic Kingdom. Transportation to the Magic Kingdom is usually via the boat service located at the Settlement.
In the center of the campgound is the Meadows, where you'll find a well stocked trading post, a fishing venue, canoe rentals, and a large swimming pool.
Finally, there's the Settlement which is located along the shore of Bay Lake. Here you'll find another well stocked trading post, a great restaurant, takeout food, a bar, and the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue; a dinner show that is one of the best shows in Orlando. A favorite among young campers is Mickey's Backyard Barbecue which is also located at the Settlement. There are also power boat rentals and water transportation that takes you to the Magic Kingdom, the Contemporary Resort, and the Wilderness Lodge, plus many other activities.
Inside the campground, there are three bus lines that can take you around the property. Many people rent golf carts for a more personal form of easy transportation, and still more people bring their own carts. It's interesting to see that many of these carts are individually decorated around a Disney theme, suggesting that their only purpose is to come to fort Wilderness.
Wildlife is part of the experience at Fort Wilderness, and it's part of the reason to be there
When you visit Florida, it's surprising how much wildlife you can find, and at Fort Wilderness, this is probably more true than many other locations. Being basically a wilderness area, it's common to find most of Florida's normal fauna, including deer, turkeys, and many other species of birds. There's even an occasional alligator, or so we're told. While we've seen alligators on Disney property, we've stayed at Fort Wilderness many times and have never encountered one there. Of course, we didn't go looking for one either.
Is it worth it?
What's the cost, and is it worth it? Those questions are not easy to answer. First, camping at Fort wilderness can be the most expensive camping experience you'll encounter. The prices will vary quite a bit depending on the season, but they remain among the highest priced campsites you can find. Keep in mind, however, that the expense is a relative term. If your goal is to stay on Disney property, it turns out to be one of the least expensive options available. If you're looking to have a camping experience that's safe and rich in outdoor activities, then again, it's probably one of the least expensive options you can find, with some of the most value.
We're Disney people, so anytime we're on Disney property is a good day for us. Before we were full time residents of Florida, we made many trips to Fort Wilderness, staying in our fifth wheel trailer for up to two months at a time, and enjoyed every minute of it. While we did need to save money for a two month stay, it's easy to understand that two months at one of the hotels simply was out of the question. Of course, we enjoyed our times at Fort Wilderness so much that even now, living a mere eight miles away, we still find time to come over and camp for a few days each year, especially when friends come to stay at the campground.
Staying at Fort Wilderness has given us access to Walt Disney World in a way that we could never afford by any other means. It's also given us a perspective that wouldn't have been possible any other way. After all, it's hard to beat playing at the parks all day and returning to the campsite at night to take in a movie under the stars around a campfire, eating s'mores.
Whether you're a seasoned camper or just want to give this a try, Fort Wilderness has got a lot to offer. Whatever your experience or comfort level in camping, we think Fort Wilderness is worth every penny.
Now please, enjoy some of the images from around Fort Wilderness Campground.
The Outpost
Trail rides on horseback are available at Fort Wilderness Campground. Photo by Bonnie Fink.
The Meadows
A rustic looking Water Slide at the swimming pool at The Meadows Trading Post. Photo by Bonnie Fink.
The Settlement
If you're interested in reading more about Fort Wilderness, Ron Wheaton has written a series of articles related to visiting and staying at Fort Wilderness, and they're posted here.
Jim Korkis has posted an article describing the history of the Fort Wilderness Railroad that's a good read too.
 
Comments
If you like chicken and waffles, the version served at Trail's End for lunch is outstanding. Their lunch is from a menu, not buffet like breakfast and dinner service.