Let’s assume you’ve got your bug spray, sunscreen, flashlights, fine camping china, tin foil, Mouse ears, holiday lights and hammocks packed and ready. There are a few other items that are special to camping at Fort Wilderness, and belong on your what-to-pack list. Many of these you would never need on other camping trips, or may usually buy them on a whim nearby. But they will likely be significantly more expensive at the trading posts or in the parks. There will be plenty of other opportunities for you to spend a lot of money. Let’s save some before we leave home.

1. S’mores Kits. Of course, you are going to the campfire show. S’mores kits are available for sale there, but at a premium. Pack your Hershey’s, graham crackers, marshmallows, and collapsible sticks before you go
2. Plastic rain ponchos. It will rain on your trip. Probably more than once a day. In fact, if you plan on going to the parks at all, wait until it rains and the crowds will be much lighter. But ponchos are high dollar in the park. Stop by the dollar store before your trip.
3. Spices. The trading posts sell salt and pepper, but nothing in the way of garlic salt, curry, Italian seasoning, or Montreal steak seasoning. Of course my favorite pepper of all, is  Tellicherry pepper.  Bring a bag of your favorites spices because some of the best meals will be at your campsite.
4. Blister pads. For your feet. You will need them.
5. Glow paint. Kids love to play at the Fort at night. Make it fun easier to keep up with them after you’ve started drinking.
6. Fanny pack. Yes, they are back, and the cool people are wearing them, like this Petunia Pickle Bottom Mickey belt bag. Mom jeans are back, too. So, 2019 is going to be a good year.
7. Tennis rackets. Most campgrounds don’t have tennis courts. The Fort has everything.  Bring your fishing poles, too.
8. Fan with white noise. The cool of the fan is going to be a welcome relief most months of the year. The white noise is a near necessity in busy Fort Wilderness (boat horns, buses, late night children).
9. Thrift store Disney apparel and toys. Make a couple of trips to Goodwill, and you will often find plenty of unused or barely used plush animals, Disney dolls, wands, toys and t-shirts. Spend just a few dollars, and you can dole out one a day.
10. Beer and wine. Get a whole box of wine for $17 (12-15 glasses), rather than paying $9 for one glass at one of the trading posts, or traveling 40 minutes round-trip to an off-site store.