Live at FW while Working at WDW?

[dizprincess717]

Hey everyone. My family and I have stayed at Fort Wilderness twice, the most recent visit was in June/July of 2004.

Here's my question -

Does anyone here know if Disney has a program where people who work at WDW can stay at FW in their camper for say a year, maybe a year and a few months? My boyfriend is going to the Universal Technical Institute and we were exploring living options. I've already did the College Program and will graduate in May so I'm sure about my chances of scoring at job at WDW. While an apartment would be most logical, we were thinking about getting a travel trailer or 5th wheel (my parents would give us their 5th wheel for the year), and possibly checking out FW.

Anyone know?

 

[Shannone1]

Hey everyone. My family and I have stayed at Fort Wilderness twice, the most recent visit was in June/July of 2004.

Here's my question -

Does anyone here know if Disney has a program where people who work at WDW can stay at FW in their camper for say a year, maybe a year and a few months? My boyfriend is going to the Universal Technical Institute and we were exploring living options. I've already did the College Program and will graduate in May so I'm sure about my chances of scoring at job at WDW. While an apartment would be most logical, we were thinking about getting a travel trailer or 5th wheel (my parents would give us their 5th wheel for the year), and possibly checking out FW.

Anyone know?

Everything I've read about this subject has said there there are no special savings at FW for cast members (employees). They don't have "workcampers" like most other campgrounds do.

 

[des1954]

The longest you can stay at any resort at WDW is nine months in a calendar year. This can be consecutive days or in separate stays with breaks inbetween, but only nine months. I'm told this is a state regulation, but I have my doubts on that.

I did work as a Cast Member at Epcot while staying at FtW in 2003/04. I did not get any concession discount for my site - nor has anyone else I know of that works and stays at FtW. If I had to take WDW transportation to get to my reporting location, I could not do so in costume. I had to keep my costume in a locker at Epcot & change in the locker room. If you drive yourself to your work location from FtW, you can wear your costume, but they prefer that you don't.

The rates at FtW would more than eat up any money you will earn there - so I would look at other options. There's a nice park on US192 West. It is Lake Magic RV Resort, and while it's not FtW, it's a good and safe park. Their information is as follows:

Lake Magic RV Resort (Encore Resort)
9600 Hwy 192 West
Clermont, Florida 34714

(888) 558-5777

http://www.rvonthego.com/Lake-Magic-RV-Resort-CL24-8.htm

I hope this helps you out!

Deb

 

[tim5055]

In the past, Disney did advertise on work camper sites for part time cast members - I'm still looking for that one.

But, they do have this posted rioght now:

The Disney Wilderness Preserve
2700 Scrub Jay Trail
Kissimmee FL. 34759
Phone: (407) 935-0002
Disney Wilderness Preserve

Volunteer Opportunities include:

*Stewardship: fence removal, wetland planting, seed collection, upland restoration planting, invasive plant removal
*Administration: clerical support, *receptionist, *computer support
*Science: *Database management, *wildlife monitoring
*Maintenance: Grounds maintenance, construction
*Education: Visitor Guide (gift shop)

*Some assignments may require training and would be more suitable for a long-term commitment. We do have a workcamper program and have 2 RV spaces which we provide to volunteers in exchange for 32hrs of volunteer time per week. Anyone interested in would need to apply and be interviewed. If someone were interested in a long-term arrangement to include housing, they would need to contact us.

Dorm housing is subject to availability. Fee is $15 per night.

 

[tim5055]

OK, here is one of the Disney Workcamper ads, but it does not list FW

Do you Break for Magic?

Also, here is a good article to read:

From Engineers to Keepers of the Magic Kingdom

Also check out:

Happy Vagabonds, Florida RV Campground Jobs, Florida Camphost Jobs, Florida Gate Attendant Jobs

 

[DavidH]

While I was a CM, we had a retired man who came down every winter(?) for several years. He stayed in his 5th wheel somewhere close, but it was not FW. He was still doing that when I left WDW.

I may go back that way, if I EVER get to retire.

 

[dizprincess717]

Wow! Thank you, everyone, so SO much!

While I believe we are more than likely going to get an apartment, getting a 5th wheel has always been a dream of my DBF. I'm going to use the information and compare prices and everything.

Once again, thank you everyone for all your help! I don't know where I'd be without the DIS!

 

[Doggmeat]

also a place on 192 just down the road from camping world that has a campground, think its called sherwood forest. dont know about the rates, just go by it going to see my grandparents who live in the mobile home park behind it.

think this is the number: (407) 396-7431

 

[Doggmeat]

also a place on 192 just down the road from camping world that has a campground, think its called sherwood forest. dont know about the rates, just go by it going to see my grandparents who live in the mobile home park behind it.

think this is the number: (407) 396-7431


i also think they might have changed owners to one of the chains but im not really sure, havent been there since turkeyday