what's best about FW?

[PolynesianPixie]

I am new to FW, and would like to know what keeps all you regulars coming back?

Since I have been banned for life for hijacking the unhijackable thread , here I am, starting a new one....

Don't leave me hangin'....

 

[Duane]

Let me ask this.... Are you an RV'er or a "Cabin-er". This will make some difference on the responses and the responders.

For me, being an RV-er.... there's nothing like the feeling that you get when you drive past the Outpost and into the campground. There is just a sense of calm that comes over you. You don't have to park in a lot and walk a long distance to your room. You don't have hear the folks in the next room arguing or the babies crying. I can cookout if I like, or cook in as well. The folks that are parked on either side of me or across the road will almost always wave and say hello. I can ride my bike, golfcart or canoe. I can walk over to the campfire sing-a-long and watch a free movie. I can go over to Crockett's tavern and sit on the porch and people watch.

 

[PolynesianPixie]

Let me ask this.... Are you an RV'er or a "Cabin-er". This will make some difference on the responses and the responders.

For me, being an RV-er.... there's nothing like the feeling that you get when you drive past the Outpost and into the campground. There is just a sense of calm that comes over you. You don't have to park in a lot and walk a long distance to your room. You don't have hear the folks in the next room arguing or the babies crying. I can cookout if I like, or cook in as well. The folks that are parked on either side of me or across the road will almost always wave and say hello. I can ride my bike, golfcart or canoe. I can walk over to the campfire sing-a-long and watch a free movie. I can go over to Crockett's tavern and sit on the porch and people watch.

We will be staying in our pop-up. Thanks for the feedback!

 

[Shannone1]

We've only been there once so far, but these are the things that are bringing us back next year....

1- Gotta be close to the Mouse
2- The boats to MK and Epcot
3- Onsite restaurant
4- Riding the golf carts and bikes rather than driving everywhere
5- How clean the campground is compared to other CGs we've stayed in
6- The interior roads are all paved which is a big plus for this camper
7- The onsite entertainment (Hoop Dee Doo, marina, campfire program, fireworks, play areas and pools)

These are all things that stand out when we think back to our trip to FW last spring. It doesn't compare to other campgrounds. Like another poster said...it would be different if you were used to 5 star resorts or cruises. But as a "campground" you can't beat it. For us, the only way to "do Disney" is Fort Wilderness. We can spend all day at the parks or hanging out at the fort...and then sleep in our own bed at night.

 

[ntsammy5]

Besides the people you meet, the thing I like best about FW is the looping. Riding a golf cart through the camp grounds and looking at all the rigs and set ups and holiday decorations is great. Having someone else drive while you drink beer is the icing on the cake!

Mind you I like the Trading Post, TE, the "beach", the movies, and all that stuff, but looping is best.

 

[Mr Man]

So many things come to mind...... but here are the biggies for us.

1. Location Location Location- Boat to MK is high on our list (2 small boys + boat+Mickey= Magic beyond all expectations). It is simple math.

2. Having your own outdoor living area at FW makes it feel like home.

3. People are so friendly at FW. I am a gregarious sort in person and love to have people to our site for drinks, snacks, conversation etc.

4. FW is the best campground I have ever seen.....anywhere!

 

[ftwildernessguy]

I'm 4000 lbs below my maximum tow weight, so I can load up that trailer with Disney stuff before I come home.

 

[Gatordad]

I like looping the best.

 

[big kahuna1]

I'm with Gatordad. We like looping the best and just the overall atmosphere of camping at the Fort.

 

[TheGreatGonzo]

For me it's pretty much the same as everyone else, especially the fact that just about everyone goes out of their way to be friendly. I make mostly solo trips so I make a bunch of new friends each time. You also have the added comfort of knowing you are sleeping in your own beds with your own stuff.

 

[lawnspecialties]

The IRS considers my travel trailer "vacation property". So do I. It's like our second home. Whenever we go camping, it's like having your house at that particular vacation spot. Nobody but Fort folks can say that at Disneyworld.

Just think, you hit the parks all day and then when you're ready, you ride back over to the "vacation house" and do things like fire up the grill, let the kids go ride their bikes, just chill out, etc..

Try firing up the grill at the Contemporary.

 

[Tri-circle-D]

I'll say that my favorite thing is the space. It is an amazing thing to stand at the beach of Bay Lake and look out, and see nothing but water and trees, and then remember that you are in the middle of the vacation capital of the world!

Nothing beats coming back from a crowded day at the parks to your own place where you can just chill, and take it easy.

TCD

I also like the endless opportunities to people watch. There is no place like the Fort!

 

[clkelley]

I agree with everyone here!! The peacefullness. The activities. The friendly folks!! Having your own space!!! Having a front porch (ok, a sand pand under an awning) to sit on in your chair with your feet up. It's just heaven!!

 

[LarryJ]

I am new to FW, and would like to know what keeps all you regulars coming back?

Since I have been banned for life for hijacking the unhijackable thread , here I am, starting a new one....

Don't leave me hangin'....

Except for the looping everything that the previous posters have said is also what I really like about FW. If I had my own GC then I would also be a dedicated looper, but won't rent one just for that with all the other things to do at FW and in my case FW has the best "Fruit Fishing" I have found to date . Before all the rule changes back in the 80's and early 90's the boys really like pool hopping (esp. the CBR) and video arcades at some of the resorts. Biggest thing is there is nothing like waking up in your own bed on your own pillow and just turning the coffee pot on and kicking back for that first cup or two of Joe in your own "home away from home".

Back in April of this year we had to go to Chicago and couldn't take the TT and had to do the Motel thing there and back and man that was a pain to plan and pack for even with a full sized Van and only two of us and two dogs. The last time the wife flew was back in 1978 for her Dad's funeral and my last time was around 1987 when I was still on active duty in the Navy. I'm trying to remember, but outside of driving down to go on a Disney Cruise for our oldest son's wedding in 2003 and the trip this last April to Chicago, I can't remember not towing our TT when going anywhere for more than a day since 1974 or 1975 when we flew from Ca. to Ms. for Xmas with my parents.

Larry

 

[CCIntrigue]

Like another poster said...it would be different if you were used to 5 star resorts or cruises.

I've stayed in my share of 5 star resorts and also been on many cruises. While I love doing both, I can't compare either of them to the fun of a vacation at FW. While I disagree that FW is the best campground around, the amenities at FW certainly make up for the lack of "curb appeal."

What makes it so great?
- Location
- Friendliness of CMs and other campers
- WDW transportation system
- Having my own bed and my own "things" to come home to each day
- The freedom to eat in, eat out, do whatever I want
- All the activities available right outside my doorstep
- Being able to vacation with my fur baby
- Having my own little piece of outdoors to enjoy

I'm cruising again in 2 weeks and my cabin will be about 100 SF smaller than the MH and I'm sure won't be as nice.

As for 5 star hotels, each of us has the ability to make our rigs just as plush inside as any 5-star if we so desire. The only difference is that we have to clean up after ourselves, but that is no big deal. I'd rather do 5 minutes of cleaning each day and have all the amenities that FW has to offer!

 

[MBMacs]

For us, staying @ the Fort is a vacation inside of a vacation. We can just hang out and relax, loop, swim, bike ride, play tennis, unwind. We dont even go into the parks on the 4th of July. At Christmas time, we check out all the decorations. Watching the water parade and fireworks on the beach. Meeting up with other Dissers. Something great about leaving Peg at the cabin and taking the girls to the trading post to get an ice cream.

 

[PolynesianPixie]

This is wonderful stuff!!! I am getting so excited!! We are going to be there 5 nights~I'm thinking I may need to extend it, I don't think I'll want to leave!

 

[Colson39]

Memories, memories, and more memories. Then going back and making new memories. The Fort is like a second home to me, it's actually kind of hard to explain.

All I know is that when I take an early morning ride in a golf cart around Fort Wilderness, I can think back to when I was 4-5 years old making the same trips (NO I WASN'T DRIVING GOLF CART POLICE ).

 

[DaddyDon]

The people you meet ...There are no snobs here! I have stayed in lot's of hotels on property and lot's think they have the world by the sack .....I have only met one couple at the fort who were not snob's just yelling at each other all morning .......They could have taken it some where else.....

 

[Shannone1]

I've stayed in my share of 5 star resorts and also been on many cruises. While I love doing both, I can't compare either of them to the fun of a vacation at FW.


As nice as Fort Wilderness is....it has nothing on our Alaskian Cruisetour we did last year. That was a once in a lifetime kind of trip for us. Helicopter ride to a glacier, ziplining above a forest with the eagles, whale watching, and the cruise itself was top notch. We took the kids with us (it was for our 15th anniversary) and it still ranks with all of us as our best vacation ever.

As for 5 star hotels, each of us has the ability to make our rigs just as plush inside as any 5-star if we so desire. The only difference is that we have to clean up after ourselves, but that is no big deal. I'd rather do 5 minutes of cleaning each day and have all the amenities that FW has to offer!

What I meant with that comment was that you can't compare FW with a true 5 star resort. Luxury bedding, room service, jacuzzi tubs, full service spas and salons, etc. I'm not trying to debate hotels vs. motorhomes....I own a motorhome so you know which I prefer Just trying to tell the OP that FW is basically a campground with cool amenties...but it's not a 5 star resort.

I'm curious....you are just about the only person I have seen on this board admit that FW is not the best campground ever. (I happen to agree with you ) It's the only way I would do Disney...but I've been to other "campgrounds" that were just as nice. What other campgrounds would you recommend ?? Maybe you could PM me so we don't go OT