As is offered with all onsite Disney resorts there are Numerous Perks of Camping at Fort Wilderness. Disney’s campground offers both complimentary and paid conveniences that enhance the vacation experience of their guests.
Amenities & Services: Perks of Camping at Fort Wilderness
Lodging
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is considered a moderate resort. Accommodations include cabin, campsite, and tent rentals. Campsites allow for up to 10 guests which makes this a budget friendly option for those traveling with a large group. Furthermore, RV’s and equipment rentals are available through outside companies permitted access to the grounds. Read our post on Reservations at Fort Wilderness to learn more about Fort Wilderness lodging and loops levels.
Extended Theme Park Hours
As is the case at all Disney Resorts, guests can enjoy the perk of extra time that is unavailable to offsite guests. Currently that means an additional 30 minutes every morning and 1 hour in certain parks on select evenings. Before making park reservations check the WDW schedule found on the right side in under the Parks & Tickets tab.
Transportation
Complimentary internal and external transportation is available on Disney property. Generally, there accessible 45 minutes before park opening and 1 hour after closing. External buses are found at the Outpost near the campground entry and will take guest to various Disney locations.
Internal buses at the campground are color coded based on destination and can be accessed at the bus stops outside of the campground loops. Water Taxi’s are also available onsite. In fact, it is the only complimentary mode of transportation to Magic Kingdom. Otherwise, guests use their personal vehicles or pay for Taxi Services to get around Disney property.
Guests flying into Orlando, FL are able to make arrangements to travel to Fort Wilderness. Information on shuttles, taxis, and car rentals as well as prices can be found through the Orlando Airport website.
Pet Friendly Option
Another unique benefit of staying at Fort Wilderness is that pets are welcome. Pets are allowed for a fee of $5 per day on campsites and $50 per day at cabins. Upon check in guests with dogs will be given a Pluto’s Welcome Kit. Inside you’ll find a mat, dog walking map, poop bags, ID tag, and bowls. Dogs can also play in a fenced area at the Waggin’ Tails Dog Park by loops 300.
Guests must also provide current immunization records for both dogs and cats. Records can be faxed to but should also be available upon arrival. Pet parents are also expected to follow some basic, routine rules. Among them are leaving potentially aggressive dogs at home and preventing cats from getting out of campers or cabins. Furthermore, guests must pick up feces and keep dogs leashed when outside. Pets are required to be contained inside when guests are away and must not be left unattended for more than 7 hours.
Additionally, pet sitting, and care is available at the Best Friends Care Center. Here they offer everything from kenneling to pampering. Call (407) 209-3126 for more information. Be aware that the pet center will require a current immunization record for your pet, which can be faxed into (203) 840-5207. Again, be sure to bring a copy in case it is needed. Kenneling check-in can be found not far from the Outpost Depot at the same outbuilding where guests check-in for trails rides.
Facilities
Each campground loop has a designated Comfort Station. Here guests will find restrooms, showers, laundromats, and ice machines. Do remember to take a card when you want to use ice machines and laundry machines because they are cashless. Also, take a container to collect the loose ice since the ice machine does not dispense a bag.
Childcare
Go ahead and plan a date night! As with all Disney resorts guests are able to take advantage of the in-room babysitting services. Arrangements can be made by calling (407) 828-0920. Furthermore, this number can be used to schedule help with childcare during your park visits.
Recreation
Children and adults alike are sure to find activities to enjoy during their stay at Fort Wilderness. At the pool area guests can take a refreshing dip, participate in Disney trivia, or relax in one of the hot tubs. As well there is the Electrical Water Pageant and Horse Barn at the Marina area. Sports areas, running trails, and playgrounds are also available to burn off some energy. Additionally, those looking for a little extra can book horseback rides, boat rentals, segway tours, or fishing excursions. Otherwise, guests could participate in scheduled crafts or gem minning, or take in the Chip & Dale Sing Along. Check out our Recreation post for an in depth look at things to do at Disney’s Campground.
Rentals
Electric golf carts rentals that seat 4 are available for use within the Fort by calling (407) 824-2742. However, don’t overlook offsite businesses that can deliver golf rentals to the campground. Tent and cot rentals are also an option at the Fort. However, call (407) 939-7807 in advance to arrange for these. As well there are bike, kayak, and canoe rentals available by calling 407-824-2742. Motor boats are rented on a first come, first serve basis at the Forts Marina.
Dining
Fort Wildernesses dining highlight is The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue. As their meal is served guests will enjoy some rowdy comedy at this western themed show. In order to secure the opportunity to see the show guests do need to make advanced reservations. Call (407) 939-5277 to book Hoop-Dee-Doo or Trails End.
Snacks are available at the Chuck Wagon, Meadow Snack Bar, and Crockett’s Tavern. Trails End Restaurant serves an array of southern foods from a buffet. However, those looking for a quicker option can order food from P & J’s Southern Takeout.
Deliveries
Guests of the Fort don’t need to worry about lugging around their purchases when they’re out enjoying the Parks. Simply ask for them to be delivered to the Fort. Once you get back to the campground you can retrieve them from the Meadow Trading Post.
Additionally, arrangements for cabins to be stocked with groceries before your arrival is available. Order selections are made on this Grocery Order Form via email to WDWFortWildernessGroceryOrder@disney.com or fax it to (407) 824-1221.
As well there are Offsite Grocery services that will deliver to Disney. After making your selections have your groceries sent to Fort Wilderness Recreation Outpost – C/O Guest at Site # – 4510 North Fort Wilderness Trail – Lake Buena Vista, 32830. No need to worry about items being kept cold as they will be refrigerated until you retrieve your groceries.
Final Points on Perks
Overall, it’s undeniable that Fort Wilderness isn’t an ordinary campground. Sure, cheaper options are available offsite, but in that case a great deal of benefits aren’t available. Not only does it offer transportation and additional park time. Fort Wilderness offers unique activities and enough to fill the days that you’re not in the parks. Furthermore, nowhere else onsite offers such a reasonable price for accommodating a group of 10 or allows for your pets to accompany your family. After a stay at Fort Wilderness you will surely agree that the perks of Fort Wilderness contributed to a magical experience.
Wishing you S’more Journeys and Safe Travels!
Fort Wilderness
