6 Perks To Staying At Walt Disney World’s Fort Wilderness Resort

6. Arabians and Belgians and Clydesdales, Oh My!

Do you have a horse lover in your party?  Then this is the right resort for you!  Fort Wilderness is home to the Tri-Circle-D Ranch, where you’ll find Cinderella’s ponies and the Main Street USA horses.  You can visit these horses (which include a stunning variety of breeds) for free daily. If you’d prefer a more interactive experience, Disney’s Fort Wilderness offers pony rides for younger guests, and horseback trail rides for those who are at least nine years old.  Never ridden a horse in your life?  Not to worry – this is a perfect experience even for beginners, and it provides a wonderful opportunity to explore the wilderness surrounding the resort.  Rabbits, deer, ducks and even armadillos call these woods home, and with a trail ride, you’ll be in the midst of it all.

5. Leave the Grocery Shopping to Disney

Cabins at Fort Wilderness are fully equipped with all the conveniences and appliances of home.  There’s a private patio, a full kitchen including dishwater, microwave, refrigerator, and burners, so you’ll be able to create any meals you’d like to in the comfort of your own suite.  Walt Disney World will even do your grocery shopping for you.  You can create a personalized grocery list by phone/fax/mail, even months before your planned arrival, and come home to a pantry and fridge stocked full of a variety of popular grocery items including deli meats, pasta, fresh fruits and vegetables, desserts, snacks and even beer.  Your cabin might be located in the wilderness, but your home-cooked options and conveniences are downright civilized!

4. Complimentary Campfires and Movie Nights

Unknown to many guests, there are a variety of complimentary activities at many Walt Disney World resorts, and Fort Wilderness is no exception.  After a full day in the parks, why not bring your family to a complimentary campfire right in the comfort of your resort?  You’ll roast marshmallows fire-side as the sun sets (marshmallows and roasting sticks are provided), making memories that will last long after your vacation ends. You may want to stay for another great complimentary activity – the outdoor screening of popular Disney movies, immediately following the campfire.  Both activities are, of course, subject to weather conditions.  Check with your resort’s front desk for more information!

3. Target Practice

One of the best-kept secrets of the Cabins at Disney Fort Wilderness is its archery range.  Yes, that’s right – you can learn to shoot a compound bow on Disney property!  Archery guides walk you through a training session, to get you up to speed if you’ve never done archery before.  Any guests who are at least seven years old are welcome, and classes are kept to no more than 10 people, so there’s plenty of personal attention.  The entire archery experience is 90 minutes long, with a focus on target practice.  It’s best to make a reservation, though walk-ins are also welcome.  And if your group includes guests who’d rather enjoy archery as spectators, there is a viewing spot where they can watch.  So ready, aim and fire – you’re about to become an archer in Walt Disney World!

2. Hoop-De-Doo Musical Review

When you feel like a break from the convenience of home-cooked meals with your pre-ordered, in-cabin groceries, there’s a rip-roaring good ol’ time to be had at the Hoop-de-Doo Musical Review.  This vaudeville-style show (western-themed, of course!) in an authentically western barn setting allows you to have a frolicking good time while eating fantastic food.  Buckets of down-home, feel-good food will ensure that no one leaves hungry.  Reservations are required.

1. Adventuresome Add-ons

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort abounds with magical experiences and activities guests can add to their vacation to create even more fantastic memories.  The resort is one of only two on property offering horse-drawn carriage rides.  You’ll relax in style as your carriage winds through the beautiful scenery of Fort Wilderness.  Rides are a perfect 25 minutes long, and take you past scenic landscapes that will allow you to unwind and recharge.  If you’re visiting during the month of December, you’ll want to take advantage of Disney’s Holiday Sleigh Rides; the duration is the same as the horse-drawn carriage rides, but you’ll enjoy the best of Disney holiday magic with a beautifully and seasonally decorated sleigh.  Looking for an authentic pioneer experience?  Horse-drawn wagon rides are also available and depart twice daily from Pioneer Hall.  You can even rent an entire wagon for 45 minutes, for groups.  If more adventurous activities are your cup of tea, try renting a Segway (it just takes minutes to learn to ride) for a 2-hour ride through varying terrain, including memorable stops for fantastic photo ops.  You can also rent a bicycle or a golf cart to explore the resort grounds on your own.