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The Art of Smart Timing
When traveling to Walt Disney World Resort, it's best to avoid peak travel periods. Generally, these times include holidays and any time schools are out of session. Since many families prefer to visit Fort Wilderness during the summer months, it's important to remember the safety essentials: hydrate frequently, slather on the sun screen, bring along a first aid kit, and unless you want to squander your souvenir money on ponchos at the parks, don't forget your raingear.
Getting There
From Orlando International Airport (MCO), free roundtrip airport transportation via motorcoach is available to guests (advance reservation required; limited hours) via Disney's Magical Express. To reach the resort by car, take the South Exit Road from Orlando International Airport to SR 417 Toll Road (GreeneWay) West and follow signs to Walt Disney World/Fort Wilderness Resort.
Getting Around
Motor vehicles are not permitted onsite, except at accommodations (one car per cabin), across from the Meadow Trading Post (15- minute parking limit) and at the Resort Outpost. Complimentary bus transportation is provided throughout the resort. In addition, you can bring bikes or rent them from the Bike Barn, or rent an electric (golf) cart, which will eliminate long distance walks and bus waits and greatly enhance your experience. To rent a cart, you must be 18 years old with a valid driver's license and to operate a cart, you must be 16 years old with a valid driver's license. Reservations can be made up to a year in advance, and are recommended for weekends, summer and school holidays. Call 407-824-2742.
Free transportation by boat is provided to Magic Kingdom Resort, and complimentary bus transportation is provided to and from all other Walt Disney World resort theme and water parks and Downtown Disney. For expedited service to Epcot, take a ferry boat from the Fort Wilderness Marina to Magic Kingdom and transfer to the Transportation and Ticket Center. From there, board a monorail bound for Epcot.
Boat service is also available to Disney's Contemporary Resort, and you can travel by boat or else along a scenic three-quarter mile nature path to Disney's Wilderness Lodge.
All About the Extras
Overnight guests enjoy a number of special perks, like early entry and late stay theme park privileges (Extra Magic Hours), free onsite transportation, free parking and the opportunity to participate in a Disney Dining Plan with a Magic Your Way Package. Additional privileges include online room check-in, resort airline check-in and airport transportation service via Disney's Magical Express.
Christmas, New Years and even Halloween bring a slew of new reasons to visit Fort Wilderness Resort. From pet and golf cart parades to decorating contests, recreation staff and temporary residents really go all-out showing their holiday spirit. Near dining and shopping areas, games like hopscotch, checkers, blocks and horseshoes are some of the many special resort-provided touches that help parents keep the kids entertained while waiting
Garden Grocer
Stock your kitchen in advance without a trip to the store when you order from GardenGrocer.com. There's a $12 delivery charge, with free delivery for orders over $200.
Babysitting
Kids Nite Out, an independent agency, provides in-room resort childcare. Rates are $16 per hour for the first child, with a four hour minimum and a $10 caregiver transportation fee.
Cubs Den
Compact and friendly, the onsite childcare center for kids ages 3 (formerly 4) to 12, located at Disney's Wilderness Lodge offers playthings for little ones, like cars, building toys and an outdoor sandbox, as well as board games, puzzles, crafts and computer games for older kids. Due to its small size, those over 10 will likely feel constrained. You can check out the staff and the facilities -- and bring kids of all ages along for the fun -- when the Club hosts complimentary Craft Time from 2:30 to 4 p.m. daily.
Trading Posts
Buy charcoal, picnic supplies and essentials ranging from baby food to bread at these camp stores. Also available: Disney souvenirs and frozen novelties. The Settlement Trading Post (open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.) is located near the Marina, while The Meadow Trading Post (open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.) is adjacent to the Meadow Recreation Complex. Bike and golf cart parking are outside.
Refillable Mugs
For around $13, purchase a refillable mug and receive unlimited soft and hot drink refills at Trail's End Restaurant and the Meadow Snack Bar.
Pet-friendly Amenities
For four-legged members of the family, the campground offers pet-friendly camping loops (campsites only), a kennel (407-824-2735), dog walking trails and a dog park.
Wi-Fi
Service is available at the Resort Outpost, Trail's End Restaurant and Meadow Training Post. The cost is $9.95/24 hours.
For Mom and Dad
Claim a rocker on the porch outside Davy Crockett's Tavern, or get a drink to go and hang out in a hammock on the beach, while watching the Electric Water Pageant (9:45 p.m.), followed by Magic Kingdom's Wishes fireworks show. For a special occasion splurge, book an evening Fireworks Cruise. Call 407-939-7529 for reservations.
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