Disney's Fort Wilderness In A Vanagon

[Silverghost500]

Anyone done a camping adventure to Disney's Fort Wilderness in their Vanagon? How many days did you stay? What were some of the things you liked, and what did you think your Vanagon needed that would've made the experience better?

I'm thinking of a trip, and deciding whether to take Von Westy down for a week, or renting a camper and a campsite there.
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1986 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia "Von Westy"
Honda K24A conversion
3-Speed Automatic

Von Westy YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbhyZYxJEQrUuLnMbLleeIA

[MarkWard]

We did camp wilderness over a weekend for fun. We have family in Orl and my mother in law used to run the Exxon pavilion so we got free passes.


Lots to do for the kids. Transportation to whereever you want to go in the park. I recommend it. Sooner than later. Gets a little warm for camping soon.

[Marshj]

We did this 2x when I was 10 and 14. That was over 20 years ago but it was awesome. Taking the boat to everything in the park from the campground was great. We didn’t have a Vanagon but a 27’ RV and a pop up.

Jeff

[danfromsyr]

I've hit fort wilderness a few times with the vanagon.

I always take a site in the tent/pop up loop(s) (1500) because it's cheapest.
last time they messed up our rsvp, missing we had a dog, (some loops are dogs excluded) so they comped us up to a premier loop(200) in the very front where the big rigs stay for the month of Dec-Jan

had the smallest RV and the biggest (112#) dog in the loop.


the inner transportation is VERY handy
the camp to park transportation is VERY handy
the boat from the beach to the Contemporary (catch the mono-rail there) or direct to Magic Kingdom is VERY handy
I'll take the boat and eat at the Wilderness lodge restaurants
there's a small store by the beach, for souviners and basic food items.

they DO NOT allow ground fires, and no 'campfire' in the provided elevated grills. but I 'believe' you can use a propane firepit..

trash pick up is at your site, daily.

restrooms are very nice, and air conditioned.

there is wildlife, deer, turkey right in some sites.

you 'can' leave a dog in your vanagon at your site as it's considered a 'hard sided' camper they do have a nearby disney (vendor run) doggy daycare as well.

there are recreation areas and a hot tub in the middle of the campgrounds.
nightly campfire with Chip & Dale as well as a nightly outdoor movie.

click for bigger

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[jimf909]

^^^ Having never been to anything Disney this is quite fascinating to me. Likewise I’ve never been to Vegas save a few hours in the airport. I’m not sure what I’m missing but I do know I’m missing something. Maybe some day.
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- Jim

[danfromsyr]

for a 'resort' level campground it is nice,
there's alot to do, then you have access to ALL of Disney property via the transportation systems that are FREE (well included in your stay)

even Horseback or Segway trails within the campground.
you can rent small boats from paddle to pontoon on the lake at the camp beach.. though they don't allow freshwater swimming anymore.

you really don't even need to go to the parks to have a good time..
unlike Universal studios, you can actually see what all the $$ you are spending is going towards. staff, grounds, transportation, great facilities.
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[Dabbler]

Grew up in Central FL and have stayed there both as a youngster and with my own a bunch. I'm new to the Vanagon cult, but have stayed there in every accommodation available(Cabin, RV, popup, tent). I swear it may be the only non mosquito infested part of the state. As campgrounds go, Ft. Wilderness is expensive and worth every cent. The nightly movie, bonfire, and marshmallow roast is a central feature, along with the meadow pool that is open late in the summer. Yes loads of free or minimal cost options for a relaxing stay. Enjoy the nightly fireworks from the beach, or go to any number of vantages to see them from outside the numerous parks. Of course I had no trouble unloading my wallet in days at the different parks. Prepared me for Vanagon ownership I think.
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84' Westfalia
http://instagram.com/autumn_westy

[danfromsyr]

also on the economy of things

booking sites is like booking a hotel room.
in that the rates will vary week to week or day to day based upon 'posted' peak use days/seasons.

if you are tied to children's school time off, it WILL cost more for everything per day. I try to land just off peak times..
they very likely WILL NOT have any non-reserved sites at most any times.
also you don't get a specific site or loop untill you check in.. unless you call/contact them at a certain XX days before your rsvp..
in my case the 1500 loop vs the 22oo loop is better access to the pool and hot tub.. (dog friendly tent/popup loop)

there is a near Disney state park that you can use reserve america to book sites.. but you don't get any of the Disney atmosphere or perks..

one last perk is that disney offers "Extra Magic hours" to guests staying in any Disney property. that includes the campsites.
each day 1 park is open later and 1 other park opens earlier only to guests in Disney lodging. and that' worth some $$ right there.

heck when I went to Universal Studios (1st time had to see/try it) we still stayed at Fort Wilderness. and kenneled our dog at Disney Barks&rec
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[JudoJeff]

I echo danfrmsyr comments. Loved camping here in my VW. Loop 200, where all the big rigs are. Everybody came by to see my Westfalia.

After checking in at the front, the attendant asked if my rv is arriving later. I replied, “no, this is it”! She stuck her head out of the window, saying “That is so COOL!”

BTW, Fort Wilderness is one of the cheapest resorts to stay at for groups of 6-8+. Every room at Disney is setup for 4 or fewer. If you rent a log cabin, you can order groceries and they’ll be there when you arrive.

Transportation is free and awesome. Restaurants are excellent and a short walk away.
_________________
________________________________________
1989 Vanagon GL Westfalia Camper, Burned up on 7/31/16.
1987 Vanagon GL Westfalia Camper, Bostig & Rebuilt, sold
1986 Vanagon GL Westfalia Camper, Bostig Sold May 10, 2021
1999 Ford GTRV Westfalia camper (30% bigger Westy layout)

[JudoJeff]

I echo danfrmsyr comments. Loved camping here in my VW. Loop 200, where all the big rigs are. Everybody came by to see my Westfalia.

After checking in at the front, the attendant asked if my rv is arriving later. I replied, “no, this is it”! She stuck her head out of the window, saying “That is so COOL!”

BTW, Fort Wilderness is one of the cheapest resorts to stay at for groups of 6-8+. Every room at Disney is setup for 4 or fewer. If you rent a log cabin, you can order groceries and they’ll be there when you arrive.

Transportation is free and awesome. Restaurants are excellent and a short walk away.
_________________
________________________________________
1989 Vanagon GL Westfalia Camper, Burned up on 7/31/16.
1987 Vanagon GL Westfalia Camper, Bostig & Rebuilt, sold
1986 Vanagon GL Westfalia Camper, Bostig Sold May 10, 2021
1999 Ford GTRV Westfalia camper (30% bigger Westy layout)

[danfromsyr]

I hate to overrun a thread, but I keep 'remembering' some details that may be helpful

Pricing of the loops is based on how close they are to amenities (the beach/restaurants/store/marina and posted 'peak' days/weeks.

one to note is that WDW reservations can be made like ~500days in advance..
this is important to know if you have specific dates/events you are looking to see/attend. as popular weeks (Easter, thanksgiving, Halloween, Christmas to new years) book up very far in advance.

but (last I went) another booking problem (or not) is they only take 1st day $$ as deposit, remainder due ~2weeks of your rsvp.
this matters in that people can overbook sites with minimal $$ tied up, then drop the dates that they don't want just before a rsvp..

so you can score sites well in advance,
or at the last ~2weeks.. (be persistent and call each day)

the campground allows private (or rental) golf carts.. if you need for your family or to be aware of while driving about.
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[Silverghost500]

Thanks for all the feedback, and the map! I stayed there back in September 2013 when I had a 26’ bumper pull camper that was fully self contained, and had a good working air conditioner. I think that’s the part I’m really concerned about if I do take the Westy, and whether I would need to cobble together an air conditioning solution for when the van is parked in the camp site.

I’m thinking about going either mid-May or sometime early June. I’m trying to avoid going late Summer/Fall because Star Wars Land in Hollywood Studios will be open by then. I think that’s going to make all Disney World properties down there busier than a Tatooine Catina!
_________________
1986 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia "Von Westy"
Honda K24A conversion
3-Speed Automatic

Von Westy YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbhyZYxJEQrUuLnMbLleeIA

[danfromsyr]

most sites are well shaded. but you really don't need to move the van once on property.
so I'd definitely rig some form of a window mounted AC..

All sites are 110v.
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[JudoJeff]

Disney parks are always crowded, always expensive. Accept it and move on.

You’ll sleep better with A/C in June. Reservations can be cancelled without penalty at any Disney Resort. Dining reservations charge for no shows.
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________________________________________
1989 Vanagon GL Westfalia Camper, Burned up on 7/31/16.
1987 Vanagon GL Westfalia Camper, Bostig & Rebuilt, sold
1986 Vanagon GL Westfalia Camper, Bostig Sold May 10, 2021
1999 Ford GTRV Westfalia camper (30% bigger Westy layout)

[JudoJeff]

I write long notes to myself, just found this one:
FORT WILDERNESS INFORMATION

What are the campsites like?
There are 788 conventional campsites at FW located in 20 loops (100 through 2000). Most sites are fairly secluded from one another by a generous growth of brush and trees between sites. All campsites are back-ins and are a combination of paved driveway, which range in length from 25 to 60 feet, and sandy pad. Each site is approximately 25 feet wide and comes with a picnic table and charcoal grill. All sites have electricity (20/30/50 amps) and city water. There are 695 full hookup sites that also provide sewer. The 90 partial hookup sites, primarily used by tent campers and those with tent trailers, are located on loops 1500 and 2000.

It is very important to specify the RV's length, if it has slide outs or awnings, and any other details about its size when making a reservation so the right sized campsite is assigned.

The number of campsites in each loop is as follows:
100 loop - 25; 200 loop - 37; 300 loop - 63; 400 loop - 33; 500 loop - 56; 600 loop - 37; 700 loop - 35; 800 loop - 74; 900 loop - 32; 1000 loop - 23; 1100 loop - 24; 1200 loop - 22; 1300 loop - 34; 1400 loop - 61; 1500 loop - 21; 1600 loop - 46; 1700 loop - 41; 1800 loop - 32; 1900 loop - 38; 2000 loop - 69

There are four categories of campsites at FW, premium, preferred, full-hookup, and partial.

The Premium Site is billed as "big-rig" friendly. They accommodate RVs larger than 45 feet in length and those that have multiple slide outs. The sites are wider (up to 24 ft), and deeper (up to 60 ft) meaning they have a larger, level-paved pad. They also feature all of the amenities - water, power, sewer, cable, and access to the high-speed Internet, plus upgraded picnic tables and grills as well as prime locations.

Tent campers can use premium sites, but since they have a full pad with no sand area at all, unlike the preferred, full, and partial, it can be impossible to find a place to put in tent stakes. The actual size and shape of each site "will depend on Mother Nature", as Disney likes to say.

To Disney, preferred sites means those that are located near the Settlement Trading Post, Pioneer Hall, Meadow and marina areas (meaning the preferred/in demand areas). Preferred Campsites include: water, power, sewer, cable. Internet Access is free. There will be a $125 deposit hold on credit card. Once kit is returned the hold will be released). Campsite sizes vary in length and width and some can accommodate equipment up to 10' X 60'.

Sites in loops 1600, 1700, 1800, and 1900 have been equipped with cable and Internet, but due to their location, will remain Full Hookup.

Non-preferred sites are located farther from the Pioneer Hall/marina area. A Full Hookup site in a Preferred area will include cable, but you can have a non-cable (Partial Hookup) site in a Preferred loop.

Loops 1500 and 2000 remain as partial hook-up sites for campers using tents, pop-up campers and van campers. As now, RV will not be allowed on these sites. All sites include cable TV and offer high-speed Internet access. Picnic tables and grills will remain as they are now. As of now, there are no pet loops in this category.
Fort Wilderness also has an area called Creekside Meadow: it is a primitive campsite area and will remain unchanged for use by scout troops, schools and other group campers.

Here is an easy guide to what loops have what kind of sites (once the premium site construction is complete). Pet Friendly loops are also noted.
Loop 100 - Preferred
Loop 200 - Preferred
Loop 300 - Preferred (Pet friendly loop)
Loop 400 - Premium (Pet friendly loop)
Loop 500 - Premium (Pet friendly loop)
Loop 600 - Premium (Pet friendly loop)
Loop 700 - Premium (Pet friendly loop)
Loop 800 - Premium (Pet friendly loop)
Loop 900 - Premium (Pet friendly loop)
Loop 1000 - Premium
Loop 1100 - Premium
Loop 1200 - Premium
Loop 1300 - Premium
Loop 1400 - Premium
Loop 1500 - Partial
Loop 1600 - Full (Pet friendly loop)
Loop 1700 - Full (Pet friendly loop)
Loop 1800 - Full (Pet friendly loop)
Loop 1900 - Full (Pet friendly loop)
Loop 2000 - Partial

There is room to park one vehicle per site (in addition to the camping vehicle) and each site is limited to 10 people. Additional parking is available at the main parking lot. Check-in time for the campsites is 1 p.m., check-out is at 11 a.m. Multiple tents or combinations of campers and tents can occupy a site; however, there is a $2 charge per adult when there are more than two adults per campsite. Weekly and monthly discounts are available in the off season.
What things should I remember to bring?

For Cabins and Campers: Flashlight or lantern, insect repellent, charcoal and matches.

Specifically For Campers: Extension cord, rope or clothesline cord, toolbox, fire extinguisher, hatchet/ax, broom and dustpan, trash bags, outdoor rug/door mat, portable heater, water pressure regulator, drinking water hose, gray water hose and holding container, wheel chocks, leveling blocks, roll of quarters for laundry, laundry detergent, trailer hitch latch pin and trailer lock, cable (if you are planning to use a cable hookup), and last but certainly not least, the keys to your trailer and any locks.

Which are the best loops?
Best is a subjective term. Generally, campers want to be near the Settlement Trading Post on the north end of FW, which would allow them to be close to the FW marina and beach, Pioneer Hall, and guest services. Loops in this area are 100 through 500 and 700. Others may want to be more near the center of FW near the Meadow Trading Post, the campfire program, the main swimming pool, tennis courts and Bike Barn. Loops in this area are 600, 800 through 1600. For those campers who want to be a little farther away from the action and are looking for quieter surroundings, loops 1700 through 2000 are best. Guests in Cabins are located in loops 2100 through 2800. 2100 is the closest to the center of the resort. Loops 2200 through 2800 get increasingly farther away as the loop number increases with 2800 being the closest to the south end of the resort near the entrance.

How does the FW transportation system work?
Three internal buses run - Purple, Orange and Yellow -- between the Outpost Depot near the resort's entrance to the Settlement Depot, near the resort's marina. Guests use these buses to travel to points within the resort. Buses announce each stop through the sound system as well as on the LED sign.

The complimentary transportation is available one hour prior to Disney Theme Park opening time up to 3 hours after Disney Theme Park closing time. Additionally, buses operate until 3:00 a.m. from the Disney Springs Area. Certain areas of Walt Disney World Resort are also connected by well-lit, paved, low-grade walking paths.

The Purple route travels between the two main depots through the Wilderness Cabins loops.

The Orange route travels straight through the middle of the resort along the Fort Wilderness Trail, past campsites, the Meadow Trading Post, and also runs through the cabin area, (if you are staying at the cabins, and want to get to Meadow Trading Post, take an Orange Settlement).

To get to the Magic Kingdom: Take a bus to the Settlement Depot, and walk to the marina to catch a launch (with the green flag) to the Magic Kingdom.
To get to Epcot, Animal Kingdom/Blizzard Beach, Disney's Hollywood Studios or Typhoon Lagoon/Disney Springs: Take an internal bus to the Outpost Depot (the resort entrance), then catch the appropriate bus,

To get to the Contemporary or Wilderness Lodge Resorts: Take a bus to the Settlement Depot, and walk to the marina to catch a launch (blue flag). You can also take a bus to Wilderness Lodge from the Settlement Depot There is also a walking/biking path to Wilderness Lodge that begins near the Settlement Depot. (Golf carts are not allowed on this path.)

To get to All Other Resorts: Take a bus to the Outpost Depot, then catch a bus to Typhoon Lagoon/Disney Springs, Epcot, or Animal Kingdom/Blizzard Beach (if the parks are open). Transfer to a bus for the final destination. An alternative, take a bus to the Settlement, and take the Magic Kingdom launch at the marina (if the park is open). Transfer to a bus for the final

Inside FW, automobiles are prohibited except when entering or leaving the resort or parking at The Meadow Trading Post; therefore, you can walk, ride bikes or golf carts, or use the bus system. Be sure to look at the Bus Routes posted at each bus stop, to determine where you are and where you want to go. There are numerous covered bus stops throughout FW. You may request to be near a bus stop when they make their reservations. Waits for buses are usually no more than 10-15 minutes but can be more, especially at night after a Hoop-Dee-Doo show lets out.

Where can you eat in FW?
Dining at the Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort includes 2 restaurants, 2 dinner shows, and snack bars - all serving American food. Restaurant meals range from under $15 to $60 per person, based on average Guest check, not including alcohol, tax and tip.

Crockett's Tavern, located in Pioneer Hall, features beverages and snacks such as pizza, quesadillas, etc. Pizza may also be ordered from the Trail's End Restaurant next door from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. and eaten outside the Tavern. A 16 inch cheese pizza is $11.95. Toppings are $1.00 each.

Trail's End Restaurant, also located in Pioneer Hall, provides an all you can eat buffet for breakfast and dinner, a la carte lunch.
P and J's Southern Take Out - limited carry-out items all day located at Trail's End on the left.

Mickey's Backyard BBQ, an all-you-can-eat buffet with a live country band, line-dance instructor, and appearances by Disney Characters, is held on certain evenings at the Fort Wilderness Pavilion.

The Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue, an all-you-can-eat dinner show, is held nightly at Pioneer Hall (described above).
What shops does Fort Wilderness offer? Are groceries available?

Fort Wilderness has two main shops:
The Settlement Trading Post is across from Trail's End and Crockett's Tavern. It features: Fort Wilderness souvenirs, Disney Merchandise, pin trading, Health & Beauty Supplies, Photo Supplies, Sporting Goods, Kid's Goods, Women's Goods, Baby Goods, beer and other alcoholic beverages, and groceries (milk, bread, juice, cereal, sandwich meats, bacon, sausage, eggs, canned vegetables, frozen dinners, pizza, stuff for spaghetti, chips, hot dogs, etc.)

The Meadow Trading Post is located at the Meadow Recreation Area in the center of Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort. It has a small parking lot available for cars across the street from the store. It features the same items as The Settlement Trading Post, but it also has: camping supplies (including propane tanks, sewage hoses, etc.); a deli, video rental, and an expanded selection of Fort Wilderness souvenirs. The Meadow Trading Post is also easier to navigate in if you are using a wheelchair or electric conveyance vehicle.

If guests need any further supplies, Goodings Supermarket is located in the Crossroads area, and three Wal-Marts are also close to the resort.

Where do I rent bikes, golf carts, tennis equipment, etc.?
The Bike Barn (open 8 a.m.-6 p.m.) is located behind the Meadow Trading Post and rents bicycles, canoes, kayaks, and equipment for fishing and tennis. Life vests (provided) must be worn by all guests while in the boats. The phone number is (407) 824-2742

When does the campfire program begin and what is it like?
The campfire program has no admission fee and is open to all WDW resort guests. It generally begins around 6:30-7 p.m. during the fall/winter season and 8 p.m. after the time changes in April through the summer. (Check your Activities Sheet to Confirm Times) It is held near the Meadow Trading Post in the campfire area. The program begins with a sing-along led by a Disney CM and a marshmallow roast around two campfire rings. You may bring your own marshmallows or buy them at the Chuck Wagon. You may also buy pizza, hot dogs, candy, nachos, juice, popcorn, sodas, coffee, beer and other refreshments at the Chuck Wagon. While this is going on, Chip and Dale make an appearance to visit with guests and sign autographs. The sing-along lasts about 40 minutes. Next, one or two Disney animated features, depending upon the season, are shown on a large outdoor screen. Seating is available in bleachers or on benches. There is also plenty of room to lay out a quilt or blanket. In the event of rain, the sing-along is still held on the porch of the Meadow Trading Post.

What is the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue and how do I get there?
The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is the most popular and longest-running dinner shows offered at WDW. The show is held at 4, 6:15 and 8:30 p.m. nightly at Pioneer Hall. Reservations are a must and can be made up to two years in advance. To get there, FW guests may take a bus to the Settlement Depot. Non-FW guests may get to Pioneer Hall by driving to FW and parking in the visitor lot then catching a bus at the Outpost Depot. One can also drive to the Contemporary or Wilderness Lodge and take the boat launch to the FW marina. Another way, depending on the hours at the Magic Kingdom, are to take a resort bus to the MK and then take a boat from the MK to the Fort Wilderness marina. Pioneer Hall is a very short walk from the marina. The menu for the dinner portion of the Revue is: Fresh baked bread, tossed green salad with vinaigrette dressing, country fried chicken, smoked BBQ pork ribs, corn, baked beans, strawberry shortcake, coffee, soft drinks, hot and iced tea, unlimited beer and wine.

Are there pools and where are they located?
There are two heated outdoor swimming pools available for FW resort guests only. The main pool is located near the Meadow Trading Post in the center of the campground and the second smaller pool is located with the Wilderness Cabins, between loops 2500 and 2700, which is more near the resort entrance. Lounge chairs and tables are provided. The pools are open 24 hours, but the lifeguard hours vary seasonally.
The main pool, the Meadow Swimmin' Pool at the Meadow Trading Post has just been enhanced with a themed water slide, hot tub, and children’s play area.

Do they offer horseback rides at Fort Wilderness?
Trail Rides are offered several times a day, weather permitting. They're guided horseback rides at the Tri-Circle D Livery at Fort Wilderness. The rides, which cost $46 per person, last approximately 45 minutes. Nothing can be carried while on horseback; small storage lockers to hold cameras and backpacks are provided at no charge. Open-toed shoes, flip flops, and strapless shoes are not permitted.

The horses are tame and walk pretty much single file during the ride. If you're an experienced rider, this ride may be too dull for you. If you've not had an opportunity to ride a horse before or have done so rarely, this ride may be just what you're looking for. To make advanced reservations, call (407) WDW-PLAY -- reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance. To make Same-Day reservations, call 407-824-2832. Guests must pick up tickets on the same date at the Fort Wilderness Kennel at least 30-minutes prior to the start of the ride. Please allow for transportation time from other Disney resorts.

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You can rent a boat to go out on the lake, $$$ or hire a guided fishing boat.
Hope this helps!
_________________
________________________________________
1989 Vanagon GL Westfalia Camper, Burned up on 7/31/16.
1987 Vanagon GL Westfalia Camper, Bostig & Rebuilt, sold
1986 Vanagon GL Westfalia Camper, Bostig Sold May 10, 2021
1999 Ford GTRV Westfalia camper (30% bigger Westy layout)