What is there to do at FW?

[hsmytwins]

We are buying a motorhome tomorrow, and are thinking about planning a trip to Ft Wilderness. I'm looking at the website and I'm not seeing much to do there. I realize it's camping.....but it's a very expensive campground! (We need a premium site - so that's $121/night. For camping.)

For the past several years, we have stayed at a nice resort in Orlando. We get a 2br/2ba condo - several pools (2 lazy rivers), mini golf, a few nice restaurants on site, activities for the kids.....all for $120/night.

I don't see us doing the Hoop do doo thing. My twins are 12 and are past the character shenanigans.

The pool looks very basic. Like any other $40/night campground.

Is the added expense because the name "disney" is attached?

We will likely only do 1 park day (not a disney park).

What is the advantage of FW? What am I missing?

 

[tiggerdad]

Yes, a medium to large portion of the cost is because the name Disney is attached. I've stayed at one in the Destin area that actually cost even more and had much less of the usual camping atmosphere.

I've camped a lot of places, not one of them was as nicely done or as clean as Disney's Fort Wilderness.

Around the holidays the campers are encouraged to decorate their sites which is a big highlight for us to walk, bike, or golf cart around and see.

There is horseback riding, archery, fishing, looping, wildlife that you can get very close to. You can ride a boat over to the Contemporary and parasail. You can go on fishing excursions on the lake from the campground. Rent some smaller boats and ride around on the lake.

The biggest thing to me about the campground, is when I compare it to the other Disney resorts. It is the best one for relaxing, period. You get the Disney perks, but you get the comfort of your own bed and the usual great interaction with neighbors that you only find in campgrounds. My children are younger, and love everything about Disney World, so we stay close to utilize the Disney parks, but we also take some days to go to other parks as well.

It all depends on what you are looking for. If you just want a campground in the Disney area to stay at and not looking for Disney perks, then it might be a hard sell. The pool has a slide, and a hot tub, as well as a smaller pool area for smaller kids, less than 48 inches I believe.

I like having the Disney access, but the ability to get up fish the canals, see the wildlife, rest on the beach, watch the fireworks from the beach at night, etc.

Hoop Dee Doo does not have character shenanigans, they are stage actors that do a very good job of dancing and singing and involving the audience. The food is, in my opinion, the best on property both at the Hoop Dee Doo, and Trail's End. I have seen a lot of dinner shows, I will easily rank it as #2 only behind the Dixie Stampede, but that's because it has horses doing some very good tricks. Speaking of horses, all the horses used in Disney parades and trolleys are kept at Fort Wilderness as well.

If you want to utilize your motorhome then you will find, again, just my opinion, no better campground in the Orlando area to set it up at.

 

[amylevan]

In our opinion, FW is one of the nicest campgrounds, not just in the Orlando area, but anywhere. Yes, you are paying for the Disney name, but it is a beautiful campground, with some of the cleanest bathhouses we've ever used. There are plenty of activities, including an evening outdoor movie, a campfire with Chip & Dale, a pool, biking paths, a beach, playgrounds...

There is really only 1 restaurant, Trail's End, but it is very good and reasonably priced. Hoop De Doo is not a character meal, but an excellent dinner show. Having said that, you are at a campground. Most people are cooking their own food.

Any campground that we've been at that has the kind of amenities you are comparing with your condo experience, has been a campground "resort" and the price has been pretty high. And for the record, we've paid over $100 for camping at a KOA in Bar Harbor that didn't even have a pool (location, location, location).

 

[peg110]

I will echo the sentiments of the previous posters. Fort Wilderness is the nicest campground I have ever been too. The comfort stations are appropriately located and are very clean (although I think the shower area could be a bit larger imho).

There is a LOT to do at the campground. Some free, some for a minor fee. There is a list at https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/campsites-at-fort-wilderness-resort/recreation/ that has much more detail.

I haven't been to the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical revue, but I think I am going to try and squeeze it in during our next trip. I have been to the Dixie Stampede in July 2015 (Pigeon Forge, TN) and that was also an awesome show. In many ways it's along the same lines as the "Arabian Nights" Dinner show that you used to be able to do in Kissimmee (now closed). Since TiggerDad gave it #2 behind Dixie Stampede, I think it's worth a shot.

Price is most certainly a part of the "Disney Name" but also location/proximity to the attractions. (Parks, etc...) comparing the Fort price to a condo or hotel is really not a fair comparison. A better comparison is another campground. Just looking at the Kissimmee KOA, the base rate (on their cheaper sites) is about $70.00/day (Back in, 50/30 Amps, full hookups, gravel site pad, cable - limited channels and pets allowed).

I guess it's all about what's important for you. If your objective is NOT the Disney parks and amenities, then really it's probably not a good choice (but it truly is a well kept campground). I get the money is an issue. We have stayed at condos and other hotels around the area (No other WDW resorts though). We have looked at other WDW Resorts, but really we do enjoy the Fort.

 

[CDNCruiser]

Here's a blog that outlines some of the things to do at Fort Wilderness.

http://land.allears.net/blogs/guestblog/2012/08/think_outside_the_parks_part_2.html

 

[North of Mouse]

We are buying a motorhome tomorrow, and are thinking about planning a trip to Ft Wilderness. I'm looking at the website and I'm not seeing much to do there. I realize it's camping.....but it's a very expensive campground! (We need a premium site - so that's $121/night. For camping.)
Is the added expense because the name "disney" is attached?

We will likely only do 1 park day (not a disney park).

What is the advantage of FW? What am I missing?

Yes, it's 'Disney'!! Also location, location, location to the parks.
If you are just going there for a campground to stay at, and 'not' doing the Disney parks, seems you would be better camping elsewhere.
There is horseback riding, canoeing, archery, nice pool, etc. The comfort stations are A-1, but we never use them as we prefer our own amenities.

My opinion is definitely different than a lot of my fellow campers, as we 'love' the atmosphere, relaxed feeling when walking around, location, boats, etc., but we don't hang around the campground for the most part, so don't do any of the activities that others go there for.

We have camped there since they opened, so it's a very special place to us, and there's no other place we'd camp down there, but, in your case, can see you questioning the value. But, from our travels, can say that 'nice' campgrounds are 'always' very pricey near attractions, beaches, etc.

Good luck on your choice - you can always give it a try - you might just get 'hooked' with

 

[PaHunter]

As posted above, it is a great place to stay, in a couple weeks, we will be back, HOME. There is a lot to do, even if you never go to a park. As for being 12 and above the Disney Characters, I love them, and I am 46. Of course I know what they go thru as I have played Smokey Bear and it is great to see the kids and adults that light up when they meet you.
Hoop Dee Doo Review, is an awesome show, you won't leave hungry, and they are great at what they do. Otherwise it wouldn't be the longest running show of it's kind. To not go see it would be akin to skipping a Broadway show, because they are just people in costume. They love their jobs and it shows, doing the dinner show twice a night. We will go back and see it again, it is worth it.

 

[hsmytwins]

Thanks for the list. It seems like anything worth doing is another charge....(sea racers, pontoon boats, kayak, horse rides).

I've looked up Hoop dee doo and I don't see us eating southern food out of a bucket. The show can't be worth $60/person. Especially when we wouldn't eat the food. The restaurants on site look like more fried food. Ick.

We will be self contained, so don't need the public restrooms.

I guess if we can bring our bikes, we can ride around the campground. I really wish there was a nice pool. (I see there is a basic pool.)

Still feel like it's overpriced......Yes, this is our first experience camping - so I don't have anything to compare it too. It really doesn't look very appealing. We may have to consider staying at a time share resort (as usual) so that we can have nice amenities.

 

[jamescanuck2001]

my best Disney trip was FW........ when River Country was open

 

[TheRustyScupper]

DAILY ACTIVITES at THE FORT:
CM-Led or Monitored Games and Activities:
. . . temporary tattoos
. . . build-a-button ($)
. . . pin trading
. . . design your own ($)
. . . lawn games
. . . goofy bingo
. . . giant games
. . . dodge ball
. . . memory games
. . . name that tune
. . . hoedown dance party
. . . swimmin' hole jamboree
. . . disney trivia
. . . musical shapes
. . . bingo
. . . notable quotes
. . . what's in your beach bag
. . . chalk art
. . . mickey tie-dye ($)
. . . arcade games
. . . charades
. . . evening Chip-n-Dale campfire (FREE)
Self-Paced Activities:
. . . boat rental ($)
. . . basketball
. . . tether ball
. . . bike rental ($)
. . . shuffleboard

NOTE: And, if you are lucky, you might see TheRustyScupper officiate at a Wedding or Vow Renewal!

 

[bama_ed]

Thanks for the list. It seems like anything worth doing is another charge....(sea racers, pontoon boats, kayak, horse rides).

I've looked up Hoop dee doo and I don't see us eating southern food out of a bucket. The show can't be worth $60/person. Especially when we wouldn't eat the food. The restaurants on site look like more fried food. Ick.

We will be self contained, so don't need the public restrooms.

I guess if we can bring our bikes, we can ride around the campground. I really wish there was a nice pool. (I see there is a basic pool.)

Still feel like it's overpriced......Yes, this is our first experience camping - so I don't have anything to compare it too. It really doesn't look very appealing. We may have to consider staying at a time share resort (as usual) so that we can have nice amenities.

There are plenty of free Cast-Member led events at the pool area daily. I'll post a past Recreation Calendar as an example.

Not sure what you mean about eating food out of a bucket. HDDR is served table style on platters and features comfort food - ribs, fried chicken, mac/cheese, mashed potatoes, and so on. It is AYCTE and the show is entertaining for all ages which is why it is so highly rated and regarded (evidence of its long life).

Tell me about your new RV and why you think it will force you into a more expensive Premium site. Plenty of RVs can use Full or Preferred sites either with a towed vehicle or not.

Sure the Fort is expensive but comparing off-property stays to on-property stays is apples and oranges. What would that 2-BR condo cost on property? I'm thinking DVC villa rates. Then the Fort looks like a deal when compared in honest terms. It's high priced because it's in high demand. Simple economics.

Honestly, if you don't like it, don't come to the Fort. The Fort is a great place for people to relax while on a Disney vacation. If you want a cheaper RV campground (which will also have fewer amenities) then we can recommend some. Of course, that's going off-property again.

In fact, come this summer and stay off-site but come over to the Fort, walk some of the loops, engage some campers in conversation (most like to talk about the Fort, RVing, the lifestyle, etc) and then you can decide.

Bama Ed

PS - EDIT: TheRustyScupper posted an activities list so that should suffice.

 

[amylevan]

Still feel like it's overpriced......Yes, this is our first experience camping - so I don't have anything to compare it too. It really doesn't look very appealing. We may have to consider staying at a time share resort (as usual) so that we can have nice amenities.

You're buying a motor home without really experiencing camping? What were you expecting that you aren't seeing? It's a campground - not a condo resort. If you want a condo vacation, FW isn't going to be a good fit. Camping isn't for everyone.

 

[tiggerdad]

Good grief

 

[peg110]

I am not sure what you mean about the pool being "basic". I have been to other campgrounds and resorts. (Not Disney) and the pools are basically just that. A Pool. No slide, no net, no hot tub, no kiddie pool/park. The fort has a nice size pool with a water slide, a Kiddie pool and play area, hot tub/spa, and a nice snack bar and a lot of seating. You can get more info on the pool area with lots of pictures at http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2009/05/fort_wilderness_swimming_pool_1.html

Now I have stayed at the Liki Tiki and they have a mini water park for a pool area, but that is also a higher end condo (and price to match).

It sounds like, to me, that you are trying to convince yourself out of coming to Fort Wilderness. By all means if you feel that strongly about it, then spend your money elsewhere. No one would be offended. I think, however, you would be missing out on an awesome experience that you would be hard pressed to get anywhere else.

The choice, of course, is yours to make. No one will force you into it, but as you can see there are lots of glowing recommendations here on this forum (of course I think that might be expected given the nature of this site and forum), but even on other "Travel sites" you will find Fort Wilderness is highly rated (4 to 5 stars) and the number of complaints are far (FAR) outweighed by the positive experiences.

Again, it's up to you to decide. What ever you decide, I hope you have an awesome vacation.

 

[SouthAlabama5er]

Everyone nailed this, if your new to camping and you think Disney's Fort Wilderness is "basic", your not going to like any other campground in the country. Fort Wilderness is one of the top 5 rated campgrounds in the country.

How can you buy a expensive motorhome and fuss about a $60 dinner show, the beauty of Camping is you can cook what you want whenever you want it. I guess it's just me but I like southern food, bucket or no bucket, everyone is entitled to their opinions.

There is pently of stuff to do at FW, alot of folks just stay in the campground and never go to any parks. We (my fellow dis'ers & myself) drive from all over the country to experience Fort Wilderness year after year so Disney must be doing something right.

 

[North of Mouse]

Anyone else wondering why the OP chose to join the Dis just to post negative thoughts/feelings about FW? Probably the wrong bunch to try to with - everyone is pretty dedicated and protective of the Fort. I'm sure there are other campgrounds that will suit them much better.

 

[bama_ed]

OP could be an internet troll.

It's a sign of respect because nobody cares enough about bad internet sites to bother trolling them.

So it's obvious.

Bama Ed

PS - NorthOfMouse, sad little people do troll the interwebz to just stir up debate. It's like banging a hive with a stick. They are worthy of our pity and remind me of some of our old posters.

 

[Disneypeach]

the OP hasn't posted much before now...just joined yesterday...interesting....

 

[Disneypeach]

Ed beat me to it....

 

[tiggerdad]

I'm sure there are other campgrounds that will suit them much better.

Not from what I read it isn't...