Amenities at FW

[Princess Sleepy]

Hi All. I tried posting this on the Resorts page and they suggested I try over here and get some expert opinions. We have reservations in June for Mickey's BBQ. We are staying off site and I know we need to get there early to get in and get a spot. My thought is that it would be fun to come in the middle of the afternoon and take advantage of some of the fun things at FW, but I know some things are just for guests of that resort. We are staying at CBR, so we are on-site guests. My DD4 and DD6 will be too young for horseback riding. I know the pool is not for others, but what amenities might be available for our use? Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[mnsprk]

There are pony rides (parents lead the ponies around a marked, fenced track. Canoe, boat and kayak rental & bike rental.

 

[clkelley]

Depending on when the BYBBQ lets out, you could make your way over to the outdoor movie theater near the pool and join in on the singalong with Chip and Dale, roast some marshmellows, and enjoy a movie under the stars. You can also make your way over to the Ft. Wilderness Beach and watch Wishes and the Electrical Water Pageant from the beach.

You could rent bikes for an hour or so and wander around the loops to see how us campers decorate and enjoy the slice of heaven that is Ft. Wilderness.

There is also tennis, shuffleboard, horseshoes, and archery lessons all near the bike barn.

There is also bingo, and kids games on the pool deck. (Just couldn't use the actual pool).

You can stroll through the horse barn and the blacksmith shop.

There is no longer a petting zoo, but all of the horses used around Disney property live at Ft. Wilderness.

There are several large playgrounds.

Also, just sitting on the porch of Crocket's Tavern in a rocking chair, or on a chair at the beach is a great way to spend some time.

There are also two trading posts for you to explore. (Mostly the same Disney stuff everywhere else, but there may be a few unique items.)

There is a walking path between Ft. Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge.

 

[clkelley]

Oh and lest Frank give me 50 lashings with a wet noodle, there is FISHING!!

Rent a cane pole and let the kids toss a line in the water!!

 

[bama_ed]

They have canoe rentals and you can paddle through the canals of the Fort. Rent at the Bike Barn, take a right leaving it, take a right whereever you come to an intersection, and you'll end up back at the Bike Barn in 30-45 min. The cost is nominal.

Although officially against the rules, we'd be flattered if you Resort folks pool-hopped over at our pool. There is a large bathroom for both men and women to change if needed.

CarolKelley left a good list. Stay for the campfire, roast marshmellows (all supplies at the Conestoga Wagon for a reasonable fee), watch the movie. Stop at any Comfort Station (bathhouse) in the Fort and they usually have a pin-up of the week's activities (usually around mid-day or early afternoon) for kids. Might be a game of bingo, Twister, Hula Hoop contests, flag football, etc. Most are around the main pool area. No one checks if you're a camper or not so come and enjoy.

My camping buds may chastise me since we want to keep the Fort as our sweet little secret but since you asked I had to answer. I think the Fort is the best place for young kids so I hope you agree.

Bama ED

 

[mnsprk]

i think the fort is the best place for young kids so i hope you agree.

Bama ed

old kids too!

 

[Princess Sleepy]

Thank you for all the info! You've given me some great ideas. We are camping enthusiasts and plan on doing Ft. Wilderness on one of our trips. It's just tricky because we are generally tent campers and coming from MN, it's hard to get all our equipment to FL. Vacation time doesn't generally allow for the extra time to drive. I can't wait to see your great resort.

 

[dblr]

Do they have surreys to rent @ the bike barn on know @ SSR and the BW resorts they do just thought that would be a good way with little ones to ride around the Fort to check out the sites.

 

[clkelley]

No they don't have surreys. Wilderness lodge has surreys that you can rent to ride on the path TO the fort and back, but there are poles that prevent you from taking the surreys into the fort itself.

Oh, I also forgot to mention there are wagon and carriage rides through the Fort in the evenings. Some of them even stop at a great spot for the fireworks.