We stay on Disney property 2-4 times a year. As passholders and locals, it’s fun finding deals on Disney World resort properties throughout the year. We often stay on property for each child’s birthday and for a summer staycation (to help break up the long hot days here in Orlando). Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground is one of our go-to locations for staycations each and every year. This Disney World resort is so different from the others for a variety of reasons and it keeps us coming back for more. While we do have family that brings their RV to this property we opt for the cabins.
Full disclosure I am not the camping type so cabins will always be my option, but I hear great things about camping on site! Here’s a rundown of what it’s like to vacation at the Fort Wilderness cabins and how you can make the most of this amazing Disney property.
The Atmosphere of the Fort Wilderness Cabins and Campgrounds
You’re in the wilderness and it feels like you’ve completely left Florida (outside of the summertime heat, of course). This might be my favorite thing about this property, the full immersive wilderness vibe. Here in Florida, we know swamplands and acreage, but a cabin in the woods at this level is not common for many, Floridian or not.
The cabin vibe is not just on the outside it’s also on the inside. Every part of the cabin feels like it should because in true Disney fashion they got everything right. I love waking up in the morning and bringing my cabin coffee cup in my jammies on the porch for a sip in the woods to start the day. We also barbecue and cook meals in the full-size kitchen in the cabins at least once each visit. Each cabin has a grill, so I suggest running to the store for a home cooked meal with family!
The location and transportation are ideal. From the Wilderness campgrounds, you can catch a boat ride to the Magic Kingdom and you can catch boat rides to both the Wilderness Lodge and The Contemporary Resort. We love taking the boat to all of these locations to admire the other resorts and get quick access to the Magic Kingdom by avoiding the parking lot altogether. During our last trip, we had breakfast reservations at the Lodge and took a quick boat ride over, such a great option! In the evening we make sure to catch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the lakeside area at least once during our stay. The view of the fireworks is fantastic and you feel the cool breeze coming off the water while you enjoy it. I made sure the boys had their mini fold-up mini chairs for the lakeside event.
Resort tip: the buses take you all over the property as it’s a very large place with multiple areas to enjoy. I would opt for a golf cart rental. However, if that isn’t doable be sure to allow time for the bus ride from your cabin to the boat dock, to the pool, and anywhere else you decide to explore. There are maps with color-coded buses to show you which bus to take to which spot within the property.
Dining at Disney’s Fort Wilderness
Southern food and southern entertainment. Trails End is a southern themed buffet with service that is in true southern hospitality behavior. Be sure to get all you can eat because you can’t take any food home. If you don’t have room for dessert there is a separate area to order dessert to-go. My mouth is watering thinking about this southern fixings dinner. Next door you’ll find the Hoop-dee-do-revue and can hear the music from time to time. We’ve not yet experienced the dinner show, but I hear rave reviews. Now I think I need to make a trip to Trails End just for the bread pudding and banana pudding! Mickey’s Backyard BBQ is held here too, but I hear it’s ending?
Activities at Disney’s Fort Wilderness
Animals and poolside fun. There is so much to do on this property that you won’t want to leave… you might even have to force yourself to get on the boat to go to the theme parks. There’s a petting area with animals, horse rides (for an additional fee) and multiple pools. The kiddie pool area is one of our favorite pools of all Disney properties. You’ll find a large pool beside the kid splash area and round the clock poolside games happening. From seeing the ponies to enjoying a bite poolside we can spend an entire afternoon on property easily.
Tip: I would highly recommend booking a stay at a Fort Wilderness cabin during Halloween or Christmas. The headless horseman makes an appearance on the property during Halloween! During Christmas everyone decorates and it’s a sight to see. From the cabins to the RV’s to the golf carts decked in holiday lights the Disney Wilderness campsites are something to see during the season. We drive around to see everyone’s inflatables and lights, it’s like a magical wilderness wonderland!
Campfires with Chip and Dale. Every evening you can sing along with Chip and Dale before roasting your own marshmallows. Remember when I mentioned you are truly immersed in the woods? This is just a part of the fun! There’s time to dance with the characters, take photos, and get your smores complete before the fireworks begin. Be sure to check the schedule to verify the character greeting in case of changes.
Overall Thoughts on Disney’s Fort Wilderness Cabins and Campgrounds
I have so much love for this Disney property and could chat about it for days. We enjoy each Disney resort, but there’s only a couple we truly can’t get enough of. The Disney Fort Wilderness Cabins and Campgrounds are such fun and so immersive we make it a staycation must each year. If you’re not sold on the property I suggest making dining reservations. This gives you a check to take a property tour or catching the boat from the other surrounding properties to get a look at everything they have to offer.
You can find me pushing a double stroller through the magic most days.
I’m a toddler boy mom that has a passion for Florida living and all things Disney! As a Florida native and self proclaimed Disney staycation pro, I look forward to guiding you through the magic.