The Wilderness Princess

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” →

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” →

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” →

(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” →

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” →

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” →

Of all the places to get in shape in Walt Disney World, Fort Wilderness tops the list for unlimited outdoor activities. Now, I realize that looping in the golf cart isn’t going to get our heart rates up. But just 20 minutes of sunny-day riding and you’ll see a dozen joggers, a game or two of kickball, and of course those dance-offs at the Meadows Pools. Whether you’re just chilling under your awning watching the Super Bowl or taking an 11-mile bike ride, the Fort is Disney’s mecca for outdoor fun and competition. Take our quick and moderately easy quiz to see how much you know about Fort Wilderness recreation. Continue reading “How Much Do You Know About Sports & Recreation at Fort Wilderness? Take Our Quiz!” →