djsamuel

Not really a trip report but a nice story anyway. My wife and I got back last night from visiting our daughter and son in law who live in vista, CA, just north of San Diego. As part of the visit we spent a few days at the Grand Californian hotel and spent time in Disneyland and California Adventure. One night we were eating dinner at the Carnation Cafe (delicious) and this older gentleman (dressed as a guest) approached our table and asked us if we’ve been there before and how we liked our meal. At first I thought, “Who is this guy?”. Then our server came over and as she was putting something

You would think so but especially for those resorts close to the parks people try to avoid the parking fee by parking at a resort.

The resort lots. At the resorts the guards will often (at some resorts including Fort Wilderness) get a call to restrict access based on the number of remaining open parking spots and/or the current occupancy of the resort. This is especially true at the monorail resorts, Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness, The Boardwalk and the Yacht and Beach Club. You're very fortunate to be able to get into any of these resorts around Christmas.

They try to limit access when the lot is closed. Sometimes the guards get notified as early as 8:30am. Yes, people can ride bikes, go see YeeHaw Bob, eat at restaurants if the parking lot is not closed to outside guests. If the lot is closed, the only way they are supposed to get in is if they have a dining reservation. They are NEVER supposed to be using all facilities such as the pools, fitness rooms, etc.

While I check out the Fort Wilderness facebook pages, I can't bring myself to participate. All they seem to concentrate on is how to game the system, and also the latest fad they "must do". That is what makes this site the best for Fort Wilderness.

But you used a key word; "purchase". We will still take the bus to Fort Wilderness sometimes to walk around, or have breakfast at Trails End. To me, freeloading is using the amenities that should be strictly for the people paying to stay there (or another Disney resort when they allowed pool hopping). This would mainly be the pool.

Absolutely agree 100%. And to add to that, people would be surprised how many non-Floridians, who may own or be staying at vacation rental homes, are also trying to freeload. 😊

I know someone who is a guard at Fort Wilderness. This past weekend, someone pulled up in a camper asking if there were any openings. He directed them where to go to check. They were able to get a spot. This was on a Saturday. I was shocked.

The Micro Minnies look like really nice trailers. There is a lot to be said for the 7' width. I have a 21' Camplite which is 7' wide and I love it. Great visibility down the sides from the truck, really easy maneuvering to get gas, easy to back into a site and more. My standard mirrors on the truck are more than sufficient and the slide gives us plenty of room inside.

Agree 100%. To me, the biggest thing the fort can do is require Magic Bands to gain access to the pool. You do that, you take away the main reason people come in. I have friends who are guards there and they block a LOT of people trying to get in. They even try to monitor the camera at the side gate, yet people keep trying to tailgate a bus to gain entry. I've seen some tailgate a bus to drive down the service road from Fort Wilderness (when it was open). And as you stated, you have the buses and boats adding to it. We've been on a bus to the Fort from Disney Springs and have seen famil

Actually, as a local, there is no difference between a Floridian and a local by any definition. I live 30 minutes away, my wife worked years for Disney and retired and now we enjoy the benefits she earned when we can fit it in around my work schedule. We use the amenities at the Fort when we are PAYING to stay there. What the Fort needs to control are rude self centered people, be they from 5 miles away or 1,000 miles, paying or freeloading (which by definition is rude and self centered). Unfortunately that is the problem and is a reflection of society not Disney. Knowing some people who w

At least when we were there on Sunday, cast members were still driving down the back road and entering through the open gate near the back of the barn. I assume they don’t want the guests to see the construction mess.

Yes, we went to the new beach. They’ve spread some more sand but still have more work to do. The equipment is still there and more piles of sand.

The Wilderness Lodge bus is now a stand alone bus route.

Yes there is a gate to the right of the photo, much closer to the area behind the barn. I agree regarding reopening the trail. Nothing is being done to remove the trail. There is too much activity in that area right now.

Taken today:

We were at Fort Wilderness today. The road between the Fort and Wilderness Lodge is now closed. The bus to Wilderness Lodge now drops you off and picks you up at the Outpost. A large fence now blocks the road and the area just past the barn. In the picture, that is the cross walk to the trail to Wilderness Lodge. You can see the fencing just past that.

Pioneer Hall is staying.

Last I heard it was going away, but I was told that could always change.

As far as I’ve heard there are no plans to relocate the backyard BBQ back there anymore.

Yes, it is the area east of the boat dock.

Construction of the new Beach has started.

The only way we can do it is because my wife is retired from Disney. I am not retired yet, still 2.5 years to go. If we can get her discount we go, otherwise we don't. We used to go about 8 times a year (both before and after her retirement), but now we've lowered it to three times a year, but made the trips a bit longer. Still, the total number of days is way down. Some of the trips, I will drive to work from the campground and she enjoys the day at the campground or in a park.

Talked to a friend involved with this. The picture shown here sounds fairly accurate. There will be no house boats, they were cancelled. No plans for Discovery Island, nor will there probably ever be. There was a waterfront restaurant planned but that was removed. The A frames shown in the beach are lodging like the cabins at Fort Wilderness.

Was at the Fort today. The dog park is now newly sodded. The fence needs to be finished and a few other items cleaned up.