Article & Photos by: Kelsey Walters
The start of fall signals two very important seasons for our family – the all important Spooky Season, and the perfect weather for Camping Season.
When you think of Disney, you probably picture Cinderella’s Castle, iconic parades, and fireworks lighting up the sky over Magic Kingdom and the neighboring parks. But if you’re looking for something a bit more low-key, where the magic blends with nature, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground might just be the best-kept secret you’ve been missing.
Let me tell you, this place has its own kind of magic, and it’s perfect for anyone who wants to slow down and enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing Disney’s attention to detail.
CAMPING, DISNEY STYLE
First off, let’s talk about the camping itself. Fort Wilderness isn’t your average campground. Whether you’re into tent camping or prefer the comfort of an RV, they’ve got you covered with a variety of four types of 800 campsites. We snagged a basic site for our family’s pop up, and much like everything Disney does, it was pristine and well maintained when we arrived.
If you’re more of a “glamper,” you can even rent a cozy, fully-equipped cabin! These are all brand new, as Disney recently famously auctioned off their previous cabins dating back to the 70s when the campground was built.
Imagine waking up to birds chirping, stepping outside into a peaceful forest, and knowing you’re just a quick ferry ride away from all the Disney action. That’s the beauty of this place: you can experience nature without losing the magic.
SO MANY ACTIVITIES, SO LITTLE TIME
Now, if you’re thinking camping means roughing it- think again. Fort Wilderness is packed with activities for every age and interest. A beach along Bay Lake is the perfect sandy spot to relax. At night, the fireworks shows from adjacent Magic Kingdom are easily viewed from the shore, and the music accompanying the shows is even played on speakers at the beach. The nightly Electric Water Pageant also makes a pass along the beach for campers.
There’s also a great pool with a slide for kids (or the young at heart), and if you’re an animal lover, make sure to visit the Tri-Circle-D Ranch. Here, you can meet Disney’s own horses and even go horseback riding through the pine forest. Kiddos can book pony rides, and Avery was thrilled to be paired with a mini version of Cinderella’s carriage horses – a blue-eyed, all white beauty named Benji. For something a bit different, hop on a wagon ride at sunset or book a carriage ride in the evening – seriously, it feels like something straight out of a Disney fairy tale.
Staying at a resort comes with major perks, too! Guests will receive tickets to Disney’s own Fantasia Mini Golf for each member of their party in 2024. Beginning in 2025, guests will get tickets to the newly renovated and Frozen-themed Blizzard Beach.
NIGHTS BY THE CAMPFIRE
One of the highlights of our stay was the nightly Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long. It’s the kind of wholesome fun that takes you back to childhood roasting marshmallows, singing songs, and then cozying up for an outdoor Disney movie under the stars. Pro tip: You can bring your own s’mores supplies – like our rotating marshmallow roaster, or buy them there. Either way, it’s a perfect way to wind down after a day of adventures.
DINING AND DELICIOUS SURPRISES
Even though you’re camping, you won’t have to worry about cooking every meal (unless you want to, of course!). Fort Wilderness has some fantastic dining options, and nearby resorts and Disney Springs are easily accessible for dining. The most popular by far is the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, an all-you-can-eat feast with singing, dancing, and endless buckets of fried chicken, ribs, and cornbread.
We popped over to Wilderness Lodge, the similarly-themed nearby resort, for breakfast at Whispering Canyon Cafe, where we hilariously partook in a stick horse race around the restaurant, and they even brought Avery’s little doll her own drink and meal!
Be sure to make reservations online at any of the sit-down restaurants you plan to visit. Quick service is also available at all resorts, including the campground.
QUICK TRIPS TO DISNEY PROPERTIES
One of the coolest things about staying at Fort Wilderness is how connected you are to the rest of Disney World. You can hop on a small ferry to Magic Kingdom, which takes about 10 minutes, or grab a bus to the other parks, Disney Springs or resort areas. We spent one of our afternoons resort hopping and riding the Skyliner. If you’re new to the complex world that is Disney, be sure to take a look at the Skyliner maps and area ahead of time to plan your travels.
In keeping with the nature and Old West vibe of the campground, only golf carts and buses are available for transportation within Fort Wilderness. Golf carts are available for rent or you can bring your own, and they are the only vehicle you can drive to community areas outside of your campsite. Otherwise, each loop of sites has its own bus stop for internal buses that will bring you to pools and dining, or to the front of the campground where you can catch an external bus to just about anywhere else in the Walt Disney World Resort area.
A MAGICAL BLEND OF NATURE AND FUN
At the end of the day, what makes Fort Wilderness so special is how it combines the best of Disney magic with the serenity of nature. Whether you’re sitting by the campfire under the stars, horseback riding through the woods, or just lounging by the pool, there’s something about this place that makes you feel like you’ve discovered your own little corner of Disney.
If you’re planning your next trip, take it from me – Fort Wilderness is the perfect escape for anyone who wants a more laid-back Disney experience with a sprinkle of outdoor adventure. Pack your marshmallows, bring your sense of wonder, and get ready to experience Disney in a whole new way!
