Oh, the magical land of Disney! We were hesitant to camp at Disney’s Fort Wilderness the first time because we are all about supporting public lands. But, living in Florida and with little kids, it is difficult to dismiss the opportunity to check out this place.
And now we have camped here twice, and would not mind camping here again in the future!
So, if you are thinking about booking a campsite at Disney’s Fort Wilderness, make sure to give this a read first. In this article, you will find information about the types of campsites, the rates, the best times to book for more savings, what to bring with you, and several things that you can do…for free!
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Camping at Disney’s Fort Wilderness
Directions
Getting to Fort Wilderness is as easy as going to any park in World Disney World. The directions you set in your GPS, as well as signage on the street, are quite clear and easy to follow.
Do know that, as popular as this theme park is, you should expect lots of traffic in the major highways surrounding the parks. This is especially the case if you are driving a motorhome or pulling a travel trailer.
Here is the address and contact information for Disney’s Fort Wilderness (add this information to our RVenture Ahead Trip Planner if you have it):
Address: Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground Entrance, Fort Wilderness Trail, Orlando, FL 32836
Phone for Reservations and other info: (407) 939-5277
Checkin in
To check-in, you will go through a couple of booths. Cast members will confirm your reservation without you having to get out of your car.
Make sure you ask for a map and information on scheduled events and movies. For some reason, it is not something they automatically provide. Your site number will be provided at that moment as well.
Campground Map
I tried taking a good picture before the map got crumbled. Click on the image to access a PDF version to download.
The Roads
This is Disney. So of course you can expect top-notch conditions! Do keep in mind that it is a large campground with several turns and dozens of loops, so go slow and pay attention so you do not miss your turn.
If you need to unhook a towed car, or if you want to remove your sway bars before parking your rig, there are a couple of areas on the side of the road for RVs to pull over.
The Campground Loops
Most of the loops we saw are large and shady. I did not observe low-hanging branches in the loops we explored, so tall RVs should not have an issue with that.
The roads are a bit narrow, and the pine trees lining them can make it a bit difficult to park large rigs. Also, make sure you have a spotter because I saw multiple people nearly hitting the low power posts that are right next to the road.
The Campsite and Rates
| Site Type | Hookups | Concrete Pad Size (ft) | Low Season Price (Aug – Sep)* | High Season Price (December)* | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tent/Popup | No Sewer | 10 x 25 | $65 | $160 | |
| Full Hookup | Full | Up to 10 x 50 | $98 | $197 | |
| Preferred | Full | Up to 10 x 45 | $109 | $220 | Close to Marina |
| Premium | Full | Up to 18 x 60 | $117 | $220 | |
| Premium Meadow | Full | Up to 18 x 60 | $124 | $220 | Close to Meadow |
One thing to note is that reserving a campsite at Disney’s Fort Wilderness works just like reserving a hotel room: you specify the type of room you want, but ultimately the room will be assigned to you upon arrival.
This is different from any other regular campground where you get to select the specific site you want. For that reason, I cannot specify which sites are the best, and which are the worst. Instead, I can briefly mention the different types of sites and amenities they offer you help with your decision.
Tent or Popup sites
This is the type of campsite we stayed for the first time we visited Disney’s Fort Wilderness, and it is the cheapest. At the time of this writing, these sites range from $65 plus taxes in August and September to $160 (plus tax) during the holidays.
As far as the available space and the layout go, there is a concrete pad for vehicles or small RVs, such as class Bs, popup campers, or small campers. There is also a soft ground area to accommodate up to two tents.
These sites offer electric and water hookups, but no sewer. This is usually not an issue, except that Disney’s Fort Wilderness does not offer a dump station. More on that later.
Full Hook-up Campsite
The rates posted for 2021 range from $98 plus tax in August and September to $197 plus tax in December for the holidays.
These sites offer a full concrete pad, and allow of an RV plus a tent set up. At 10-ft wide, the concrete pads are narrow, so you will set up your outdoor area behind the RV. This is usually not a preferred set up for me, but there is no choice!
These sites offer full hookups, so certainly a lot more convenient than the tent/popup sites if you are planning on using your own bathroom facilities.
Preferred Campsites
Starting at $109 for August and September of 2021 and going up to $220 plus tax in December, these sites are similar to the full hook-up sites. The main difference is that these are close to the marina, giving you quick access to the boats and some of the amenities at Fort Wilderness.
These sites include a concrete pad for your RV or camper, and a soft ground area for a tent. Full hookups are provided.
Premium Campsite
These sites are characterized by wider concrete pads of up to 18ft, thereby giving more outdoor living space to accommodate a shelter, golf carts, or other vehicles.
In 2021, these sites will cost you between $117 plus tax in the low season (Aug – Sep) and $220 + tax in the December high season.
As expected, these sites can accommodate larger rigs, and of course offer full hookups.
Premium Meadow Campsite
The Premium meadow sites are nearly identical to the Premium Campsites discussed before, with wide concrete pads and full-hookups.
The main, if not the only, difference being location. These sites are located next to the Meadow Trading Post, Campfire area, and other attractions.
For that reason, these sites are a bit more expensive, ranging from $124 plus tax in the low season (Aug – Sep) to $260 plus tax in December.
The Bathhouses
Depending on the size of the loop, you may have one or two Comfort Stations. As expected with any Disney facility, the bathhouses are in great condition. The comfort stations have ice machines where you can purchase ice for $2 (you can use a credit card!), and of course, you will also find laundry facilities here.
Laundry Facilities
The laundry facilities are in a separate room in the bathhouse. The laundry room is quite large, air-conditioned, with several washers and dryers, and instructions to pay and operate them. You can even use a credit card!
Inside the laundry room, you will also see a couple of tables you can use to fold your clothing, a large sink to hand-wash items, and even a vending machine to help you pass the time if you are waiting for your clothes to be done!
Related: Rainbow Springs State Park Campground Review and Things to Do
WiFi and Cell Phone Reception
Because Disney’s Fort Wilderness is inside World Disney World, the cell phone reception is exceptional. We had no issues with our AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon phones and hotspots.
The best news is, you do not need it! There is no WiFi in the campground, and the signal was strong enough for me to get some work done!
Hookups and Dump Station
With the exception of the tent/popup sites, all sites in the campgrounds offer full hookups.
One issue we noticed with our last stay in a Full-Hookup campsite is that the power post was far behind the campsite. Luckily, we had two power cords and were able to reach it! Looking around, this was not necessarily the case in all the sites, but just as I mentioned in my article on must-have accessories for RV, it is always a good idea to either have long power cable and hoses or have two of each that you can connect to reach hookups that may be too far.
Pets
If you want to bring your fur babies with you, then you will need to request a pet-friendly site. There are loops designated for this purpose. When you make your reservation, you will need to specify that you have a pet with you, and you will need to pay an added fee of $5 per night.
There is a nice dog park by the 300 loop on the north end of the campground, so make sure you let your fur baby have some fun!
Do know that pets are not allowed in tents or popup campers.
The Cabins and Rates
Starting at around $400 per night, the cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness are a great option for those looking to stay in a more natural setting but do not have an RV or tent.
These wooden cabins have a rustic charm. They are also fully furnished, and they come with a queen bed, bunk beds, and a full-size sleeper sofa, allowing for a total of 6 adults.
Up to two pets are allowed in some cabins, so once again make sure you request bringing your pets so that a pet-friendly cabin is provided.
A really cool thing about the cabins is that you can pre-order groceries to arrive at the cabin before you get there! This way, you can have the basics waiting for you after a long day of travel. How cool is that? You need to select from a list of pre-selected grocery items and then email them at [email protected]
Getting Around in Fort Wilderness
In case you have not noticed by now, this campground is quite large! For that reason, walking around is not quite practical. Also, driving around in your vehicle is not practical either because parking spaces are limited.
Instead, the best way to get around is by bike, golf cart, surrey bike, or segways because these are permitted on sidewalks, paths, and roadways. You can also bring rollerblades, scooters, but keep in mind that these are not allowed on the road.
Certain types of vehicles are not allowed at all.These include all-terrain vehicles, utility-style carts, ripsticks, skateboards, mini motorcycles, hoverboards, drones, and go-carts.
If you cannot bring them, or do now own them, of course, Disney’s got you covered!
Things to Do at Disney’s Fort Wilderness
Free Attractions
Jogging trails
There are so many sidewalks and paved paths lined with beautiful trees that it will make it tempting, even for the non-jogger, to go for a morning run. Just taking a leisure walk around the park will be plenty entertaining for a lot of people!
Biking around
We love biking around Disney’s Fort Wilderness. The campground is huge with lots of places to see. We get to explore the paved trails, as well as explore the different campgrounds loops and cabin areas, as well as easily access the pool, beach, pony rides, and other attractions.
If you are looking for ways to bike around with little ones, then make sure you read this article on the best bike attachments for kids of all ages.
Fishing
Right around the meadow area there is a lake and a dock. You can bring your own gear or, in good Disney fashion, you can rent them at the Bike Barn!
Meadow Pool
A favorite during the summer, the Meadow Pool is large and with lots of amenities to keep guests cool and entertained while camping.
The most prominent feature is, of course, the two large water slides. While they are large, they are still suitable for kids 4 years of age or older. There are complementary life jackets that you can use if you feel your kids are not ready to tread water on their own.
There are, of course, several lifeguards keeping a watchful eye on kids and adults all throughout the pool. Cast members are also often organizing games for kids right next to the pool. Games include anything from dancing games to trivia.
As if one pool was not enough, there is a splash pad with a playground structure right next to it! Featuring two smaller slides, this splash pad is perfect for the little ones who are not yet ready for the big pool water slides.
There is also a fairly large hot tub, a small convenience store where you can purchase lunch or snacks, and of course, well maintained bathroom facilities.
Related: The 12 Best Florida Springs with Camping
Riding the Boat
Just off of the beach area you will find the dock on Lake …From this dock you can catch several different boats that run throughout the day to take you to the different parks, as well as other resorts in WDW. Some of the destinations include:
- The Magic Kingdom
- Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
- Wilderness Lodge
And if you are not going to the parks? That is ok! We ride the boats just for fun, and it is a great activity to do at sunset to enjoy the cooler breeze over the Seven Seas Lagoon!
Learn more about Disney’s Water Transportation here.
Riding the Monorail
This is another transportation system that can be an adventure on itself. The sky-high monorail is on of Disney’s signature features running three separate lines:
- The Resort Monorail connects the Magic Kingdom to several resorts, including the Grand Floridian, Polynesian Village, and Contemporary Resorts.
- The Epcot Monorail connects Epcot to the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC)
- The Express Monorail connects the Magic Kingdom to the TTC
Again, you do not need to have a final destination to enjoy the ride. The Monorail, afterall, is a great way to see Disney World from up high! There is no monorail stop in Fort Wilderness, so to catch it you will need to get on a water taxi to Magic Kingdom or to the Contemporary Resort.
Learn more about Disney Monorail Transportation here.
Riding the Skyliner
This is the newest addition to Disney’s transportation system, and the one of the most thrilling free adventures you can do!
This new system features separate gondolas that take you on a soaring adventure high up in the sky, offering amazing views of Disney grounds. The skyliner provides a free ride to several resorts and parks, including Hollywood Studios, Epcot, the Carribean Beach Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Riviera Resort.
Following the lines can feel overwhelming, but several cast members are always present to make sure you choose the correct line and arrive at your destination.
While some gondolas feature Disney Characters on the outside, if possible, I would suggest you choose a gondola with no design because these offer unobstructed views of Disney’s magical world!
If you want to get on the gondolas just for the ride, then this is what I recommend:
There is no direct access to the Skyliner from Fort Wilderness, but if you want to get on the gondolas just for the ride, then this is what I recommend:
Take a bus to Hollywood Studios. From here you can ride the Skyliner to the Caribbean Beach Resort. At the Caribbean Beach resort you will have two options
- Take the Skyliner to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. You will not see any lines to get on this gondola. However, I recommend you take the second option
- Take the Skyliner to Epcot. There will be a long line to get on this gondola, as expected due to guests trying to make it to the park. However, the line is worth it! The gondola ride to Epcot is the longest and highest, so you will get to enjoy the ride for quite some time!
Learn more about Disney’s Skyliner here
Explore the at Tri-Circle-D Ranch
Are you ready to see the majestic horses and Cinderella’s carriage? Then you are the right place! While you cannot pet the horses, you can still explore the stables and see these wonderful animals, get to know their names, and learn more about their history. Some of the horses you can expect to see include paint horses, Percherons, Arabians, and of course, the iconic Clydesdales!
Go to the “beach”
While there is no swimming allowed in the lake (gators, remember?). There is a small sandy beach area by the pier. Families can still relax on the beach recliners, letting the kids play in the sand, pick up a snack at the concessionaire, and enjoy a game of tetherball. It is certainly a great way to unwind and watch the sunset after dinner.
Related: Camping at Little Talbot Island State Park – What you Need to Know
Chip n Dale Campfire Singalong
Come and join Chip n Dale for some singing, dancing, and games! Enough said!
Movies under the Stars
By the Meadow Trading Post there is an outdoor movie theater playing classic movies almost every night! It is also a great way to enjoy the giant bonfire and roast some marshmallows, since campfires are not allowed on campsites unless you have a Disney-approved fire pit.
Make sure you grab a copy of the movie schedule when you check in! If you forget, you can also call the main office, or look around the bulletin boards in the comfort stations.
Disney Springs
Unless you plan on shopping or dining, going for a walk to Disney Springs is free! You can also enjoy the shows and concerts they sometimes hold there.
To get to Disney Springs from Fort Wilderness, it is as easy as getting on a bus!
Click here to learn about Disney’s Bus Routes
Sports courts (volleyball, basketball,tennis)
Are you a committed sports fan? Disney’s Fort Wilderness has got you covered. There is a basketball court, a tennis court, and a beach volleyball court, all by the Meadow Recreation Area!
In addition to the main cluster, there are dispersed basketball courts and voleyball courts throughout the campground. Make sure you grab a map to find the court closest to your campsite!
Playgrounds
There are several playgrounds throughout the campground, with the two major ones being in front of Pioneer Hall and by the Meadow Recreation Area.
Premium Attractions
Pony Rides
This is one of our kids favorite things to do. Kids must be 2 years old and accompanied by an adult. It costs $8 for one lap, but we usually do two laps for $12. At the time of our last visit, the attraction was done on a walk-in basis only. Also, because we visited during refurbishment, the rides are offered in the front barn near the campground entrance. Eventually the attraction will be moved to the back stables. Keep an eye out on updates on reservations here.
Trail Rides
Ready to kick it up a notch? Then make a reservation to go on a trail ride around Disney’s Fort Wilderness beautiful trails! The ride starts at Tri-Circle-D Ranch and it takes 45 minutes. This attraction is available to all guests older than 9 years of age, with a weight limit of 250lbs. Click here to learn how to make reservations.
Related: Silver Springs State Park – A Unique Experience
Arcades
Purchase a game card and add points to up your gaming skills! The game card can be used in all arcades in Disney resorts, and we have TWO available within the campground: Davy Crockett’s Wilderness Arcade available in Pioneer Halls, and Daniel Boone’s Wilderness Arcade near the Meadow Swimming Pool.
Here is some general information about Disney’s Arcades
Archery Experience
For those kids in your family that are 7 years old or older, they have the option to engage in a 75-min long archery class for $45! If this is something your family would enjoy, then it is best to make reservations in advance to ensure you have a spot! Click here for info on reservations.
Guided Fishing Excursions
In addition to fishing for free from the Meadow Recreation area (if you have your fishing gear), you can also book a guided fishing excursion from the Fort Wilderness Marina.
Learn more about guided fishing excursions here
Boating and Kayaking
While you cannot bring your own kayaks, canoes, or boats to Disney’s Fort Wilderness, you can still technically enjoy a paddle or boat ride around the lakes by renting the equipment.
That being said, this attraction was not available during our last visit due to Covid-19 restrictions. Please check back this information page before you visit.
Related: Collier Seminole State Park – Campground Review and Things to Do
Shopping
The Settlement Trading Post and the Meadow Trading Post can be life-savers when you forget important stuff, such as a lighter (yes, speaking from experience). In addition to essential camping gear, these posts will also have plenty of Disney gear you can purchase to show your pride and to take as souvenirs!
Dinning
If you do not feel like putting together lunch or dinner, then there are a couple of options within Disney/s Fort Wilderness. You can quickly pick up a meal at P&J’s Southern Take Out, enjoy a refreshment at the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool Snack Bar, or enjoy an nice dinner at Crockett’s Tavern.
The Parks
It should go without saying that you can easily access and visit all of Disney’s Parks from Fort Wilderness. At the time of writing, reservations were required! Please visit this page for the most up-to-date information on pricing and reservations.
FAQs
What Should I Bring to Fort Wilderness?
Here are a few things I highly recommend you bring if you will be camping at Fort Wilderness:
- Plenty of sunscreen
- Cash
- An outdoor fan, especially if visiting in the summer
- Swimsuit
- Bikes or golf cart
- Sports equipment (tennis, basketball, volleyball)
- Disney’s approved fire-pit. Disney’s campsites do not have fire pits, so if you want to enjoy a campfire you will need to bring your own. They MUST have a solid metal cover that keeps the flames, embers, and sparks contained.
- Comfortable shoes
- Face masks and plenty of hand sanitizer
- Shelter. Even though most sites have a decent amount of shade, there are still plenty of open areas. This also offers you the opportunity to sit outside even if it rains.
Are there prohibited items in Disney’s Fort Wilderness?
Disney’s Fort Wilderness is quite strict in terms of what you are allowed to bring. Here are some of the items you should just leave at home:
- All-terrain vehicles, utility-style carts, ripsticks, skateboards, mini motorcycles, hoverboards, drones, and go-carts.
- Campfire pits with exposed flames and no solid cover, as these allow the release of embers and sparks.
Can you Walk from Fort Wilderness to Magic Kingdom?
You cannot walk to Magic Kingdom from Fort. Wilderness. It is quite far! The easiest thing to do is to hop on the water taxi. It takes you directly to Magic Kingdom, so no need to worry about that!
What month is the least crowded at Disney World?
The least crowded tends to be soon after kids go back to school, so late August through September. These are also the hottest months, so make sure you take the appropriate precautions and bring plenty of hydration.
Disney’s Fort Wilderness and Covid-19
Disney, in general, is not playing around with the contagiousness or seriousness of this virus. Disney is also quite aware that a Covid-19 outbreak would simply be terrible for publicity and business!
As such, all of Disney’s attractions and resorts are quite strict in the handling of rules and safety measures. Some of the safety measures include:
- Face coverings required EVERYWHERE except in your own room/campsite. Yes, that means that the moment you step outside your spot, even if you are biking or on your own golf cart, your nose and mouth MUST be covered.
- There are hand sanitizer stations everywhere.
- Social distancing while waiting on lines is encouraged by having marked spaces on the ground
- Social distancing is also encouraged while using Disney transportation. The capacity within buses, trains, boats, and gondolas are reduced by blocking off groups of seats among passengers. The gondolas in the skyliner were limited to one family group at a time.
- Ventilation systems are improved in transportation. For example, the buses had the top emergency hatch part-way open to encourage better ventilation.
- Cleaning crews are constantly seen around, tirelessly sanitizing hand rails and any other type of shared surfaces.
- To limit capacity, reservations are REQUIRED to attend any of the parks. Make sure you make your reservation well ahead of your planned visit day.
These measures are present to increase the safety of guests and cast members. Do keep in mind that, because of these measures, there may be delays in transportation or other amenities.
For that reason, do take the time to go on the park website or call the park to learn what to expect and plan accordingly.
Reopening Updates
The situation at Disney, just like all business, is constantly evolving and changing as it adapts its operations to the realities of the pandemic.
The information I provided is current as of November of 2020, and it reflects our experience during our last visit in September. Some attractions remain closed to the public due to pandemic restrictions, or due to renovations that are underway.
It is important that you contact Disney’s Fort Wilderness or visit their website here to stay up to date and learn the latest requirements and attraction availability for the time of your visit.
That’s all, folks
I hope this guide gives you a comprehensive understanding on what to expect when visiting this magical campground.
I also hope you noticed that there are plenty of attractions and things to do that won’t cost you a penny more! This is something that is important to us, as we try to keep our adventures under a reasonable budget.
While Disney’s Fort Wilderness is a private resort, the campground is kept in a clean, natural state. As biologists, we appreciate that “exotic landscaping” is kept to a minimum, and that there are plenty of wooded areas in the the campgrounds.
While the safety measures taken in all of Disney’s grounds may seem over the top, I actually appreciate the fact that Disney takes the pandemic seriously. It made me feel safer while attending. All we need to do is be aware of what the rules are and plan your visits accordingly. You will still have a magical time!
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