The last photo tour article featured the lodging available at Disney’s
Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. Now that we’ve covered that, it’s
time to focus on the many recreational opportunities available at this
resort. I cannot think of another Disney resort with as wide an array
of things to do, and it would be very easy to vacation here for a week
or longer and never visit a theme park. It may be difficult for people
to resist the draw of the theme parks, but if they are willing and able
to put them out of their mind they won’t lack things to do on their vacation.
Recreation comes in many forms. Some recreation is structured and takes
place at or between specific hours, such as the Campfire Program or Wagon
Rides. Other recreational opportunities are available at any time, such
as riding your bike, playing on a playground, or lying in a hammock. Some
recreation is even free. The activities described in this article are
open to all Disney resort guests (not just those staying at Ft Wilderness)
unless otherwise noted.
Meadow Swimming Pool – the larger of the 2.
There are two swimming pool areas for guests to choose from. Near the
Wilderness Cabins is the Wilderness Swimming Pool, and the Meadow Swimming
Pool is more centrally located. The Wilderness Pool is smaller and not
themed at all. None of the pools here have water slide, either. The Meadow
Swimming Pool is located on a canal and is located in the midst of a variety
of recreational activities.
In many ways, this location would be the recreational “hub”
of the resort. This pool is quite large, and spending an afternoon here
would be quite pleasant. The pools are for the exclusive use of Fort Wilderness
Resort & Campground guests and are open 24 hours (lifeguard hours vary
seasonally). During my visit, pool games were scheduled from 3 to 4 p.m.
at the Meadow Swimming Pool daily.
Next door to the Meadow Swimming Pool are two lighted tennis courts,
open from approximately 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. Tennis equipment can be rented
at the Bike Barn during its operating hours, and private lessons can be
arranged for a fee. There is also a volleyball net, shuffleboard, and
horseshoes in this area.
Disney movies are shown nightly at the Campfire Program.
One of the most popular free events is the nightly Campfire Program.
The campfire site is impressive, with seating for a large number of people.
It’s located next to the Meadow Swimming Pool and begins as a campfire
sing-a-long led by Chip and Dale. It’s held after dark, and the after
singing, guests can purchase the ingredients to make s’mores (or bring
their own). Hot dogs, popcorn, candy and movie snacks are sold as well.
The movies shown are all Disney movies, and suitable for the entire family.
Having done the campfire programs in a couple of the DVC resorts, I was
impressed at how nice this facility is. The movie screen is huge, affording
everyone a great view of the movie. Restroom facilities are here, and
in the event of rain they substitute a “Porch Jam” sing-a-long
at the Meadow Swimming Pool. This program is open to all resort guests,
although it can be rather inconvenient from some locations.
Settlement Trading Post, near the marina and Pioneer Hall.
Shopping is considered as recreation by some and a necessary chore by
others. In keeping with the theme, stores here are called Trading Posts.
The Settlement Trading Post is located near Pioneer Hall, transportation
to the theme parks, and the beach/marina. The Meadow Trading Post is located
near the Meadow Swimming Pool. Camping supplies, groceries, beer and wine,
sundries, propane tanks, and Disney souvenirs are available for purchase.
As expected, grocery prices are higher than in your large grocery stores,
but you can’t beat the convenience.
Meadow Trading Post, in the center of the campground.
Children (and some adults) love an arcade, and the resort has the Davy
Crockett Wilderness Arcade at Pioneer Hall and the Daniel Boone’s Wilderness
Arcade at the Meadow Swimming Pool. Davy Crockett opens at 7:30 a.m.,
while Daniel Boone doesn’t open until 9 a.m.; they both close at 10 p.m.
Tri-Circle-D Ranch is home to the Disney horses.
One thing you won’t find at the other resorts is the Tri-Circle-D Ranch.
Located near Pioneer Hall, this is the home to the horses seen pulling
the streetcars down Main Street in the Magic Kingdom. There is also a
working blacksmith shop where you can watch “Smithy” tend to
the horses.
Blacksmith shop — guests are welcome to visit.
Petting Farm is fun for adults and children.
Located across from Tri-Circle-D Ranch is the Petting Farm. This was
the home of “Minnie Moo,” a cow with a hidden mickey on her
side. Unfortunately Minnie has passed away. There remain a number of goats
and other small animals to pet, and I believe food is available for purchase
from a dispensing machine. There are also pony rides available for small
children (at least 2 years of age but not more than 80 pounds) for $3.
The Petting Farm is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily, and is a good
place to spend some time waiting for the early Hoop Dee Doo Revue dinner
show to begin.
Wagon rides depart nightly from Pioneer Hall for a 45-minute excursion
through the resort. Reservations are not accepted, so it’s first come,
first served. Boarding begins at 6:45 and 9:15 each evening, and the ride
begins once the wagon is full. As of late November 2002 the cost was $8
per adult and $4 per child. If sharing a wagon with strangers is not what
you have in mind, there are Carriage Rides available as well. A 30-minute
private ride costs $30 and is offered daily from 6 to 10 p.m. at Crockett’s
Tavern near Pioneer Hall.
Very gentle horseback trail rides are available.
Horseback riding is available, although it may be a bit too tame for
experienced riders. The trail rides begin near the main parking lot, and
not near the petting farm and horse barn. This does make it convenient
for people coming from other resorts, as there is plenty of parking. To
ride there is a minimum age requirement of 9 and there may be an upper
weight limit as well. Reservations are required, and the cost is approximately
$25 per person for a 45-minute walk through the woods. The horses do not
do anything other than walk — no trotting or galloping, so this activity
is best suited for people who have never been on a horse before. The horses
are all very gentle and know their way — riding skills are really
not required.
There is still more recreation opportunities to cover next time, including
dining options at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.
