Travel Rest Repeat

Fort Wilderness Campground – WDW

The main reason we bought a camper was to experience the Fort Wilderness Campground at Walt Disney World in Florida. In 2009, the recession was in full steam and we were looking for a cheap way to go on vacation. We had an older Ford Explorer we were not driving and we found a Ford dealership that had a 2005 Jayco Hybrid camper for sale. After a couple days of negotiations, they got our old Explorer and we got the camper. They were in the car business and not the RV business so it worked out very well for us.

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Campground Site Types

Ok, back to Disney, in 2009 you could stay at Fort Wilderness for $43/night plus tax. That was a steal back then. Now prices range from $92/night for a Full Hook-Up site in August and September to $205/night for a Premium site during March (Spring Break!) and December. The categories of sites at Fort Wilderness range from Tent sites ($) to basic Full-Hookup sites ($$ – nicer than most campgrounds) to Preferred sites ($$$ – way nicer and larger than most other campgrounds) to Premium sites ($$$$ – Wow, I can’t see another camper from my front door).

The Premium sites are also located the closest to the pool, The Meadows Trading Post and the Settlement Trading Post. Both the Meadows and Settlement Posts have a gift/grocery store. We have stayed in all sites except the Tent sites. We have found there is almost no difference in the Full Hook-Up and Preferred sites. The Premium sites are usually larger, but our 35 ft. fifth wheel fits easily in the smaller sites. Since we spend most of the time in the Parks, we try to get a Full Hook-Up or a Preferred site.

WDW – Transportation

The Settlement Post is also the location of the boat dock for transportation to the Magic Kingdom, Contemporary Resort, and the Fort Wilderness Lodge. The Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue is also located at the Settlement Post. The Out Post located at the main campground entrance is where the bus stop is located to catch buses to EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and Disney Springs.

The main modes of travel within the campground are the Disney buses, rent golf carts, bikes or just walking. While staying at the campground and walking to the Out Post bus stop, we have easily logged over 20,000 steps/day.

Campground Activities and Food

Speaking of 20,000 steps/day and needing to burn calories, one of our favorite Disney Restaurants is the Trails End Restaurant located in the Settlement right beside the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue. It offers a home style sit-down buffet and quick service meals that will make your grandmother jealous. I think it’s the only place on Disney property where you can find sweet tea.

Cant Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue, it is loads of fun. If you have not ever experienced the Revue it needs to be on your list. Country Fixin’s served family style while you watch an interactive and very entertaining show.

Fort Wilderness has many outdoor activities that include canoeing/kayak (rentals available), basketball courts, jogging, volleyball, multiple playgrounds, two arcades, fishing, boating (rentals available), biking (rentals available), tennis, archery (rentals available), swimming pools, hiking trails, horse and pony riding, wagon rides, and the Chip n Dale’s Campfire Sing Along. If you brought your dog, there are several fenced-in dog playgrounds near each loop.

In addition to the activities, each loop has one of the best bathhouses and laundry facilities you will ever see at a campground. If you forgot your detergent, you can buy it from a vending machine in each facility.

Hope you enjoyed this post.

Remember to Travel, Rest, Repeat….