What is there to do at FW?

[peg110]

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.

I agree but I don't think they are so protective that they don't want to allow people to have honest feelings and/or dialog. I think, however, enough of us here have experienced enough "Campgrounds" to wonder what the OP is looking for. I won't lie and say that the price of the Fort could be intimidating, but I have been too (Visiting and or actually staying) many other campgrounds (probably not as many as some on here) and for Quality, the Fort has been in the top. For amenities and activities it's up there too. (other campgrounds ALSO charge for many other activities so the Fort is not alone there either).

I think most folks here just offered their honest, albeit slanted opinions. Is the Fort all Cookies and Fairy Dust? No! There are obnoxious campers, inconsiderate dog owners, and yes, even some less than friendly CM's (fortunately they don't seem to last too long), but that isn't exclusive to the Fort, that's ANYWHERE! (Campground or not).

So while I hope we didn't scare off the OP (and I hope they weren't just "Trollng") I hope they can see why so many people love the Fort even though it might not be right for the OP.

 

[hsmytwins]

I"m not a troll. just trying to figure out why people are so excited about it. The WDW website doesn't do much to explain what there is to do & why someone should go there. I'm sure that people who go to the Disney parks find an advantage for early hours and the food program, but since we won't be going to any Disney parks, there isn't an advantage for us. I get that camping means cooking my own meals - but a vacation also means getting to visit some restaurants too. We don't eat southern/fried food, and we aren't fans of buffets.

Peach - I actually posted many years ago -- when my kids were little and we were taking them to Disney parks. When I tried to log in again to find out about FW, it wouldn't accept my login.

Rusty - thanks for the list.

Peg - thanks for the link about the pool.

Bama_ed -- we bought a 45' Prevost. My understanding is that we need the larger lot size to fit a big rig. We don't have a toad yet, so we will have enterprise drop off a car. The Prevost forums warn that the people at FW are clueless and try to cram big coaches in small lots. I've read that the designs are not in consideration of big rigs - that some areas the driver can't help but "curb the tires". Also, there is an overhang at check-in coupled with a speed bump that causes the big rigs to scrape their top sides.

That being said, we are trying to book it. I called the number listed and was told reservations can only be made online. I can't determine from looking online if my first choice of dates are even available and the "service" person on the phone wouldn't look anything up.

 

[4daubers]

For us, FW is a home base. We love the parks with all the bells and whistles but like being able to come back, rest and and just chill. It's expensive but it's a really nice campground and part of the WDW experience for us. It's in the little things. Wonderful landscaping, sitting at the boat dock people watching, sitting on the porch at Trails End, golf cart trips, visiting with campers from all over the US. We've met some amazing people at FW.

We have seen the largest of rigs in sites. The premium sites were renovated to hold the larger rigs. You can go to Youtube and find virtual tours of each of the loops that show sites. When you make reservations, you can request loops and sites. There is no guarantee you will get the specific site but FW has always given us our requested loop. There are some smaller loops but we've seen Class A rigs in sites. May take a little help from fellow campers to get in those sites but they are doable.

 

[tiggerdad]

I"m not a troll. just trying to figure out why people are so excited about it. The WDW website doesn't do much to explain what there is to do & why someone should go there. I'm sure that people who go to the Disney parks find an advantage for early hours and the food program, but since we won't be going to any Disney parks, there isn't an advantage for us. I get that camping means cooking my own meals - but a vacation also means getting to visit some restaurants too. We don't eat southern/fried food, and we aren't fans of buffets.

Peach - I actually posted many years ago -- when my kids were little and we were taking them to Disney parks. When I tried to log in again to find out about FW, it wouldn't accept my login.

Rusty - thanks for the list.

Peg - thanks for the link about the pool.

Bama_ed -- we bought a 45' Prevost. My understanding is that we need the larger lot size to fit a big rig. We don't have a toad yet, so we will have enterprise drop off a car. The Prevost forums warn that the people at FW are clueless and try to cram big coaches in small lots. I've read that the designs are not in consideration of big rigs - that some areas the driver can't help but "curb the tires". Also, there is an overhang at check-in coupled with a speed bump that causes the big rigs to scrape their top sides.

That being said, we are trying to book it. I called the number listed and was told reservations can only be made online. I can't determine from looking online if my first choice of dates are even available and the "service" person on the phone wouldn't look anything up.

Online only? That isn't right. Somebody gave you the wrong information on that one. Perhaps I missed it, what were your dates you were looking for? 1-407-939-5277 is the number I have always used and never had an issue booking.

The premium sites do, generally, offer more room, but mainly no sand pad as this is usually paved over to give more room on the site. I will tell you, that not all premium sites are easy to get into, and in some cases, Full hookup sites can be more roomy. It depends on if you want to deal with the sand pad or not. I always go with the premiums so my wife doesn't have a fit about the debris in the camper but I have since bought two 8x20 foot outdoor carpet rolls and will next time book full hookup and just use the carpet to cover the sand area in front of the camper. This helps on cost.

On the HDR, the food is brought out in a bucket, yes, but you have a plate. You spoon the beans, corn, etc. onto your plate and as you empty one of the pans they bring you another. I'm telling you, the food is great. I know, the price is up there, but honestly comparable to any dinner show you will go to. The stage show is the longest running stage show in America. You don't have to get the tier 1 seating. We have done tier 1 and tier 3 and got just as much interaction and able to see the show for a lesser price. If the money is there, I highly recommend it. If not, I understand.

I would recommend 900 or 400 loop. I say this because they are the premiums I stayed in and had plenty of room and close to either the marina/beach (400 loop) or The Meadows/pool (900 loop). I have stayed in 1400 loop, but it seemed pretty tight to me and if I had not been able to switch to a different site in that loop I would have requested a different loop all together. You can request the loop and other requests when you do online checkin. You can also call FW front desk 1-407-824-2900 about 5 days out from your visit to put in a special word about your rig size and concerns and they'll make some special notes for you.

Sorry, it just seemed like you were against the Fort idea in your initial post and reply. That is sometimes the problem with just having words on a screen giving a wrong impression. Sorry, we are a protective group. If it was in fact a real fort we would be volunteers to man the cannons.

Please, let us know what else we can help you with. I promise, the Fort is a unique place as far as campgrounds go. I have not found a nicer place to stay. To me, the thing about camping is relaxing. Sounds like you want to avoid the parks, and this is a great place to do just that even if you don't wish to utilize the perks of Disney property.

 

[John VN]

I"m not a troll. just trying to figure out why people are so excited about it. The WDW website doesn't do much to explain what there is to do & why someone should go there. I'm sure that people who go to the Disney parks find an advantage for early hours and the food program, but since we won't be going to any Disney parks, there isn't an advantage for us. I get that camping means cooking my own meals - but a vacation also means getting to visit some restaurants too. We don't eat southern/fried food, and we aren't fans of buffets.

Peach - I actually posted many years ago -- when my kids were little and we were taking them to Disney parks. When I tried to log in again to find out about FW, it wouldn't accept my login.

Rusty - thanks for the list.

Peg - thanks for the link about the pool.

Bama_ed -- we bought a 45' Prevost. My understanding is that we need the larger lot size to fit a big rig. We don't have a toad yet, so we will have enterprise drop off a car. The Prevost forums warn that the people at FW are clueless and try to cram big coaches in small lots. I've read that the designs are not in consideration of big rigs - that some areas the driver can't help but "curb the tires". Also, there is an overhang at check-in coupled with a speed bump that causes the big rigs to scrape their top sides.

That being said, we are trying to book it. I called the number listed and was told reservations can only be made online. I can't determine from looking online if my first choice of dates are even available and the "service" person on the phone wouldn't look anything up.

We were just in site 1006 with a new Elegant Lady H3-45 opposite us with toad and NO PROBLEMS. The entrance is new at the guard shack so NO ISSUES with overhang. The CMs have always been helpful and very knowledgeable regarding size requirements. Sorry you seem to be having issues???

 

[peg110]

Hmmm... I think you got a new CM when you called. The DW and I decided (mere hours ago) that we want to spend our Anniversary at the Fort in Mid-August. Once we decided, she booked it. She was looking for the number, and I asked whey she doesn't want to book online? First they require less of a deposit on the phone then online, Plus you can ask specific questions and address specific concerns when you have a real person. No issues for her (again, that was just today)

As for all the "Perks" that come with being an on-site guest, I can tell you that we don't typically use the EMH. In fact I do just the opposite. I avoid the park that has EMH (as it gets more crowded) and go to the park that had EMH the day before. Why? Because most people (especially those who use EMH) don't typically go to the same park 2 days in a row. So if HS was EMH yesterday, that means it was probably more crowded yesterday (and was avoided) but is likely to be less crowded today. (Make sense?)

We did do the DDP once and it was nice but I don't think I really want to do it again. In my opinion, it's just more cost effective to pay OOP, particularly when you consider that at the Fort, you (generally) have your own kitchen to make what you want (or at least mostly).

So we are park folks, but we also like the relaxing atmosphere of the Fort. When deciding on our trip to WDW in August, we compared the "Value" resorts against off-site condo's, hotels, and houses. It actually turned out that the Fort was, overall, the cheapest. the only down side is that we have to drive (by we, I mean ME) and the mpg's will be less then if I had to drive without the TT.

Anyway, I hope whatever you decide you have a wonderful time. If you do go to the Fort, I think you will find that, for the most part, people are very friendly and that the fort is an awesome place to stay.

 

[tltay2005]

I"m not a troll. just trying to figure out why people are so excited about it. The WDW website doesn't do much to explain what there is to do & why someone should go there. I'm sure that people who go to the Disney parks find an advantage for early hours and the food program, but since we won't be going to any Disney parks, there isn't an advantage for us. I get that camping means cooking my own meals - but a vacation also means getting to visit some restaurants too. We don't eat southern/fried food, and we aren't fans of buffets.

Peach - I actually posted many years ago -- when my kids were little and we were taking them to Disney parks. When I tried to log in again to find out about FW, it wouldn't accept my login.

Rusty - thanks for the list.

Peg - thanks for the link about the pool.

Bama_ed -- we bought a 45' Prevost. My understanding is that we need the larger lot size to fit a big rig. We don't have a toad yet, so we will have enterprise drop off a car. The Prevost forums warn that the people at FW are clueless and try to cram big coaches in small lots. I've read that the designs are not in consideration of big rigs - that some areas the driver can't help but "curb the tires". Also, there is an overhang at check-in coupled with a speed bump that causes the big rigs to scrape their top sides.

That being said, we are trying to book it. I called the number listed and was told reservations can only be made online. I can't determine from looking online if my first choice of dates are even available and the "service" person on the phone wouldn't look anything up.[/QUOTE

If you want more restaurants, you can always take a boat over to the CR or WL, both have nice ones. Also can take a bus to any other resort where you have more to choose from than you will have time to try.

 

[amcc]

We rarely visit parks when we go to Fort Wilderness and instead spend our days at the Fort doing things that don't cost extra (5-6 days usually). We take our own bikes, spend time at the pool, playground, the kids do the organized (and unorganized) games, fish with our own rods, go to the singalong, the movie, ride the boats to the hotels, have a drink or ice cream there, ride the monorail, play tetherball, my youngest did the slide dozens of time. If you want to eat out, you have all the hotels on site to choose from at most a boat and bus ride away.

I completely agree with you that it is a bit pricey considering it costs about the same as off-site hotels and we don't get any housekeeping! In the summer, I pay about $100 for a full hookup and we enjoy all I mentioned. I also pay about $50 for a Florida state park with gorgeous springs but no pool or much else for activities. We love both types of campgrounds. I've seen some campgrounds with great amenities but they will cost you about the same as Fort Wilderness. There's one near there - West gate river ranch - that costs about the same and seems resort like. I've seen some KOA with great activities and the Floriday Keys state parks cost me about $70 due to location.

For reference, I have four boys age 13-3 in a little (remodeled) 1986 Coleman destiny popup.

 

[G719]

Seems like all vacation destination campgrounds are comparable in price to Disney. I just looked up the Hersheypark campground and it is $89-$109 for a site in the summer.



This campground is $188 for a Monday night in June. And you have to travel to their hotel to use the pool. And doesn't look like there's much to do there at all except golf.
http://www.nemacolin.com/accommodations/maggie-valley

I've used this site alot to explore campground options:
http://www.rvparkreviews.com/

 

[bama_ed]

I"m not a troll.

Bama_ed -- we bought a 45' Prevost. My understanding is that we need the larger lot size to fit a big rig. We don't have a toad yet, so we will have enterprise drop off a car. The Prevost forums warn that the people at FW are clueless and try to cram big coaches in small lots. I've read that the designs are not in consideration of big rigs - that some areas the driver can't help but "curb the tires". Also, there is an overhang at check-in coupled with a speed bump that causes the big rigs to scrape their top sides.

Glad to hear you're not a troll, hsmytwins.

A forty five foot RV is probably best in a Premium site. As others said, you should have been able to make a reservation over the phone or on-line. Share your desired dates and somebody will punch them in to see if a Premium is available. The availability should be the same either way.

Given that you have stayed off-site when visiting WDW in the past, it doesn't surprise me how you feel about what the Fort offers. If you're not going to a Disney park, then the transportation to the Parks, Extra Magic Hours, CM-led activities, ability to FastPass+ well in advance, or get free parking is not going to be seen as a value. Although these are the perks of staying on property, you and I know they aren't really "free". They're built into the price of our resort.

I hope you like taking your RV to the Fort. I tell people it's like sleeping at home while I'm at WDW - my little trailer is like another room of my house (only mobile). There are a number of folks like our poster amcc above who come to the Fort but don't do the parks. And since you've been to WDW before, you know about the restaurants on property at the resorts and Disney Springs that you can choose from.

So tell us your desired dates and we will help you from there.

Bama Ed

PS - and in defense of the Fort, most if not all of the Premiums are at least 55-60 ft deep paved and 18 ft wide (a few trolls like to complain about 1 or 2 Premiums that are a little shorter [less than 1%]). If any of your Prevost posters try to reserve a Full or Preferred site (only 12 ft wide) for a really big rig, that's not on the Fort - they aren't mind readers. Most of the assignments of people to sites is automated now and there is no standard way to pass along the length of your unit (like there is, for example, when making a KOA reservation). If they reserve a Premium and use the early check-in option thats available in MDE and request loop 900 (a Premium loop) for example, the system will assign them to a site in 900 that is available on their arrival day. But if they reserve a Full campsite and bring their 45 footer in, the sites aren't of a standard size so their automated assignment might put them in a site that's too small. So that's on the guest, not the Fort - should have reserved a Premium. Finally, they can always talk to the CM at the check-in to find a site that will fit their unit before they drive down to it.

 

[2goofycampers]

And.... if you been reading very much here we love pics. We'd love to see pics of your new bus.

 

[KristinU]

A little off-topic, but...OP, not sure where you hail from, but if you're ever up in the northeast check out Moose Hillock in the Lake George area. ENORMOUS sites and a not-your-average pool, to be sure. Here are two different sites there:

And the pool - too big for a regular pic, so I used a panorama shot:

They turn lights on at the pool some nights and have a twilight swim, pretty cool!

Here's our blog post from that visit: http://winnieadventures.blogspot.com/2014/08/ny-moose-hillock-camping-resort.html

And welcome to the world of RV-ing. I hope it is everything you hope it will be and more. We sure love the lifestyle. Like Ed hinted at, bringing your own bed, own kitchen, own bathroom along anywhere you go is just a different ballgame than living out of a suitcase and sleeping on a hotel bed. During the season we pack our clothes, linens, full size toiletries and medicine cabinet, and all of our food staples - just like a second home. So when we head out, we just have to throw in whatever perishables we need and re-load the dog food bin and off we go! Need a cough drop in the middle of the night? No problem, they're stocked. No forgetting razors or wishing for an extra blanket or whatever!

 

[JETS70]

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.

OK......I will get straight to my point.... if you can read all that everyone has to say about the Fort on this forum and you google Fort Wilderness and read what others that are not Disers have to say about the Fort and you watch videos about the Fort and you still find it not appealing........then I believe that you have spent a large amount of money on something that you are probably not going to get your moneys worth of enjoyment from. I have camped for 30 years and stayed at some really nice campgrounds and for the cleanliness, the atmosphere, the on site free and some paid activities and just the general feeling of being relaxed and doing nothing.......it is the humble opinion of this poster that the 14 hour pull to the Fort is well worth the time, effort and money and something that my family looks forward to with great anticipation. Thank you for your time. I yield the remaining portion of my time on the soap box to the next poster.

 

[Nan P]

We currently have a 40 ft Monaco and tow a 4 door Jeep Wrangler. Stayed at many nice and some not so nice campgrounds over the past 26 years of camping. We visit Fort Wilderness about 3 times a year each time choosing a premium site for a week. I make campsite reservations by calling WDW reservations, and I use "online" for dining reservations, fast pass + and early check-in. Each time we pull into Fort Wilderness it is always special. Our last visit in December was so great. Only went to the parks two days (and we have annual passes), but we enjoyed the Fort and other amenities Disney offers to on site guests. If Trails End isn't your style of food, try a short boat ride to the Contemporary, Grand Floridian, or Polynesian for lunch or dinner. You'll find some interesting restaurants that don't require park admission. If you want to know why so many enjoy the Fort, you should try a short stay with an open mind. Hope you enjoy your new RV and new camping experiences.

 

[drdisneygirl]

When we bought our first camper, we did so to go to Disney. Ft. Wilderness was the first campground we ever stayed at and we immediately fell in love with the campground and with camping. Ft. Wilderness is my all time favorite campground, and my family generally likes the "feel" of the campground. Next year we are visiting and spending several days at the campground without going into the parks. My kids have grown up going there and it feels like home to us. We have stayed at other properties on site, and nothing feels the same as the Fort.

 

[hsmytwins]

Thanks for the feedback - good and bad.

We are booked for 10 nights at the end of April.

We make our home in West Michigan and this will be our first go at camping (and driving a big rig & all that goes with that!)

We are hoping it will become a home away from home. Ultimately, our plan is to "go on tour" and see many areas of the US and select parts of Canada. We are hoping to see Niagra this summer and possibly the Rocky Mountains. BUT FIRST - we need to figure out all of the little ins and outs of living in a bus.

Being winter here, this isn't the best chance to get out and try it. We will need to wait until the weather improves. We know it can be driven in the winter....but we'd rather do our learning without snow and ice.

 

[hsmytwins]

If Trails End isn't your style of food, try a short boat ride to the Contemporary, Grand Floridian, or Polynesian for lunch or dinner.

Can you make any recommendations? A close friend of mine enjoys a luau dinner at one of these places (I forget where!).

I know that most people make their dining reservations 180 days out, so I don't know if we would even stand a chance at getting reservations in April.

 

[hsmytwins]

Kristin - I like your blog. My kiddos have already started a blog and a youtube channel to document our soon-to-be travels.

 

[KristinU]

We know it can be driven in the winter....but we'd rather do our learning without snow and ice.

Good call.

Can you make any recommendations? A close friend of mine enjoys a luau dinner at one of these places (I forget where!).

I know that most people make their dining reservations 180 days out, so I don't know if we would even stand a chance at getting reservations in April.

Hop on mydisneyexperience.com and do some restaurant searching, you can choose specifically the resors you are interested in. That luau dinner your friend mentioned is at the Polynesian. As for other recommendations - we very much enjoyed dinner at The Wave at the Contemporary in November. 4 adults, all with different entrees, and none of us was remotely disappointed.

As for getting reservations:
A. you may be surprised
B. the times available might not be exactly what you want, but snag them anyway if you think they'll work
BUT...C. keep checking back, especially in the week or so before your dates. People snag up all of the reservations they think they might possibly want at 180 days out, then drop a bunch as their plans firm up. You can cancel most restaurants on site 24 hours in advance without being charged, so plenty of people take advantage of that.

 

[KristinU]

Kristin - I like your blog. My kiddos have already started a blog and a youtube channel to document our soon-to-be travels.

Thanks! It is fun to look back at on snowy days like this one Also nice to be able to easily share a link like I did earlier!