The Cabins at Fort Wilderness (A DVC Property)

This resort is SO big with SO much to do, I’m not sure I’ll be able to give enough attention to each aspect in this little blog (or in my vlog!) But I’ll try to cover all the high points here so you know what to expect. You could literally stay here and never visit a theme park – there’s THAT much to do!

Fort Wilderness is so large that there are separate buses and bus routes within the resort to get you from place to place. You’ll find a map like the one see above at all bus stops and major locations, but you’ll also receive a printed copy upon check in if you prefer to keep that in your bag or pocket.

There are 3 major areas, aside from the RV spots/tent parcels/cabins, which are The Outpost, The Meadow, and The Settlement. The Outpost is where the lobby for check in is, golf cart rentals, where the parking lot is, and where you can catch a bus to theme parks. The Meadow encompasses a general store, the main pool area with snack bar, tennis courts, campfire singalong, and the store where you can rent bikes, fishing gear, kayaks, etc. or take archery lessons! The Settlement is where you want to go to catch the ferry to Magic Kingdom. This is also where you’ll find the Hoop Dee Doo Revue, another general store, the quick service location, a walk up bar, and where you can rent watercraft and/or fishing gear to take out onto Bay Lake. Tri-Circle-D Ranch is at this stop as well.

HOOP DEE DOO REVUE

If you haven’t caught a performance of the Hoop Dee Doo, you’re missing out! This is a dinner show. Your price includes all-you-can-eat dinner plus the performance. Dinner is a family-style barbecue with things like mac and cheese, ribs, roast chicken, and corn on the cob. Dessert is also included, as are most beverages (even beer or wine! but no hard alcohol). Be advised – you may be singled out to participate! If that’s not your thing, don’t book seating on the main floor, and don’t raise your hand 😉

Check availability and find more info here.

TRI-CIRCLE-D RANCH

The Ranch is where the horses are housed for all the events/jobs in Walt Disney World that require them (Cinderella’s carriage, anyone?) Every day you can view a selection of both working and retired horses – but do NOT touch! Unfortunately, no petting the majestic creatures.

We were saddened by this rule, so we politely inquired of a Cast Member if there WAS a place we could interact with the horses. She graciously offered us to pet one of the ponies who wasn’t currently serving a rider. Ponies are available for kids to ride. There’s a small “track” or “course” behind the stable that a Cast Member leads the pony with rider through. There’s a small viewing area, where the child mounts and dismounts the pony, for parents and other onlookers to watch.

Horseback riding is offered for adults as well on a limited schedule. (Horseback riding actually departs from The Outpost though, not The Ranch.) Depending on the time of year, you can also book hay rides, sleigh rides, or wagon rides. Find more info here.

CHIP ‘N’ DALE’S CAMPFIRE SING-A-LONG and MOVIES UNDER THE STARS

Each night (weather permitting) they fire up the camp fires over at the arena and families can roast marshmallows. S’mores kits are available for purchase, along with a small selection of other snacks. Then a singing cowboy appears and leads the crowd in some campfire songs, made special by the appearance of Chip and Dale. One family is chosen to escort Chip and Dale into the arena when they make their first appearance (I’m sorry, I have no insight into how this family is chosen, but my advice would be get there early!) Our show was ended by a lively game of Hokey Pokey where kids and parents alike were encouraged to circle Chip and Dale to play. Then we said goodnight to Chip, Dale, and their singing cowboy companion, and the night’s movie began to play.

MAIN POOL

The main pool is located in The Meadow area just a few steps from the campfire singalong. Here you’ll find a large lovely pool, hot tubs, water slides, splash pad, snack bar, and arcade. Also not far off are the tennis courts, a volleyball court, and playground.

There is only one other pool at this resort, which is the DVC pool. Since we were staying in a DVC cabin, I don’t know if other guests of the resort are allowed to use this pool.

With the DVC pool is the laundry.

Near each circle of campsites is a building with bathrooms and showers for those going the camping route. This resort is pet-friendly and we saw a number of family dogs while in the resort. You are also permitted to decorate your RV or campsite, so the holidays are an especially fun time at this resort because many will hang lights and put out decorations (subject to these rules).

TOUR THE DVC CABIN

Fort Wilderness was recently added to the portfolio of DVC properties. The Cabins opened for guests in July 2024. We had our stay in January of 2025.

We were a party of just 2 on this trip and we really enjoyed the cabin! In the 6 months it had been open prior to our stay, I’d heard some heavy criticism of The Cabins. So we were prepared to be a little let down – but we SO WERE NOT! It was super cute and plenty of space for the 2 of us. In our opinion, even a family of 4 would be super comfortable here. Now if you’re pushing the occupancy, yes, you will get cramped.

My thoughts in response to the criticism that the cabins seem not sturdy and cheap: Perhaps Disney was going for this? Perhaps calling them “Cabins” is actually a misnomer. I’d describe them more like a tiny house and an RV had a baby. If you think about the setting, an old-school campground in or near the “wild West,” I think they fit in beautifully in a modern and updated way.

Have a look at these pics! I would buy the artwork here in a heartbeat. (Check out the YouTube video for a better view!)