There’s nothing like an old-fashioned picnic to heal those social distancing blues. Over the last few months, I’ve relished sunset tailgates on the beach, appetizers on top of a parking garage under a full moon, and sushi beside a scenic railway in rural Georgia. Oh, and I’ve had homemade Chicken Divan and S’Mores Pie riverside at the Fort Wilderness Meadows. Under that dreamy old oak tree.

What many people don’t know is that there’s quite an abundance of little picnic areas at Disney’s Fort Wilderness. Now, getting the food from your campsite kitchen (or to-go restaurant) to your picnic paradise is easy if you have a golf cart. Otherwise, if you’re walking or taking the bus, you’ll want to keep it light.

But with a golf cart, there’s no reason you can’t do your entire holiday meal off the beaten path. Here’s a few of my favorite clandestine gems.

One. the old oak tree

This one (photo above) is my favorite for a lot of reasons. It fits the bill for romance but also has enough yard space to be kid-friendly. When we had dinner here back in the summer, the youngins dropped their fishing poles in the water from the nearby pier. It’s also within an easy walking distance from Loop 900, my usual favorite in the premium category. Location: Go out the back door of the Meadow Trading Post and turn left. It’s about 100-150 feet away down on the canal.

TWO. FORT WILDERNESS WELCOME

Sitting most strategically on the main path between the Settlement and the Marina is a lone picnic table. This one is unique because of its 360-degree view of people coming and going as well as the lake and the Settlement area. A prime pick for a first-timer who wants to soak it all in. An excellent choice for P&J’s Southern Takeout.

Location: Path to Clementine’s Beach in Settlement Area. Convenient to Trail’s End and P&J’s Takeout.

Three. Meadows back porch

I like this one for some of the same reasons that I love the nearby Old Oak Tree. This one gets a lot of traffic from the Meadows Trading Post, but is also a safe bet if storm clouds are looking iffy.

Location: Back porch of Meadows Trading Post

four. bay lake breeze

During normal times (any year other than 2020), this area gets quite busy during fireworks shows. But it’s a wonderful people-watching hangout for a lunch picnic or late night drinks.

Location: Marina

five. home on the range

Pony up to the Tri-Circle-D ranch at the Outpost and eat your vittles while watching the horses and trail riders.  Most cowpokes don’t even realize there are picnic tables here, front and center.

Location: Outpost

six. meadows crosspath

This is just one of several picnic tables interspersed near the Meadow Pool. Nearby are a few in front of the bike barn. I’ve yet to see anyone use them for a meal, but I think this one would be terrific for a little family birthday shindig in the spring.

Location: Outside main entrance of Meadow Pool.

seven. king of the hill

This one is a fantastic place to bring a blanket during late summer or early fall and have a little dinner as the moon rises. At night, it’s a little darker than the surrounding Outpost area – so it’s like you can see everyone, but they can hardly see you. It’s also a favorite spot for deer late at night.

Location: Between Outpost parking lot and Vista Boulevard.

eight. meadows pool Pavillion

While you can’t take food and beverages too close to the pool, you can enjoy your homemade grub at the picnic tables in the covered area. There are several tables in this area, as this is located right by the Meadows Snack Bar. Even though I’ve eaten many a snack bar pizza here, we’ve also had our own lunches of Cranberry Chicken Salad, homemade Boma Pasta Salad, and fruit.

Location: Meadows Swimming Pool

nine. wilderness pool (quiet pool)

To me, the Wilderness Swimmin’ Hole is one of the most enchanted areas of all of Fort Wilderness with its oak trees dripping in Spanish moss. It’s also known informally as the “no-rules” pool. Most of the time, you’re not going to have much of a problem bringing a light meal and eating at one of the tables. I’ve often seen sultry couples enjoying late-night wine at the tables near the hot tub.

Location: Wilderness Swimmin’ Hole

ten. crockett’s tavern porch

This is prime real estate right outside the arcade and Crockett’s Tavern. And it’s one of the harder ones to snag during busy times because it’s so perfect for its convenience to P&J’s Takeout (chicken dinner for four, y’all).

Location: Trail’s End/Crockett’s Tavern in Settlement

Related: The Most Secluded Campsites at Fort Wilderness