As most of us know, Walt Disney passed away in 1966 from lung cancer. This was well before Disney World opened in 1971. He never saw his vision of a campground at Disney World come to fruition. We can only imagine what his thoughts would have been about the campground, and how Fort Wilderness might be different had he lived another 20 years. In this hypothetical, fictional interview, I’ve taken some questions about the Fort, and answered them using quotes attributed to Walt Disney.
Wilderness Princess (WP): Mr. Disney, Fort Wilderness has grown into one of the most popular campgrounds in America. What’s the secret of its success?
Walt Disney (WD): I suppose my formula might be: dream, diversity and never miss an angle.
WP: Well, it’s easy to miss the 1970s and 1980s at Fort Wilderness, which included the River Country water park. And now there’s going to be a new lodge nearby. Why do things have to change?
WD: We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things . . . Times and conditions change so rapidly that we must keep our aim constantly focused on the future.
PW: Is it really possible for Fort Wilderness to be even better than it already is?
WD: I’m always thinking of what’s wrong with the thing and how it can be improved. That is how I generate some of my best ideas.
WP: There are far more woodlands than concrete in Fort Wilderness, and far more untamed forests than pretty landscaped areas. Do you think that the campground should have a greater abundance of formal and refined details?
WD: I don’t like formal gardens. I like wild nature. It’s just the wilderness instinct in me, I guess.
WP: Which animal that is commonly spotted at Fort Wilderness is the most interesting to you?
WD: There’s nothing funnier than the human animal.
PW: Are there ever any celebrities or well-known political figures who camp at Fort Wilderness? Or even just very big-time bloggers and influencers? Do they get to do very special things that others don’t – like spend a night in Cinderella Castle?
WD: I have no use for people who throw their weight around as celebrities, or for those who fawn over you just because you are famous.
PW: What is there to do in Fort Wilderness beyond the pools, bikes, looping, arcade, canoes, and nightly movies?
WD: When you’re curious, you find lots of interesting things to do.
WP: Is there a secret hidden treasure somewhere in Fort Wilderness?
WD: There is more treasure in books than in all the pirates’ loot on Treasure Island and at the bottom of the Spanish Main.
WP: Will I need to rent a golf cart in Fort Wilderness? I don’t want my kids to get too tired or hot from so much walking and biking and general over-exertion.
WD: I didn’t treat my own youngsters like fragile flowers, and I think no parent should.
PW: Then what about grown-ups? I’ve noticed that so many people without kids come to camp at Fort Wilderness? Wasn’t Disney World created for kids?
WD: You’re dead if you aim only for kids. Adults are only kids grown up, anyway
WP: Not trying to get into politics today, but what do we need more of in America?
WD: In my view, wholesome pleasure, sport, and recreation are as vital to this nation as productive work and should have a large share in the national budget.
WP: I understand I can make a reservation up to 499 days in advance for Fort Wilderness, but that some prime times fill up quickly. I’m not even sure how to start. Any tips?
WD: The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.
PW: I let my teenagers
What’s your favorite animal at Fort Wilderness:
WD:
