First time visitor to The Fort!

[bellazachmom]

Hi!

We are staying at VWL next week and on our non-park day we are scheduled to eat at Mickey's Backyard BBQ.

Now, I am ashamed to say that we have never, in all of our many trips to the World, made it over to explore Ft. Wilderness but we are going to remedy that on this trip!

Can all of you "in the know" DISers tell me what else we need to make sure to see and do while we are there? We will be heading over after my little ones' naps and then hope to head to the Campfire after dinner.

Any and all ideas and suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Tri-circle-D]

Well, let's see . . .

You don't say how little your little ones are, but they have pony rides at the Tri-Circle-D ranch from 10 am to 5 pm daily. They cost $5 per ride. This is a good activity for pre-schoolers, through maybe Kindergarten or First grade aged children.

Adjacent to the pony ride area is the Tri-Circle-D barn, which you can tour. There is a little display in there with photos and some artifacts relating to the WDW horses. Sometimes, the workers will be preparing the horses for travel to the MK, or grooming them after they have arrived back. And sometimes, a blacksmith is in the blacksmith shop doing blacksmith things, which your little ones might find interesting.

There used to be a petting zoo here, but the animals have been moved elsewhere, and now all you will see are horses and ponies.

There is a nice playground (with swings-which are hard to find these days) at the FW marina.

I am not sure what time you will be done with the Backyard BBQ, but the campfire program begins with the fire lighting at 7:30, followed by a sing-a-long at 8:00, and a movie under the stars at 8:40.

The Electric Water Pageant passes by the Fort Wilderness marina at 9:45 every night. And, you can watch the MK fireworks from the FW beach. You will need to check the MK schedule for the fireworks times, as the hours vary.

If you are arriving earlier in the day, there activities for children at the pool (like crafts and Bingo) I believe that they have similar offerings at WL, as well as the other WDW resorts, so it probably is not necessary for you to travel over to FW for these. I believe that you can get a schedule of the FW activities (which also includes the movie play list) at the WL front desk.

Also, in the evenings, at this time of year, there are horse-drawn wagon rides that depart from Pioneer Hall at 7 and 9:30 pm. These are like hay rides without the hay. The cost is $8 for an adult, and $5 for children. It is about a 45 minute ride. On the 9:30 ride, they will stop on along the water so you can watch the Electric Water Pageant, and depending on when the MK fireworks are being set off, you can also see the fireworks then.

That should be enough to keep your little ones busy.

 

[Goofyseven]

You can rent a golf cart or bikes to "loop" the Fort and see all the campsites and explore the Fort without too much walking

 

[BradyBz12]

You can rent a golf cart or bikes to "loop" the Fort and see all the campsites and explore the Fort without too much walking

Just wanted to add that if you decide to go cart looping (LOADS of fun) you might want to call to reserve a cart for the day, just to be on the safe side...

 

[BayLake Campers]

Hang out at the beach, enjoy the lake and the sand and
the most important thing is to relax and take it easy. Your on vacation

 

[bellazachmom]

THANK YOU!!

I really appreciate all the ideas! There will certainly be plenty to keep us all entertained.

We love our DVC but I am thinking that a trip where we get to camp or stay in the cabins will certianly be in our furute.

Have a magical day!