First time staying at FW - Looking for tips!

[Julylady]

On our April trip, our girls did the archery at Fort Wilderness in the afternoon followed by Hoop De Doo that same night. We all really liked the atmosphere at Fort Wilderness and the kids asked if we could stay there next visit.

We are tentatively planning 3-4 night stay in a Cabin following a Disney Cruise next June. Some questions.

* When staying at the Fort, do you still go to the parks each day? It seems like you would lose all the "camping" feel if you left each morning for a theme park and returned late at night. On the other hand, I can't see us going to WDW and NOT going to the parks. Any opinions?

* The girls will be 13 and 10. Is there enough going on during the day to keep them busy?

* How does the main pool compare to other pools on property? (This year we stayed at Boardwalk.)

* Does Garden Grocer deliver to the Fort?

Any other tips for a newbie planning a stay at FW?

THANKS

 

[KristinU]

That's what we did - not the archery, but DH and I rented bikes to tool around the Fort and Wilderness Lodge several years ago and decided that we'd be back!

We still go to the parks, DTD, waterparks, etc. But we do spend more down time at the Fort, sometimes bagging afternoon plans in favor of fishing or riding our bikes or just general relaxing.

We've never participated in any of the organized activities at the Fort, but I know they do one or two things near the pool area or at the beach each day (someone correct me if my memory is fuzzy!) You've got canoeing, horseback riding, walking/running trails, bike riding, beach volleyball, tetherball, fishing, arcade, checkers at the trading post, nightly campfire and movie, um...what else? Oh yeah, the pool of course, then boat excursions and water mice. So lots to do outside of the parks!

I'd say the main pool is very similar to the other Moderate and Deluxe pools - large and has a waterslide and a hot tub and a snack bar. And no creepy clown (we were DVC owners at BWV and I just never did like him!)

Not sure about Garden Grocer, but I would think so.

 

[CDNCruiser]

This blog is two years old, but it still gives a good look at the many things to do at Fort Wilderness.

Click on the link below:

http://land.allears.net/blogs/guestblog/2012/08/think_outside_the_parks_part_2.html

 

[Julylady]

That's what we did - not the archery, but DH and I rented bikes to tool around the Fort and Wilderness Lodge several years ago and decided that we'd be back! We still go to the parks, DTD, waterparks, etc. But we do spend more down time at the Fort, sometimes bagging afternoon plans in favor of fishing or riding our bikes or just general relaxing. We've never participated in any of the organized activities at the Fort, but I know they do one or two things near the pool area or at the beach each day (someone correct me if my memory is fuzzy!) You've got canoeing, horseback riding, walking/running trails, bike riding, beach volleyball, tetherball, fishing, arcade, checkers at the trading post, nightly campfire and movie, um...what else? Oh yeah, the pool of course, then boat excursions and water mice. So lots to do outside of the parks! I'd say the main pool is very similar to the other Moderate and Deluxe pools - large and has a waterslide and a hot tub and a snack bar. And no creepy clown (we were DVC owners at BWV and I just never did like him!) Not sure about Garden Grocer, but I would think so.

Riding bikes sounds fun! I am pretty sure we will rent a golf cart.

 

[Julylady]

This blog is two years old, but it still gives a good look at the many things to do at Fort Wilderness. Click on the link below: http://land.allears.net/blogs/guestblog/2012/08/think_outside_the_parks_part_2.html

Thanks! Off to investigate....

 

[2goofycampers]

* When staying at the Fort, do you still go to the parks each day? It seems like you would lose all the "camping" feel if you left each morning for a theme park and returned late at night. On the other hand, I can't see us going to WDW and NOT going to the parks. Any opinions?

* The girls will be 13 and 10. Is there enough going on during the day to keep them busy?

* How does the main pool compare to other pools on property? (This year we stayed at Boardwalk.)

* Does Garden Grocer deliver to the Fort?

Any other tips for a newbie planning a stay at FW?

THANKS

We've stayed 2 weeks and never went into a park. I guess it's up to each individual.

There is plenyt to keep busy, especially with a golf cart. Just looking around is fun.

The pool is fun and has a slide.

Yes, GG delivers there.

Be sure to get the activities list for each day. And don't forget to enjoy the campfire and movie at night. The boat parade and fireworks from the beach are great also.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

We are tentatively planning 3-4 night stay in a Cabin following a Disney Cruise next June. Some questions.
. . . we are doing the same thing in September following our European vacation
. . . kind of a vacation-wind-down from the vacation

When staying at the Fort, do you still go to the parks each day?
. . . we might do the park for one day
. . . there is too much to do at The Fort
. . . we simply don't need the parks every day

The girls will be 13 and 10. Is there enough going on during the day to keep them busy?
. . . yep
. . . hiking
. . . biking
. . . swimming (pool not lake)
. . . fishing
. . . boating

How does the main pool compare to other pools on property? (This year we stayed at Boardwalk.)
. . . nice, huge pool
. . . definitely compares to any other resort
. . . with exception to the Lazy River

Does Garden Grocer deliver to the Fort?
. . . yes

Any other tips for a newbie planning a stay at FW?
. . . expect fun and relaxation
. . . expect people to actually say hello, AND MEAN IT
. . . expect a camping environment with Disney friendliness
. . . expect one of the best campgrounds in the USA

 

[Nan P]

We do go to the parks, but alternate days so we can enjoy the Fort and all there is to do there. Some days it's the pool which is good size and fun and other days it's reading with a cool drink and feet up. No one mentioned the Hoop De Doo Review, which is a nice dinner show the whole family can enjoy. There's always Trails End Restaurant for a breakfast buffet or dinner buffet if you don't feel like cooking. It's reasonably priced and food and service is very good. Magic Kingdom fireworks can be seen and music heard from the beach at the Fort and also the electric water parade goes by the beach/ marina at around 9:45 each night. Have fun and relax.

 

[Dmargliotti]

Heading to Fort Wilderness cabin in October for 10 days with DD and DSIL and DGS.We are a little nervous with hearing the pros and cons but we are outdoors people and love to walk and run..Going to participate in the Tower of Terror races and have been to WDW at least 15 times. Is it as great as everyone says in reviews?

 

[Firefighter25]

My DW and I are staying at the Fort for the first time 8/3/2014. 2nd trip to Disney. We spent 3-4 hours 4th of July customizing Magic bands with FastPass and Dining reservations instead of outside enjoying a beautiful day in SW PA. It was fun but felt overplanned. We filled a lot of time slots but did leave 1 day for relaxing at the Fort! Isn't that what vacations are for? Hate the thought of looking at the time and saying we gotta be at a certain place at a certain time. Oh well we will see!

 

[2goofycampers]

Heading to Fort Wilderness cabin in October for 10 days with DD and DSIL and DGS.We are a little nervous with hearing the pros and cons but we are outdoors people and love to walk and run..Going to participate in the Tower of Terror races and have been to WDW at least 15 times. Is it as great as everyone says in reviews?

Yes and even better. And welcome to the camping board.

 

[loislane]

On our trip last August, we made it to a park at some point each of the 10 days we were there. One day I want to say it wasn't until around 9 p.m.! We actually found we did more park stuff later in the afternoon and evening - annd we especially liked ending the day at MK and leaving just before the fireworks. We liked watching them from the ferry while on the lake.

We also had days where we hit a park early and then came back in the afternoon to swim, relax, etc. and then had dinner at the camper before heading back out in the evening.

My daughter and I did the trail ride and enjoyed it. We did some fishing. Lots of pool time. And lots of just hanging around and relaxing time. It was by far our most enjoyable trip to date and we credit it all to being at the Fort.

 

[North of Mouse]

On our April trip, our girls did the archery at Fort Wilderness in the afternoon followed by Hoop De Doo that same night. We all really liked the atmosphere at Fort Wilderness and the kids asked if we could stay there next visit.

We are tentatively planning 3-4 night stay in a Cabin following a Disney Cruise next June. Some questions.

* When staying at the Fort, do you still go to the parks each day? It seems like you would lose all the "camping" feel if you left each morning for a theme park and returned late at night. On the other hand, I can't see us going to WDW and NOT going to the parks. Any opinions?
THANKS

FW is awesome and we have enjoyed it since we first camped there in '72.

But, everyone vacations in different ways and there are no right or wrong ways to enjoy your stay there. Some stay there for their complete vacation, some go in the parks half the time, etc. but everyone enjoys it the 'right' way for their own families.

You will have to experience it for yourselves and 'make' it your own 'personal' way to enjoy it and relax.

Unlike many who prepare most/all their meals at the campground, we prefer to eat out and escape all work . Again, whatever is 'your' desire.

We also, the last several years, prefer to go every other year (approx.) get AP's and go 3 times within that year. So, we then go every day into the parks for part of the time anyway. That's our enjoyment - whatever works for you.....

And, no, we have never felt like we were leaving the 'camping feel' by not being there all day. We camp many places and just enjoy the great outdoors.