When you think of a Walt Disney World resort, you’re probably thinking grandeur, luxury, and extravagance. Maybe you’re not, but you’re probably NOT thinking campground. Yes, Walt Disney World Resort is home to fabulous campsites and rustic cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort.
Some of my favorite childhood memories were made while camping at Fort Wilderness. We would hitch up our little camper and spend a long weekend in the great outdoors; sometimes not even visiting one of the theme parks! Since our little blue camper is gone, and tent camping is a no-go for this princess, we now enjoy staying in the cozy cabins. The cabins can comfortably sleep 6 people, and are equipped with their own fully-functioning kitchen as well as a bathroom.

Cabin Layout
If you’re a fan of the outdoors and nature, then this is the resort for you. Outdoor activities abound at Fort Wilderness! From horseback riding to kayaking and canoeing, there is something for every adventurer in your group. You can even channel your inner Princess Merida and sign up for an archery lesson! The Meadow Swimmin’ Pool is definitely splashtastic and can be enjoyed by all. On our last trip, my 2 year old had a blast splish-splashing in the water-play area. She loved sliding down the waterslide that was just the right size for little ones! Older kids (and kids at heart) will enjoy the 67-foot-long corkscrew waterslide into the main pool.

Archery Lessons – Photo by Disney Parks
One of the benefits of staying at Fort Wilderness is the ability to prepare your own meals – which is a plus for this budget conscious mom. Evening cookouts are a great way to take a break from the parks and relax in the beautiful surroundings of the campground. Don’t feel like cooking while you’re on vacation? No problem! Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort is home to one of the most popular dinner shows on property – The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue. This show is full of singin’, dancin’, and finger-lickin’ fried chicken the whole family will love! Another of my family’s favorite places to round up some chow is at the Trail’s End Restaurant. There we feast on an all-you-care-to-enjoy smorgasbord of barbecue, hand-carved meats, southern side fixin’s, and of course the scrumptious fruit cobbler. Since it’s just a boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom Park, we make a stop there even when we’re not staying at Fort Wilderness.

Hoop- Dee-Doo Musical Revue, Disney Photo Imaging
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort doesn’t die down just because the sun sets; it has MANY evening activities to keep settlers entertained. We love to mosey on over to Chip ‘N’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long where we roast marshmallows over an open fire, sing some favorite campfire tunes, and hang out with those two crazy chipmunks! After all that fun, you can stick around and watch a favorite Disney movie under the stars. However, one of my most beloved Walt Disney World Resort traditions is to head down to the beach of Bay Lake and catch the Electrical Water Pageant. The show is classic and hasn’t changed since I was a young kid, so it evokes some Walt Disney World nostalgia. During the parade, lively music plays as giant sea creatures light up the lake. The end of the show is a wonderfully patriotic tribute with American flags and sparkling stars. Don’t leave right after the parade ends; you have a perfect view of the fireworks from the Wishes Nighttime Spectacular that takes place at Magic Kingdom Park. What a fantastic way to cap off your evening!

Chip ‘n’ Dale Campfire Sing-Along – photo by Jennifer Gorum
So, friends, the next time you’re planning a visit to Walt Disney World Resort, consider the Campsites or Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. It’s the only place where this princess will delightfully “rough it!”

Wishes from Ft. Wilderness – photo by Jennifer Gorum
Great write Kelly! I never knew this existed and we love the outdoors. This is perfect for when O is old enough to go. Thanks for the great information!!!!
Yay! I’m so glad you found it helpful. This would definitely be a great place for your little family to go!