“What day is it today?” the Mad Hatter asked Alice in Wonderland.
I’m often unable to answer this question in Fort Wilderness, where time stops and moves so quickly all at once. In Fort Wilderness, it seems there are no Monday mornings or Tuesday afternoons. Whether a princess arises with the sun at 6 am for a morning stroll down Bear Bend, or wakes at 11 am to a cup of boozy coffee – every day in Fort Wilderness is a Saturday. There is always the opportunity to do quite nothing, as well as a king’s banquet of delightful activities to choose from – without going very far at all.
SWIMMING
For most of the year, the shade of the pines and cypress are not enough to keep the heat to a level that makes the Fort Wilderness swimmin’ pools anything less than pure heaven. And although they may initially appear bland and simple as compared to some of the other resort pools, they are really more than enough – crystal clear, cool, happy, and overflowing with Disney magic.
Meadows Pool
The most popular pool, by far, is the Meadows pool, which is also the larger pool. Here there’s a daily flurry of activity that may bring the best of your summer childhood memories back to life. Everyone swims here as though swimming pools are still very rare, as though it is a precious treat enjoyed by only the very few. Now there is a pretty cool waterslide that often sports a bit of a line. Disney CMs keep everybody thoroughly entertained with games, contests, and music, and there is a very visible force of young, tanned and highly alert lifeguards. Why is it so rare to see lifeguards at other places anymore?
In the Meadows pool area is also a kiddie pool, kiddie splash area as well as a hot tub. Tucked to the side under a shady portico is a snack bar. It’s called the Meadow Snack Bar (kinda fitting, right?). There’s cold and hot sandwiches, BBQ, hot dogs, pizza, and salads, all for about $9 to $12. You’ll also find snacks, including the Mickey pretzel, and treats, such as chocolate cake and Mickey ice cream, as well as beverages. For the grown ups, there is an assortment of beer, wine, and frozen specialty drinks.
wilderness Pool
Things are much quieter at the quiet pool, also known as the Wilderness Pool. It is located between cabin loops 2500 and 2700. There is nothing fancy about this pool at all – no theme, no lifeguards – but it is a wonderful place to just chill quietly on a float. I love the little deck with the purple flowers (what are they?) It’s so quiet that you might even spot an always-hungry rabbit or deer lurking nearby. And I honestly like to make a visit or two here on every trip. It, too, has a hot tub.
Both pools are open all year long, and both are heated during the cooler months.
CANOES AND KAYAKS
In an ultimate break from all of those people, the wild Florida waterways of Fort Wilderness are open to exploration by canoe or kayak. The water trail is not long, nor is the water clear like it is in nearby Florida springs, but it is still a peaceful, down-to-earth mini-adventure. You can get a feel of genuine old Florida for a short bit, and the likely opportunity to spot some birds, wild turkeys, bald eagles, deer, armadillos, and perhaps an alligator or two. Kayaks and canoes can be rented at the Bike Barn (in the Meadows) for $6.50 for 30 minutes or $11 an hour.
READ: 10 Magical and Hidden Places of Escape for the Disney Introvert
BOATING
The Fort Wilderness marina sits on the ancient Bay Lake (Seven Seas Lagoon is Disney created) right next to the boat launch to the Magic Kingdom. While my favorite are the water mice (Sea Raycer), there are also rentals available for larger, faster boats and pontoons.
The Sea Raycers holding two people, were perfect for exploring Seven Seas Lagoon. I have some fabulous memories of these. Unfortunately, they have not returned since the pandemic began in March 2020.
For a bigger crowd and maybe an afternoon snack, the pontoons hold up to 10 people, and are $45 per half hour. With 2 or 3 families, this could be split two or three ways to make for a very fun afternoon. This is my husband’s favorite way to go.
A fireworks cruise on the pontoon boat includes snacks and decorations and is available for $399.
TRI-CIRCLE-D RANCH, HORSEBACK RIDES & PONY RIDES
This area near Pioneer Hall was relocated in 2019 in anticipation of the new Reflections Lakeside Resort that never materialized. The new edition will has similar features, with animals taken care of in the same royal manner.
There are really two parts of the Tri-D Circle Ranch, one near the Settlement Area and the other on the other end at the Outpost. In addition to horseback rides at the Outpost area, there’s an area for the little people to ride ponies. It’s kinda pricey – at $8 for a very brief ride – you decide. The petting farm, once near the Settlement Area, has been gone since 2019.
And then there’s the incredible barn, filled with the horses who work at Disney World on Main Street and other places. The horses are stunning, and their quarters are immaculate. You can also see the little white ponies that pull Cinderella’s carriage. It’s a pleasant treat to see these beauties, talk to their handlers, and see the blacksmith making their shoes.
The fact that the Tri Circle D Ranch is at the Outpost end of Fort Wilderness confuses matters a whole lot. This is where many among us has saddled up for our first ride on a horse, and it’s a perfect place to begin. Horses are fairly well-trained to follow one another nicely, and the trails are scenic and nicely maintained. Most of the horses, however, seem like they are super-sized.
Rides are at 8:30 am, 10:00 am, 11:30 am, 1:00 pm, and 2:30 pm. It’s better to make reservations in advance by calling 407-WDW-PLAY. Riders must be at least 9 years old, 48 inches tall, and no more than 250 pounds (yes, they will weigh you). One horse per cowgirl/cowboy. Trail rides are about 45 minutes long (after a brief safety training) and cost $55.
Tip: You’ll need to get there at least 30 minutes early for the trail rides. Also, there are lockers available to store your I’ve-got-too-much-stuff stuff.
segway tour of the fort
Known as the “Wilderness Back Trail Adventure,” the Segway Tour at Fort Wilderness is the only one that remains in WDW since the really-even-better-one at Epcot one closed back in 2013. One of the glories of the Epcot one was the chance to explore the countries before the other guests arrived. The FW tour has its perks as well – one of them being that it is rarely booked for some reason, and you may find that there are only two or three other riders (or less), in addition to the CM hosts.
The tour is $90 and lasts two hours. It is only offered in the mornings – usually at 8:30 am. It is important to arrive at least 15 minutes early as there is an extensive training and practice time.
The fun begins near the Settlement Depot, and continues on to the horse stables, and then onto wooded trails throughout the campground. Even long-time FW fans tend to see at least something they’ve never seen before. The group must stay together throughout the tour, meaning you don’t get to free explore. These only go about 6 mph, so if you really, really wanted, you could always buy and bring your own electric scooter, like this one on Amazon. It goes more than 15 mph. Right now, Ft. Wilderness still allows these on paths – I wonder how long this will last as more people get them as they become more affordable.
To me, the Segway tour sounds like a grand time for a family adventure (this is one thing I’ve yet to do), but one must be 16 years old to participate.
To reserve, call 407.939.8687. If you don’t make reservations a day ahead of time, you can try for a walk-up on the day of.
campfire sing-along & nightly movies
If one had to name a single activity that made Fort Wilderness unlike anywhere else (and that’s really impossible), then this would have to be it. And every prudent princess loves that it’s free (and open to all WDW resort guests).
With the scene of an Old West outdoor theater, the campfire is lit around 7 or 8 pm (later times are for the warmer months). It kicks off with a Disney cowboy getting the crowd going with some songs. Surprisingly, everybody actually sings. Loudly. Even those who can’t sing. Like me (wine can help).
There are two campfire rings where people gather ’round during the sing along and roast marshmallows. Again, everybody does it. And everybody seems to love it. As though they’ve never ever roasted or even seen a marshmallow before. You can bring your own marshmallows and S’mores supplies, or buy a marsmallow and stick kit from the Fresh Fixins at the campfire for $2.
Fresh Fixins also sells cheeseburgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, salad, colas, coffee, and a few other junk food items. Oh, and they sell beer, too. And moonshine cocktails. No wonder we’re all singing.
Soon afterwards, Chip and Dale make a grand appearance and mingle with guests for photos and autographs. This is something that the kids look forward to, but really isn’t the highlight of the evening. It’s just part of the greater whole package.
disney MOVies every night
After about 40 minutes or so, movie time begins, and always features a Disney movie (weekly schedule posted here and at the FW comfort stations). If you get there early, you can snag one of the wooden benches near the front. Otherwise, there is a lot of seating available in a metal bleacher section. My favorite option is to bring a blanket and relax on the ground, catching a glimpse of the stars and looking for my favorite constellation, Orion, followed by a hum to self of When You Wish Upon a Star. A seriously good recipe for warm feelings and perspective.
A big rain will shut most of the fun down, but the sing along usually goes on – on the porch of the Meadow Trading Center.
ARCADE
Are your kids looking for something to do during one of the daily peach-splitting rains? The arcades provide a quick fix for those little people and teens needing a brief respite from our essential nature detox.
The first arcade, named the Daniel Boone Arcade, is near the Meadow pool, and it is the smaller of the two arcades. What it lacks in size it makes up for in fun with 15 games and air hockey. A few good retro games as well (Pac-Man, baby!). Hours for the Daniel Boone Arcade are 7:30 pm until 10 pm.
The larger arcade, the Davy Crockett Arcade, is behind Pioneer Hall. It’s two stories, and has about 20 games. It is open from 7 am until midnight. Not a bad place for camper kids to make some new Fort Wilderness friends.
ELECTRICAL WATER PAGEANT PARADE
This nightly light show has been going on for decades, and thankfully so. It’s low-tech – basically strings of barges, with very large screens of lights. It looks like something that would have been amazing in the 1970s – I honestly hope it stays this way – it’s one of those simple memories for many of us. The show comes by the beach at Fort Wilderness around 9:35 each evening – unless the Magic Kingdom fireworks are at 9pm, in which case it starts at 9:45-ish. Set to Disney music from Under the Sea and Peter Pan, sets include King Triton and sea creatures, such as seahorses, dolphins, sea monsters, and a patriotic ending with American flags and songs such as God Bless America and You’re a Grand Old Flag.
HORSE & CARRIAGE RIDES, SLEIGH RIDES, WAGON RIDES
Early each evening, the Settlement Area in Fort Wilderness comes alive with the clop-clop sounds of the horses, pulling carriages of smiling campers and visitors to the Fort. The 25-minute ride travels through both well-traveled and less-known parts of Fort Wilderness. Without fail, you will see the carriage going by and some young prince pleading with his parents to let him go. If he persists, it will cost his big people $55. And it will be a wonderful experience that he’ll always remember. Carriages hold 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 youngins’. The first ride is at 6 pm each evening, and the last one leaves at 930 pm. It leaves from Crockett’s Tavern, and yes, you can bring your drink with you. Book ahead by calling 407.WDW.PLAY, up to 180 days in advance.
The popular “sleigh” ride is available from the day after Thanksgiving through December 30. The carriage is really a sleigh-looking buggy on wheels, painted red, jingle-jangled up and decorated for the holidays. It is extra awesome during the holidays because so many of the campsites will be dressed up in their finest lights as well. Riders also get a special Disney pin. A very good way to get into the holiday spirit. This one is not priced per person, but is $84 for the group. Either four adults, or two adults and three children can fit. This one is also 25 minutes, but is offered every thirty minutes from 5 pm until 10 pm. It leaves from Crockett’s Tavern. Unlike the wagon ride, this seasonal adventure can be booked by calling 407.WDW.PLAY, up to 180 days in advance. This one can be a hard ticket to come by.
Everybody needs to do the horse-drawn wagon ride at least once, and then again at least once every three or four years or so. It’s good wholesome, old-fashioned fun, and costs less per person than a fast-food lunch in the Magic Kingdom – $12 for ages 10 and up; $8 for ages 3-9; free for kids 3 and under. There are two rides each night at 6 pm and 8:30 pm, and the ride lasts about 25 minutes. One can also reserve a group wagon ride holding up to 30-35 cowpokes for $300 for 45 minutes. There are no reservations (except some weekends), as it is first-come, first-served, except for the group rides (call 407.824.2832 for reservations). Wagon rides depart from Pioneer Hall.
ARCHERY
Archery is another hidden, little known adventure that awaits in Fort Wilderness. For $45, you can become the next Merida or Katniss, with a 90-minute lesson that includes ample practice time. Of course, you’ll go through a safety lesson and wear pretty safety goggles. And most awesomely, kids as young as 7 can go for the bullseye. This is ridiculously fun, and I love the competitive aspect of it.
Archery starts around 2:45 on Thursdays through Saturdays, and check in is at the Bike Barn.
TENNIS AND SHUFFLEBOARD
Last, but not least, there is both a tennis court (actually, there are two if you feel like counting) and a shuffleboard near the Meadows Pool. The courts are lighted, and rackets can be rented at the Bike Barn.
