This is a guest post by my friend Alexia. Alexia is a Disney Vacation Specialist with Destinations in Florida. When she is not helping plan magical vacations, you can find her on Facebook and Twitter. Click here to contact her and she’ll help you find the best rates for your magical vacation!
In honor of Erin’s 30th birthday trip to Disney World, I wanted to discuss one option to staying onsite at Walt Disney World that many people do not realize is available: the Campsites of Fort Wilderness. Perfect for families who love camping, or are planning a road trip in a camper, RV, or motor home, the Campsites of Fort Wilderness also have recreation to please everyone in your family.
There are four different categories at the Campsites of Fort Wilderness: tent or pop-up campsites, full hookup campsites, preferred campsites, and premium campsites. The tent or pop-up campsites are only for tents or pop-up vans and include water and electricity. Price for these varies between $55 and $118 per night. The full hookup campsites include a level paved pad campsite (for a camper, RV, motor home, etc.) and electricity, water, and sewer. Price for these varies between $74 and $139 per night. The preferred campsites include a level paved pad campsite and electricity, water, sewer, cable, and high speed internet. Price for these varies between $84 and $149 per night. The premium campsites include a level paved pad campsite in a premium location (closer to recreation, bus stops, etc.) and electricity, water, sewer, cable, and high speed internet. Price for these varies between $91 and $154 per night. All campsites sleep a maximum of 10 people and include a charcoal bbq grill and picnic table and nearby comfort station with laundry facilities, private showers, ice machines, restrooms, and pay phones.
The Campsites of Fort Wilderness also offers more recreational activities than any other resort on the Disney property. In additional to the usual playgrounds, arcades, pool, and movies under the stars, Fort Wilderness also offers motorized boat, canoe, and kayak rentals. Fishing, horseback riding, wagon rides, waterskiing and archery are also available. My favorite activity is Chip ‘N Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long. Every evening around sundown, guests can join Chip ‘N Dale for campfire songs, photos, and autographs. Guests can bring their own marshmallows and hot dogs to roast, or purchase s’mores kits from the Chuckwagon Snack Bar. Afterwards, guests can enjoy a movie under the stars.
The value seasons for 2014 for the campgrounds would be Jan through February 12th, August 3rd through August 28th, or September 1st though October 5th. Of course Sunday through Thursday rates are also less expensive than Friday and Saturday rates.
There are a few downsides to the campsites. They are always excluded from any Disney discounts and book up extremely quickly. If the weather is bad, it might put a damper on your vacation as well. (Note: If the weather is extreme such as flash flooding and/or hurricanes, Disney will evacuate the Campsites at Fort Wilderness and move all guests indoors.) However, you still get all the perks for staying on the Disney property such as free transportation to and from the parks, extra magic hours, and free package deliveries from the parks to your resort.
Have you ever stayed at the Campsites of Fort Wilderness? Don’t forget to wish Erin a happy birthday as well!
