Mr. Rogers, Change at Fort Wilderness, and Being a Good Camping Neighbor

Our favorite neighbor, Mr. Fred Rogers, would have been 91 today (March 20). Born under the sun sign of Pisces, the children’s television star is the portraiture of a person who is unselfish, relentlessly compassionate, and able to rise above ego to resolve conflict. Among his most famous of quotes is “There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind.The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.” Had he not passed away in 2003 – prior to the social media explosion, I imagine that his wisdom would have helped to offset or heal some of today’s rampant relational aggressions and glaring ignorances. Nevertheless, he left us with important lessons about being a good neighbor (even at a campground) and learning not to fear change.

Disney’s Fort Wilderness is dear to many of us who spent our childhoods there, playing freely in an idealistic yet simple natural setting. It seemed a million miles from the dizzy glitz of the Magic Kingdom. For those who remember the early days of the Fort in the 1970s (and the 30-somethings who pretend that they did), the permutations may feel more onerous. At the heart of our fears are the impact that the new Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Resort will have on Fort Wilderness. Questions in our minds across Disney-focused social media boards include these:

Will there be any beach left for campers, or will the new resort take it all?
Are “they” wanting to get rid of Fort Wilderness altogether?
Will Disney put the walking trail to Wilderness Lodge back?
Will the new resort take over the Fort Wilderness Settlement area?
Where will the new barn be built? Is Pioneer Hall relocating, as has long been discussed?

Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else. ~ Fred Rogers

Every day, the rumors and answers (by both the well-educated and rather uneducated) to these change, evolve, and switch. If you’ve ever had a leading role on a major construction project, then you know that the diagrams and plans of six months ago, and even those of last week, are likely to change as a project comes to life. Yet, we persist in our vexation. Mr. Rogers addressed a make-believe but parallel situation all the way back in 1968. In one of the earliest episodes, King Friday is so consumed with fear that he puts a barbed-wire fence around the castle, thinking that this will protect it from both change and those that he considers to be threatening. The neighborhood responds with messages of peace and love, and King Friday’s worries fade, resulting in him tearing down his fence. (The Monitor, June 2018).

Geyser Point View — View from Geyser Bar & Grill

We can take comfort in remembering that uneasiness associated with the development of Wilderness Lodge in the early 1990s was quickly alleviated upon its opening. The trail from Fort Wilderness to the Lodge is the embodiment of tranquility and Old Florida. And Geyser Point at Wilderness Lodge is arguably the most soothing and picturesque bar on all of Disney property. We should wish to adore our new neighbor so much.

Even though no human being is perfect, we always have the chance to bring what’s unique about us to live in a redeeming way.~ Fred Rogers

Another common angst relates to the possible influx of hundreds more guests into Fort Wilderness. As we’ve grown up, we’ve noticed that our loop neighborhood has changed a little as well. The kids seem to be playing in the street more. Young adults are staying up past midnight, punctuating the white noise of the busses with boozy laughter. Teens seem to think of themselves as invincible as they speed along in golf carts up to 15 mph!

My, oh my, how soon we forget the antics of our own youths.

Like Walt Disney, Mr. Rogers strongly expressed that we should maintain youth in our hearts, and not grow into rigid, self-righteous woebegones. In living with our neighbors (and their wild children), Mr. Rogers would take it back again to kindness, compassion for the imperfections of others, and inclusiveness. Imagine if we responded to our annoyances and conflicts with a kind word rather than reproach (even half of the time). Then we would truly have a beautiful day in the neighborhood.