Understanding Your Stay at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort
When you decide to stay at Fort Wilderness, you are actually experiencing two different and enchanting venues. The Fort Wilderness Campground and the Cabins area are two distinct stay options, rarely visited together. Each offers a unique adventure that can enrich your Disney experience, whether you are looking for a bit of rustic camping or cozy cabin stays.
The Fort Wilderness Campground Experience
When you choose to camp at Fort Wilderness, you are stepping into a camping paradise. You have the option to bring your own tent or rent one directly from Disney, or even bring and install a camper or RV. Spaces vary in size; campgrounds offer smaller, tent-friendly areas without utility hookups, while camping spots for RVs and campers come with all the necessary utilities for your convenience. The resort also features shared bathhouses for showers and toilets, making self-contained camping a practical and enjoyable option.
Cabin Stay: The Ultimate Comfort
As a seasoned Disney traveler, I can confidently say that staying in one of the cabins at Fort Wilderness is an experience in itself. These cabins offer a blend of practicality and comfort that makes them a standout choice among Disney's properties. The cabins are effectively theme-based single-wide trailers, each equipped with multiple sleeping options. A living room with a pull-out couch, a fully equipped kitchen, a tub in the bathroom, and separate sleeping quarters (with a full bed and bunks) provide ample space for six guests to sleep comfortably.
While the costs for a cabin versus a standard Value room at Disney can be compared, the larger capacity and the added features make cabins an incredibly cost-effective choice for larger families. Expect to pay around $250 per night in 2016, making it a more budget-friendly option compared to the $130 per night for a Value room which only sleeps four. This flexibility makes the Fort Wilderness cabins a delightful option for family vacations where comfort and space are paramount.
The Fort Wilderness Experience: A Slower Pace
One of the distinctive aspects of the Fort Wilderness resort is the deliberate pace of life it offers. The resort's vastness, coupled with its internal bus system, encourages a slower and more relaxed experience. This 'slower pace' might initially seem counterintuitive to those accustomed to the frenetic energy of other Disney parks, but it's precisely this slower pace that forms the core of what makes Fort Wilderness unique.
The internal bus system, while effective, operates at a slower rhythm, which can extend your travel time to the various park entrances. For budget-conscious travelers, this might seem inconvenient, but it allows you to immerse more deeply in the atmosphere that the Fort Wilderness resort provides. The sound of crickets replacing the usual park shouts makes for a much quieter, more serene environment, particularly in the evenings. This is a trade-off worth considering, especially for families looking for a quieter, more peaceful vacation environment.
Entertainment and Refreshments
Fort Wilderness offers several amenities to keep guests entertained and well-fed. The Hoop-de-doo Review and the Tri-Circle-D Ranch petting zoo are popular entertainment venues. Additionally, the resort has two pools and various food outlets that allow guests to cook in their kitchens or purchase pre-prepared meals. Recreational activities such as water sports and evening golf cart parades are also available, making it a versatile destination for families and individuals alike.
For those looking for a true Fort Wilderness experience, consider renting a golf cart for your stay. Apart from the convenience of not waiting for buses, guests can also participate in the popular evening golf cart parades, where many people decorate their carts for an added festive touch. Don't miss the magical moment of walking to the gates of the now-defunct River Country at night for an added Blair Witch-like experience.
Fort Wilderness is also known for its free activities, such as having S'mores and movie night with Chip n' Dale under the stars. Whether you choose to enjoy these activities or just relax in the rustic beauty of the campgrounds, you'll find a set of memorable experiences that encapsulate the essence of a Disney adventure that is uniquely Fort Wilderness.
Conclusion
Staying at the Fort Wilderness resort is not just another stop in your Disney vacation; it’s a distinct experience that enriches your overall trip. While it requires a different mindset and pacing, it rewards you with tranquility, comfortable accommodations, and a blend of adventure and relaxation. So whether you're camping in a tent, staying in a cozy cabin, or exploring the resort's amenities, your stay at Fort Wilderness promises a truly magical and unforgettable Disney experience.