Safety at the Fort

[keri50]

Hi, we are planning a camping trip this spring in a Pop-up at Fort Wilderness. Wondering about safety at the camp and in a pop up in general. I never really thought about it but several people I have mentioned our plans too have asked how safe they are? Is it okay to leave stuff in your pop up? Anyone have much of a problem? We tent camped at the fort many years ago and I do not remember worrying about this at all. Thanks!

Keri

 

[SouthAlabama5er]

We are at the Fort now and never had or heard of anyone having a problem with anyone messing with anything, the only time we lock our door is when we go to bed.

 

[tiggerdad]

You might hear about the occasional adult beverage being lifted, but haven't really heard about much more than that.

You might also hear about the occasional campers trying to break into their own camper (SouthAlabama5er) but that's for another thread...

 

[ilovedisneymm]

Your inside the great Disney bubble.

Fort Wilderness is very very safe. I can't think of any place in the US that is safer. At home, I don't let my kids go to the park alone, wonder down to the toy depart in a store or ride their bikes around the block. Home is 1400 itty bitty town in the midwest. Pretty much as safe as you can get around here and I still don't let them leave my sight. At Fort Wilderness I feel very safe and often let the kids "loop" on their own around our loop with their scooters and play tetherball down at the end of the loop with other kids.

We had tents this trip and left my ipad, iphone and keys unattended in the tents. Never had a problem.

 

[North of Mouse]

Hi, we are planning a camping trip this spring in a Pop-up at Fort Wilderness. Wondering about safety at the camp and in a pop up in general. I never really thought about it but several people I have mentioned our plans too have asked how safe they are? Is it okay to leave stuff in your pop up? Anyone have much of a problem? We tent camped at the fort many years ago and I do not remember worrying about this at all. Thanks!

Keri

I would echo others about FW being generally safe. 'But' there have been thefts, as you have 'opportunity' thieves everywhere.
Guess I'm more careful, in general, as we never leave our door unlocked if we aren't there - also never leave anything scattered around - ie. bikes, childrens toys, chairs, etc. - they have been known to 'walk' off!!

If you bring bikes, I would lock them together, or to something secure. Also would not leave computers, cameras, etc. except locking them in your vehicle out of sight! It 'is' an open, public campground, meaning anyone is free to come in, walk around, etc.

But, having said that, I don't spend time worrying, just am always cautious and don't completely let down my guard.

 

[SouthAlabama5er]

You might also hear about the occasional campers trying to break into their own camper (SouthAlabama5er) but that's for another thread...

This is so true, talking about getting some strange looks from folks walking by! Note to self leave a key hidden outside some where.

 

[Teamubr]

This question comes up occasionally. Usually by women that want to solo tent camp at the Fort. Absolutely reasonable concern and questions. All the trip reports from the women that have done it have said there was nothing to worry about. I've always found campgrounds in general, to be pretty good. The Fort is even better.

Like others have said, the occasional beer (or soda) in an outside cooler might grow legs and I heard of someone's bike getting "borrowed" when they left it unlocked at the Settlement for the day. That's about it.

I feel safer at the Fort than I do anywhere else I've camped.

j

 

[SouthAlabama5er]

I'll tell I've lost my wallet while riding my bike to the Meadows, last time we were here. I called and canceled my cards and was thankful that I took all the cash except of $60. Our park tickets and my driver's license was in it. We thought the trip was a total washout. I went up front and filed I missing object report, the printed out new tickets for us and we went on to the MK and they called around 11 pm saying they had something of mine. We left MK and went to the front of the Fort and they had my wallet with everything still in it. Someone turned it into a CM and they turned it in at the end of their shift, we were very thankful. So yea I feel very safe at the Fort..

 

[Letsbgoofy]

We lock our pop-up whenever we leave no matter where we are. We also lock it at night. I lock my house, why not my camper? We don't leave things like Ipads laying around when we leave the site, but do leave chairs, coolers, etc. While I can't speak about FW because we haven't stayed there yet, we have never had anything stolen at any other campground we have been at.

 

[John VN]

Always, ALWAYS lock MH, bikes, car....anything that I prefer to remain mine not someone else's.

Some years ago there was reported on this board about late night incidences at some Comfort Stations requiring police intervention. There have also been overconsumption issues just like in the real world outside of WDW. Bike thefts have occurred along with carts. Just because we are at the Happiest Place on Earth does not mean our guard should have a vacation also.

With this having been written, we still feel safer at WDW then most other places. Better yet is partaking in a DCL adventure, but camping is not permitted onboard.

 

[KodiakKort]

to ilovedineymm: There is nowhere really safe for kids these days besides in your own home. Unfortunately, Disney is a very popular place for pedophiles due to parents having this romantic fantasy that all is pure and bright. Just look at how many times we see sickos on the news that were rubbing themselves on little kids in the wave pools.
I work in law enforcement, and there are multiple websites where these animals trade stories and tips of where to go.

 

[ilovedisneymm]

Hi KodiakKort. Wow! I didn't know we were going down that road but...

I don't have a romantic fantasy at Disney nor do I think everything is sunshine and rainbows nor do I see everything through rose colored glasses nor all that is pure and bright.

If you work in law enforcement, you would know kids are not safe even in their own home. Most accidents do occur within 5 miles of home. Most theft does happen in daylight, etc. That is why a shotgun rests above my front door.

No way, would I let them wonder off in the parks by themselves but at the Fort riding around the loop and playing tetherball is about as safe as it is going to get. I can hear them, they are within ear shot and depending on where I am on my site, I can often see them too. But yes, I do turn my back on them for a few minutes at a time and feel safe about doing so.

I also firmly believe that Disney security is top notch. Call it, my conspiracy theory or whatever but those finger print machines are not there for solely to match you with your ticket, I'm sure they do more than just that. Also, have you ever been to Disney when there was a small altercation? Disney security comes out of the wood work in about .5 seconds. I have witnessed more than two altercations where this has happened.

You don't have that kind of security in any home town USA like you do at Disney, bottom line. Disney is their own security and they do it well!

Hubby and I like to play, I spy a Disney undercover while people watching. It's fun, try it next time! I wont give away what to look for, as a law enforcement person you should already know.

Sorry OP, I just wanted to clarify there. Staying in a pop-up at FW is about as safe as you can get. If I had a canvas pop-up, would I set it up at the truck stop, NO! Would I set it up and sleep soundly with no worries at FW, YES!

 

[bigdisneydaddy]

Although we didnt have any issues personally, the tone of the Fort changes quite a bit during long weekends when the weekend warriors arrive.
Like so many other things, just dont give anyone an opportunity to find your things easy to liberate.