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A couple of weeks ago, we saw that our passes that my wife has from her retirement from Disney were finally unblocked for both of us to enter the parks. So we were able to grab a nice reservation at Fort Wilderness and finally get back. It was a great trip and I'll try to add some pictures here to give some info on what everything is like. First I should say that the parks weren't bad the first weekend, and EMPTY the week prior to Labor Day weekend. Our park passes were blocked again starting the Friday of Labor Day weekend, which was fine because it got pretty crowded. We checked in near noon on Friday August 28th. There was certainly no problem getting a site! The campground was really quiet and many loops were closed. It was very peaceful. P&J's was open and that was the only food option. However, they opened up the dining area of Trails End and you could sit inside and eat and/or drink. It was actually very nice. After setting up the camper we headed to the Magic Kingdom. It was a little strange taking a selfie in front of a castle wearing face masks. The Magic Kingdom was empty every day we were there (Friday, Monday Tuesday and Wednesday). Disney did a good job with the social distancing and making sure people wore masks. There were very few people not following the rules. The wait times were great. We rode Seven Dwarfs Mine Train about 9 times total and our longest wait was about 30 minutes; most were about 10 - 15. The Haunted Mansion line is great without the stretching room. The line moves quickly and I had the chance to look around and see details inside I never saw before. Longest wait there was about 10 minutes. We rode Peter Pan several times since the wait there averaged about 10 minutes as well. Each time we went, we would stay about 3 hours and be able to get on MANY rides. The Plexiglas dividers were great, much better than the chains. At least kids couldn't occupy their time swinging the chains around and hitting everybody around them.Then we would head back to the campground and relax. On Saturday, we headed to Animal Kingdom. It was not crowded, but it was not set up for COVID as well as Magic Kingdom. The lines weren't as conducive to distancing nor were there as many Plexiglas dividers up. The crowds were down as well, and we waited about 10 minutes for Flight of Passage and less for the River ride as well as the Safari. Sunday we went to Epcot and it was more crowded. However, we walked onto Soarin and were able also walk onto Test Track and Spaceship Earth. One of the strangest factors at Epcot was the absence of the International Program cast members. Walking into Japan and seeing mainly American workers just felt strange. (Above: Sunday at Epcot) We ate lunch at the quick service restaurant in Japan. Both of us got the Beef and Chicken Teriyaki. It was delicious. We returned to Epcot on Thursday. It was MUCH emptier, really a pleasure to walk around: The pictures above were taken around 1PM. We quickly walked onto The Seas and Imagination while heading to lunch at the UK. When we got there we walked through the store a bit. There we met a nice young woman from Scotland who lives in the US, so she fit the UK well as did another young woman from London. When we went to check in, the hostess was from Bulgaria, and was VERY nice as well. We requested a window seat and she got us a great one with an amazing view. She even came into the restaurant after someone else seated us to make sure we liked the table. We started the meal with the soup of the day; Tomato Bisque (delicious): Then my wife got the Bangers and Mash and I got the Sheppard's Pie: Both were outstanding, as was the server who was an Asian American who obviously worked a high end restaurant at Disney because he was so friendly, professional and great at his job. After the meal we took the Skyliner over to Caribbean Beach. First, let me say that the Skyliner was pleasantly cool even the temperature was around 90 and it was humid and sunny. We got a good view of the construction in France for Ratatouille: On Friday, since we were blocked out of the parks, we went to Disney Springs. Nothing much new there to report, but the crowds weren't bad. From there we took the bus to the Grand Floridian. It was eerie seeing it so empty: The band is not playing and they moved the piano up onto the band stand: On Saturday, we took the bus from the campground to the Wilderness Lodge. The bus now rides along the road between the Fort and the Lodge. From there we could see that the walking trail no longer exists. It has been completely torn up and they were installing water pipes. However, there were new concrete spillways in place which indicates the intent to restore the trail. I'm sure that won't happen for quite a while though. Like the Grand, Wilderness Lodge was pretty empty, although it was a bit more crowded for Labor Day weekend: The next day we checked out and headed home. It was a great trip; a nice combination of going to the parks and relaxing at the Campground. Disney did a great job both at the Fort and the parks. While I am looking forward to things getting back to normal, there were some changes I really enjoyed and makes me glad we booked our stay.

Obviously the left side of the trail allows bicycles and the right side doesn't.

There are no specific written rules for the Fort. I don’t know if this is necessary or not: TCD

Starting to sound like it's going to be "refurbish all (or at least a bunch) of the things" time for a while. Makes sense to do it while crowds are low and before the 50th next year.

Our apple tree has been EXTREMELY prolific this summer. Enjoy our favorite Apple Crisp and Apple Butter recipes below. Apple Crisp: (4 servings, can be doubled) 6 apples - peeled, cored and sliced* 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1 cup brown sugar 3/4 cup quick oats 3/4 cup AP flour 1 tsp cinnamon 1/2 cup cold butter 1. Preheat oven to 35 degrees. 2. Toss apples with sugar and 1/2 tsp cinnamon to coat; pour in to 9" square pan (if doubling recipe, use 9x13 pan). 3. Mix brown sugar, oats, flour, and remaining 1 tsp cinnamon in a separate bowl. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to mash butter into the oats mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Spread over the apples to the edges of the baking dish. Pat the topping gently until even coverage. 4. Bake in preheated oven until sides are bubbling, about 40 minutes. - Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Instant Pot Apple Butter: Yield: 3-4 pints 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup apple cider (NOT apple juice) 1/2 tsp ground allspice 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg 1/2 tsp kosher salt 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 whole cinnamon sticks 5-6 lbs (or more) apples* 1. Add all ingredients to IP insert except apples and cinnamon sticks. 2. Core and slice unpeeled apples into 6-8 pieces and add to bowl. Add enough apples to fill IP insert to "MAX" line. 3. Pat down well. Stick cinnamon sticks down into apples. 4. Cover IP and turn vent to "Sealing". Set IP to "Manual" for 8 minutes at High. When cycle is complete, let pressure release naturally for 15-20 minutes and then manually release remaining pressure. 5. Take off lid and carefully remove cinnamon sticks from apples. 6. Use an immersion blender until mixture becomes smooth, You can also use a food processor or blender, in batches. Be sure not to fill blender more than half full. Add blended mixture back to IP. 7. Turn IP to sauté and push the 'adjust' button to LESS'. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened to desired consistency. 8. Turn off IP and let cool . Store in an airtight container and refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months. * Our apple tree is a Macoun, which is awesome for both of these recipes, but you can use whatever type you like.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Walt Disney World and Universal Studios hit capacity on Saturday, according to the parks’ websites. https://www.wftv.com/news/local/orange-county/universal-hits-capacity-saturday-disney-booked-up-through-weekend/EL6DRFCJKFEORLY5YJJBHMTVT4/

I feel like I'll be showing these photos to people years from now talking about the 2020 pandemic as a point in history! 😀

We just got back today from 9 days at the Fort. The boats were running regularly to and from the Magic Kingdom, two boats. At least while we were there, they were boarding well over 4 families and they were allowing people to sit outside in the front as well as the back. They have a sign saying the bus to the Magic Kingdom leaves from the Settlement. The bus to Wilderness Lodge also leaves from the Settlement now and runs the old route, using the road between Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge. Until Friday, the campground was empty. Starting Thursday night it started to fill up. Today, all loops are open and full. It was a madhouse Thursday night. Golf carts driven by kids lucky they didn't kill anybody. For Friday the Rangers were out all day directing traffic and enforcing the mask rules. Much better.

I’m not speculating any more. I just did some looping and there are campers on the 1600 loop and 1800 loop. As of this morning, 1500, 1700, and 1900 were still empty, but the sites are clean, and the signs that had been posted stating that the loops were closed are down. It sure looks like there will be campers on those loops later today. Also, they are running a bus from the Settlement to the MK, because the boats can’t handle the demand: [/URL] TCD

It was odd indeed. But all worked out in the end. We arrive early and have always received a text while still on I-4 just before the DW exit. So there is definitely some inconsistency between your reservations and ours concerning text messaging. I truly do feel sorry for the Cast Members during these unusual times. Change is the new norm and adaptability is a virtue. Fortunately I feel we’ve both enjoyed DW and The Fort in its glory days and can only imagine what the new norm is going to be. Would like to see them go to site selection upon reservation but I’m sure they have their reasons for not doing that. Interesting times. Enjoy camping during the upcoming holiday season! Any day at The Fort is a good day 😄

I used the fax number for my brothers site and mine and i got them on my Sept trip.

Yes, I used the fax request at the end of August and they had it on our record at check in.

From what I understand the "FAX REQUEST" still works. 407-824-3508

It always astounds me that people think that rules can't be enforced because there's no law against what they are doing. No doofus, you didn't break any laws, but Disney is private property, and they have the right to say " GET OFF MY LAWN!" to anyone. Guess it hasn't occurred to him yet, that he is Hopper, and the ants want to stand up against HIM.

I liked your hat in the first picture. I'm glad you had a nice time. The parks do look sad to me being so empty.

It’s taken a couple accidental trips through the dishwasher since last year but it’s still my favorite.

Nice report. Sounds like you had a great time.

We did the D+ Hulu bundle, so for us it's worth it. But I'd pay a monthly fee just to be able to watch the Princess Bride any time of the day or night. 🙂

I'm pretty sure they kicked him out because of the mask but gave him the ban for incorrectly quoting a Disney movie in the process. 😎

First time for me. We were really glad to hear it at check in and told the cast member that. She agreed.

He got a trespass warning also, so he's banned from Disney property at the moment.

One of the area loops for Port Orleans - Dixie Landings is pretty similar as well, as well as some of the Frontierland tracks if you are looking for more.

Here’s a link where you can see the official Meadow Trading Post hours of operation: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/shops/campsites-at-fort-wilderness-resort/meadow-trading-post/ Be forewarned that you may be turned away from visiting to shop depending on who is working the guard shack. They have been very restrictive in allowing visitors due to the pandemic. TCD

I’m not sure what you’re referring to, but the mask rules at Disney are clear with regard to eating, drinking, and walking around. TCD

This photo shows the inside line to order from P&J’s. This was from an earlier trip, as they have since added mobile ordering: Here’s a look at the seating area- they’ve removed more than half the tables- we sat downstairs by the buffalo head and were the only guests seated down there: Note the guest walking around with no mask. That’s a no-no, but there’s no staff around to tell guests what to do. Generally, it seemed like a pretty safe setup, but that could change as it gets more crowded and more people ignore the rules. TCD

News Article about Cancellation

Another thing to remember, there is only 1 bathroom, and there are no nearby comfort stations (except if you are near the "quiet" pool. So if you have family members that like long baths/showers, plan your potty visits ahead of time. And if you like cooking and are a gadget person (or just like decent knives) you may want to pack your own. They supply the basics.

We stay in the cabins a few times a year. They’re great. As far as tips go, they provide just about all you need. If you’re driving- some things you might want to add to your supply list are two bottles of pump hand soap for the bathroom and kitchen sinks, some kind of cleaning wipes, and a whisk broom and dustpan (no broom is provided). In case you don’t know, the only oven is a microwave/convection combo, so plan any meals accordingly. The wifi is fine. If you have an Apple TV or fire stick, you can stream. If you don’t have a golf cart arranged, you should look into renting one- then you can get around and look at all the decorations. Have fun! TCD

Wifi should be good , people do decorate the cabins. I haven't stayed in a cabin in 20 years though. Enjoy your trip. Disney is a good place to vacation if you have a disability. My dad spent 20 years in a wheelchair and we had a lot of fun together at Disney, especially Fortwilderness.

I realize this is an old post, but thank you for posting about adults with disAbilities. I am a young adult with different abilities. Thank you.

Welcome to Fort Fiends! Glad this discount can help you out.

Thanks for the feedback. It was a very nice stay. Getting into the other resorts was easy, we just told them we were staying on property and offered to have them scan the magic bands which they declined.

Excellent job! I hope it isn’t long before things get close to being normal, and you can look back at what a unique trip you had. TCD

Thank you for sharing your trip. I am staying close to home and only out for very limited trips, food, meds, doctors. So your sharing means a lot. Thanks again.

That all does sound great. I think right now it's a matter of people going with the expectation that it IS going to be different and some things will be missing, but that they can still make it a terrific trip. For sure!!

Really looking forward to our upcoming stay. Even a limited Disney is better then the real world right now.

We were there from August 28th to September 6th. While some things have changed like you mentioned, the atmosphere was still there. To be honest, while I missed Trails End I really enjoyed being able to sit inside with P&J's breakfast of sausage gravy and biscuits. I also enjoyed the parks with no fast passes as well as not having to crowd into the stretchning room at the Haunted Mansion and fight the crowd. We found the cast members everywhere to be excellent. While having lunch at the Rose and Crown we talked to two merchandise cast members who live here but one was from Scotland and the other London. Then when checking in we spoke with the hostess who was from Bulgaria; who actually came to our table after someone else seated us to make sure we liked the table (it was excellent). Our server was Asian and he was so good. While things were missing, the changes also made it a very special trip. While I want to see everything get back to normal, I am trying to enjoy some of the changes currently in place since they won't last forever. We had a great trip.

I just got back from a 3 night stay at the Fort over Labor Day weekend. There is still so much that is far from normal- no campfire singalong, no food truck, Trails End is takeout only, no fireworks, no EWP, no resort boat, shortened trading post hours, no trail to the Lodge, and there are rangers everywhere yelling about masks. But the Fort is still the Fort. It was great to be there. Because park hours and availability are so limited, folks hung around their campsites more. On a Friday night loop, we noticed many campsites with projectors and screens showing the new Mulan movie, and lots of campfires, many in illegal fire pits. Like always, the Fort is a magical place where the outside world and its problems seem far away. If anyone is staying away because of all the limitations and changes, don’t. Do yourself a favor and get to the Fort. It’s still a great place to be. TCD

Thanks for the updates! Almost sounds like "normal" has returned to the Fort - or at least more normal than it's been in a long time.

And all loops are full. The first week of our stay the campground was EMPTY. Now it is PACKED.

I don’t how they missed the new sign, but it has not been removed. I just took this photo earlier this morning, September 5, 2020: TCD

It’s ain’t pretty, but it’s better than nothing: TCD

Well the yellow had a pop out, and I guess the blue structure could be a pop up! 😂

Got it. So, are these tents or pop-ups that I saw set up in the 2000 loop today?: TCD

. . . and as predicted, there are campers currently setting up in 1500, 1700, and 1900. For the first time since the closure, all Fort loops are open as of September 4, 2020. TCD

Been slogging my way through clients and was going to come post all that myself. Thanks for sharing it.

40% off of $2100 is still a little too steep for us.

Crappy mileage from that brand.

I really wish the Fort would just go site specific or at least allow you to choose your loop.