Transportation can already take a little extra planning at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Now, guests staying at the massive Disney World resort have another change to keep in mind.
A problem involving a water main has forced Disney to temporarily adjust bus operations at Fort Wilderness. The change affects guests traveling to Magic Kingdom and nearby Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.
Instead of departing from the usual location, those buses are now picking up guests elsewhere at the resort.
Considering just how spread out Fort Wilderness is, that is something guests will definitely want to know before heading out for the day.
Magic Kingdom Buses Have Moved
Under normal operations, guests traveling by bus from Fort Wilderness to Magic Kingdom or Wilderness Lodge would head to the Settlement Bus Depot.
That has temporarily changed.
Disney is now directing guests traveling to those destinations to the Reception Outpost bus stop instead.
Signs have been placed around the affected transportation area to make guests aware of the adjustment. One sign specifically tells visitors that Magic Kingdom and Wilderness Lodge buses will temporarily pick up at the Outpost bus stop.
For guests who know Fort Wilderness well, the difference between those locations is important.
Guests May Need to Adjust Their Plans
Fort Wilderness isn’t designed like a traditional Disney hotel where guests can simply walk downstairs and find the main bus stop outside the lobby.
The property includes a large campground and numerous amenities spread across a considerable area. Because of its size, the resort has its own internal transportation system to help guests get around.
The Settlement Bus Depot sits toward the back of the resort. That area provides access to locations including Pioneer Hall and Tri-Circle-D Ranch.
The Reception Outpost, meanwhile, is located toward the front of the campgrounds.
Moving the Magic Kingdom and Wilderness Lodge buses from the Settlement area to the Reception Outpost therefore creates a noticeable change for anyone accustomed to the normal transportation setup.
Guests should make sure they know where they need to go before leaving their campsite, cabin, restaurant, or another part of the resort.
It would also be a good idea to build a little extra time into travel plans, particularly if you have a reservation or another scheduled activity waiting at Magic Kingdom.
A Water Main Break Caused the Disruption
The transportation change stems from a larger infrastructure problem affecting the area.
A water main break washed out the road between Fort Wilderness and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. With that road affected, Disney has temporarily altered its bus operations.
The problem isn’t limited to transportation, either.
The same water main break has caused plumbing issues at Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, meaning the incident is affecting operations at more than one Disney World resort.
There is currently no announced date for the Fort Wilderness buses to return to their usual pickup location.
Check Before You Head Out
For the time being, Fort Wilderness guests traveling by bus to Magic Kingdom or Wilderness Lodge should remember one important change: head to the Reception Outpost rather than the Settlement Bus Depot.
Since this is a temporary operational adjustment, Disney could restore the normal route once conditions allow.
Until then, checking transportation information and allowing some additional travel time could prevent an unwanted surprise.
Fort Wilderness is big enough without accidentally heading to the wrong end of the resort.
