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7 Enchanting Reasons to Visit Disney's Fort Wilderness


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I think I could have come up with a better list, but the folks at D23 showed some Fort love in this article on their website:

Fort Wilderness

7 Enchanting Reasons to Visit Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

By Courtney Potter

Nothing says “summer” quite like the great outdoors. Roasting marshmallows around a roaring campfire… exploring nature with a good ol’ fashioned carriage ride… biking along beautiful pine forest trails… or even trying your luck on an exciting fishing excursion. But what if you could do every one of those activities (plus a whole lot more!) in the shadow of the Magic Kingdom? Good news—you totally can!

The cabins and campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort are situated on 750 enchanting acres of pine and cypress forests that evoke the historic charm of the American frontier. The area is rife with deer, rabbits, ducks, and even the occasional armadillo—and each accommodation, whether a lovely furnished cabin or an inviting campsite, allows guests to “rough it” in totally modern comfort. But it’s not just the Fort Wilderness Resort’s beauty that warrants a visit… it’s the staggering amount of fun you can have there, even after a full day at one of the surrounding Disney parks.

We’ve chosen seven of our favorite Fort Wilderness Resort activities that are sure to create memories for a lifetime. Visited the resort yourself and have an outdoorsy obsession to share? Head over to D23’s Facebook or Twitter to let us know!

Hoop De Doo Revue

1. Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
One of the most famous stage shows at Walt Disney World Resort—and one of the longest-running dinner theater shows in the entire country—the beloved Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue first honky-tonked its way into the hearts of Fort Wilderness guests back in 1974. The Pioneer Hall Players present two hours of vaudeville comedy and song and dance, set against the backdrop of a finger-lickin’ all-you-can-eat buffet of fried chicken, pork ribs, and side dishes galore. (If we could teleport there right now, we totally would.)

Fort Wilderness

2. Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-Along
Guests can join Disney faves Chip ‘n’ Dale for a delightful Fort Wilderness sing-along around a (real) campfire, where you can roast marshmallows and warble tunes to your heart’s content! In fact, there are many more locations around Walt Disney World Resort where you and the fam can partake of cool campfire activities… check out the listing here.

Fort Wilderness

3. Tri-Circle-D Ranch
Here’s a Fort Wilderness activity you might not have heard of before… Ever wanted to see the Magic Kingdom’s Main Street, U.S.A., horses up close? You can at Tri-Circle-D Ranch, where a real blacksmith makes horseshoes for the variety of breeds (including Arabians, Clydesdales, and Appaloosas) that live—and work—at Walt Disney World. Plus, the Ranch offers pony rides for kids, as well as rollicking wagon and romantic carriage rides that allow guests to explore Fort Wilderness’ beautiful surroundings in a totally unique way.

Fort Wilderness

4. Fort Wilderness Archery Experience
In this 90-minute experience, good for both kids (ages 7 and older) and adults, Archery Guides will teach you how to hold and fire a compound bow at range targets. Class size is limited to 10 guests each, which means you’ll receive personalized advice from the Guides. You’ll be feeling like Robin Hood in no time!

5. Movies Under the Stars
Who wouldn’t want to see the latest Disney blockbuster under the Fort Wilderness stars? It’s like taking a drive-in movie and putting it right in the middle of a beautiful forest! The resort offers complimentary screenings of popular Disney films in the gorgeous outdoor theater of their Meadow Recreation Area. Get some fresh air, quote along with your favorite characters… it’s a win-win situation.

6. Daniel Boone’s/Davy Crockett’s Wilderness Arcade
For the gamers among you, there are two different arcades at the Fort Wilderness Resort—Daniel Boone’s, near the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool, and Davy Crockett’s, near Pioneer Hall. You’ll find a variety of contemporary video and classic pinball games… and in case you work up an appetite, don’t worry—there are snack shacks and other restaurants nearby. (We especially enjoy the Trail’s End and their amazing breakfast buffet.)

Fort Wilderness during the holidays

7. All the Fort Wilderness Holiday Fun to Come…
Our final fave is of the seasonal variety, but it’s so cool that we just had to mention it! There are many families who vacation at the Fort Wilderness Resort year after year—and when that time of year is the holidays, that means jingle bells a-plenty! Guests decorate their campsites and cabins with sparkling lights and lots of holiday cheer, which really adds a warm glow to the already-stunning surroundings. If you’re looking for a super-magical time of year to visit Fort Wilderness, the holiday season won’t let you down.

https://d23.com/7-enchanting-reasons-to-visit-disneys-fort-wilderness-resort/?share_token=ca2e66773e

Surprisingly, it's pretty accurate.

The only thing I think they got wrong was mentioning the "snack shacks" that are near the arcades.  And, really, they couldn't come up with something better to list than the arcades?  I don't think they are very enchanting.

TCD

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3 minutes ago, Tri-Circle-D said:

I think I could have come up with a better list, but the folks at D23 showed some Fort love in this article on their website:

Fort Wilderness

7 Enchanting Reasons to Visit Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

By Courtney Potter

Nothing says “summer” quite like the great outdoors. Roasting marshmallows around a roaring campfire… exploring nature with a good ol’ fashioned carriage ride… biking along beautiful pine forest trails… or even trying your luck on an exciting fishing excursion. But what if you could do every one of those activities (plus a whole lot more!) in the shadow of the Magic Kingdom? Good news—you totally can!

The cabins and campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort are situated on 750 enchanting acres of pine and cypress forests that evoke the historic charm of the American frontier. The area is rife with deer, rabbits, ducks, and even the occasional armadillo—and each accommodation, whether a lovely furnished cabin or an inviting campsite, allows guests to “rough it” in totally modern comfort. But it’s not just the Fort Wilderness Resort’s beauty that warrants a visit… it’s the staggering amount of fun you can have there, even after a full day at one of the surrounding Disney parks.

We’ve chosen seven of our favorite Fort Wilderness Resort activities that are sure to create memories for a lifetime. Visited the resort yourself and have an outdoorsy obsession to share? Head over to D23’s Facebook or Twitter to let us know!

Hoop De Doo Revue

1. Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
One of the most famous stage shows at Walt Disney World Resort—and one of the longest-running dinner theater shows in the entire country—the beloved Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue first honky-tonked its way into the hearts of Fort Wilderness guests back in 1974. The Pioneer Hall Players present two hours of vaudeville comedy and song and dance, set against the backdrop of a finger-lickin’ all-you-can-eat buffet of fried chicken, pork ribs, and side dishes galore. (If we could teleport there right now, we totally would.)

Fort Wilderness

2. Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-Along
Guests can join Disney faves Chip ‘n’ Dale for a delightful Fort Wilderness sing-along around a (real) campfire, where you can roast marshmallows and warble tunes to your heart’s content! In fact, there are many more locations around Walt Disney World Resort where you and the fam can partake of cool campfire activities… check out the listing here.

Fort Wilderness

3. Tri-Circle-D Ranch
Here’s a Fort Wilderness activity you might not have heard of before… Ever wanted to see the Magic Kingdom’s Main Street, U.S.A., horses up close? You can at Tri-Circle-D Ranch, where a real blacksmith makes horseshoes for the variety of breeds (including Arabians, Clydesdales, and Appaloosas) that live—and work—at Walt Disney World. Plus, the Ranch offers pony rides for kids, as well as rollicking wagon and romantic carriage rides that allow guests to explore Fort Wilderness’ beautiful surroundings in a totally unique way.

Fort Wilderness

4. Fort Wilderness Archery Experience
In this 90-minute experience, good for both kids (ages 7 and older) and adults, Archery Guides will teach you how to hold and fire a compound bow at range targets. Class size is limited to 10 guests each, which means you’ll receive personalized advice from the Guides. You’ll be feeling like Robin Hood in no time!

5. Movies Under the Stars
Who wouldn’t want to see the latest Disney blockbuster under the Fort Wilderness stars? It’s like taking a drive-in movie and putting it right in the middle of a beautiful forest! The resort offers complimentary screenings of popular Disney films in the gorgeous outdoor theater of their Meadow Recreation Area. Get some fresh air, quote along with your favorite characters… it’s a win-win situation.

6. Daniel Boone’s/Davy Crockett’s Wilderness Arcade
For the gamers among you, there are two different arcades at the Fort Wilderness Resort—Daniel Boone’s, near the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool, and Davy Crockett’s, near Pioneer Hall. You’ll find a variety of contemporary video and classic pinball games… and in case you work up an appetite, don’t worry—there are snack shacks and other restaurants nearby. (We especially enjoy the Trail’s End and their amazing breakfast buffet.)

Fort Wilderness during the holidays

7. All the Fort Wilderness Holiday Fun to Come…
Our final fave is of the seasonal variety, but it’s so cool that we just had to mention it! There are many families who vacation at the Fort Wilderness Resort year after year—and when that time of year is the holidays, that means jingle bells a-plenty! Guests decorate their campsites and cabins with sparkling lights and lots of holiday cheer, which really adds a warm glow to the already-stunning surroundings. If you’re looking for a super-magical time of year to visit Fort Wilderness, the holiday season won’t let you down.

https://d23.com/7-enchanting-reasons-to-visit-disneys-fort-wilderness-resort/?share_token=ca2e66773e

Surprisingly, it's pretty accurate.

The only thing I think they got wrong was mentioning the "snack shacks" that are near the arcades.  And, really, they couldn't come up with something better to list than the arcades?  I don't think they are very enchanting.

TCD

Nothing says “summer” quite like the great outdoors. Roasting marshmallows around a roaring campfire.  

More like roasting in the fires of Hades in a FL summer!  Or enjoying the refreshing FL summer monsoons.

I'm surprised they didn't mention the Meadows communal bathtub or the freeloader picnic pavilions.

Mentioning the arcades is really lame. 

What about watching the nightly Electric Water Parade and MK fireworks from the beautiful Clementines Beach?

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35 minutes ago, lightbikes said:

I would love to know which "site" that tent is on????

It would appear to me to be on the dog walk area behind the 1800 loop.

 

The photo would be taken from the Four Seasons side of the canal.

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12 hours ago, lightbikes said:

I would love to know which "site" that tent is on????

Yeah, I've wondered the same thing.  That photo has been used by Disney on the official website for a while now.

11 hours ago, tim5055 said:

It would appear to me to be on the dog walk area behind the 1800 loop.

 

The photo would be taken from the Four Seasons side of the canal.

I think the banks of the canal behind the 1800 loop are steeper.  To me, it looks like the canal that separates the 1300 loop from the Meadow Recreation Area.  But, there's so much photoshopping in that photo, it could have been taken anywhere. 

TCD

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3 hours ago, Tri-Circle-D said:

Yeah, I've wondered the same thing.  That photo has been used by Disney on the official website for a while now.

I think the banks of the canal behind the 1800 loop are steeper.  To me, it looks like the canal that separates the 1300 loop from the Meadow Recreation Area.  But, there's so much photoshopping in that photo, it could have been taken anywhere. 

TCD

I think we have a new assignment for your early morning Fort photo walks. :lol:

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On 8/9/2017 at 2:57 PM, Tri-Circle-D said:

 

Fort Wilderness

7 Enchanting Reasons to Visit Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

 

Nothing says “summer” quite like the great outdoors. Roasting marshmallows around a overcrowded, limited space roaring campfire… exploring nature with a good ol’ fashioned over-rated and mega expensive carriage ride… biking along beautiful pine forest trails while dodging under age kids on golf carts… or even trying your luck on an exciting fishing excursion for the price of an all day deep sea fishing trip. But what if you could do every one of those activities (plus a whole lot more!) in the shadow of the Magic Kingdom? Good news—you totally can!

The cabins and campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort are situated on 750 enchanting acres of pine and cypress forests that evoke the historic charm of the American frontier and drain your wallet faster than the Hoover dam can release water. The area is rife with deer, rabbits, ducks, and even the occasional local resident who lives in the Orlando area and sneaks in to use the pool and other amenities that disney does not monitor for guest only ....and each accommodation, whether a lovely furnished overpriced cabin or an even more over priced concrete pad and rusty grill campsite, allows guests to “rough it” in totally modern comfort. But it’s not just the Fort Wilderness Resort’s beauty that warrants a visit… it’s the staggering amount of fun and sometimes hassle you can have there, even after a full day at one of the surrounding Disney parks.

We’ve chosen seven of our favorite Fort Wilderness Resort activities that are sure to create memories for a lifetime. Visited the resort yourself and have an outdoorsy obsession to share? Head over to D23’s Facebook or Twitter to let us know!

Hoop De Doo Revue

1. Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
One of the most famous stage shows at Walt Disney World Resort—and one of the longest-running dinner theater shows in the entire country—the beloved Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue first honky-tonked its way into the hearts of Fort Wilderness guests back in 1974. The Pioneer Hall Players present two hours of vaudeville comedy and song and dance, set against the backdrop of a finger-lickin’ all-you-can-eat buffet of fried chicken, pork ribs, and side dishes galore that people in trails end next door get for half the price.  (If we could teleport there right now, we totally would.)  

Fort Wilderness

2. Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-Along
Guests can join Disney faves Chip ‘n’ Dale for a delightful Fort Wilderness sing-along around a (real) over crowded campfire, where you can roast marshmallows and watch parents totally not supervise their kids to your heart’s content! In fact, there are many more locations around Walt Disney World Resort where you and the fam can partake in watching kids run totally out of control.....check out the listing here.

Fort Wilderness

3. Tri-Circle-D Ranch
Here’s a Fort Wilderness activity you might not have heard of before… Ever wanted to see the Magic Kingdom’s Main Street, U.S.A., horses up close? You can at Tri-Circle-D Ranch, where a real blacksmith makes horseshoes for the variety of breeds (including Arabians, Clydesdales, and Appaloosas) that live—and work—at Walt Disney World. Plus, the Ranch offers pony rides for kids, as well as rollicking wagon and romantic carriage rides for a small fortune that allow guests to explore Fort Wilderness’ beautiful surroundings in a totally unique way while dodging children driving golf carts erratically as security turns the other cheek.

Fort Wilderness

4. Fort Wilderness Archery Experience
In this 90-minute experience, good for both kids (ages 7 and older) and adults, Archery Guides will teach you how to hold and fire a compound bow at range targets. Class size is limited to 10 guests each, which means you’ll receive personalized advice from the Guides. You’ll be feeling like Robin Hood in no time and feel like you were late paying your taxes after you pay for this activity.

5. Movies Under the Stars
Who wouldn’t want to see the latest Disney blockbuster under the Fort Wilderness stars? It’s like taking a drive-in movie and putting it right in the middle of a beautiful forest on the cold, hard aluminum benches you remember from high school football days.  The resort offers complimentary screenings of popular Disney films in the gorgeous outdoor theater of their Meadow Recreation Area. Get some fresh air, meet locals from the area and guest from other resorts and quote along with your favorite characters… it’s a win-win situation.

6. Daniel Boone’s/Davy Crockett’s Wilderness Arcade
For the gamers among you, there are two different arcades at the Fort Wilderness Resort—Daniel Boone’s, near the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool, and Davy Crockett’s, near Pioneer Hall. You’ll find a very limited amount of contemporary video and classic pinball games… and in case you work up an appetite, don’t worry—there are snack shacks and other restaurants nearby that are usually closed at night when you probably want to visit the arcade (We especially enjoy the Trail’s End and their amazing breakfast buffet.)

Fort Wilderness during the holidays

7. All the Fort Wilderness Holiday Fun to Come…
Our final fave is of the seasonal variety, but it’s so cool that we just had to mention it! Above is the fort Christmas tree where each year we leave a few strands of lights off to make that holiday picture special. There are many families who vacation at the Fort Wilderness Resort year after year—and when that time of year is the holidays, that means jingle bells a-plenty! Guests decorate their campsites and cabins with sparkling lights and lots of holiday cheer, which really adds a warm glow to the already-stunning surroundings. If you’re looking for a super-magical time of year to visit Fort Wilderness, the holiday season won’t let you down, but will definitely empty your wallet. Make sure to book your holiday vacation st the fort at exactly 499 days out, or they will be sold out Act quickly, sites are limited

 

I've added a few words and comments to the article to make it more accurate ...lol

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