?? about Trail's End/ Ft. 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

 

[Belle5]

MrsMud,
I think the EWP swings by FW around 9:45. It is not seasonal but we have seen it be called of because of storms. (Poly at 9:00, I think.)
Just pull into the main parking lot at FW (no charge) and walk over to the bus stop and wait for a bus that will take you to Pioneer Hall. It's not too big a deal! I really think your family would think it was worth it to make the effort on a non park day.

 

[MrsMud]

Thanks for the reply, Belle5. I think 9:45 is too late for my kids, they wouldn't get to bed until 10:30. Oh well. I will definitely keep looking into this, though. It sounds like a fun place to go.
Can anyone give a review of the Trail's End Buffeteria (dinner)?

 

[frannn]

I don't know if the quality of food has changed, but DH, myself, and DD's loved in when we were there. The food was good and basic. We could have gone to the campfire thing had we timed it right, but unfortunately did not.

 

[MrsMud]

Thanks, frannn

 

[dgaston]

There are current prices over on Deb Will's www.wdwig.com I have eaten breakfast, lunch, and dinner here on different trips and really enjoy it. The food is basic like pizza, fried chicken, chili, salad, soups and breads. At night there's a carved meat and peel and eat shrimp. I think there are chicken tenders and mac and cheese too.

FW is great for the petting zoo, and barn, and there are hay rides at night too.