A closer look at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds, and why it may be the best spot in Disney World for families to stay.
Disney World offers a variety of accommodation options. On-site, you have Deluxe Villas, Deluxe Resorts, Moderate Resorts, and Value Resorts, each with its unique theme and opportunities. But none are quite like Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds.
Located on 750 acres, the rustic-themed resort offers both Disney Vacation Club Cabins as well as campground opportunities where you can use an RV or a tent. Aside from the overnight accommodations, the resort is home to a variety of recreation and activities you won’t find anywhere else on the property.
Here’s why Fort Wilderness might just be the best Disney World resort for families.
Disney’s Fort Wilderness for Families
With a prime location in the Magic Kingdom Resort Area, Fort Wilderness offers a resort stay that is both conveniently located to the theme parks, but also feels a world away. With its rustic accommodations and endless activities, there is truly something for everyone of every age at Fort Wilderness.
Recreation and Activities
From fishing to horseback riding, there is so much you can do at Disney’s Fort Wilderness.
Tri-Circle-D Ranch
One of the crown jewels of Fort Wilderness is Tri-Circle-D Ranch, home to breeds like Appaloosas, Arabians, Belgians, Clydesdales, Percherons, Quarter Horses, and Shetland Ponies. It’s also where you’ll see the Dragon Calliope—a horse-drawn musical instrument Walt Disney purchased in the 1950s for the Mickey Mouse Club Circus Parade at Disneyland.
Guests can book:
- Pony rides
- Horseback trail rides
- Carriage rides
- Wagon rides
Outdoor Recreation
Beyond the ranch, Fort Wilderness offers activities for every age:
- Fishing excursions on Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon
- Archery lessons
- Bike rentals
- Kayak and canoe rentals
- Playgrounds and volleyball courts
Photo by Jeff Chiu
All of the available activities make it ideal for those who want to spend time outside of the parks. If you’re looking to do Disney World without just visiting the theme parks, there are opportunities galore here.
Fort Wilderness DVC Cabins
Along with the opportunity to camp or use an RV, Fort Wilderness also offers cabin accommodations. The resort has always offered cabin accommodations, but they have recently undergone a major makeover. The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness are a new Disney Vacation Club Resort, with the first phase currently open to guests. Each cabin sleeps up to six (with some dog-friendly ones even available), with a bedroom, bathroom, full kitchen, and living area.
Photo by Morgan Flaherty
With full floor-to-ceiling windows and a welcoming porch outdoors, the cabins truly feel like a home-away-from-home nestled in the wilderness. There’s perhaps no more relaxing way to wind down from a long day in the parks than getting to enjoy some snacks out on the porch in the tranquil woods with your family. And with enough space to accommodate everyone, these are a great option for families that want to forgo two rooms at a typical hotel.
Easy Access to Magic Kingdom
Fort Wilderness is just a scenic boat ride away from Magic Kingdom. Guests share ferry service with nearby Wilderness Lodge, offering a peaceful alternative to buses for the most-visited park. For EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom, complimentary bus transportation is available.
Accommodations for All Budgets
Because Fort Wilderness is home to both the cabins and the campsites, you’ll find the right accommodations for you and your budget. While pricing will change based on the dates of your visit, a tent or pop-up campsite will cost around $80+ per night, sleeping up to ten. A campsite for an RV will start around $115 per night for the most basic, and can range up to a price starting at $143. The DVC Cabins are currently available to book through DVC points (your own or rented), or the Disney World website.
Thank you to Disney for hosting us during the DVC Cabins at Fort Wilderness media event including a preview of the new cabins, a tour of Tri-Circle D Ranch Stable, a Fishing Excursion on Bay Lake, and a Golf Cart rental.
