Are you a Walt Disney World enthusiast who also loves camping? Looking to do something different and literally off the beaten path on your next visit to Mickey’s House? Then Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground should be on your must-visit list. And as a lover of all things glamping, I think it’s the perfect site for a glamorous camping trip with 2 or 3 of your best girlfriends.

Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground is an actual campground with both cabins and campsites. On my visit there a few months back, I was pleasantly surprised with all the accommodations, amenities and activities available to guests. It was my first time visiting the campground and I immediately thought it would be a great place for glamping.

Last year for my birthday, I invited 8 of my closest friends on a Glamping Girls Trip. Following that amazing excursion (details here: Glamping Girls Trip At Kleinhaus Cabin), we all decided to make this an annual retreat. However, the cabins here are small and wouldn’t comfortably accommodate more than 3 or 4. So for a group larger than that, two cabins would be required. Also, because of space limitations, packing light is a MUST. Otherwise, a lot of fun in the woods awaits you.

7 Reasons To Go Glamping At Disney’s Fort Wilderness

1. Cabin, Camper or Tent?

I know my girls and they would NOT be down for roughing it in a camper. But if that’s what suits your fancy, Fort Wilderness has you covered. For those guests wanting a more authentic camping experience, there are about 800 campsites spread out across the property. Tall brush and trees help to provide a bit of privacy between each campsite. But NOT getting to know your neighbors isn’t an option. It’s relatively cozy. Each campsite includes a picnic table, charcoal grill, electricity, and water hookups.

Want to pitch a tent? You can do that too.

There are actually four types of campsites that can accommodate everything from tents to 45-foot and longer RVs, with a maximum of 10 Guests per site. Each campsite is equipped with privacy-enhancing landscaping, water, cable television and electrical hook-ups, a picnic table and a charcoal grill. Most campsites also include a sewer hook-up, and some even permit pets.

The campsites evoke the timeless beauty of the American frontier, with deer, rabbits, ducks and armadillos roaming the Resort’s 750 acres of pine and cypress forest. You’ll discover charming woodland trails and lots of nature’s beauty at this picturesque backcountry retreat. It would serve your group well to rent a golf cart to get around the large property. The cost for a cart is $62 per day. Trust me, it’s well worth it!

My crew would most definitely book a cabin. We require more space than a camper provides. We also need the most basic of necessities, like a flushing toilet, real beds, a fridge and TV.  The bedroom features a queen bed and bunkbeds. The living room area doubles as a second bedroom. Honestly, it would be a tight fit for 6, but likely one helluva fun adult slumber party with a few of your favorite Judys.

2. Set Sail On Seven Seas Lagoon

Spend the day on the water when you rent a motorized boat at the Marina for some nautical fun. Cruise around Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon in a Sea Raycer (seat two), a Boston Whaler (seat up to six) a Montauk or Sun Tracer boat (seat up to 10 people). Each can be rented by the half-hour and are first come, first served. Take the ladies on a fishing adventure with a guided catch-and-release excursion. Or just lay out by the water and relax!

3. The Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue

After a day on the water, catch some vaudeville-style comedy at the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue. It’s one of the longest, continuously running musicals in American theatre history.  This zany comedy show stars the Pioneer Hall Players. The group performs 2 hours of rousing Wild West dancing, singing and skits. In between skits and song standards, you and your girls can chow down on buckets of all-you-care-to-enjoy fried chicken and smoked BBQ pork ribs, and an assortment of Southern sides. The strawberry shortcake is apparently heavenly. One of the most popular dinner shows at Disney World,  the revue is performed three times a night, seven days a week.

4. Tri Circle D Ranch & Trail Rides 

You are truly one with nature at Fort Wilderness and the Tri Circle D Ranch allows you to get up close and personal with some beautiful animals. The ranch houses all the horses that perform in the various shows throughout Walt Disney World, including the one belonging to The Headless Horseman.

Tours of the stables are available, as well as trail, pony, wagon and carriage rides amid the rustic beauty of resort. Pour some wine in your water bottles and head over to the stables to see Cinderella’s ponies and the majestic horses of Main Street, U.S.A.. You and your girls can watch the blacksmith make horseshoes and affix them to horses’ hooves. Also housed in the stable in theDragon Calliope — a real treat for Disney historians. It’s the horse-drawn musical instrument that Walt Disney himself purchased for the Mickey Mouse Club Circus Parade at Disneyland Park in the 1950s.

5. Sing A Long Around The Campfire

Grab your girls and do a little Hokey Pokey down at the Chip ’n’  Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long. It’s a real treat and a great way to meet your fellow campers — if you are so inclined. It’s a nightly campfire celebration that includes appearances by Chip and Dale, followed by a classic Disney movie under the stars. S’mores included. The Campfire is truly one of the best kept secrets at all of Walt Disney World. 

6. The Pools

Fort Wilderness boasts two swimming pools on the property. Make a splash at the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool which features a 67-foot-long corkscrew waterslide. Grab your girls and a bottle of bubbly and enjoy the serenity of the whirlpool spa or relive your youth by splashing it up in the nearby fort-themed water area. There is an adjacent snack shop that offers all kinds of snacks and refreshments.

Looking for a more tranquil swim and little less noise? Retreat to the Wilderness Swimmin’ Pool. It’s an all-ages leisure pool with a whirlpool spa and a few less people. This pool is also located closer to the cabins area making it a much more convenient swim option.

Towels are not available at the pools, so you’ll have to remember to bring your own.

7. Far Away But Close To Everything

Fort Wilderness feels like you’re in a secluded woodland that is far, far away from the rest of Walt Disney World. Yet, it’s close enough to all the excitement that if your crew wants a night out on the town, it’s literally 10 minutes away. And it’s super easy to hit up the crowded theme parks if you so chose. Staying at Fort Wilderness is really the best of both worlds and perfect for a unique girls trip.

Well, there you have it: 7 reasons why I believe Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground is a prime location for glamping. Grab your girls and try it out. If you have any additional questions after reading this post, please do not hesitate to ask them in the comments section below. I try to respond to every single one.