One of the more difficult marital decisions for couples with multiple children (on a reasonable budget) is whether to choose Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground or Art of Animation Resort. No doubt, there’s a lot to love about Disney’s Art of Animation. Let start with that Big Blue Pool – the largest in all of Walt Disney World. And how about the elaborate re-creations of Cars scenes just begging for an Instapost? Sure, Art of Animation is a great place to visit, and grab a quick bite in its food court of abundance. And it’s even more fun to get there now with the Skyliner.

But for a week’s vacation on relatively similar budgets, there’s just no place like Fort Wilderness.

starry, starry nights

Walt Disney World does an extraordinary job integrating the conveniences of modern life at Fort Wilderness without compromising its core value – nature. At no other resort is there more peace and connection to the most powerful forces that connect us. If you saw Frozen 2, then you’ll know that these are earth, wind, fire, and water.  Fall campfires, summer fireflies, and the bright constellations of winter skies – all of these outshine the most glorious of fireworks. And I didn’t even preach about the best damn nightly campfire/movie show in the universe.

come away with me

If Art of Animation were music, it would scream techno dance. Fort Wilderness whispers the folksy soulfulness of Norah Jones (listen while you read the rest) or Bob Dylan – with horses and canoe rides just steps away. After a long day in the parks, Art of Animation continues to stimulate with thematic but nearly-gawdy excess. Fort Wilderness, on the other hand, rocks us to sleep like mother nature’s cradle. Morning brings us homemade scrambled eggs and a cowboy ride on our rented golf cart to spy on our neighbors. I get that your four-year old loves that Mermaid room, but wonder why she can’t sleep through the night?

when enough is abundance

Okay, I’ll admit I get a little jealous when I’m at Fort Wilderness and see the pool at Wilderness Lodge, with its never-ending rivers and famed Geyser. Life at Art of Animation is nearly centered around the Big Blue Pool, with hundreds of souls gathered in around as though they have found the Fountain of Youth. At Fort Wilderness, there are just two relatively nondescript pools. The larger of these is the fun one, and the other can sometimes be a near-solo experience. These pools are sometimes under-recognized, but one of the best parts is that they are simply uncomplicated. And just enough.

a dollar saved for trader sam’s

Let’s assume that you have six in your family, and are comparing a Fort Wilderness cabin to an Art of Animation family suite. Typically the cabin is going to be lower. Looking at the first week of August 2020, the family suite at Art of Animation is going to be about $3385 (six nights), compared to $2650 for the Cabins at Fort Wilderness.  I can go to Trader Sam’s at the Poly every night on this money.

party of seven and grover cleveland

Here’s where the big savings come in. Neither Art of Animation nor the Cabins at Fort Wilderness hold more than six. But a preferred campsite along with a travel trailer rental during this period would be about $2200 or less (for up to 10 people). Two standard rooms at Art of Animation – you’re looking a little over $3200. By the way, Grover Cleveland is on that $1000 bill since you were wondering. 

crank up the grill, baby

If cooking is love, and grilling is a multiplier, then Fort Wilderness is knocking on heaven’s door. As the world seems to spin faster and faster, the American cookout stands the test of time. Now, Art of Animation boasts a delightful choice of quick service menu items at around $10-$15 at its Landscape of Flavors. But even during those blazing hot, hallucinating summer nights at the Fort, nothing beats daddy-o’s steak shish-k-bobs. Add some Boma-style pasta salad and a cooler of beer, and this will be one of those nights to remember.  Bonus: Crank up Sweet Home Alabama, too, and watch what happens around your loop.

location, location, vacation

Now that Art of Animation has its Skyliner Gondola stop, let’s say things are literally looking up. But the Fort sits amongst the Magic Kingdom resorts – arguably the most important real estate in all of the sunshine state. Journeying to the Magic Kingdom or Wilderness Lodge means a breezy boat ride past old Discovery Island. And every night is a slightly-boozy party on the beach for watching the Magic Kingdom Fireworks and the Electrical Water Pageant. But I still miss River Country. Just sayin’.

Verdict: Kids love the Big Blue Pool and theming at Art of Animation, but Disney’s Fort Wilderness is where lifetime memories are made.

Related: Forgotten RV Cooking & Camping Hacks That Your Grandma Rocked in the 70s