?? about Fort Wilderness

[MrsMud]

I have just started reading about this place, and I'm thinking we could spend a few hours there on a non-park day (have dinner at Trail's End, see the petting zoo, maybe pony rides, campfire w/Chip and Dale, etc.). My only concern is, it seems like it may be really complicating getting here? We are not staying onsite. We will have a rental car and certainly don't mind driving. But, do we need to park somewhere onsite and then take a boat? Or can we drive directly there? Since we are not staying there, will we have to pay parking if we do drive directly there? This seems like something my kids would really love, but is it feasible to do? One more related question, I read something about the Electric Water Pageant. Is this only done during peak season (we are going early Oct.), and approximately what time does it take place? Lots of questions, I know! TIA,
MrsMud

 

[minivan3]

We have stayed at FW twice. We love the campsites. Our only complaints were the bus transportations.... very slow.

Yes, you can definitely drive to FW. I don't believe you have to pay to park, you stop by check-in point and just tell them you have ressies for Trails End or the Hoop-Dee-Doo. A quick call to 407-W-DISNEY would answer for sure. Another option would be to take the ferry over to the campgrounds.

If you do the Campfire sing-along with Chip and Dale, be sure to get there before 8:00pm. They only stay for 15 quick minutes and then are whisked away. We arrived one night at 8:20, very slow bus transportation again, and missed them. Made sure to be there extra early the next night and got to see Dale. One works one side of the theater and the other one does the other side.

The pony rides are fun for little ones. I think it is 80 lbs. and under.

We did the Mickey's Backyard BBQ on July 4, 2002. It was great! We then saw the Light Parade on the water and fireworks everywhere. I'm pretty sure the water pageant would still be up in October, again a quick call would answer that.

This is a very relaxing part of Disney I feel everyone should check out. Just plan on providing your own transportation to every place except MK. The boat rides are pretty reliable to there.
Have a blast!

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Originally posted by MrsMud
I have just started reading about this place, and I'm thinking we could spend a few hours there on a non-park day (have dinner at Trail's End, see the petting zoo, maybe pony rides, campfire w/Chip and Dale, etc.). My only concern is, it seems like it may be really complicating getting here? We are not staying onsite. We will have a rental car and certainly don't mind driving. But, do we need to park somewhere onsite and then take a boat? Or can we drive directly there? Since we are not staying there, will we have to pay parking if we do drive directly there?

Just follow the signs for Fort Wilderness PIONEER HALL. There are two seperate entrances for Fort Wilderness... you'll want the one that's right next to the Security Booth in the middle of the main road. Park there. (It's free) You are now at the OUTPOST DEPOT... remember that.

From there, you'll need to take one of the three internal shuttles to wherever you want to go. Trail's End is at the Settlement Depot, so you can board any bus that says Settlement on it. (Settlement Yellow, Settlement Purple, and Settlement Orange) They all go to the Settlement; The colors refer to the route it takes.

To get to the Campfire, you'll want to take the Orange route bus. Tell the driver you're going to the campfire, and they'll let you know which stop to get out.

To get back to your car, you'll want to board any bus that says Outpost on it.


All internal buses run in 10 minute intervals. Make sure to read destination signs to be sure you are boarding the correct bus. There are maps at every bus stop to help you out, and all the bus drivers know the area pretty well.

 

[jwfla422]

After visiting FW and spending some time there you'll love it, you'll want to book your next trip to stay there (that happened to us)

 

[plutospup]

FW can be a lot of fun! Although we haven't stayed at FW, every WDW vacation (whether staying on or off property) includes a FW visit. Follow the signs to FW, and park your car. From there busses will take you wherever you need to go. I'm really bad when it comes to understanding bus routes, however, even I can get around FW (Fortunately, the bus drivers are kind).

There is so much to do there including pony rides for the youngsters, and trail rides for the older kids/adults. The EWP does stop by FW every night (no matter what season). The campfire singalong is fun. Try to get there early and roast marshmellows at the campfire! (If you don't bring your own, marshmellows and "sticks" can be purchased at a reasonable price). If you have time you can even check out the nature trail from FW to WL.

For more info check out the "Camping at Disney" Board. Have a great time.