what's best about FW?

[PolynesianPixie]

I am new to FW, and would like to know what keeps all you regulars coming back? :love:

Since I have been banned for life for hijacking the unhijackable thread:rolleyes1 , here I am, starting a new one....

Don't leave me hangin'....

[Duane]

Let me ask this.... Are you an RV'er or a "Cabin-er". This will make some difference on the responses and the responders.

For me, being an RV-er.... there's nothing like the feeling that you get when you drive past the Outpost and into the campground. There is just a sense of calm that comes over you. You don't have to park in a lot and walk a long distance to your room. You don't have hear the folks in the next room arguing or the babies crying. I can cookout if I like, or cook in as well. The folks that are parked on either side of me or across the road will almost always wave and say hello. I can ride my bike, golfcart or canoe. I can walk over to the campfire sing-a-long and watch a free movie. I can go over to Crockett's tavern and sit on the porch and people watch.

[PolynesianPixie]

Let me ask this.... Are you an RV'er or a "Cabin-er". This will make some difference on the responses and the responders.

For me, being an RV-er.... there's nothing like the feeling that you get when you drive past the Outpost and into the campground. There is just a sense of calm that comes over you. You don't have to park in a lot and walk a long distance to your room. You don't have hear the folks in the next room arguing or the babies crying. I can cookout if I like, or cook in as well. The folks that are parked on either side of me or across the road will almost always wave and say hello. I can ride my bike, golfcart or canoe. I can walk over to the campfire sing-a-long and watch a free movie. I can go over to Crockett's tavern and sit on the porch and people watch.

We will be staying in our pop-up. Thanks for the feedback!:goodvibes

[Shannone1]

We've only been there once so far, but these are the things that are bringing us back next year....

1- Gotta be close to the Mouse ::MickeyMo
2- The boats to MK and Epcot
3- Onsite restaurant
4- Riding the golf carts and bikes rather than driving everywhere
5- How clean the campground is compared to other CGs we've stayed in
6- The interior roads are all paved which is a big plus for this camper ;)
7- The onsite entertainment (Hoop Dee Doo, marina, campfire program, fireworks, play areas and pools)

These are all things that stand out when we think back to our trip to FW last spring. It doesn't compare to other campgrounds. Like another poster said...it would be different if you were used to 5 star resorts or cruises. But as a "campground" you can't beat it. For us, the only way to "do Disney" is Fort Wilderness. We can spend all day at the parks or hanging out at the fort...and then sleep in our own bed at night.

[ntsammy5]

Besides the people you meet, the thing I like best about FW is the looping. Riding a golf cart through the camp grounds and looking at all the rigs and set ups and holiday decorations is great. Having someone else drive while you drink beer is the icing on the cake!

Mind you I like the Trading Post, TE, the "beach", the movies, and all that stuff, but looping is best.

[Mr Man]

So many things come to mind...... but here are the biggies for us.

1. Location Location Location- Boat to MK is high on our list (2 small boys + boat+Mickey= Magic beyond all expectations). It is simple math.

2. Having your own outdoor living area at FW makes it feel like home.

3. People are so friendly at FW. I am a gregarious sort in person and love to have people to our site for drinks, snacks, conversation etc.

4. FW is the best campground I have ever seen.....anywhere!

[ftwildernessguy]

I'm 4000 lbs below my maximum tow weight, so I can load up that trailer with Disney stuff before I come home.

[Gatordad]

I like looping the best.

[big kahuna1]

I'm with Gatordad. We like looping the best and just the overall atmosphere of camping at the Fort.:thumbsup2

[TheGreatGonzo]

For me it's pretty much the same as everyone else, especially the fact that just about everyone goes out of their way to be friendly. I make mostly solo trips so I make a bunch of new friends each time. You also have the added comfort of knowing you are sleeping in your own beds with your own stuff.

[lawnspecialties]

The IRS considers my travel trailer "vacation property". So do I. It's like our second home. Whenever we go camping, it's like having your house at that particular vacation spot. Nobody but Fort folks can say that at Disneyworld.

Just think, you hit the parks all day and then when you're ready, you ride back over to the "vacation house" and do things like fire up the grill, let the kids go ride their bikes, just chill out, etc..

Try firing up the grill at the Contemporary. :rolleyes:

[Tri-circle-D]

I'll say that my favorite thing is the space. It is an amazing thing to stand at the beach of Bay Lake and look out, and see nothing but water and trees, and then remember that you are in the middle of the vacation capital of the world!

Nothing beats coming back from a crowded day at the parks to your own place where you can just chill, and take it easy.

TCD

I also like the endless opportunities to people watch. There is no place like the Fort!

[clkelley]

I agree with everyone here!! The peacefullness. The activities. The friendly folks!! Having your own space!!! Having a front porch (ok, a sand pand under an awning) to sit on in your chair with your feet up. It's just heaven!!

[LarryJ]

I am new to FW, and would like to know what keeps all you regulars coming back? :love:

Since I have been banned for life for hijacking the unhijackable thread:rolleyes1 , here I am, starting a new one....

Don't leave me hangin'....

Except for the looping everything that the previous posters have said is also what I really like about FW. If I had my own GC then I would also be a dedicated looper, but won't rent one just for that with all the other things to do at FW and in my case FW has the best "Fruit Fishing" I have found to date :lmao: :cool1: :rotfl2: :thumbsup2. Before all the rule changes back in the 80's and early 90's the boys really like pool hopping (esp. the CBR) and video arcades at some of the resorts. Biggest thing is there is nothing like waking up in your own bed on your own pillow and just turning the coffee pot on and kicking back for that first cup or two of Joe in your own "home away from home".

Back in April of this year we had to go to Chicago and couldn't take the TT and had to do the Motel thing there and back and man that was a pain to plan and pack for even with a full sized Van and only two of us and two dogs. The last time the wife flew was back in 1978 for her Dad's funeral and my last time was around 1987 when I was still on active duty in the Navy. I'm trying to remember, but outside of driving down to go on a Disney Cruise for our oldest son's wedding in 2003 and the trip this last April to Chicago, I can't remember not towing our TT when going anywhere for more than a day since 1974 or 1975 when we flew from Ca. to Ms. for Xmas with my parents.

Larry

[CCIntrigue]

Like another poster said...it would be different if you were used to 5 star resorts or cruises.


I've stayed in my share of 5 star resorts and also been on many cruises. While I love doing both, I can't compare either of them to the fun of a vacation at FW. While I disagree that FW is the best campground around, the amenities at FW certainly make up for the lack of "curb appeal."

What makes it so great?
- Location
- Friendliness of CMs and other campers
- WDW transportation system
- Having my own bed and my own "things" to come home to each day
- The freedom to eat in, eat out, do whatever I want
- All the activities available right outside my doorstep
- Being able to vacation with my fur baby
- Having my own little piece of outdoors to enjoy

I'm cruising again in 2 weeks and my cabin will be about 100 SF smaller than the MH and I'm sure won't be as nice.

As for 5 star hotels, each of us has the ability to make our rigs just as plush inside as any 5-star if we so desire. The only difference is that we have to clean up after ourselves, but that is no big deal. I'd rather do 5 minutes of cleaning each day and have all the amenities that FW has to offer!

[MBMacs]

For us, staying @ the Fort is a vacation inside of a vacation. We can just hang out and relax, loop, swim, bike ride, play tennis, unwind. We dont even go into the parks on the 4th of July. At Christmas time, we check out all the decorations. Watching the water parade and fireworks on the beach. Meeting up with other Dissers. Something great about leaving Peg at the cabin and taking the girls to the trading post to get an ice cream.:santa:

[PolynesianPixie]

This is wonderful stuff!!! I am getting so excited!! We are going to be there 5 nights~I'm thinking I may need to extend it, I don't think I'll want to leave!:goodvibes

[Colson39]

Memories, memories, and more memories. Then going back and making new memories. The Fort is like a second home to me, it's actually kind of hard to explain.

All I know is that when I take an early morning ride in a golf cart around Fort Wilderness, I can think back to when I was 4-5 years old making the same trips (NO I WASN'T DRIVING GOLF CART POLICE :P).

[DaddyDon]

The people you meet:cool1: :cool1: ...There are no snobs here!:thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 I have stayed in lot's of hotels on property and lot's think they have the world by the sack:confused3 .....I have only met one couple at the fort who were not snob's just yelling at each other all morning:scared1: :scared1: :scared1: .......They could have taken it some where else.....:confused3 :confused3

[Shannone1]

I've stayed in my share of 5 star resorts and also been on many cruises. While I love doing both, I can't compare either of them to the fun of a vacation at FW.


As nice as Fort Wilderness is....it has nothing on our Alaskian Cruisetour we did last year. That was a once in a lifetime kind of trip for us. Helicopter ride to a glacier, ziplining above a forest with the eagles, whale watching, and the cruise itself was top notch. We took the kids with us (it was for our 15th anniversary) and it still ranks with all of us as our best vacation ever. :)

As for 5 star hotels, each of us has the ability to make our rigs just as plush inside as any 5-star if we so desire. The only difference is that we have to clean up after ourselves, but that is no big deal. I'd rather do 5 minutes of cleaning each day and have all the amenities that FW has to offer!

What I meant with that comment was that you can't compare FW with a true 5 star resort. Luxury bedding, room service, jacuzzi tubs, full service spas and salons, etc. I'm not trying to debate hotels vs. motorhomes....I own a motorhome so you know which I prefer ;) Just trying to tell the OP that FW is basically a campground with cool amenties...but it's not a 5 star resort.

I'm curious....you are just about the only person I have seen on this board admit that FW is not the best campground ever. (I happen to agree with you :rolleyes1 ) It's the only way I would do Disney...but I've been to other "campgrounds" that were just as nice. What other campgrounds would you recommend ?? Maybe you could PM me so we don't go OT :) :goodvibes

[Shannone1]

This is wonderful stuff!!! I am getting so excited!! We are going to be there 5 nights~I'm thinking I may need to extend it, I don't think I'll want to leave!:goodvibes

We were sooooo bummed about having to leave at the end of our first stay that we added on a day. We STILL didn't want to leave though :sad1:

[Colson39]

I'm sure not everyone agrees that it is their favorite campground. However, the Fort does have one thing going for it, it almost annually wins national and international awards.

I remember there was some award given by a top camping group that the Fort won something like 10 years in a row for being the top campground in the country. The thing is, the Fort just has a lot more to offer than most campgrounds, which it usually ranks so high.

Depends on what you're looking for, I would say there are certain areas that other campgrounds do much better than the Fort (size of sites, location and view, etc..), but if you add all of the features up together that is why it is normally ranked so high.

Personally, I wouldn't mind waking up to a nice cold mountain breeze tomorrow. Instead, I'll just take my 60 degree COLD Florida winter breeze...lol ;)

[Gatordad]

I like the view of the Winnebagos......

[kimluvswdw]

I think the best thing about Fort Wilderness are the people that go there. Everyone is so nice and not stuffy like at some of the resorts.

[wishuponastarforever]

I will be the first cabiner to reply. One day we hope to join all you RVers but we do not own one yet.;)

We love FW for all the posted reasons. The cabins are wonderful also. There is a seperate bedroom with TV and door to close. It gives the adults some privacy at night. The kitchen saves time and money (especially breakfast). You can also get a late night craving for some milk and cookies. :goodvibes

You still get the camping feeling but it's camping with maid service. Does it get any better???? :santa:

[Camping Cat]

This is wonderful stuff!!! I am getting so excited!! We are going to be there 5 nights~I'm thinking I may need to extend it, I don't think I'll want to leave!:goodvibes

You're right! We're up to 15 nights now and it still doesn't seem like enough. I'm never really ready to go home.

[SamRoc]

Fort Wilderness is my favorite place to stay at Disney World. We have been going to Disney since the 70s and are DVC members. Theres something so beautiful about the place. It feels so much cooler there than anywhere else, with all the big beautiful trees. The golf carts are great to drive around in. It really feels like a vacation to me when I go there.

[AuntSusu]

Clkelley Oh my, tell me more about your tear drop. I love those little things. I want my husband and I to get one for trips when our camper is just too much and we want to take the Jeep ( which can't pull the camper)

[clkelley]

Clkelley Oh my, tell me more about your tear drop. I love those little things. I want my husband and I to get one for trips when our camper is just too much and we want to take the Jeep ( which can't pull the camper)


The brand name of my camper is actually a T@B which is larger than a teardrop. You can actually stand up in it. It sleeps two with a double bed and a has a port a potty inside. Mine is the clam shell model which does have the outside kitchen like the traditional teardrops.

The website is tab-rv.com

There is an owners group on yahoo called tabtrailers

I love my little T@B. It weighs less than 2000 lbs and with a couple of EZ-Up shelters, I have everything I need!!

If you want to research and build or buy and actual teardrop, you need to check out:

http://www.mikenchell.com/forums/

[des1954]

I like the view of the Winnebagos......
:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:
:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:
:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

[des1954]

I've stayed in my share of 5 star resorts and also been on many cruises. While I love doing both, I can't compare either of them to the fun of a vacation at FW. While I disagree that FW is the best campground around, the amenities at FW certainly make up for the lack of "curb appeal."

The 5 star RV resorts that I'm aware of pretty much limit camping equipment to Class A RV's (the bigger & more expensive, the better). You cannot camp in tents, pop-up's, Class B, Class C's, 5er's, TT's, or anything less than a Diesel Pusher & that better be a Prevost, CC, or a Monaco product that cost $500K or more. 5 star RV resorts are retiree friendly, but not family friendly. FtW accomodates all kinds of campers, which IMHO, makes FtW better than any 5 star resort. Not challenging your opinion CCIntrigue, just stating facts from 1st hand knowledge.

[clkelley]

The 5 star RV resorts that I'm aware of pretty much limit camping equipment to Class A RV's (the bigger & more expensive, the better). You cannot camp in tents, pop-up's, Class B, Class C's, 5er's, TT's, or anything less than a Diesel Pusher & that better be a Prevost, CC, or a Monaco product that cost $500K or more. 5 star RV resorts are retiree friendly, but not family friendly. FtW accomodates all kinds of campers, which IMHO, makes FtW better than any 5 star resort. Not challenging your opinion CCIntrigue, just stating facts from 1st hand knowledge.

I agree. There are RV resorts that will park and set up your rig for you, keep it clean, give you housekeeping each day, provide you with a golf cart, or deliver you and your clubs to the golf course, and deliver gourmet meals right to you, however, as des said, you must have one of the big rigs to stay there. Ft. Wilderness is super clean, has super level sites maintained very well, and allows everyone. That's what makes it the best in my book!!

[snowwhite17]

We have always stayed in the trailers or the cabins. I think the best things about it are the ambiance, space in the cabins, your own grill to cook outdoors, and last but no least being close to MKprincess:

[G'day Disney]

I will be the first cabiner to reply. One day we hope to join all you RVers but we do not own one yet.;)

We love FW for all the posted reasons. The cabins are wonderful also. There is a seperate bedroom with TV and door to close. It gives the adults some privacy at night. The kitchen saves time and money (especially breakfast). You can also get a late night craving for some milk and cookies. :goodvibes

You still get the camping feeling but it's camping with maid service. Does it get any better???? :santa:

Staying at the cabins this December, are milk and cookies able to be delivered to the cabins? Do you also know what the cost is? Many Thanks

[2goofycampers]

WTH this is 3 years old?

[Tri-circle-D]

Staying at the cabins this December, are milk and cookies able to be delivered to the cabins? Do you also know what the cost is? Many Thanks

WTH this is 3 years old?

Indeed, this is a three year old thread!

But, it's a good one!

A lot of familiar "faces" on here.

Many of whom we don't hear from anymore :(

G'day Disney, I salute you for using the search feature.

But, I'm sorry to tell you that there are no milk and cookie deliveries to the cabins.

I presume the previous poster was referring to being able to bring your own milk and cookies, as the cabins have full kitchens. You can buy milk and cookies at the Trading Posts, and have them ready when needed.

Have fun.

TCD

[caveat lector]

It's only 3 years, so let's get the ball rolling again. I agree with all the previous posters about the people being the main draw. However, I will take it one step further. I enjoy taking Zeus to the dog park. It never fails that I meet some interesting and friendly folks just watching my pup run around the park.

[freshlybarked]

I agree with all the physical things that are great about FW, but it's the feeling of peace and joy I get when I'm there that takes me away from all the pressures of daily life that makes it the best for me.

[G'day Disney]

Indeed, this is a three year old thread!

But, it's a good one!

A lot of familiar "faces" on here.

Many of whom we don't hear from anymore :(

G'day Disney, I salute you for using the search feature.

But, I'm sorry to tell you that there are no milk and cookie deliveries to the cabins.

I presume the previous poster was referring to being able to bring your own milk and cookies, as the cabins have full kitchens. You can buy milk and cookies at the Trading Posts, and have them ready when needed.

Have fun.

TCD

Thanks so much for your help!! Yes that does make sense now about bringing your own :teacher: and much cheaper I'm sure :yay:

2goofycampers I felt terrible when the email came through with your response, I didn't realise I was doing the wrong thing.

Tri-Circle-D, thankyou so much, you made me feel better :hug:

[2goofycampers]

2goofycampers I felt terrible when the email came through with your response, I didn't realise I was doing the wrong thing.

Sorry, I didn't mean it negatively towards you. I couldn't figure out why Poly Pixie was new again. I've known her for 3 years. If you have to go 3 years back to answer a question, we don't mind if you ask it over again in your own thread. :thumbsup2

As for milk and cookies, they have some fine chocolate chip cookies at the trading Post and milk also.

[G'day Disney]

Sorry, I didn't mean it negatively towards you. I couldn't figure out why Poly Pixie was new again. I've known her for 3 years. If you have to go 3 years back to answer a question, we don't mind if you ask it over again in your own thread. :thumbsup2

As for milk and cookies, they have some fine chocolate chip cookies at the trading Post and milk also.

Thanks 2goofycampers :flower3:

[Robert6401]

In the essence of reviving this thread, I wanted to add my .02.

Over Labor Day weekend, we stayed at SOG. We LOVE WDW, have annual passes, but having stayed at FW for all of our recent trips since buying an RV a year and a half ago it simply wasn't the same experience staying at a hotel. It was hardly a vacation at all. Staying at FW, in your own RV, is so much more relaxing than staying in a hotel. The Fort is such a stress relief from the hustle of the parks, whereas it was very difficult to get comfortable in the hotel room. And it's not like you're going to spend all day hanging out relaxing at the hotel - that would get boring. But there is so much stuff to do at the Fort that is still relaxing - looping, hanging out on the porch at Crocketts while the kids play at the playground, the swimming pool, grilling at the campsite, making friends with neighbors (you don't do that with the person in the room next to you at a hotel).

WDW has always been magical place to me, I just didn't realize how much more it could be until I started going to the Fort last year!

[Bearikens]

I agree with the posts that are already in this thread, plus I also would like to add the following. 1. I always have a sense of freedom staying at the Fort...the open sky overhead with the stars or blue sky. 2. Relaxing in the camper or tent and listening to the pitter-patter of the rain on the roof. 3. BBQ being cooked on my grill and the wonderful smells. 4. Cooking my favorites my way (I know how much salt, sugar, and what else is going into my food) and when I want. 5. Walt seemed to love animals (was in A LOT of the cartoons and animated movies) and the Fort is teaming with wildlife...makes me feel closer to what he intended for WDW. 6. Sleeping in my own bed in my home away from home. 7. Sitting out under my awning having a cigarette and a beer watching and waving to the smiling people walking, cycling, or looping by. 8. The freedom to decorate or not to decorate my resort room (including the trees and bushes). 9. The love families share seems to intensify camping inside the Fort, you can almost begin to feel it as you drive through check-in. 10. Surrounded by the Disney experience and sharing the magic with hundreds of like minded camping loving people. Staying in the resort hotels, to me, doesn't even offer a tenth of these freedoms. I think it is freedom that gives you peace of mind and peace of mind is what enables you to truly relax.

I just read my own post...man am I in a mood today :eek:

[RocklandRVers]

I'll say that my favorite thing is the space. It is an amazing thing to stand at the beach of Bay Lake and look out, and see nothing but water and trees, and then remember that you are in the middle of the vacation capital of the world!

Nothing beats coming back from a crowded day at the parks to your own place where you can just chill, and take it easy.

TCD

I also like the endless opportunities to people watch. There is no place like the Fort!

Have to agree. The Fort oozes relaxation! I am also a history buff and read a lot about how Disney World came to be with Walt flying over and spotting Bay Lake and deciding then and there that this was the perfect spot for his dream of having plenty of land available to spread out. When we loop around especially over by the 2000 loop and look at the "pristine" land to the east, it makes me think of how this place must have looked prior to the 1970s and how much imagineering went into creating such a beautiful place. :wizard: