Let’s be honest. Most us of that picture Disney World envision it with a big open sky shining down on a whole lot of concrete. (And, of course, all the imaginative wonders of a whole new world in between.) But what you might not know is that there is an RV-specific part of this world. And it’s wonderful. At Disney World’s Fort Wilderness Resort, you can relax under the shade of a cypress tree and immerse yourself in a lush wilderness teaming with wildlife.
Here, you can experience a unique brand of Disney culture — one specifically tailored to campers. And one reason the Fort Wilderness Resort is so great for RVers is that Disney has been doing this for a long time. Opening just one month after the Magic Kingdom in 1971, the Fort Wilderness Resort is as nearly as timeless and historic as Disney World itself.
So, if you’re thinking about a trip to Disney, rest assured: Both you and your rig are in for one magic RV ride.
Why Stay at the Fort Wilderness Resort?
What better way to shake off the crowds and long lines in the sun than sitting back under the shade of a pine forest? Disney World magic is constantly blooming with the radiant smiles of children (and adults), but it is also very very grand in scope. As anyone who has gone a single day into the magical world of Disney with troop of tiny enthusiasts, adventuring in the park can be as exhausting as it is fulfilling. Camping at the Fort Wilderness Resort gives you a chance to recover and recharge before jumping back in.
Nor is Fort Wilderness without magic of its own. Rather, the campground is a delightful mix of natural beauty and Disney enchantment. But at the Fort Wilderness Resort, with your RV in walking distance, you have options. You can put your feet up and recharge under the canopy of pine and cypress forests. Or you can step outside and participate in the fun. And there is fun aplenty — rides, pools, sing-a-longs, fishing, archery, and more!
Be Disney’s Guest: Camping Options Available
Spanning over 750 acres of forest, the Fort Wilderness Resort offers the best of the outdoors for those that want to feel some soft ground under their feet. There are 847 campsites for tents, trailers, and recreational vehicles. Generally speaking, the pine and cypress forests offer decent privacy and shade amongst the sites. All of the tent and RV sites can accommodate up to ten people.
- Tent or Pop-Up Sites. Ranging from $79 to $179 per night, these offer the best value stay in all of Disney World. They include electric hookup, water, and a concrete parking pad.
- RV Sites. Priced at $110 to $250 a night, there are four price tiers within that range depending on the size of the site, and its location within the resort. Here is a breakdown of these pricing categories with a map of the RV sites within the park. The RV sites all include a concrete pad with full hookup and can accommodate rigs of all sizes, even luxury Class As and fifth wheels.
- RV Rentals. RVs can be rented inside the park starting at $750 a night. Third-party companies will bring the RV to the park and set it up for you, but reservations with the park still need to be made in advance.
- Cabins. Starting at $360 a night the cabins can price as high as $800 a night. And if you really want to have some fun, you can rent a Disney-themed cabin for a night. (You’re kids will geek!) The cabins are approximately 500-square feet and can sleep six people. Inside you will find a double bed, bunk bed, and a pull-down bed. There is also a full kitchen and a full bathroom. (The kitchen will help to cut down on meal costs in the park.)
The Bear Necessities: Amenities On-Site
- Unique Recreation Activities. Canoeing, archery, and horseback riding are just a few of the unique activities you can partake in at Fort Wilderness.
- Pool. The pool has a corkscrew water slide and a whirlpool spa. Perfect for unwinding after a long hot day in the sun.
- Laundry. Both laundry and clean bath houses are available.
- Meadows Recreation Complex. Located in the center of the park, this complex offers swimming, tennis, volleyball and shuffleboard.
- Beautiful Cycling. Bike rentals, bicycle trails, and waterways are widespread within the park.
- Store. The Settlement Trading Post sells gifts, snacks, groceries and drinks.
- Boating. Boat rentals are accessible at the marina. Boat transportation to the Magic Kingdom is also available at the marina.
- Golf Carts. As you might have guessed, electric golf cart rentals are also available for those who may be a little weary after all that Disney World walking.
Hakuna Matata: No Worries for Pets
This is a pet friendly RV resort, but rooms and sites are charged an additional nightly fee for pets. Pets must be kept on a leash shorter than eight feet and have proof of up-to-date vaccinations. Fort Wildernesss Resort also offers day and overnight kennel care at Best Friends Pet Care. If you are bringing a pet, keep in mind that you will encounter some wildlife at the park including deer, armadillos, ducks, geese, and even peacocks.
Go the Distance: Booking Your Stay
Depending on the way you decide to camp, Fort Wilderness Resort may very well be one of the most expensive campgrounds in the U.S. But the reality is that it is also one of the most economical ways to book your Disney World vacation. Which makes the park a highly-coveted experience for many Disney World fans. So, saying this in a less sinister tone than Scar: Be prepared. Your tent or RV site can be booked 499 days in advance, and if you’re planning on booking an extended stay, you will want to book as far in advance as possible to guarantee your site. For help booking your stay, you can call Disney at (407) 939-5277. You can also make a reservation online.
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