Reviews of the FW

disneyfansx5

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Mar 4, 2006
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We are considering buying an RV. If we do, we thought it might be good to use it for our WDW trip in Jan. I would love to hear everyone's opinion about Fort Wilderness. Size, atmosphere, getting around to the parks, etc.
 
In 2004 we stayed a FW(in a cabin) and had the time of our life! :rotfl: It was our four year old's first time. It's definatly set at a different pace than the other resorts. The buses are a bit tricky. :confused3 It took us a day to figure it out so ask lots of questions. The property is so big that there are two internal buses. You have to catch one of those to take you to the outpost or by the store. you have to take the boat to MK. I like that a lot better than the bus. :thumbsup2

We are going the first week in Oct. for the first time in our pop up. I was excited about getting in just because of FW.

Make sure you plan enough time to do the campfire and sing along with Chip and Dale. They also show a movie outside and everyone sits on benches. That's a ton of fun.... :banana: You can also watch the fireworks from MK on the beach and I haven't seen it but there is supposed to be some kind of light parade on the water. Don't know much about that!! But, I do know the chip and dale thing and movie were the highlight of our trip... I hope I helped some and I hope you chose FW. It's a blast :wave2: :wave2:
 
Actually, there are three internal busses - purple, yellow and orange
 
disneyfansx5,

FW is a large resort. Complete with two stores, marina, horseback riding, two swimming pools, tennis, campfire movie program with Chip and Dale, TrailsEnd restaurant, Pioneer Hall with the famous Hoop Dee Doo Show, boating, fishing.......etc.....Modern amenities such as cable tv and cable internet at some sites, modern comfort stations with nice showers and laundry facilities, etc..
We LOVE FW !!! I suggest you check out these three sites for more information on FW :

Natasha's FW info

Jeff Spencer's FW Facts

Disney Campers
 

We love it so much that we are now traveling every year from Michigan with our pop-up for a two-week stay. We only go into the parks a couple of days, one day at Cocoa Beach and the rest of the time just R&R at FW. It is nice to relax by the pool and/or just go for a boat ride, eat out at one of the various restaurants at the resorts, etc.

It is a very comfortable environment where you can have your own "stuff" and feel relaxed. Many people are in the parks every day, so it is usually pretty quiet during the day and even most evenings.

Like any campground though, it depends upon the neighbors. If you happen to get that LOUD-we don't know what a public voice is family next door, there is not a lot you can do but hope they are only there for a day or two.

The only problem I can see with FW is that you will be spoiled and any other campground you stay at will be compared unfavorably to FW.
 
There is nothing like camping at Ft. Wilderness. You can actually go camping there and never even go to the parks. If I remember reading somewhere, it was like 1 of 2 of the only 5 star campgrounds in the U.S. ( either that or someone told me that).
 
surferrat said:
There is nothing like camping at Ft. Wilderness. You can actually go camping there and never even go to the parks. If I remember reading somewhere, it was like 1 of 2 of the only 5 star campgrounds in the U.S. ( either that or someone told me that).

I know it always tops AAA's list, and last year the Good Sam Club had it top of thier list with a perfect 10
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/10
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/10
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score. I think only 3 campgrounds in North America got perfect scores.

Here is what Good Sam rates on...

Rating System

How to Read Good Sam Park Ratings

Our readers tell us that cleanliness ranks high in importance to them. Therefore, when a park receives full points in the cleanliness of restroom sinks, toilets, showers, walls, floors and mirrors, a star will appear next to their restroom rating.

Located near the top of each campground listing is our exclusive Triple-Rating. It looks like this:

TL RATING 10 / 10 /10

All three ratings are on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best. Less than 1 percent of parks or campgrounds receive a rating of 10. Campgrounds with a 10/10/10 rating have more facilities, are better maintained and are more visually appealing than 5/5/5 - rated campgrounds. Campgrounds are inspected annually by dedicated RVers like you. Unannounced, random Quality Checks are also made throughout the year.

Completeness of facilities 10 / 10 / 10

The first campground rating evaluates completeness and quality of facilities. In this category we rate interior roads, sites, registration area, hookups, recreation, swimming, security, laundry, store and building maintenance.

Cleanliness and physical characteristics of restrooms and showers. 10 / 10 / 10

The second rating category concerns restrooms, which RVers are very particular about; therefore, we divide this rating category into two subcategories: cleanliness and physical characteristics. Trailer Life rates the cleanliness of toilets, walls, showers, sinks/counters/mirrors and floor.
(Full points in each of the above earns a star rating)

We also rate physical characteristics of restrooms such as interior construction, adequate supplies/odor free, adequate number of facilities, exterior appearance and location to park spaces, and interior appearance.

Visual Appeal and Environmental Quality. 10 / 10 / 10

According to our research, nature is the barometer by which most people judge a campground's visual appeal. Parks score points in four subcategories that measure how harmoniously they blend with their natural surroundings: Function, identification, and first impression of the park entrance; landscaping of park and sites; park grounds and sites free of litter and debris; and aesthetics of park and surrounding area.

Who Inspects the Facilities?

Our field inspectors are veteran RVers who spend many months on the road each year. They visit the privately owned campgrounds, tourist attractions, RV service centers and selected state parks listed in the Directory. These consultants are professionals who receive comprehensive training before they go out on the road and additional training throughout the year.

Each team covers a specific territory. Upon arriving at a facility, they take a careful waling tour and complete a detailed rating inspection report.
 
Once you have stayed at FW, you will find yourself comparing every other campground you stay at to FW. FW sets the standard ! :thumbsup2
 
our family did stay in the fort wilderness in the rv. Now the wilderness cabin.:mickeyjum :figment:
 
It is wonderful. It is true Disney magic. My family and I would never stay anywhere else on property. Go for it!!!!
 
bradisgoofy said:
Once you have stayed at FW, you will find yourself comparing every other campground you stay at to FW. FW sets the standard ! :thumbsup2

Um, yea... about that...
As a new RV owner you might want to hit a few campgrounds first so you know what the norm is... do NOT, DO NOT camp at FW as your first RVing experience or you may start regretting not living in Florida and closer to FW.
'nuff said.
 
twinklebug said:
Um, yea... about that...
As a new RV owner you might want to hit a few campgrounds first so you know what the norm is... do NOT, DO NOT camp at FW as your first RVing experience or you may start regretting not living in Florida and closer to FW.
'nuff said.

Yeah, and then you'll end up moving to Florida so you can be closer to FW!! :rotfl:
 
campingcorgi said:
Yeah, and then you'll end up moving to Florida so you can be closer to FW!! :rotfl:

Don't tell me that was your only reason for moving to Florida? :sunny:
 
It has been way too long since I've been to FW!!! If it wasn't for my DGF wanting to stay at a hotel, I'd be at FW everytime! She did say we can stay there the next time we go to WDW. FW has a charm that is not found anywhere else in WDW. I love the smell of the trading posts and walking to the bus stops through the woods. Not to mention the campfire singalong and the Hoop De Doo...I wish I was there now!
 
I guess I could add that I am wearing my brown FW ringer t-shirt right now!
 
FW is wonderful and its clean. I wouldn't stay anywhere else. If you plan to go make your reservation as soon as you know when you'll be going because the Best Secret to Walt Disney World is out and its Fort Wilderness Campground!! Good luck with your search for an RV!
 
ftwildernessguy said:
Don't tell me that was your only reason for moving to Florida? :sunny:


Yep, that's about it. Oh, yeah, we were tired of Tennessee winters, too, but FW is what led us to Florida.
 





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