Reflections still on the drawing board..

[jolynne28]

I'm no BamaEd, but I'll give my .02 worth. I don't believe they have thought about Halloween at all, after all it's only one day out of the year to them. But to the Fort campers, Halloween is planned out for months and months in advance.

I joined in on a discussion over on the WDWMagic forums and I brought up Halloween. It was pointed out that if the DVC cabins are part of FW but are also declared as part of the same trust as Lakeshore Lodge, then there could be an issue keeping things separate from the Campsites at Fort Wilderness.

I am very fearful for the future of the campsites, but I really hope that I'm wrong, after all, they continue to make upgrades to the internet network, plumping and electrical.

I feel like they're aware that Halloween/trick or treating is a weeks long event at the fort. I'm wondering if they think that resort guests won't care to wander over, or if they actually have considered how they would keep them out during peak Halloween. It's already super crowded, there's really no room for outside guests.
I also don't worry about the cabins, they were already a part of the fort, so trust or not, those people have already been accounted for. If you've booked a cabin, great you're in. But if you're staying at LL then you shouldn't be permitted into the fort during Halloween IMO. I agree with Ed, there could be an insane amount of people coming in just to trick or treat then go back to their room.
As for the future of the fort, I'm not sure they want to get rid of it. The prices they charge are getting closely in line with value resorts, and there's not nearly the upkeep/overhead. We love it there, but we also bought DVC for times when hauling our trailer over isn't ideal. Assuming LL and the cabins are in a trust together, we're definitely interested in owning there.

 

[Douglas Dubh]

But if you're staying at LL then you shouldn't be permitted into the fort during Halloween IMO.

One of the captains at MK boats told me at one point they required all fort guests to have wristbands to board the boats to the fort on Halloween. Don’t know if they still do that.

 

[Wendysofftoneverland]

I don't think they did it last year. We went to the Wine and Dine Expo from the campground on Halloween and there was no one verifying that we were staying at Fort Wilderness when we came back to the campground. We didn't take any other Disney transport that day, but the campground never said anything about needing proof of stay to get back in if we left.

 

[bama_ed]

One of the captains at MK boats told me at one point they required all fort guests to have wristbands to board the boats to the fort on Halloween. Don’t know if they still do that.

I was there during the end of October/first of November 2024 and rode the boats to MK and back on the actual day of Halloween. No wristbands, no CM checking Magic Bands.

We were there Halloween 2022 and the days before Halloween and the day itself, there was a CM at the MK boat dock checking Magic Bands for people getting on the boat from the Fort. I would assume there were similar CM's at the other theme parks and Disney Springs checking MB's in the bus area. And reports were that the years immediately before 2022 had MB's being checked.

There was a new General Manager for FW during our stay in 2024 who was not there 2022 and prior. I don't know if it depends on the GM decision to pay for such support out of their budget (and the new person didn't want to).

Personally I don't buy the wristband theory during the days of Magic Bands because how can you tell if someone had a Trails End or Hoop Dee Doo reservation? Or a horse ride booked or archery lesson booked? Now it is possible before the days of Magic Bands that paper wrist bands were used but the same questions about TE/HDDR/HR/ARCH apply.

Just need to make sure we keep out the Orlando locals Facebook Freeloaders as well as people who couldn't/wouldn't buy a MK Halloween party ticket and want to crash the campers' party.

Bama Ed

PS - just like the R* folks might try to do?

PPS - and @jolynne28 , I bet nobody in Disney/DVC management has considered Trick or Treating but they better. And the legacy cabins were part of the Fort Wilderness resort but now DVC; it's technically possible to ToT the cabins (then and now) I just don't know how it went in the past. But we will be overrun with R* people/kids if nothing is done and I guess the DVC Cabins fall into the same boat now. Who wants to bet the first ToT with R* open will be a disaster? I'll bet money.



I'm literally not kidding about barbed wire from the depths of Bay Lake to behind Trails End/Hoop Dee Doo all the way to the new TCD Horse Barn.

 

[North of Mouse]

I wish I would have gone to Mickey's Backyard BBQ when it was still open. Or experienced the joy of Ft. Wilderness in the old days more (our first trip there was 2017, after buying an RV the previous year). It just feels like they are paving over paradise. We were there Christmas Eve, and that construction site just looms over Pioneer Hall. Hopefully the Meadow will stay peaceful and they abandon construction plans there.

If you really could have experienced 'peace' and 'relaxation', it was in the 70's, 80's, even 90's - especially 70's when the 'real' train was transportation within the Fort. The Fort was much smaller in size and a lot more 'woodsy' and of course, 'River Country'!

FW was built when there were mostly tents, vans and small trailers camping there - truly a great 'wilderness camping' experience!! Oh, the great memories!
DH & I have a trip planned for late April/May for Flower & Garden which may be our last trip there (?). Of course age has nothing to do with it LOL. (Still RV'ing tho'!!!)

 

[StormyCA]

IMHO, the R* management will probably consider the TnT'ing at the Fort as something positive, something to draw people into staying at R*. Since it's not an 'official activity' and they have no control over it, I have a feeling that TPTB are simply going to ignore the issue. Or at most some dinky little sign or flyer "For Fort W registered guests only" next to open walkways. I certainly can't see them posting security/CM's on every walkway checking reservations and turning away people.

And considering that the two resorts appear to have 'blurred boundaries' (no fences, plenty of green space to cross through into the loops), and 'common' walkways at least in the Settlement area I don't see how they can physically stop 'unauthorized entrance'. No, I have a feeling it's going to be the usual "hands over eyes, we see nothing" stance that often accompanies all but the most egregious rule breaking.

I'm afraid the generous campers who hand out candy will be on their own and are in for a tidal wave of non-Fort 'participants'. IDK what they can do, have someone show on their MDE that they're Fort guests before giving them candy? Organize and issue their own paper wrist bands at loop entrances? Have a secret password?

It's not just our beautiful sightlines that are going to be drastically impacted by R*. We're planning on our 'let's try something new' 1st stay at the Cabins in early 2026. Then (Good Lord willin' and the creek don't rise) it will be back to towing the TT cross county. At that point, it will all depend on what happens to the Fort once R* opens. I expect I can 'deal' with the sight lines. But if our lovely Fort becomes a general 'playground cum hangout' for the masses from R*, well I just don't know what the future holds. At best, we'll move from our beloved 100 loop to something farther away from the 'public areas' and rent a GC instead of being able to walk to the boats & Settlement area. At worst, we'll choose to 'be done' and live on memories.

 

[bama_ed]

DH & I have a trip planned for late April/May for Flower & Garden which may be our last trip there (?). Of course age has nothing to do with it LOL. (Still RV'ing tho'!!!)

Joy, it is an honor and a privilege to say that I met you and DH (Robert) on one of my past stays many years ago at FW when we were both staying in the 100 loop (me with my Dear Dad were there for a HS band trip). I think it was 2013 but I would have to check additional records.

You both were gone every day EARLY in the parks and like Energizer Bunnies, you would be gone ALL day long and back long after I'd turned in. But I finally caught up with you (and enjoy to this day your stories of your early travels you had in the VW Bus Camper as I recall).

Life is catching up on me too but I want to share how much I appreciate the two of you and your willingness to say 'hello' to an Alabama guy.

I hope you enjoy your spring trip next year-share a picture or update when you are able to! Keep RV'ing as you can!

Bama Ed

PS - our poster @team bradfield shared some pics from this year of the F/Arts at Epcot and it even made me willing to venture over to see the art (AND eat the food over there, of course). But you will enjoy the F/Gardens very much

PPS - I think you're a classy poster. And I don't share that compliment very widely at all.

 

[team bradfield]

PS - our poster @team bradfield shared some pics from this year of the F/G Festival at Epcot and it even made me willing to venture over to see the art (AND eat the food over there, of course).

@bama_ed. Correction Festival of the Arts
We will be at F/G in April

 

[bama_ed]

PS - our poster @team bradfield shared some pics from this year of the F/G Festival at Epcot and it even made me willing to venture over to see the art (AND eat the food over there, of course).

@bama_ed. Correction Festival of the Arts
We will be at F/G in April

Flower & Gardens it IS, @team bradfield for Spring 2026.

Food/Wine, Festival/Garden, Festival/Arts, Flower/Garden. I get swept up in all the names. Thanks for setting me straight.

Ed

 

[North of Mouse]

Awww, Ed, (@bama_ed) what a sweet southern thing to say!! Would have enjoyed visiting more, but as you said, we were definitely 'on the move' Lol. Have enjoyed so many wonderful trips there over the years and are not looking forward to our first look at the monstrosity being encroached on 'our' Fort. Oh, well, we'll try our best to ignore and have a wonderful time! Take care, I still follow you guys and enjoy your chit chat - even the ones I haven't met but feel like I know. So sad to hear of the ones that passed - PaHunter and @Stratman50th.

 

[bama_ed]

Awww, Ed, (@bama_ed) what a sweet southern thing to say!! Take care, I still follow you guys and enjoy your chit chat - even the ones I haven't met but feel like I know. So sad to hear of the ones that passed - @PaHunter and @Stratman50th.

Chris (@PaHunter) and Don (@Stratman50th) were good dudes both of them. Thanks for remembering their contributions here, Joy. Take Care!

Ed

PS - but that building behind Trails End is an eye sore.