Now that Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge has reached five floors and continues to climb, it’s not easily ignored any more. The distance between it and the Trail’s End Restaurant at Fort Wilderness can be measured in feet instead of miles.
As it looms in the backdrop, the sounds of wild turkeys and frontier music playing on hidden speakers are drowned out by hammering and drills.
So what’s a princess who loves the serenity of Fort Wilderness to do?
Let’s think about the now and the future.
Plan Your Loop
While loops the original 100-300 loops are usually among my favorites, they are within close range of the current construction. So think about getting closer to the Meadows Pool or even the Outpost area at the other end.
I’m thinking Loops 1300 (if you still want to be near the action), or the backside of Loop 1100 (a very large loop). Of course, anything in Loops 1600, 1700, 1800 and 1900 are going to be very well removed. These typically aren’t my favorites, but as full hook-up loops, their pricing is lower than the premium and premium Meadows loops.
If you’re in the cabins, you’re in good shape. They are located on the Outpost end and far enough from the Settlement Area where the construction looms large.
Find your peaceful place
Not to downplay the construction, but I would never cancel or postpone a trip to Fort Wilderness because of it.
Spend your day at the parks, where you can seek out the tranquility (and boredom) of the Hall of Presidents or the gentle, quiet ride of the People Mover.
Or chill out at the quieter pool at Fort Wilderness, located near Loop 2800 in the cabin area.
By the time the sun sets, construction crews will be long gone, and Fort Wilderness turns back into the firefly-lit magical swampland.
Thinking of the Future
So what shall we do when this thing is finished and there are suddenly up to 3600 new people next door? That’s assuming it’s really going to be 900 rooms and there are four per room.
Well, remember Wilderness Lodge is even bigger (around 1100 rooms), and there are un-people places. My favorite is the Carolwood Train Room.
Hopefully, Disney’s Lakeside Lodge will have its own hidden areas for solitude.
And the most peaceful adventure of all is that 7am fishing tour on Bay Lake. Now you know.
Will they take over fort wilderness?
I’m thinking all 3600 aren’t going to stampede Fort Wilderness. That’s because we’re thinking it’s probably going to be the best pool in all of WDW, and they’ll ALL be on that lazy river.
So in a way, think of it as having River Country back but really, really tall.
Old River Country ticket booth (now demolished).
I understand that change is inevitable, but as someone who’s been visiting Fort Wilderness since the 1970s, it’s definitely bittersweet. That said, I trust Disney will continue to do what they do best. One thing I’m curious about—will there be golf cart parking available on the Lodge property?
While loops the original 100-300 loops are usually among my favorites, they are within close range of the current construction. So think about getting closer to the Meadows Pool or even the Outpost area at the other end.
I’m thinking Loops 1300 (if you still want to be near the action), or the backside of Loop 1100 (a very large loop). Of course, anything in Loops 1600, 1700, 1800 and 1900 are going to be very well removed. These typically aren’t my favorites, but as full hook-up loops, their pricing is lower than the premium and premium Meadows loops.
If you’re in the cabins, you’re in good shape. They are located on the Outpost end and far enough from the Settlement Area where the construction looms large.
By the time the sun sets, construction crews will be long gone, and Fort Wilderness turns back into the firefly-lit magical swampland.
Hopefully, Disney’s Lakeside Lodge will have its own hidden areas for solitude.
And the most peaceful adventure of all is that 7am fishing tour on Bay Lake. Now you know.
Thank you for all your insite, I love hearing your experienced opinions. Thank you
Why does DVC have to be such a greedy entity…..destroying the calming atmosphere of Ft. Wilderness that we (real campers) look forward to each time!
I understand that change is inevitable, but as someone who’s been visiting Fort Wilderness since the 1970s, it’s definitely bittersweet. That said, I trust Disney will continue to do what they do best. One thing I’m curious about—will there be golf cart parking available on the Lodge property?