new tent campers

[palavra]

Would the Fort be a good place to visit for people new to tents/camping but not new to WDW? We've been to WDW a couple of times in the past few years and stayed onsite at All Star Music the last time. We are just beginning to get into tent camping, so the Fort sounds like a good choice for checking out Disney. Is it relatively easy to camp there? Are amenities close by to camp sites? I've been looking at the pictures and noticed that many people have golf carts. Would that be necessary? How about bringing bikes instead. We live in Georgia and would drive down.

 

[CarolineB]

I camped twice at the Fort about 6 years ago -- the first time was in August and the second time was the last week of October/first week of November. Both times were VERY HOT. The main reason that I chose camping was for the extra magic hours. If it wasn't for this, I probably would have just stayed in a motel for the same price just because it was so hot.

I did not cook because I was with a 2 year old child so camping at the Fort is a good choice because there's so many dining choices. Besides the buffet, you can get take out at the trails end restaurant (a plate of chicken with 2 sides for example.) You can also walk to Wilderness Lodge.

I didn't rent a golf cart or a bike because my kid was in a stroller. I used my car to get to the parks except MK.

At night, it was a bit confusing to find my loop from the boat dock (not well lit up) so bring a flash light.

The restrooms at the Fort are pretty nice and clean. They seem centrally located and plentiful -- you also have laundry facilities there.

My camping neighbors were very helpful with putting up my big tent (it was a second hand tent and clearly too big for my needs but it was what I had at the time.)

I liked the premium camp site over the regular campsite because I could hear the buses running near the regular campsite.

As to whether the golf carts are necessary?? I think it just depends on your family and your budget. They probably make your vacation nicer because the campground is fairly large but you can get where you want to go with the internal bus system. If you're visiting during the holidays and want to see decorations, the golf carts would be nice.

I now live in Orlando and still visit the Fort regularly when friends stay there. I would tent camp again at the Fort but not in hot weather.

I think another consideration is whether you will have enough time to enjoy the campground -- there's a lot to do -- swimming pool, biking, fishing, pool side activities led by the recreation staff, campfire sing along, carriage ride.

The plus side of camping at WDW is that you're close enough to grocery shopping, camping supply stores, and Wal-mart if you forget something.

 

[jonimce]

Yes, we have tent camped at the Fort a few times and loved it. If you go when it's hot just take one of those 20$ box fans. Cools things down real nice. Our tent days were with the dining plan so we didn't cook. This upcoming trip will be our first in a camper and no dining plan.

 

[pgumiela]

I think that Fort Wilderness is a great place for beginner campers because it is by far the nicest, cleanest, prettiest place that I have ever camped. The sites seem very well laid out, we had a huge tent and a screen house and it all fit great with plenty of space for the kids to play.

But I do think that it might ruin you for other campgrounds. DH and I had camped alot BC(before children), and yeah there were nice places, but really Fort Wilderness is the best place we have been too. Now we're talking about buying a camper in the next year

 

[Pstecker]

Disney is a great place to tent camp! We went last year in early December, it was a great experience and the holiday atmosphere made it feel more homey. We brought our bikes and made great use of them to get around the fort, just make sure you have lights on them for the night rides. We did rent one day of golf carts mainly to tour the Christmas lights, it was nice but given the price we preferred our bikes. We were camped in the 2000 loop directly across from the comfort station, but there were paths that cut over to it as well as a second station further around.

Would the Fort be a good place to visit for people new to tents/camping but not new to WDW? We've been to WDW a couple of times in the past few years and stayed onsite at All Star Music the last time. We are just beginning to get into tent camping, so the Fort sounds like a good choice for checking out Disney. Is it relatively easy to camp there? Are amenities close by to camp sites? I've been looking at the pictures and noticed that many people have golf carts. Would that be necessary? How about bringing bikes instead. We live in Georgia and would drive down.