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A recent Facebook advertisement for The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort has ignited a wave of mixed reactions, with some Disney fans finding humor in the ad’s depiction of “staying in the magic.” The advertisement featured a simple image of a tent, a picnic table, and a grassy campsite—an aesthetic far removed from Disney’s more lavish accommodations. While the ad aimed to showcase the rustic charm of Fort Wilderness, many fans couldn’t help but feel the magic was missing.
Related: The Woman Who Refused to End Her 20 Year Long Disney Vacation: Where Is She Now?
Credit: D23
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort Campsites
For Disney enthusiasts seeking a different kind of stay, The Campsites at Fort Wilderness provide a rustic escape nestled in a serene wooded setting. These campsites cater to nature lovers who want to enjoy Disney magic in an outdoor environment. Guests can pitch their own tents or park RVs on spacious plots equipped with picnic tables, grills, and electrical hookups.
Fort Wilderness also offers a range of outdoor activities, including pony rides, canoeing, and campfire sing-alongs, blending Disney’s signature storytelling with the charm of a traditional camping experience. While it’s far from the grandeur of Disney’s deluxe resorts, many guests appreciate this unique way to experience Disney World. However, not everyone is drawn to this back-to-nature approach, as evidenced by the Facebook ad’s reception.
Credit: Disney
Facebook Fans React
Disney’s Fort Wilderness ad became a hot topic in fan communities, sparking a mix of laughter and criticism. Some fans voiced concerns about the realities of camping in Florida, which has notorious wildlife. One commenter joked, highlighting the potential downsides of camping in a subtropical environment:
“Have ya seen the size of the spiders down there? You’re gonna wake up wrapped in spider silk being eaten by one of them.”
Others criticized the pricing, noting that the cost of camping at Disney could rival the expense of staying at one of Disney’s value resorts. As one fan put it, “Overpriced, I would rather stay in a value resort instead.”
The tagline in the ad, “Stay in the magic,” also drew ironic remarks. One commenter quipped, “That does not look magical lol,” encapsulating the general sentiment among those who felt the image of a bare campsite failed to capture the enchanting aura Disney is known for.
Credit: Disney
Living Outdoors at Disney
Despite the backlash, the campsites at Fort Wilderness have their admirers. Many guests appreciate the tranquility of the resort, its proximity to nature, and the variety of outdoor activities available. For some, camping under the stars at Fort Wilderness provides a special kind of Disney magic that can’t be found in a traditional hotel room.
However, the mixed reactions to the ad underscore the diverse expectations of Disney guests. While some dream of extravagant stays at Luxury accommodations like the Grand Floridian, others find joy in the simplicity and natural beauty of Fort Wilderness.
The response also raises questions about how Disney markets its accommodations. For a brand synonymous with luxury and whimsy, promoting a more rustic option like camping might require a more nuanced approach. Whether you prefer pixie dust or pine trees, there’s a Disney stay for everyone—though, as this ad shows, marketing matters when delivering that message.
