There are some pertinent details missing from each of these questions. The more details provided (of course) the more specific an answer we can provide.
Also, can I drive my car to the fort to go to Chip n Dales campfire or do you need dining reservations to park there?
There are no reservations for the campfire/singalong/movie. However, the event is designated for WDW guests (not just Fort guests). HOWEVER ... depending on when you want to visit (and that was a relevant detail you did not provide) ... you may be turned away for lack of parking. For example, if you showed up on a Tuesday next week (10/14) and ARE a WDW guest there MAY be spots available in the front lot near the check-in building where you can park and take an Orange/Yellow bus to the movie area (but Security might still say NO). Weekends are busier, more Fort guests (fewer empty parking spots up front), and the Fort Security at the gate may turn you away (which is more likely than not, honestly) the closer you get to 10/31 generally (as they should). If you can't drive in, use Disney transport from parks to get to the Fort.
I am going to be in Orlando later this month and I'd like to come by The Fort for a visit. I know in the past I have read about the checking people and turning them away both at the front gate and at the dock. I've never witnessed that at the dock before. Is that a real thing and if so how strict are they and has it already started?
Well, the only mention of turning away people at the "docks" (meaning the MK dock to the Fort mainly) is very close to Halloween. And in the couple days before 10/31, they certainly have (in the past) denied access (front Security drive-in, docks boats, and Disney Springs bus) to even ACCESS Disney transportation. Again, as they should.
Your post does not provide details like 'will you be a WDW guest' or 'are you staying off-site' nor do you provide details as to WHEN you want to show up.
Personally, as a FW guest during a late October stay (see my signature for dates), I HAVE been challenged (asked) at the MK boat dock and Disney Springs bus stop to have my Magic Band scanned in the days very close to Halloween to prove I was a guest staying at Fort Wilderness. "Yes, I'm staying at the Fort and not trying to crash the candy/decorations nights".
In the past there has been a general problem of non-FW guests collapsing on the Fort in large numbers (and even local Orlando residents) trying to invade the Fort for 1) viewing the decorations, and/or 2) trying to crash the Trick or Treating. This means that those people could not (or would not) buy a ticket for an MK party night where candy is handed out.
Be aware the Fort Wilderness Trick or Treating is offered BY campers FOR campers (and by 'campers' I include the Cabin guests). Disney/FW does NOT hand out candy - it's ME (a guest paying for my campsite) and MY neighbor in his/hers.
That's the line for the last several years. Any attempt to narrow details down to a specific night will vary from year to year. FW ToT is not a 'free'
MNSSHP and the movie/singalong is for resort guests (however they can get there - FW parking is NOT guaranteed). And when they scan at MK or DS (or the other theme parks which they have close to 10/31 for the Fort bus runs from those parks), Disney is trying to maintain the integrity of the Fort Wilderness experience for its paying guests.
Bama Ed
PS - I don't know the details of the OP's backgrounds behind their questions. What I did try to do (with my answers) is to provide answers for genuine questions and ALSO those who might try to step over the lines clearly defined by WDW policies for the October +/- time frame.
PPS - because I know that Fort guests have complained to management (I've stood in line and listened
and then shared my 2 cents ) about lapses in the descriptions above to keep Fort experiences for Fort guests. Honestly, if you want a Fort experience, stay here (rent a trailer, rent a cabin, bring a tent) for at least 1 night when you want to be there. Don't be loser in this regard.
