Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort is amazing! No one will argue that staying on Walt Disney World property has many benefits. The problem is that it can also be expensive to stay on property, even at a Value Resort. There is another alternative that will allow you to take advantage of the benefits of staying on property while saving money at the same time. That alternative is tent camping.
I know that ten camping isn’t for everyone, but hear me out. When you come to Walt Disney World it’s for an adventure, right? What is more adventurous than tent camping? Bring some air mattresses so that you’ll be comfortable. The parks are going to wear you out anyway, so you won’t have to worry about whether or not you’ll be able to sleep. Exhaustion can come in handy at times.
Don’t worry if you don’t have a tent. In the Orlando area you can rent pretty much anything. With a little bit of research before your trip you can rent a tent or a pop-up and anything else that you might need.
The actual campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort are clean and spacious. The resort is huge. There are buses to get guests across the property, and golf carts are available for rent if you would rather travel that way. It’s also a great place to walk. The sites are arranged in “loops”. Each loop has a Comfort Station, which is where you will find the restrooms and the showers. From what I’ve heard they are incredibly clean. Your campsite will have a picnic table, hose, grill, and an electrical hookup.
Not only will you save money by tent or pop-up camping (pop-ups are the same price as tents), there is no parking fee. If you have a car that is a significant savings right there, especially since you will also not be charged to park at the theme parks if you drive. Depending on how long you stay, that could save you quite a bit.
If you’re worried that you won’t have anything to do on an off day, don’t. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort is amazing! You can still hang out by the pool all day if you’d like, but you might not want to. Remember, Tri-Circle-D Ranch is at Fort Wilderness, and that is where they keep the horses! You can sign up to ride the trails, or instead take a carriage or wagon ride. You can also try your hand at archery, or head out in a boat. Don’t miss Chip ‘N’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long in the evening. Splurge, and make a reservation for Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review. You’ll want to watch the fireworks from the Magic Kingdom in the distance, but that is still not the end of your day. If you have never seen the Electrical Water Pageant, well, it stops by Fort Wilderness at around 9:45 each evening. It’s a hidden gem and a classic at the same time.
I am not saying to go tent camping in the middle of the hot, humid, and rainy summer. But if you’re looking to save, you might be considering visiting when schools are in session. Consider giving tent camping at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort a chance. It could end up becoming your new favorite place to stay at Walt Disney World.