Fort Wilderness has many unique adventures for guests to explore

Several of the Disney World resorts offer experiences that ensure they’re about more than just the theme parks, but nowhere is this more true than at Fort Wilderness Resort.

Guests choosing Fort Wilderness Resort embrace the great outdoors and the heart of the American adventure, and the facilities provided at the resort really put that in the forefront.

So, for guests who want to simply splash around in the pool, or explore more of what the great outdoors has to offer, this resort has something to get them to tap into the spirit of ‘the wilderness’. 

Here, we take a closer look at some of the most popular amenities and activities at Fort Wilderness.

Pools

Fort Wilderness has two main pools, though compared to other Disney World resorts they are somewhat more modest in terms of theming.

The Meadow Swimmin’ Pool is popular, especially with kids thanks to its ‘corkscrew’ waterslide and splash-play fort. Adults also enjoy the Meadow for its whirlpool and well-spaced loungers.

Resort staff organise poolside activities, games, and parties at regular interval, so its recommended guests check out the schedule when checking in.

At the Meadow snack bar, right next the pool, guests can pick up light bites including hot dogs, sandwiches and salads, plus Mickey-shaped pretzels, s’mores, and tortilla chips. Drinks are also served at the Meadow snack bar whether its soft drinks, beers, wines, and ‘moonshine’ cocktails.

The resort’s second pool, Wilderness Swimmin’ Pool offers a more tranquil atmosphere, ideal for guests looking to relax​ in less active surroundings.

Fitness

For guests staying at Fort Wilderness, the outdoors is their gym - there are no fitness rooms here!

Guests can embrace the great outdoors with multiple jogging (and walking) trails through the resort’s meadows and forest. Maps of the trails are available on-site for more info about the trails, which are just over 3 miles at that their longest.

Bikes

Guests who prefer their adventures on two wheels can hire bikes at Fort Wilderness, and can take a spin around the resort area, meadows and forest.

Safety equipment, including helmets, are included in the rental - and, under Florida law, must be worn by anyone under the age of 16.

Segway adventure

Staying on two wheels (and two legs) guests can take a more high-tech 2-hour tour around an ‘all terrain’ trail, on a Segway X2 - there’s also a 30-minute program of instruction and practice before ding out.

This experience costs $90 per person, plus tax.

Canoes and kayaks

I’ll leave it to an expert to explain the difference between a canoe and a kayak, but, guests can hire both at Fort Wilderness and take to the lake.

Disney describes the lake as ‘tranquil waters’, and it's presented very much as a fun and casual experience - in other words, there are no white waters here.

Canoe rental is $15 per hour, per person (plus tax), and are available between 9am and 5pm. Guests must be 18 or older, or be at least 12 and accompanied by an adult. The provided life jackets must also be worn.

Fishing

Guests who prefer to have a rod in their hand rather than a paddle can take a fishing excursion on the lake.

Whether you fancy a two or four hour guided Bass fishing excursion, or you just want to hire a road and fish from the shore, this is a very fun and quite different way to spend a day on Disney World property.

Excursions include rod and reel, tackle hire, as well as bait and refreshments.

Disney World operates a catch-and-release policy, so if you want bass on your menu, you’ll have to do so at a restaurant.

Horses

Guests can channel their inner rancher at Fort Wilderness, with a visit to the resort’s Tri-Circle-D Ranch.

The ranch operates horseback trail riding, pony rides, wagon and carriage rides - and during the holiday season, sleigh rides.

It is home to a variety of horse breeds including Appaloosas, Arabians, Belgians, Clydesdales, Percherons, Quarter Horses, and adorable little Shetland Ponies.

This range of horses and ponies allows fun experiences for guests of wide-ranging capabilities and comfort levels around the animals.

As well as the trails, guests can simply go visit and walkaround the stables.

Trail riding costs $65 per person (plus tax), for a 45-minute experience. The horse will, according to Disney, maintain a ‘steady walking pace’ during trail rides.

There are a number of conditions for this experience. Riders must be in ‘good physical condition’, must meet certain height and weight criteria (taller than 48 inches and lighter than 250 pounds, verified on the scale that day), and sign customary waivers.

Archery

Guests can take part in 75-minute archery experiences - including instruction and target shooting - in groups of up to 10 people.

There’s a viewing area if not everyone in the group wants to take part, they can take a seat and watch.

This experience costs $49 per person (plus tax).

Ball games

Guests who prefer their games round and bouncy, rather than long and pointy, can head either to Fort Wilderness’ basketball or volleyball courts.

There are a number of basketball courts at Fort Wilderness, and balls are provided at each of them (or can be requested from resort staff).

Volleyball, meanwhile, is played on the sandy court in the resort’s Meadow area.

Play and games

Fort Wilderness is home to multiple playgrounds, and they're great for the little ones to burn off some energy and socialise with others.

The resort also has two arcades, Davey Crockett’s Wilderness Arcade near Pioneer Hall, and Daniel Boone’s Wilderness Arcade near the Meadow pool.

Nighttime entertainment

At Fort Wilderness, the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. 

Like at all Disney World resorts, guests can catch an outdoor movie at Fort Wilderness’ Movie Under The Stars’ location, at the Campground Cinema spot in the Meadow area.

Fort Wilderness also provides a campfire experience, like many of the other resorts, but here it is made a bit more special by classic Disney characters Chip ‘n’ Dale, and their ‘Campfire Singalong’.

Located over the lake from Magic Kingdom, guests have a number of good vantage points from which to view the nightly Magic Kingdom fireworks.

Fort Wilderness is also one of the select groups of resorts from which guests can watch the Electrical Water Pageant - a popular parade of illuminated floats that each night pass by the Polynesian Village, Grand Floridian, Contemporary, Fort Wilderness and Fort Wilderness Resort.

For a fun night exclusive to Fort Wilderness head to Pioneer Hall for the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue.

Here, guests can enjoy an all-you-can eat and drink meal and a show. Pioneer Hall serves up musical numbers, comedy skits and audience participation along with fried chicken, barbecue, and mac ‘n’ cheese as well as ‘unlimited’ beer and wine for those over 21.

There are three shows per night - 4pm, 6:15pm and 8:30pm.

Pricing depends on your seating area (whether your on the main floor or one of the balconies) but it is between $70 and $78 per adult and $40 and $45 per ‘child’ (3 to 9 years old).

Shopping

Guests who have yet to find the perfect gift or keepsake at the theme park stores or Disney Springs - or those who just fancy a bit more retail therapy - may enjoy a browse at one or both of Fort Wilderness’ two shops, the Meadow Trading Post and the Settlement Trading Post.

These stock everything from essential groceries, snacks, drinks, and Disney World merchandise​.

They have guests covered, whether that's grabbing essentials or finding a perfect gift to take home.

Thoughts …

Fort Wilderness stands alone among Disney World resorts when it comes to unique activities and things to do.

It is much more than just a place for guests to rest their heads at night.

Important note, however, Disney cautions that advanced booking is recommended for many of the pursuits on offer at Fort Wilderness, so it's better to be organised and prepared ahead of time, and make plans.

Many of the activities come at an extra cost, so it may be the case that guests choose their itineraries carefully.