A trip to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort is supposed to bring peace, s’mores, and good old-fashioned campfires. But if you’re heading there anytime soon, you might want to adjust your expectations—because a burn ban is officially in place, and it’s changing what guests can and can’t do.
The good news? While campsite campfires are out, Disney’s not canceling everything.
The Situation in Central Florida
This all started with weather conditions that can only be described as “peak Florida in the dry season.” Hot temperatures, low humidity, and high winds have set the stage for serious fire concerns. As a result, Orange County has enacted a burn ban for all outdoor burning that hasn’t been pre-approved.
This is a pretty standard move when the drought index reaches or exceeds 500. Once it hits that threshold, the county moves swiftly to eliminate potential wildfire risks—and that includes activities on Disney property.
Disney, which spans across Orange and Osceola Counties, falls under this directive. While the entire resort is affected in some way, the most noticeable changes are happening at Fort Wilderness, where fire pits and wood-burning campfires are part of the core experience.
What’s Changing at “The Fort”
Fort Wilderness is a guest-favorite resort that gives visitors a more rustic, outdoorsy way to experience Disney magic. Cabins, RV spots, and tent sites provide a cozy forest setting, often paired with the smell of wood-burning fires and marshmallows crisping over flames. But for now, that scent is going to have to come from memory.
Guests are being informed via signs posted throughout the property: no campsite fires, no firewood burning, and no charcoal grilling. In short, if it involves flames, it’s off-limits.
And yet, one beloved offering is sticking around: the nightly Campfire Sing-A-Long.
That’s right—despite the burn ban, the hosted sing-a-long event with Chip and Dale is still on the schedule. That’s because Disney uses approved setups—most likely propane or gas-based fire features that are controlled and allowed under the county’s guidelines.
It’s a small win for guests who were hoping to enjoy at least a bit of the usual Fort Wilderness charm.
What Else Is Off Limits?
This burn ban goes beyond just campgrounds. Disney is also advising guests staying at other resorts with outdoor grills or fire features to steer clear of lighting anything themselves. Grilling areas may be off-limits unless they involve gas and have been given the green light by staff.
Cigarette disposal is also being closely monitored. Guests are reminded to use proper receptacles and avoid tossing cigarette butts anywhere near grassy areas. Even parking vehicles on dry grass is being flagged as a risk, since heat from engines can ignite a fire under the right conditions.
Basically, Disney is treating this situation with the same seriousness they’d apply to hurricanes or lightning storms—something they’re very familiar with handling.
Entertainment Still On… For Now
While fires at the campsites are a no-go, the rest of the nighttime entertainment across Disney World hasn’t been canceled just yet. Fireworks at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT are still set to go off as planned, but as always, that can change if conditions get worse.
High winds have led to last-minute cancellations in the past, and if things don’t calm down soon, it wouldn’t be surprising if some of the bigger nighttime shows are adjusted or postponed.
So if you’re in the parks, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the My Disney Experience app or check in with Cast Members throughout the day for updates.
When Will the Ban End?
There’s no set date for when things will return to normal. The county has made it clear that the ban will stay in place until the drought index dips below 500 for seven straight days. And with Florida’s weather being as unpredictable as ever, that timeline is still up in the air.
For now, Disney’s doing what it does best—adapting. While it’s not ideal for guests who had dreams of marshmallow roasts at their own site, the resort is doing its part to offer safe alternatives. And if you’ve never been to a hosted sing-a-long, this could be your chance to make a new kind of memory.
So pack your snacks, prepare for a little flexibility, and know that even in the middle of a fire ban, Disney magic still finds a way to shine—especially at The Fort.
