Day 1 (this will include our travel to the Fort)
After quite the dilemma getting Kim's new car ready to tow, we left home home at 6 am, November 27 for the Fort.
Little traffic made for a relaxing drive down 95.
Stopped at South of the Border for supper. A nice stop, a tourist attraction. Ate supper, and had a major problem after that. Came out of the restaurant, and there was a guy with a sombrero sitting on our RV.
After that, traveled on. Kim was driving, she stopped in a parking lot that I just didn't feel comfortable in. After a little while, I drove on. Made it into Florida and stopped at a rest stop. Lots of trucks and RV's there. Great few hours rest.
Day 2
Sunday, November 28. Stopped at Cracker Barrel for breakfast. 1st time I ever ate there. It was OK, nothing special. Back on the road.
Turned off of 95 onto 4. The excitement and anticipation begins to build.
Following GPS and Coachnet directions, we search for an exit that doesn't exist. We pull into downtown Orlando and I find a parking lot to get out the old fashioned map. OK, Disney is on 4, no need to get off in Orlando. Onward west we head.
3 Disney exits ahead. I remember reading on DISboards that we take the 3rd exit. I did just that. Then we saw the Magic kingdom Sign. What a view. We made it. 1st right after the gates, and onto the Fort.
Day 2...Fort Arrival
It was about 11:30 am. Not sure if we could get in. Got to the entrance, and got in line. The line could have been a mile long. I wouldn't have cared. WE MADE IT.
Check in was lengthy. (online didn't work). Settled for a site in the 1400 loop instead of our requested 400 loop.
"Make a right at the 4 way stop sign." Glad we weren't the only ones that screwed that up. The 4 way stop is after the parking lot and entrance area.
92 degrees when we got set up. Met the maintenance guy, Nelson, just after setting up. Sites were immaculate. We all got showers and got settled in. Great time for my first beer in Florida.
Let's try out the transportation system. Headed to Downtown Disney for the afternoon. Shopping. Not much more to say about it. Cooked on charcoal for the first time in years. Bed early....long day to follow.
Day 3
Up early and headed to Magic Kingdom. Found our way to the boat dock and got our first real view of some of the features of Fort Wilderness.
Made me want to do a lot more Fort exploring. We were early and took the first boat to the Contemporary and then took the monorail to Magic Kingdom. Got there for the rope drop. From that moment on, the park was magical. .After a long day, headed back to the Fort and cooked on the charcoal, again. explored the Meadows Trading Post and the Meadows Recreation Area.
Headed to the marina for the fireworks show.
A good view in a relaxing atmosphere. We stayed for the electric water parade, which was OK but just OK.
Took the yellow bus back to the 1400 loop and relaxed for the rest of the evening. With all of us being animal lovers, the excitement was building for tomorrow's trip to animal kingdom .
Day 4
OK, now we know how the buses work. Got to Animal Kingdom before the rope drop. Kind of lost the crowd after we got in. Headed to "It's Tough to be a Bug." Our 8 year old was terrified and had to leave. But it was a great show. Back to the Fort. Kim and kids went swimming, I fought with charcoal.
After dinner, we browsed around the campground. Headed to the Chip'n Dale Campfire. 8 year old was selected to lead Chip 'n Dale down the isle to the sing along.
I have to say, that was the first time I did the Hokey Pokey since the grade school skating parties. A great time all around. Back to the site for more relaxing.
Day 5
Maybe I shouldn't say this, but we headed to Sea World. Caught the Dolphin and Bird Show there. That was amazing.
After a long day, headed back to the Fort. Tried to make reservations for Hoop De doo.
Day 6
This is the day I was personally waiting for. Mickey's Christmas Party. Hung out at the Fort most of the day. Did the morning craft. A Disney coloring page with a stick to make it into a mask. Enough said. Got to the party.
It's a must if you ask me. Got back to the Fort and went to bed.
Fireworks video available with no sound. Long loud time, ask if interested.
Day 7
"Epcot is the Best". That's what we heard. It's Friday, today's the day we go. Ummm, gates open at 9, everything inside opens at 11. Kim Possible is a waste of time. Nemo ride was neat, as well as the land ride. Soarin was packed. We'll return. Back to the Fort. Got back in time to make a t-shirt. Did some exploring. Fort has a lot to offer itself. Canoeing, Segways, Fishing, Hiking, Swimming, nature, the Fort has it all.
Day 8
Goin to Hollywood Studios. It was packed. Spent a few hours, then headed back to the Fort.
Day 9
Extra magic hours at Hollywood Studios. Fort day then head to the parks. Tye Dye Mickey shirt for the activity. Pricey but I expected that. It was fun. Headed to the Studios for the Christmas lights.
Everyone else had that idea too. Back to the Fort, our trip is winding down.
Day 10
Time to fill in what we missed. Hit Epcot and Soarin. Back to the Fort. Decided to rent a golf cart for the last 2 days of our trip. Had reservations for Trails' End at the Fort for dinner. Well worth it. After dinner, we checked out the Christmas decorations with the golf cart. Well worth it once again.
Day 11
Had to hit Hollywood and Toy Story. Took the golf cart to the outpost. Stood there, and stood there. 6 Epcot buses later, I looked at Kim and said, "we have the car and the parking pass, why don't we use it. " Back to the site and in to the car. No idea what happened to the bus, but the outpost was packed with people wondering the same thing. Got to the park, got back and explored the Christmas lights by golf cart one more time. Time for relaxing at our site.
Day 12
Not much to say. Sadness sets in. The trip is over.
Various Pics....
We were first timers.....we had questions............
Is it easy to find?
From the east, stay on 4, regardless of GPS or other mapping services. Take the Magic Kingdom or 3rd Disney exit.
What if I get there before check-in?
No problem, just get in line. We were at our site by noon.
Is there WiFi?
Yes, $10 a day at the trading posts, or head to McDonalds and get it for free.
I forgot something....
Well stocked but pricey supplies are available. Pricey is common at all campgrounds.
Do I need a car to get around?
The Disney transport service is impressive. It only let us down once in our stay. Be aware, the buses will be crowded in the evening hours for the Hoop De Doo, Backyard Barbecue, and Campfire Sing Along. I personally believe Disney should run buses from other resorts direct to those activities.
Other than that, a car will only be need if you plan on leaving the campground itself. To get around the campground, rent a golf cart, walk, or take the bus. Parking is limited for cars at the main campground locations.
What about dinner?
We were told to get tickets for Mickeys Christmas Party. We did that. I wish we would have known about the Hoop De Doo Review and Mickey's Backyard Barbecue. It seems the since the other resort guests visit these attractions, reservations are required, WELL AHEAD OF TIME. We were able to get Trails' End reservations, and the 9:30 show for Hoop De Doo was available, but other than that. forget it.
How do I get back in to the Fort?
Easy, although we had no idea from what we were told.
You will get a card, with your name on it. This is your "key to the world". This is also your gate card for the fort.
What about dirty clothes?
Plenty of laundry areas. $2.00 per load.
Can we see the fireworks?
Yes, from the beach. However, don't know if you can be there at night, but take the nature trail behind the trading post to the lake. This will give you a clear view of the castle. Wish we would have found this before our last day there.
Campfires?
I guess if you bring your own fire ring.
Would I do it again?
Hell yea. But I would heed the above info and be more prepared.
Conclusion.....
Fort Wilderness lives up to it's expectations and beyond. It has everything you could ask for and more. It is a resort, so some prices may be high. It is very quiet, relaxing, and well equipped to enjoy Disney World, any way you wish. I can honestly say, I could spend a week there without ever leaving the campground.
I hope you enjoyed this blog. It was my first attempt and I may be adding more to it in the future.
