When visiting Fort Wilderness, our hearts weep seeing vast swaths of our childhood memories wiped away. River Country – gone. Petting farm – wiped out. Mickey’s Backyard Barbecue – not even a watermelon seed remains. In their sacred places are cleared land, large construction equipment, and yucky fences.
Of course, better days are coming. I’m sure there’s a great, big beautiful tomorrow awaiting as our new neighbor, Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge prepares for her grand entrance . But the project isn’t slated for completion until 2022. That’s gonna feel like a veryveryveryvery long time.
Aerial view of site of Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge. Structure lower right is the new Tri-Circle-D Ranch horse stables. Inlet top center is former River Country site. pic.twitter.com/M8hij6oIL1
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) January 2, 2020
So, are we to simply avoid the Fort? Well, heavens to Betsy, no.
Of course not, here’s some ways to think ahead as you plan for 2020 and 2021.
reconsider loop 700
Normally, I’m in love with Cinnamon Fern Way. It’s the closest of all to Pioneer Hall. And the top of its banks are where you can find many of the remaining railroad ties from the train. But right now, there’s the beep-beep-beep of those giant Tonka trucks just as the dawn breaks. These may not quite be the sounds of the forest you were hoping for. Even some part of Loop 800 may sound like sleeping under Thunder Mountain once the actual building of Reflections commences.
For your reservation, you will be far enough away with any preferred (Loops 100-300), tent (Loops 1500 and 2000) or full hook-up sites (Loops 1600-1900). If you’ve chosen a premium loop, consider requesting a loop other than 700, or at least as close to the bus stop as you can (farther from the construction). (Related: Increase the Chances of Getting the Loop and Site that You Want).
HAY, there – check out the new barn
Here’s one way to look at the bright side. If you’re going this spring or summer, you’ll be among the very first to see the brand new barn. It is set to open this spring, although specific dates have yet to be announced. Located just across the street from the recently-demolished barn, it’ll hold many remnants of the past and a few surprises, I suspect.
On your way there, take a swing on the new playground (right smack-dab-a-doo in the middle of the Settlement Area).
PHOTOS: New Settlement Playground Unveiled at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground – https://t.co/TIrhPaELbe https://t.co/UjcH9LBcSD
— Playground News (@PlayNewsWire) January 28, 2020
take the road less traveled
Lesser-known by the masses of Disney World fanatics was that enchanted trail between Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge. With its lush, native Florida forest,, a long walk in near solitude was like the epitome of self-love. Almost like buying flowers for yourself (which everyone should do anyway). Welp, it’s temporarily closed, so it’s time to find a new place to walk or jog or get your chill on.
On recent trips, I’ve just used the straightaway from the Settlement to the Outpost for exercise or to still my sarcasm, and have more fully explored several loops where I’ve never stayed. Next time, I’ll venture further explore some other nearby trails that I otherwise never would have, including the trails at Port Orleans or perhaps the upcoming path from the Grand Floridian to the Magic Kingdom.
make it a game
Now, it’s kind of fun to peek through the tiny spaces in the gates to see the progress. It reminds me so much of watching the Imagineering Story series on Disney Plus, and the miraculous way in which the Magic Kingdom opened on time. Try to snag a picture when you can, or just turn it into a game.
If you’re with the kids, share your memories of River Country, and use Google to try to map out where the new resort is going. Take pictures every day from the boat or upper levels of the Contemporary to document progress during your stay. Observe and notice if there are a greater number of deer and other animals than usually due to habitat displacement. If you’re with grownups, well just play some version of “do a shot every time you overhear someone complain” about changes, construction, memories of River Country, etc.
decorate your campsite in memory of days gone by
One more fun idea. Throw up your own micro-version of Mickey’s Backyard Barbeque or River Country right in front of your trailer or tent. Be sure to join our Facebook group for Disney and southern camping and share a picture!
