FW Latest Archives

Easy Disney Cooking: Kona Cafe Hawaiian Pasta Salad

Published on March 22, 2020March 30, 2020 by thewildernessprincess

Now that we’re all cooking about five meals a day during Staycation 2020, this favorite pasta salad emerged this week as one the kids can make. I’m not sure that it was even on the menu at Disney’s Kona Cafe, but it showed up as a side dish during lunch for many years. We have a beloved tradition of eating at Kona Cafe on our first day of arrival, and I would start craving this by the time we were crossing I-10. Of course, this was all before they made those most dreadful menu changes. Hey, at least the sticky wings are back. Continue reading “Easy Disney Cooking: Kona Cafe Hawaiian Pasta Salad” →

List of US State Park Overnight Camping Openings/Closings By State

Published on March 19, 2020March 22, 2020 by thewildernessprincess

Just last week, we wrote about camping and glamping as the ultimate way to maintain a healthy soul during our current crisis. Since that time, we’ve learned that Disney’s Fort Wilderness will close on Friday, and will remain closed until at least the end of March. With the spread of the novel coronavirus, our beloved state campgrounds have responded in vastly different ways. Here is a list of all state park systems, and their status as of March 19, 2020 (next update: March 24, 2020). Continue reading “List of US State Park Overnight Camping Openings/Closings By State” →

Our Very Peculiar, Long Spring Break – It’s a’Camping We Will Go

Published on March 14, 2020March 14, 2020 by thewildernessprincess1 Comment

Suddenly, all we have is time on our hands. Our kids won’t be reporting to school for at least two weeks. Our college son is home from Bama, likely for the rest of the semester. And both of our jobs will be completely remote for a good little stretch. I’m relieved that governors, college presidents, superintendents, preachers, and Disney Parks execs have responded prudently this week, helping to flatten the epidemiologic curve and save many lives. Continue reading “Our Very Peculiar, Long Spring Break – It’s a’Camping We Will Go” →

Here’s the Skinny on the Savings and Restrictions of Fort Wilderness’ Spring Sale

Published on March 8, 2020March 8, 2020 by thewildernessprincess

It’s not unusual for spring sales to pop up in early March at the Walt Disney World. As soon as the daffodils emerge, travel agents become all atwitter with announcements of resort savings. However, WDW often does not include campsites in these bargains – this time is delightfully different. And an in-depth look reveals that there are indeed some hefty savings awaiting. However, the dates and choices are quite limited, and confusion abounds. Here’s what you need to know. Continue reading “Here’s the Skinny on the Savings and Restrictions of Fort Wilderness’ Spring Sale” →

OMG I Made Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread and It Was THAT Good

Published on March 5, 2020March 5, 2020 by thewildernessprincess

Store-bought frozen bread dough, a butter bath, and thick layers of cinnamon-sugar yielded our family’s greatest indulgence of 2020. I’ve had the original famous Dollywood Cinnamon Bread at the Grist Mill at Pigeon Forge, and never dreamed it could be this good at home. I actually served it after a full meal earlier in the week, and once my son had a bite, he screamed, “Oh my goodness. DAD! DAD! You have to come try this NOW.” With a little bit left by bedtime, we finished it off for breakfast. Continue reading “OMG I Made Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread and It Was THAT Good” →

The Way We Were: Florida Camping During the 1960s and 1970s

Published on March 1, 2020March 1, 2020 by thewildernessprincess1 Comment

(Cover photo: State Archives of Florida)

With expansion of highways and a renewed lust for getting into the great outdoors, camping saw exponential growth in the 1960s and 1970s. And Florida was right in the midst of the boom. With these years arrived new innovations in camping, an enormous expansion of trails and campgrounds, and of course Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground. Continue reading “The Way We Were: Florida Camping During the 1960s and 1970s” →

This is How to Survive at Fort Wilderness During Construction Pandemonium

Published on February 21, 2020February 22, 2020 by thewildernessprincess

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. Continue reading “This is How to Survive at Fort Wilderness During Construction Pandemonium” →

7 Ways That Fort Wilderness Kicks Art of Animation’s Big Blue Butt

Published on February 17, 2020February 17, 2020 by thewildernessprincess1 Comment

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. Continue reading “7 Ways That Fort Wilderness Kicks Art of Animation’s Big Blue Butt” →

Bomalicious African Bobotie – A Disney Recipe for Love

Published on February 13, 2020February 13, 2020 by thewildernessprincess

How can such an African culinary staple be the favorite of so many who visit Disney’s Boma restaurant at Animal Kingdom Lodge? Well, quite simply, I think of Bobotie as an exotic meatloaf with a custardy-lovefest on top. And what a perfect dinner it is for Valentine’s Day, served with saffron rice, a light salad, and a banana-based dessert. Continue reading “Bomalicious African Bobotie – A Disney Recipe for Love” →

Jungle Love : Three Hot Date Itineraries for Disney’s Fort Wilderness

Published on February 7, 2020February 7, 2020 by thewildernessprincess

Forget about the roses and chocolate and an 80s-style 6-course dinner reservation. There’s no faster way to make the years slip away than by repeating the same old tired script. If you want to really sweep that beautifulest lady off her feet or just bring back that lovin’ feeling, here’s three itineraries for Fort Wilderness campers that even Cupid will envy. Continue reading “Jungle Love : Three Hot Date Itineraries for Disney’s Fort Wilderness” →