Anyone stay at Fort WIlderness?

[harleywv]

Hi! This is my first time on these boards. We have reservations for Fort Wilderness the end of February. We'll be staying in a camper. I have a 5 year old, and twin boys who will be 8 months old at that time. We are planning on staying 4 nights. We booked a "premium" campsite, as they said it was "closer to everything."

Anyone have experience with this campground? Any advice? Are there any maps that show where particular campsites are in relation to the bus stops, etc?

Also, any general info on going to Disney with babies would be great. I've been with DD several times since she was 2, but never with small babies.

Thanks!!!

 

[Demosthenes]

First of all, welcome to the DIS.

One of the moderators may move this to the Camping at Disney World forum for some better responses. FW is wonderful. I grew up going to this resort. The premium campsites feature cable hook ups, fulll hook ups for sewer and preferred locations (closer to the settlement trading post, marina and Pioneer Hall). The DIS Boards have some info about Fort Wilderness. There is also this great website about Fort Wilderness.

 

[jcriket]

Welcome to the boards. I've never stayed at FW, but have spent a lot of time over there. There's lots to do. Here's a link to the camping boards http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=24
They can answer lots of questions, and I think I can find that map. As far as disney with little ones, there's lots to do. I would plan like you would for yourself, and add the things you think they might like. Here's the maphttp://home.hiwaay.net/~jlspence/fwmapnew.jpg
and anotherhttp://home.hiwaay.net/~jlspence/fwrecmap.jpg

 

[disnut8]

My father is an experienced camper. He and my stepmother spent this past summer going cross country to Alaska, camping all the way. He rates Fort Wilderness and his all time #1 place to camp. It's very clean, the bathroom/shower facilities are great and there are two general stores to get supplies (at Disney prices, of course). Bicycles and canoes are available for rent. There is a marina for other water activity. You can only have one vehicle per site and no driving is allowed except for getting to or leaving your site. You will have to rely on the internal buses.

I've never been to Disney World with babies (although I hope to take my grandson very soon) but remember there are Baby Centers at each park. Also, there are changing tables in every bathroom, including the men's. I don't know every location of these but there are companion restrooms scattered with changing tables and the whole family can take care of their needs at once.

 

[Monagles]

Yes, we've stayed at FW in a motorhome before, and it was great! Each of the loops has its own bus stops, so you'll never walk too far to a bus stop. For a little extra fun, reserve a golf cart to drive around the campground - it's a blast! The campground has a petting zoo, which our children LOVE! The restaurant (Trails End) has a great buffet which keeps all of our picky eaters happy. There are two little stores to stock up on basic food supplies (expensive but convenient).

The boats to MK are relatively easy and not too crowded, same for buses to other resorts. One of the fun things to do is the hayride - you might want to check it out. Another night thing is the campfire/movie night/sing-along with Chip and Dale. You can also rent canoes or go horseback riding. It is great fun, and one of our girls' best memories. We LOVE FW - it is a peaceful getaway from the craziness of the parks. The campground itself is absolutely beautiful - trees everywhere. You're going to love it!

ENJOY!!!

 

[fries9130]

Our first visit to FW will be next week and we've read so much we can hardly wait!

I'm sure you'll have an excellent time. My brother is not into Disney but said he'd go back and just stay at the campground - it was excellent!

 

[Von Drake]

I also grew up a FW. First 10 trips (or so) as a kid with my parents were FW stays. I still love it and get nostalgic from time to time. FYI-
I would request a loop near Settlement Trading Post. It is near the ferry, beach, and dining. Very convenient!

 

[marybrat]

I also grew up a FW. First 10 trips (or so) as a kid with my parents were FW stays. I still love it and get nostalgic from time to time. FYI-
I would request a loop near Settlement Trading Post. It is near the ferry, beach, and dining. Very convenient!

Do you have a preference for a particular loop near there?

 

[tim5055]

Do you have a preference for a particular loop near there?

To ber really near the settlement you are in a preerred site. This is one of the advantages of preferred. 100 - 200 - 300.

Check out the map on my site below and you will get a lay of the land.

 

[goscudder]

We are also camping at FW for the first time in February (the third week). We booked at FW in order to save some money, but since I joined this board, I've become very excited and hopeful that FW will become our new favorite place to stay!

My kids were two when we first took them to Disney, but we went with my nephew this past May when he was 8 months old. He was actually the easiest of all the kids! He napped much of the time in his stroller, and was able to go on quite a few of the rides, especially at MK. He loved watching the characters. I think it's easier taking a baby than it is a toddler who just wants to run and who isn't very patient about waiting in line.

Enjoy!!

 

[dgaston]

When our family was young, camping was the way we could enjoy WDW. And for some of my children, FW is still their favorite, even though they have now stayed at all levels of WDW resorts. Camping is still on my list too! Definitely learn where the Baby Care Centers are -- there are locations in each of the parks, good for changing diapers, and quiet locations for feeding with rocking chairs.

 

[cookiebrito]

You made the right choice.... Fort Wilderness is great for kids. There are lots of activities for families. In regards to transportation, you might want to bring along bikes or rent a golf cart. The perferred sites are closer to the transportation but it's still a good idea to have a way to get around the campground.

 

[DogDawg]

FW is great. Like previous post, we have done many other resorts but the Fort is the most relaxing. Not to mention having your own bed and kitchen if you are RV-ing.

We started camping there after the third kid. 5 is to much for most WDW resorts.

Agree. Find the baby care centers and the quiet spots for stroller naps. Infants are not dificult. They love the sights and sounds and aren't afraid of the dark. 17 year olds, well that's another problem, lol. Have fun.