Under the stars: Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Today we’re thrilled to have a special guest from Disney on the Expedia Viewfinder blog. Today’s guest blogger, Kay Belin, a Disney Parks Moms Panelist, tells us all about Fort Wilderness Resort, located just outside of Orlando, Florida. Read her post below and find out more about the Disney Parks Moms Panel at the bottom.

Looking for a decidedly different Disney experience? A hidden gem at Walt Disney World Resort is the beautiful Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. If you are looking for something a bit more peaceful and relaxing, this is the place to book. They offer comfortable cabins that can sleep up to six, including a complete kitchen, one bathroom, deck, picnic table, and grill that is “magically” cleaned daily. Grocery delivery service is also available, so all a guest needs to do is check in and start their vacation. For those who want to bring their home with them, there are many loops designated just for recreational vehicles or tents. The beauty of bringing your home on wheels is that this is the only way you can let your four-legged friends join you on a Disney vacation.

The resort is full of fun and provides a variety of opportunities that no other Disney resort can offer. After a busy day in the parks you can return to try your luck at fishing or take a canoe ride through the canals. Two pools, horseback riding, and a marina offer other recreation choices. Take a Segway tour or sign up for archery lessons and relive the great Disney/Pixar movie, Brave. Try not to miss the famous Chip ‘N Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long and movie each night under the stars. It starts with the opportunity to make the delicious campfire treat, s’mores. You can purchase all the necessary ingredients right there so you just need to bring your enthusiasm – and appetite! 

Trails End is a full-service restaurant with take-out service available if you choose not to cook. This resort is also home to two of the best dining events in Walt Disney World, Hoop Dee Doo Revue and Mickey’s Backyard Barbecue, where you can dance and sing with your favorite characters.

Disney offers complimentary transportation to all parks and locations on property, whether by boat or bus. For added fun, rent a golf cart for your stay to get around and explore all ends of the resort property. As you take a spin through the loops, watch for the “locals” – deer, armadillos, turkey, and more. They are an exciting addition to the fabulous five: Mickey, Donald, Minnie, Pluto, and Goofy!

My favorite time is often the end of the day in Fort Wilderness. Head to the beach and find a spot to sit and watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks above the trees. The music is piped-in, making it one of the most relaxing – and truly undiscovered – locations to view this spectacular show. Stay seated as the Electric Water Parade follows around 9:45 p.m.

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is often overlooked by park guests. You do not have to be staying there to come and enjoy the amenities! Take time out of your next Orlando vacation to explore this unique property at Walt Disney World.

Kay Belin is a member of the 2013 Disney Parks Moms Panel. Panelists have received/will receive a Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, Disneyland Resort or Disney Vacation Club vacation for panelist and up to three family members and/or park tickets for their participation on the Walt Disney World® Moms Panel. The views expressed in the Panel are those of the panelists, who are independent contractors. These views are not intended to reflect the opinions of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Online, its affiliates, its management, its agents or its employees and have not been reviewed or approved by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Online prior to posting.