Many Guests don’t realize that camping at Walt Disney World is even an option.
While it may not work for everyone, for many Guests, it’s the perfect way to get all the perks of staying on Disney property while also sticking with your budget.
Is camping at Fort Wilderness right for you?
Guide To Camping At Disney’s Fort Wilderness
About Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Opening on November 19, 1971, Fort Wilderness is one of the 3 original Resorts on Walt Disney World property.
Fort Wilderness is most known for their spacious cabins, which is a popular go-to for larger families. Not only do the cabins sleep up to 6 Guests, you get a full kitchen and your own driveway to park your car in.
But, there is so much more to this 700-acre rustic Resort than just the cabins.
Types of Campsites
There are 5 types of campsites available to book:
- Tent or Pop-up Campsite
- Full Hook-up Campsite
- Preferred Campsite (closer to the Marina)
- Premium Campsite (for larger style Rvs)
- Premium Meadow Campsite ( proximity to Meadow Trading Post, Meadow Recreation Area, Bike Barn and Campfire Area)
Each campsite is equipped with a paved driveway, picnic table, charcoal grill, internet access, electricity, and water.
Full Hook-up, Preferred, and Premium campsites also have sewer hookup.
Benefits of booking at the Campsites
Free Parking
Since each campsite has a paved driveway, Guests are allowed to park one car at the campsite for no additional cost.
Every other Resort on Disney property charges an overnight fee for parking at the Resort, so this is a huge moneysaver!
Room for large families
With each campsite having a maximum of 10 Guests, large families don’t have to worry about booking multiple rooms, like they would at other Resorts.
Can you rent an RV?
If you don’t already own an RV, you can rent one from a reputable company and have them set it up for you before you even get to Disney. There are many that will do this for free.
We recommend using RVShare. It’s a peer to peer program that matches owners with renters. Past renters also rate the owners, so you can easily spot a good one from a not-so-good one.
And the best part is that there is an affordable RV out there for every budget. $50 per night, anyone? RVShare has them!
Not a camper? Not a problem!
I am not camper, in any sense. But, as someone who used to camp out at our local amusement park back home when I was a kid, I can honestly say that you can absolutely enjoy yourself, even, when if you’ve never camped before.
Disney has everything you need to make you feel comfortable. And with all the modern amenities that the new RVs have, it’s like you’re sleeping in a mini-house anyway.
What activities are there at Fort Wilderness?
Fort Wilderness has activities that you’re not going to find anywhere else on Disney Property.
There are so many activities to do at Fort Wilderness that you could spend a whole day (or two) at the Resort without ever stepping foot into a Disney Park.
Tri-Circle D Ranch
Have you ever wondered where the horses you see in Magic Kingdom live when they’re not galloping down Main Street USA? The Tri-Circle D Ranch houses horses of all sizes, including Cinderella’s ponies.
If you have have a child that loves to ride horses, they can even take a ride on one of those ponies for a reasonable price.
Wagon rides and horse-drawn carriage rides are available at the Tri-Circle D Ranch throughout the year, as well.
Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue
The Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue is the most popular and longest running dinner show on Walt Disney World property.
This all-you-can-eat dinner show is on many Walt Disney World Guests’ bucket lists, so reservations are the only way to ensure that you get a table.
The Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue is Disney Dining Plan eligible, but it will cost you 2 Table Service Credits.
Chip ‘N’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long
While many resorts have campfires at night, Fort Wilderness is the only Resort you will be able to see Chip and Dale.
You can purchase a s’mores kit at Walt Disney World or you can bring some with you for a completely free way to spend the evening.
Can I bring my pet to Fort Wilderness?
Of course! Just be sure you mention your pet when you make your reservation, so you can get a spot in one of the designated pet loops.
Also take into consideration that Disney charges a $5 per night pet fee. And if you’re planning on renting an RV, be sure to check out their pet fee, as well.
Golf Carts at Fort Wilderness
With 700 acres of land to cover, many Guests rent golf carts to get around. This is especially helpful at the end of the night when your feet hurt.
Because golf carts are popular modes of transportation, reservations are highly recommended, especially if you’re traveling during peak seasons.
Currently, golf carts rent for $62.91/day, tax included.
If you don’t want to rent a golf cart, there are internal buses that will take you from one area to the next. Although it may take 20 minutes between buses, at the end of the day, your feet will thank you.
