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Natasha Pages: Camp Site Pages: Camper Pages: Modification & Service: Camping Links: GSD Links:
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Fort Wilderness Fun Facts and InformationAll photos are thumbnails, click to see an enlarged versionThis
page is, and probably always be a work in progress. Please feel
free to drop me an e-mail with any suggestions, corrections or
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Actually, my first camping trip ever was
to Fort Wilderness. We lived in Miami at the time (around 1974) and
Miami was not know as the camping capitol of the world. I was in high
school and on the baseball team. As a team "field trip" we went to FW
for a few days. Until you visit and look around, you may have difficulty understanding the impressiveness of Fort Wilderness. Many have said that Fort Wilderness is the standard by which all commercial campgrounds should be judged. I do agree with this! The campground boasts over 700 camping sites with a wonderful canopy of trees throughout. With swimming pools, arcades, marina (sorry you can't bring your own boat) and activities galore there is something for every camper. With so many sites, the campground is divided into individual camping loops of 30 or 40 sites. Each loop has both a number (i.e. the 1900 loop) and a name (i.e. Conestoga Trail). It is hard to imagine the size and scope of Fort Wilderness until you have been there. ReservationsReservations at Fort Wilderness are easy to make as Disney has a large full time reservations center which handles reservations for thousands of rooms on the WDW property. No toll free call here, 1 407-W-DISNEY (1-407-934-7639) is central reservations. Some things to keep in mind when making a reservation at Fort Wilderness. The folks who answer the phone (i.e. reservations cast members) have differing levels of expertise regarding Fort Wilderness. Think about it, there are tens of thousands of Disney hotel rooms fitting into a few categories such as Value, Moderate and Deluxe and most rooms, no mater what property have similar size rooms, room capacities and rules regarding the room. So, the reservations cast members have most of the information regarding rooms in their head. Except for the exceptional reservations cast members, for Fort Wilderness they usually read what is on the screen in front of them. You may need to guide them with your reservation as you may actually know more about the campground then they do. At the very least, make sure they note the following things in the comments for your reservation:
For more information, see the section below regarding "Specific Site Requests" Site PricingFor years I tried to keep up with the site pricing, but with the changes made in 2008 it has just become to difficult to keep up with. So Site Pricing can be found on the Mousesavers Web Site. Many people ask what to do if Fort Wilderness is booked full. I have been lucky and have always been able to get into Fort Wilderness. If you are told that there are no sites available you can always call back. You can try as often as you like - cancellations are very common. The computer system seems to release the cancellations at 7AM, so an early morning call is usually best. When calling for reservations remember you are talking to WDW Travel or WDW central reservations (see more about these groups below), not Fort Wilderness. Any questions about the campground itself should be directed to Fort Wilderness staff. Campsite pricing is usually posted in July/August for the following year. So in July/August 2018 the prices effective January 2019 would be should be posted by Disney. Prices generally remain firm for the entire year once posted. Discounts are available most of the year and change regularly. The best site I have found for discount information is MouseSavers.com WDW Travel and CROWhen calling 1-407-W-DISNEY two groups answer the phones Disney Vacation Club MembersIf you happen to be a member of the Disney
Vacation Club, you can book nights at Fort Wilderness using your DVC
points, but members I know say the conversion is not well "priced" for the member..
Park TicketsIn the past I have purchased tickets from both AAA as well as Orlando based ticket brokers. This has provided up to a 5% discount form face value. I never purchase from roadside stands or e-bay as the tickets may be no good. In the past I have always purchase more days than my stay (usually the longest ticket available) with the no expiration option. As of 2015 the no expiration option was discontinued by Disney so any new multi day ticket will expire 14 days after the first use. Now, the options available on tickets can be very confusing so I recommend that you read up on the issue before you decide which park tickets you are going to buy. Reading the following two web pages will help: Advice, Tips and Tricks for Walt Disney World Tickets and PassesSources for Discounts on Walt Disney World TicketsBoth of these pages are by Mary Waring, and are on her MouseSavers.com® web site. This site is one of the best I have found regarding saving money on your trip to Walt Disney World. Check it out!! Specific Site RequestsWhen making reservations you can ask to be assigned to a specific loop, and they will even note a specific favorite site, but remember nothing is guaranteed! Now, with that said I will give you my personal opinion. Make your site selection known when you make your reservation so they can note it on your reservation. You are much better off requesting the things you like about the site/loop rather than the site/loop itself. For example, if you like the site because it is near a comfort station, then request that, if you like it because it is in the back of the loop and is quieter request that. The problem with asking for a specific site/loop is that the site assigners really don't know why you wanted that site/loop. If your request is not available they really don't know what you might find as a comparable site. Check InThe
easiest way to get to Fort Wilderness is to follow the signs for the
Magic Kingdom (MK). When you see the toll booth for the MK
ahead, move all the way over to the right . As new right
hand lanes open up, move into them. You do NOT go thru the toll
booth, but turn right before them on Vista Blvd. You will follow
this all the way to the fort. Look for the sign for check in and turn
into the drive. You will again stop, this time at a kiosk where
Disney security will again confirm your reservation and direct you to
the proper location. If camping in a cabin, you will be directed
to the parking lot so you can go inside the reception outpost to check
in. If you have your home with you, you will be directed to the
"drive through" check in lanes. Disney offers on line check in where you are able to handle all of the administrative tasks like verifying your information and providing a credit card to pay the balance of your reservation as well as purchases during your trip. As of late 2013 Disney has introduced a system called Magic Bands. These will be mailed to your addressof record well in advance of your trip. They are plastic wrist band you wear which replace room keys as well as become your park tickets, charge card and severl other things. Magic bands are beyond the scope of FW, so Google it and you will find more information than you really want. This is tied to a new system Disney calls "My Disney Experience" (MDE) which allows you top use your Magic bands as Fast Passes at the parks and schedule them in advance. MDE has Apps for your iPhone or Adroid, so download and install. For this system to work Disney has installed WiFi in al the parks for your MDE App to use.
Check
in time is 1PM (check out is 11:00AM). If you arrive prior to 1PM
and you site is not ready, you can still get use your Magic Bands and
enjoy the campground or the parks. There is a very large parking
lot at the reception outpost, so you can stash the camper there and
check out the pool or other activities. If you want, you can go
to a park and make a day of it.
Room KeysRoom
keys are a thing of the past at Disney. They have been replaced
with the Magic Bands. The two things you really need the Magic
Bands for at the Fort are to get
into the comfort stations after midnight and to open the returning
guest gate if you drive out of the fort.
Fort Wilderness Phone Numbers
CampsitesThere are 5 levels of campsites at Fort Wilderness: Standard, which includes electric and water and
cable TV. This class of site is for tents and pop up campers. Full Hook Up, which includes electric, water, sewer and
cable. Preferred, which includes electric, water, sewer and cable
TV. The preferred sites are also in loops situated closer to the settlement
which includes the marina, beach, restaurant, and many other activities. Premium,
which includes electric, water, sewer and cable TV. The
sites feature an expanded parking area over other sites. They are
wider (up to 24 ft), and deeper (up to 60 ft). They also feature
new upgraded picnic tables and grills and new landscaping to allow more
privacy and better appearance. The exact size and shape of each
campsite depend on Mother Nature. While all the campsites in this
new category are enhanced, the final dimensions will be based on the
limitations of the natural surroundings for each individual site.
The Meadows Premium, which includes electric, water, sewer and cable TV. Like Premium, these sites feature an expanded parking area over other sites. These sites are adjacent to the Meados area whoich makes it easy to get to teh main pool, as well as teh campfire singalong and movie each night.
The preferred and full hook up
sites provide a full length concrete parking pad for the tow vehicle and
camper. Behind that is a compacted sand/gravel pad on which you will
find a full sized picnic table. The premium sites have an extended length concrete parking pad and NO sand/gravel pad. On the standard sites you will find a
smaller concrete pad and larger sand/gravel pad.
Also on each site is a charcoal
grill. You are
allowed a camping vehicle and 1 tent on the site, so the kids can have a tent
to themselves. Most sites are under a full canopy of trees with bushes
shielding you from adjoining sites. While you will still see your
neighbors, you are not in a field like many campgrounds, you are truly in the
woods. Conveniently spaced around each loop are trash cans and recycling
containers (aluminum, glass and plastic). Prior to your occupancy Disney cast members go over the campsite cleaning the grill, raking the sand area and cleaning off the concrete. Unless there is a mix up you never have to worry about dealing with the previous campers trash. Loop NamesIn addition to a loop number, Fort Wilderness assigns names to each loop. See a complete list HERE.Pull Through SitesFW experimented with converting sites to a pull through configuration. They converted sites 1203 and 1205 to pull through (when entering, you access them from the main road rather than from the loop) but never went any further. During the remodeling in 2008 the rear of these sites have been closed off, so no more pull through. Sites Near CabinsMany times folks with RV's want to stay at Fort Wilderness with friends who do not have RV's. Unfortunately, there are no combined Cabin/RV Camping loops.Rental CampersSo, you like the idea of camping at Fort Wilderness but you have a small issue - No Camper. If you are like me, a tent is out of the question. What to do? It's easy, rent a camper. There are many places both nationally and locally that can rent you a camper for your trip. Some things to keep in mind while you are planning:1. How many miles will you have to drive/tow the camper? Many rental companies charge a mileage fee in addition to the rental fee. 2. What is included in the rental. Some companies include everything while others charge extra for things like sheets towels plates, etc.. 3. If you rent in Orlando, how do you get from the airport to the rental car company? Will they be open if your plane is late? 4. Once you get to the campsite in your rental how do you back it in. Campers don't back up as easy as your family Chevy! My suggestion, rent from a Fort Wilderness camping expert. Many rental companies in the central Florida area will not only rent you a camper, they will deliver and set it up on your site. When it's time to go they will return and take it away. Nothing easier! Fort Wilderness has a list of "preferred vendors for this service. |
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"Original" electric service poles were themed to appear to be tree stumps
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Here is the working side of the "tree" One 50a, one 30a and two 20a outlets. These "tree" poles are being replaced with standard RV electric poles that only have one 20a outlet. |
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Site Number Pole |
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Internet Availability
Fort Wilderness has decent WiFi coverage in all loops. Additionally, cellular data signals appear to be strong for most
carriers at the Fort.
Off Air TV Reception
Folks report being able to receive the following off air stations:
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Campfire Sing Along and Movie
Each night Fort Wilderness hosts a campfire (yes, bring your marshmallows), sing along and enjoy a Disney movie in the Meadows area. This is free, and you do not have to be staying at the "Fort" to attend. For those who do not have marshmallow, a "smore kit" is sold at there. Adult beverages are allowed, so bring them along or buy them there. At the beginning of the month the movie schedule is posted, so check out what is playing during your trip. This activity is held every night, weather permitting. When you check in ask about the time as it changes seasonally due to the differences in sunset.
Hayrides
Nightly hayrides begin in the settlement area. Cost is around $8 per person and they leave when the wagon is full. For those who want a little more privacy or romance they also offer carriage rides during the evening for around $30.
Tri-Circle D Ranch
Open daily in the settlement area is the Tri-Circle D Ranch. This includes a barn tour area and pony rides. While the barn tour area are free, the pony rides are around $3. This used to be the location of the petting zoo, but the animals were removed in the summer of 2005. In mid 2019 the Tri-Circle D Ranch was removed for construction of a new hotel. Expect a new Tri-Circle D Ranch near teh reception outpost in the near future.
Comfort Stations (Bathhouses)
Bath houses, know
as "Comfort Stations" are well placed around Fort Wilderness, with 2 loops usually
sharing 1 comfort station. They are air conditioned, have private hot
showers, laundry facilities and ice machines. In several trips to Fort Wilderness
I have
never found them anything but clean. While they can get busy during the
morning rush, I usually shower at off hours and was usually alone. Both
house (all Disney Properties) and pay phones are outside of every comfort
station. After midnight you
need your Magic Band to enter the comfort station, so don't forget it!
Emergencies
As always, in an emergency situation attempt to call 9-1-1 or your emergency response number as soon as possible to activate the emergency responder system in the area!
All comfort stations, as well as other high activity areas (like the pool area) have phones to allow calls for all types of emergencies. New in 2004 are AED's (automated external defibrillator) in most of these same locations. These are devices meant to be used by lay persons to assist victims of cardiac arrest. But just like CPR, training is always helpful. Check out the American Heart Association web page for more information.
I would recommend checking with your insurance provider for Urgent Care facilities within your insurance plan in the area of Disney. Should you need less than "emergency" care you will already have information on a provider that accepts your insurance. As a starting point, here are a couple of facilities in the area:
| Centra Care-Lake Buena Vista
12500 S Apopka Vineland Rd Orlando, FL 32836 (407) 934-2273 | Florida Hospital Celebration Health 400 Celebration Place Celebration, FL 34747 (407) 303-4000 |
Meals at Fort Wilderness
One of the nice things about camping is saving a few dollars on food. For those times when you don't feel like cooking several options are available right inside the campground. Located in Pioneer Hall in the settlement area is the Trails End Buffet, Crockett's Tavern and the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review. As the name implies, Trails end is an all you can eat buffet while Crockett's is a "finger food" type place. The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review has to bee seen! A family style meal and a wonderful country dinner show. Seating for the Hoop-Dee-Doo is assigned by the date you reserve, so book early.
Refillable Mugs
For those people who drink coffee like I do, one of the best deals in the campground is the refillable mugs. Buy a mug at Trails End and fill it up anytime you want for your entire visit. At Trails End you can select coffee, hot chocolate or fountain cold drinks. At the Meadows Trading Post coffee and hot chocolate are the choices. By the end of my last 5 day visit, my cost for a cup of coffee was down to about a quarter.
Food Shopping
The meadows trading post has a small grocery section for emergency shopping. While the prices are not totally outrageous, they are higher than local supermarkets. If possible I would suggest stopping at a local store (my favorite is the Florida chain Publix Supermarkets) on your way in as to go back out can be quite a drive. If necessary stop again if you make any side trips off Disney property. There are many other stores in the local area including Winn Dixie and Goodings (a bit high in prices). The closest Publix I have found is Publix Regency Village Shopping Center.
Driving Directions:
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Exit the Disney complex on Hotel Plaza Blvd (Lake Buena Vista) to 535, turning right on 535.
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Drive under I-4, turning left at the first light after you cross under I-4. This should be Vineland Ave.
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Continue on Vineland Ave, pass the outlet stores (nice center) and follow the signs to Publix.
This is about 5 minutes further than Goodings, but you save a bunch!
Current Store Hours:
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Grocery Delivery
If you don't have a car available, groceries can be ordered for delivery at Fort Wilderness. One company that delivers in the central Florida area is GardenGrocer.com. Excerpt from the "2007 Unofficial Guide to Disney": GardenGrocer.com will shop for you and deliver your groceries. If you are staying at a hotel you can arrange for your groceries to be left with bell services..." (Complete article on page 370). Reports I have read form folks who have used their services are positive.
Ice
There is an ice machine located at every comfort station (bathhouse). If you plan to use them, bring a roll of quarters. This is one of the few areas that Fort Wilderness disappoints me in. A small bag of ice is $2.00! As with food, I suggest picking up ice on a stop outside of the Disney property. Almost all supermarkets, quick marts and gas stations have larger bags cheaper.
LP Gas Fills
While FW does not offer a "while you wait" service, LP Gas is available at FW. Just take the tank to one of the trading posts in the morning (leave it on the porch, don't take it inside) and it will be ready that afternoon. Folks have reported getting quick "emergency" fills during the winter when heat was needed.. While I have never used this service, folks report that the price is not out of line.
Swimming Pool
After years of requests, Disney has added a "theme" pool to Fort Wilderness like many of the other Disney resorts has. Fort Wilderness boasts slide, childrens splash & play area. The pool is heated and open 24 hours a day which can be nice for a late evening swim. Even on a December night I find it a nice place to unwind and relax. Just remember, no glass on the pool deck. There is a second "quiet" pool in between the 2500/2700 cabin loops. While much smaller, this pool is also available for a quick soak.
Arcades
Available adjacent to the pool as well as in the settlement area, arcades are available to use up all the available quarters.
Playgrounds
Fort Wilderness is chock full of play areas for kids. Most loops have some sort of play area such as volleyball, basketball, tether ball and things like that. Also in several areas of the campground are larger playgrounds, just check out the map.
Watercraft
Both canoes and paddle boats are available for rent at the
bike barn. With a small pond in front of the barn as well as several
canals available you can canoe to your hears content. Jut remember, not
private watercraft is allowed on any Disney waterway. For a little more 
action,
drop on by the marina area behind Pioneer Hall. Small personal
watercraft (water sprites) can be rented and operated by guests. Other
power boats are rented with a captain or crew running the show. For that
someone special in your life, why not book a champagne cruise to watch the
fireworks? But remember, for special cruises like this book early!
If you plan to spend a lot of time on the water, you may want to check out the
marina at the Wilderness Lodge. Ask about discounts as they are offered
off and on. AAA usually gets you 10-15%.
Vehicle Use
Fort Wilderness restricts the use of motor vehicles inside the campground. Other than four 15 minute restricted spaces at the Meadows Trading Post, the ONLY place to legally park is on your campsite.
Skate boards, skates and scooters can be used on the camping loops and hiking trail only, not on any of the roads. Motorized 2 wheel transportation, i.e. mopeds, scooters and the like are prohibited. In the Fort Wilderness Gazette (the paper they give you at check in) it states: "Motorbikes or Cycles: No two-wheeled motorized vehicles are allowed in Fort Wilderness."
Pets at Fort Wilderness
The on site Fort Wilderness kennel has closed. As of 2008 the kennel is no longer run by Disney themselves, but it has been "outsourced" to a company called Best Friends Pet Care. A new centralized kennel for all resorts is now open. It is off site from Fort Wilderness, but it is just around the corner from the Fort and across the street from Port Orleans Riverside. It is staffed 24 hours a day, so if you are out late you can pick up your fur friend.
Within Fort Wilderness, three "pet walk" areas include a canal pet walk off the 1800
loop, a canal pet walk off the 300 loop and a nice wooded walk behind the 700
& 800 loops.
Additionally, a pet play area was constructed as of January 2008.
You must drive them to the kennel, you can NOT walk them to the kennel
(it's too far and off property). The old rule was that you could
not walk you pets out of the pet loops themselves, but that is a
thing of the past. With the new off leash park, pets
are walked all over (but not in the stores of pool area).
As for which loops are pet loops, The rule has traditionally been that pets were restricted to
certain pet designated loops. In early January 2008 folks began
reporting that pets were now allowed on all loops.
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Many vets list some of these on their records as DHP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza) or DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
For pop up owners, be careful. The Disney website used to state:
"Q. Can you tell me more about keeping my pet at
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground?
A. Specific areas of Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
have been made available to Guests with pets. These are full hook-up
campsites. There is a $5.00 per day pet charge. (This is a per day, per site
charge only, not per pet.) Sorry, Guests in tents and pop-up campers may
not keep pets at their site - they must be kenneled.
As of January 2011 it was changed to:
Pets
Pets like to go on vacation, too, so we offer a limited number of
pet-friendly Preferred Hook-Up and Premium campsites. Pets are not
permitted to stay in vehicles without air-conditioning or at tent sites.
As of June 2011 it states:
Pets
Pets like to go on vacation, too, so we offer a limited number of pet-friendly Preferred Hook-Up and Premium campsites.
- All pets must be kept on a handheld leash that is 6 feet or shorter or confined in the interior of the owner's personal recreational vehicle. For pop-ups and tents, pets must be secured in a container, such as a portable cage or kennel.
- Campsite Guests with pet privileges may take their dogs to play in the off-leash Waggin' Trails Dog Park or walk the many on-leash trails. So that our Guests with pets can enjoy ample time at the Walt Disney World theme parks and destinations, day and overnight kennel care is available at Best Friends Pet Care.
- Pet owners are required to pick up after and properly dispose of their pet's droppings.
- Pets that interfere with the quality of the Guest experience at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground in any away (such as aggression, noise, etc.) or generate a legitimate complaint to management will result in the pet owner being required to discontinue the pet's inappropriate behavior, remove the pet to an off-site kennel or leave the Resort.
So, previously the "official" rule was no pets in pop ups. Rest assured if you are camping in a tent or pop up you can bring your pet to the site as long as you book a space in a pet loop. The two tent loops (1500 & 2000) are not pet loops. I have spoken to FW Cast Members several times and they state that the statement should be that pets can not be left unattended in a tent and that as long as the pop up has A/C your pets are welcome. If you have any questions regarding this give the reception outpost a call at 407-824-2900.
Veterinary Care While at Fort Wilderness
| Sand Lake Animal Clinic 8932 S. Apopka-Vineland Rd Orlando, FL 32836 Tel no: 407-876-4461 This is about 8 miles from Ft.Wilderness |
24 hour emergency vet care: Veterinary Emergency Clinic of Central Florida 2080 Principal Row Orlando, FL 32837 (407) 438-4449 This is about 23 miles from of Ft. Wilderness |
Tent Camping
While the only time I have tent camped in Fort Wilderness was way back in
73, I see lots of tents on every trip. While most seem to stick to the
partial hook up sites to save a few dollars, I have seen them on every loop in
the campground. Remember, every site has electric so bring a couple of
extension cords and away you go.
For those in tents, or pop ups which are really a tent on wheels use common sense
in securing valuables at your campsite. Keep cash and valuables locked
in your car or you can use a lock box at the reception outpost.
I really liked this site pictured to the right. A partial shelter under which you will find all the comforts of home; refrigerator, microwave, coffee pot, and toaster! Sleeping takes place in the tent.
Handicapped Availability
Fort Wilderness was designed for handicapped access. Campsites have level concrete pads connecting to the loop roads with no curbs or other obstructions.
The bathhouses each have at least 1 roll in shower and 1 accessible toilet stall. The handicapped sink is equipped with an automatic faucet as well as an angled mirror. Buses used for transportation within the campground are all equipped with wheelchair lifts
Satellite Coverage at FW
A common question I hear is "What is the chance of getting a site that will give satellite TV coverage?" While I don't use satellite TV, folks I talk to say it's hit or miss on satt around FW due to the tree cover. After last years storms a lot of trees went down so older reports of good sites or loops may not be valid. With that said I see lots of folks with dishes out and the TV's in their coaches seem to have a great picture
RV Repair at FW
112 Celava Court
Kissimmee, FL 34743
Phone Number: (407) 348-0862
Fax: (407) 348-0862
Another mobile RV tech with good reviews is Protech Mobile RV Service & Repair.
Mobile Service (860) 803-2359
Available seven days a week mid December thru mid March.The rest of the year he is at his shop in Eastford, CT
Dump Stations (i.e. where do I get rid of the gray water)
Fort Wilderness is unusual in this respect, they do not have a dump station. For those of us who contain our gray water but do not get a full hook up site, just stop by the comfort station and call the reception outpost. FW cast members direct you to any vacant full hook up site to dump in.
As there are only 2 loops which do not have sewer connections this is not usually a problem. In my opinion it is just easier to pay a few extra dollars a day and get a sewer hook up.
Parking & Extra Vehicles
Fort Wilderness only allows the camping unit and one vehicle at each campsite. Any additional vehicles must be parked at the reception outpost parking lot. Cabins have two small spaces, really it's space for a car and a golf cart. Driving around the campground is discourage, and other than a few 15 minute spaces by the Meadows Trading Post there are no parking spaces in Fort Wilderness. Effective March 20, 2018 Disney ionstituted a parking fee for overnight guests at all of their properties. Fort Wilderness campsites are exempt for one vehicle, but a nightly fee will be charged for the cabins and vehicles parked int he overflow lot.
Electric Water Pageant
Each evening there is a wonderful parade on the waters of Walt Disney World. Passing Fort Wilderness at 9:45PM (ask when you check in, times may change) is a wonder of sight and sound. So grab your beverage of choice and wander on down to the waterfront to enjoy the show.
Fishing at Fort Wilderness
Catch and release fishing is allowed in the canals and ponds of Fort Wilderness. As a matter of fact you can rent poles and buy bait for your expedition. No State of Florida fishing license is required. For a little more action, the marinas at most resorts can arrange a boat fishing trip including guide.
Fort Wilderness "History"
I had to go back to my old Disney stuff to figure this out, and here is the "History of Fort Wilderness" as I know it:
Fort Wilderness opened November 19, 1971 on 750 acres between the Contemporary Resort and the Walt Disney World Village. At that time it had 231 camping sites including loops 100 - 600.
June 1973 added 481 sites, loops 700 - 1900
April 8, 1974 "Treasure Island" opened with a pirate theme
April 1974 Pioneer Hall opened
April 1976 Treasure Island renamed Discovery Island and became an accredited Zoological park
June 1976 added 113 sites, loops 2000 - 2100
June 1976 River Country opened
April 1979 added Creekside Meadow group camping area
December 1986 added 383 cabin sites, loops 2200 - 2800
June 2008 New "Premium" site level created with the conversion of existing sites
March 2016 2100 Loop converted from Cabins back to Full Hook Up Campsites
June 2019 Loops 600, 800, 900, 1000, 1400 designated Premium Meadow Campsites
* the current sites of cabins had rental Terry Trailers on them
For a look at older documents relating to Fort Wilderness, check out my Fort Wilderness Scans Web Page. If you have old menus, price lists or any printed matter from FW that would be of interest, contact me.
FW Photos
Mickey with a Musket
It appears that the last "Mickey with a musket" sign is still hanging over the Fort Wilderness marina dock. It's probably just a matter of time before this one is gone like all of the others.
The Wilderness Line Steam Train
During many of the early years Fort Wilderness had an actual railroad running around inside the campground. My 1978 Resort Guide states "This authentic, narrow gage steam train provides guests with a scenic journey across the length of Fort Wilderness. Resort guests may ride for $ .50 a day."
I'm sorry to say that it did not last long. I remember riding it on one of my earlier trips to Fort Wilderness. Apparently Disney found it too expensive to retain and removed it. All that is left is a section of track bed leading from "Fort Wilderness Trail" next to the 700 loop into the woods. I followed this for about 100 yards into the woods following the back of the 700 loop until weed growth and fallen trees blocked my path. If you take a look at the 1978 maps below you can see the entire train route.
A great site giving an overview of the train is the Fort Wilderness R. R. web site. Additional information on the Fort Wilderness Steam Train is available at startedbyamouse.com
Total Heresy, or Other Campgrounds in the Area
Fort Wilderness Maps
The maps are Copyright © The Walt Disney Co
Current FW Map Adobe PDF Format 1 Meg |
2003 FW Map Adobe PDF Format 5 Meg
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1978 Resort Guide FW Map Adobe PDF Format
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| Walt Disney World Property Map | 2011 Fort Wilderness rate card |
This page is not affiliated with The Walt Disney Company. The
information on this site is provided for information only..
For Official Disney information, visit the Disney
Web Page
Revised: May 27, 2018