Facilities Questions

[kimsuenew]

Hi! It looks like we might get to vacation at WDW this summer, but only if we tent camp at the Fort (resort stay is out financially).

We used to camp a lot (longest was two weeks at Myrtle Beach State Park) at various State Parks and nearby campgrounds! We have not camped in six or more years (I kind of got used to condos and resorts and my mobility really went down which was the main reason). We do have a nice tent and all neccessary supplies/equipment still however.

During our two WDW trips we did not make it to the Fort to explore (wish we had). I have severe mobility issues. I have a few questions about the Fort/tent sites available.

1. As far as the facilities (shower area and restrooms) are there full "handicap accessible" facilities? I would need bars and installed shower seat for safety.

2. Are the walking paths paved (eg could I use my wheelchair, a rental ECV, or walk safely with a cane on them... are they level)? I see that golf carts are used frequently at FWC, but that would be waaaaay to much $ for us to spend renting one, as we are on a strict budget already must rent an ECV for park use/DTD use for me.

3. How close to the bus loading area would the tent camping be?

4. Are there fun activities at FW to do? What about on-site eateries? We contemplated just a day or two at the parks and the rest exploring DTD, FW, some resorts, and then just truly relaxing (using the pool, taking a day trip to the Gulf or Atlantic).

5. Do all campsites have electric and if so, is it a lot more money per site?

6. Are you allowed to "catch and release" fish at FW and if so, does it require a Florida fishing license to do so?

That's it! LOL! I welcome any pointers and suggestions you may have! Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this!

 

[Shan-man]

I'll take a whack at a few of these. For 1 & 2, the Fort is a highly accessible place. The bathrooms all have accessible stalls. The paths are all paved except for some nature trails and dog-walks. But all the trails used for transit are paved, smooth and level. The only places I can think that there might be a problem is the bridge between the Meadow Trading Post and the Pool, it is a rather steep arch. And the picnic tables are not wheelchair friendly, especially the new ones in Premium loops, but if you can transfer from your ECV it shouldn't be a problem. Also, the boat to the Contemporary is not accessible. BTW, did you know there is a whole forum here on the DIS for accessibility issues and discussion? Check it out. (EDIT: oh, I see you're a DIS vet so I'm sure you knew this, but I'm leaving it in case a newbie reads it )

As for 3, there are two bus systems at the Fort: internal and external. There are stops for the internal system near each loop... I'd say worst case is about 900 feet from the furthest site on the biggest loops to the bus stop. You can note on your reservation that you need to be close to the stop due to physical limitations and I'd pretty much guarantee you'll be within 200 feet. The internal bus will take you to Fort attractions and to the depots for the external bus system. The external buses will take you to the parks, water parks and Downtown Disney. The one park you will not want to take the bus to is Magic Kingdom... there is an accessible boat launch that will take you there from the Fort Marina. Be aware, however, that the distance from the bus stop to the end of the dock is about 1000 feet, just so you're ready for it.

I'll leave 4 for someone else. 5, yes all sites include electricity, water and cable for the base site price.

#6, yes the fishing is all catch and release and does not require a fishing license.

Oh, and to the camping boards!

 

[clkelley]

If you rent an ECV, rent it from an outside company and you can keep it at your campsite and just ECV your way around the Fort and can bypass the internal buses. (That is if your companion can walk it.)

There is a VERY large accessible shower in the comfort stations with a very sturdy fold down bench. Very nice.

All sites have electric. Not a problem at all.

For keeping the ECV dry for overnight charging, bring a gas grill cover. We use one for DHs ECV at the Fort. Works Great!!

 

[clkelley]

Hi! It looks like we might get to vacation at WDW this summer, but only if we tent camp at the Fort (resort stay is out financially).

We used to camp a lot (longest was two weeks at Myrtle Beach State Park) at various State Parks and nearby campgrounds! We have not camped in six or more years (I kind of got used to condos and resorts and my mobility really went down which was the main reason). We do have a nice tent and all neccessary supplies/equipment still however.

During our two WDW trips we did not make it to the Fort to explore (wish we had). I have severe mobility issues. I have a few questions about the Fort/tent sites available.

1. As far as the facilities (shower area and restrooms) are there full "handicap accessible" facilities? I would need bars and installed shower seat for safety.

2. Are the walking paths paved (eg could I use my wheelchair, a rental ECV, or walk safely with a cane on them... are they level)? I see that golf carts are used frequently at FWC, but that would be waaaaay to much $ for us to spend renting one, as we are on a strict budget already must rent an ECV for park use/DTD use for me.

3. How close to the bus loading area would the tent camping be?

There are two loops that are partial hookup loops that have electric, water only, and have large sand areas appropriate for setting up tents. Tent campers can actually book in any loop, but since you don't need the sewer, no need to pay the extra money. Every loop is a different size, so you mainly just need to put in a request that you want to be near a comfort station and a bus stop.

4. Are there fun activities at FW to do? What about on-site eateries? We contemplated just a day or two at the parks and the rest exploring DTD, FW, some resorts, and then just truly relaxing (using the pool, taking a day trip to the Gulf or Atlantic).

There are tons of things to do at the Fort, the pool is wonderful, there is a nightly campfire and movie, you can watch Wishes and the Electrical Water Pageant from the beach, and many other activities. There is one eatery at Ft. Wilderness called Trails End which is decent. There is also the Hoop De Doo Revue Dinner Show. Very good but expensive. You can always take Disney transportation to the Wilderness Lodge and eat there, or to the monorail resorts and eat there.

5. Do all campsites have electric and if so, is it a lot more money per site?

6. Are you allowed to "catch and release" fish at FW and if so, does it require a Florida fishing license to do so?

ABSOLUTELY, Don't know if a license is required or not

That's it! LOL! I welcome any pointers and suggestions you may have! Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this!

Hope this helps!!

 

[BradyBz12]

4. Are there fun activities at FW to do? What about on-site eateries?

Loads! Some good info on THIS PAGE

...and to the Camping Board!

 

[kimsuenew]

Thank you all VERY much! You have put my mind to ease that it is "do-able" and I appreciate it!