On this week’s episode of The RV Atlas Podcast, we revisit one of the most iconic campgrounds in America: Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.
For years, we’ve called Fort Wilderness one of our favorite campgrounds in the country. It combines the beauty and tranquility of a forested campground with immediate access to all the magic of Walt Disney World. But a lot has changed recently. Disney is constructing the new Disney Vacation Club resort, Lakeshore Lodge, next door, and longtime Fort Wilderness fans have strong opinions about what that might mean for the future of the campground.
To get an up-to-date perspective, we invited longtime RVer and Disney enthusiast Jess Phillips onto the show. Jess recently returned from a stay at Fort Wilderness with her husband Dan and their two daughters, giving us a fresh look at what the campground experience is like right now. Then we turn to the RV Atlas Facebook Group to hear what other campers had to say about the ongoing changes.
To listen to our interview with Jess click on the media player above or subscribe to The RV Atlas podcast wherever you get your favorite shows!
Why Disney’s Fort Wilderness Remains So Special
Even after all these years, Disney’s Fort Wilderness remains one of the most unique camping experiences in America.
Located directly on Walt Disney World property, Fort Wilderness sits across Bay Lake from Magic Kingdom. Guests enjoy easy access to all four Disney parks while staying in a campground that feels remarkably peaceful and secluded.
What makes the Fort special is the contrast. One moment you’re riding Space Mountain or watching a parade in Magic Kingdom. A short ferry ride later, you’re back beneath towering cypress trees, listening to birds and relaxing at your campsite.
Jess described it perfectly: Disney’s Fort Wilderness feels like a state park campground that just happens to be located inside Walt Disney World.
A Campground That Feels Like a State Park
One of the biggest surprises for first-time visitors is how natural Fort Wilderness feels.
The campground covers approximately 750 acres and includes:
- Nearly 800 campsites
- More than 300 cabins
- Forested loops
- Paved biking paths
- Multiple playgrounds
- Pools
- Camp stores
- Restaurants
- Boat transportation
Despite its size, it never feels crowded.
The campsites are large, paved, level, and carefully maintained. Loops are designed to minimize traffic, creating a quiet atmosphere that feels far removed from the energy of the theme parks.
Jess noted that even during a packed week in March, the individual camping loops remained calm and peaceful.
Biking, Looping, and Exploring
One of the unofficial traditions at Fort Wilderness is “looping.”
Visitors spend hours riding golf carts or bicycles through the campground exploring:
- Decorated campsites
- Elaborately themed displays
- Vintage RVs
- Luxury motorhomes
- Family camping setups
As always, the campground featured impressive site decorations during Jess’s visit, even in early March.
For many campers, simply riding through the loops is part of the entertainment.
It’s also one of the best RV shows in America. You can see everything from pop-up campers to million-dollar motorhomes all in one place.
Getting Around Walt Disney World
One of Fort Wilderness’s biggest advantages is transportation.
Guests can access every Disney park without moving their RV.
Transportation options include:
- Internal campground buses
- Disney buses to all parks
- Ferry boats to Magic Kingdom
- Walking and biking trails throughout the campground
Jess’s family relied heavily on the internal transportation system and found it efficient and easy to navigate.
The ferry ride to Magic Kingdom remains one of the most magical parts of staying at the Fort.
The Pools and Recreation Areas
The Meadow Recreation Area continues to serve as the heart of campground activity.
During Jess’s visit, Disney was completing work on a major pool expansion project.
The recreation complex now includes:
- The original Meadow Pool
- A new zero-entry pool
- Water play areas
- Family activities
- Poolside games and events
The original waterslide remained a huge hit with the kids, while the new additions make the area even more appealing for younger families.
Combined with playgrounds, bike paths, and open spaces, there’s plenty to do even on non-park days.
Dining at Disney’s Fort Wilderness
One of the great things about Fort Wilderness is that you can make the experience as simple or as elaborate as you want.
Many families cook at their campsites, but there are also several dining options available:
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
The legendary dinner show remains one of the most beloved experiences at Walt Disney World.
Located at Pioneer Hall, Hoop-Dee-Doo continues to draw devoted fans year after year.
Trail’s End Area
While Trail’s End has changed over the years, the area remains a gathering place for guests staying at the campground.
Crockett’s Tavern
Offering drinks and casual fare, Crockett’s provides a relaxed option near Pioneer Hall.
Chuck Wagon Snack Bar
Located near the Chip ’n Dale Campfire Sing-Along, the Chuck Wagon offers snacks, drinks, and treats for families enjoying evening activities.
The Chip ‘n Dale Campfire Sing-Along
For many families, the Campfire Sing-Along remains one of the most memorable experiences at Fort Wilderness.
Each evening guests can:
- Roast marshmallows
- Meet Chip and Dale
- Participate in sing-alongs
- Watch an outdoor Disney movie
Jess described it as one of the highlights of the trip and a perfect example of the simple magic that Fort Wilderness does so well.
The Disney Parks Experience
During their stay, Jess’s family visited all four Walt Disney World parks.
Some highlights included:
- Hollywood Studios
- Animal Kingdom
- Magic Kingdom
- EPCOT
For Jess’s daughters, who are now old enough for many of the larger attractions, the trip felt completely different from their first visit.
This time they tackled:
- Space Mountain
- Tower of Terror
- Larger thrill rides
- Character experiences
- Parades
- Fireworks
One standout dining experience was Woody’s Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios.
The family also enjoyed seeing many of the ongoing additions and expansions throughout the parks, including future projects that will likely bring them back in the years ahead.
The Big Question: How Does Lakeshore Lodge Affect Fort Wilderness?
Now for the topic everyone wants to discuss.
The new Disney Vacation Club resort, Lakeshore Lodge, is currently under construction adjacent to Fort Wilderness.
Jess’s assessment was nuanced.
At the campsites themselves:
- You don’t see it.
- You don’t hear it.
- It doesn’t affect the camping loops.
The campground experience remains largely unchanged.
However, the story changes near Pioneer Hall and the waterfront.
The new resort is:
- Massive in scale
- Highly visible from the waterfront area
- Much closer to Pioneer Hall than many expected
The former beach area near the waterfront has largely disappeared, and the resort now dominates views that were previously open to Bay Lake.
For longtime Fort Wilderness visitors, this is where most of the concern exists.
What RV Atlas Facebook Group Members Are Saying
After the interview, we turned to the RV Atlas Facebook Group to gather additional perspectives.
The responses covered the entire spectrum.
Some members believe:
- The new resort is an eyesore
- It detracts from the wilderness atmosphere
- It changes the character of the waterfront
Others are optimistic, believing:
- New restaurants will be a benefit
- Additional transportation options may be added
- New amenities could improve the overall experience
Interestingly, nearly everyone agreed on one thing:
The campsites themselves remain largely unaffected.
Most campers reported that once they returned to their loops, the Fort still felt like the Fort.
Will We Go Back? Will Jess and Family Go Back?
Absolutely. And absolutely!
Like many families, Jess’s daughters are already lobbying for another trip! Our kids are too!
Final Thoughts
Fort Wilderness is changing.
There’s no question that the construction of Lakeshore Lodge is altering some of the views and experiences near Pioneer Hall.
But based on Jess’s recent visit—and the feedback from many members of the RV Atlas community—the core experience remains remarkably intact.
The campsites are still beautiful.
The loops are still peaceful.
The transportation is still excellent.
The campfire sing-alongs are still magical.
And for families looking to combine RV camping with Walt Disney World, there is still nothing else quite like it.
Whether you’re a longtime Fort Wilderness fan or planning your very first visit, the magic is still very much alive.
We’ll see you at the campground.
