How to Camp in Disney

Fort Wilderness campsite

There are plenty of campsites in the resort and theme park area of Central Florida, but the Fort Wilderness Resort at Walt Disney World boasts one thing the others don't: a prime piece of real estate right across Bay Lake from the Magic Kingdom. This is also one of the best deals in lodging on a Disney property, especially if you're an avid camper or RV traveler and already have everything you need. Staying at Fort Wilderness gives you all the rights and privileges of any other Disney resort guest, including free parking at the theme parks and access to the extended "Extra Magic Hours."

Things You'll Need

• Tent, bus, van or RV

Instructions

Camping at Disney World

1. Book a campsite at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort by calling Walt Disney World at [phone]; visiting the Disney World website, disneyworld.disney.go.com; or calling your travel agent. Rates and availability vary based on the time of year. Book early to get sites during peak travel times, especially Christmas through New Year's, spring break and summer. You can book up to 499 days in advance (and some people really do).

2. 

   Choose your site. There are 799 campsites at Fort Wilderness, broken down into four categories. The tent/pop-up site can handle two tents or single tent along with either a pop-up or a camper van.
   A full hookup can handle an RV or trailer along with a single tent, or two large tents. You can even bring a large motor home here, but you may not have room for a tent if you do so.
   The preferred hookup offers the same, but in a better location. The premium campsite gives you the best of everything in a prime location, and can accommodate the largest vehicles--but it may be difficult to place a tent here because of the solid pad.
   All sites include water, electric, outdoor grills, and cable TV connections, and hookups include sewer. Internet access costs extra. Pets are allowed in some areas.
   Disney also offers cabins.

3. Either bring your own tent or rent one from Disney. Disney generally only rents tents to groups, but some small groups and even individuals have managed to get one--just make sure you reserve on in advance if you don't have your own, or plan on a last-minute visit to an Orlando sporting goods store. Set up your tent, and you're in business.

Tips & Warnings

• Boats take campers to the Magic Kingdom, which is only a short ride away. Hop on a bus to get to Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Downtown Disney or the water parks. You can also take your own vehicle. If you happen to be visiting during the holidays, feel free to decorate your campsite. Many people set up displays, and some of them are as elaborate as any suburban front yard. This is an extremely popular time of year to camp, so make your reservations early if you plan to participate.

• There are snakes and alligators in the area. They tend to stay away from the campground, but be alert when you're out in any wilderness, even a Disney-fied one.

References

• Walt Disney World: Fort Wilderness
• AllEars.net: Fort Wilderness