It's human nature to return from a Walt Disney World trip and ask the kids:
"What was your favorite part of the vacation?"
Raise your hand if you heard: "the pool" or "meeting new friends at the hotel."
For a moment, we might question why we spent so much time planning, saving, and stressing when we could have just taken the family to a local pool. The truth is that kids likely don't mean "the pool" literally (although some are amazing); it is their way of recognizing the benefits of taking a break from the constant stimulation of a theme park.
I want to share a "secret" hidden in plain sight with all of you, one that took me too many years to find. It's Disney's Fort Wilderness Campground. Here you have many options for a yet fun experience: bring your RV or tent, rent an RV or tent, or stay in a Wilderness Cabin. With more than 800 campsites and ~400 cabins, there's plenty of space to spread out and unwind after a long day at the parks.
Speaking of rentals, there are several good options for RVs, depending on your preferences. Kissimmee Orlando RV Rental has served our family well with great RVs and top-notch service time and time again.
While the Fort is relaxing, it's fun, too! They offer catch and release fishing, archery, shuffleboard, two pools (with activities), a splash pad for younger kids, arts and crafts, Chip and Dale's Campfire Sing-a-Long followed by a nightly movie, horseback riding and pony rides for littles, and my personal favorite: looping.
While golf carts may seem unnecessary, they are a fun way to visit every loop and see how others decorate their sites creatively. Bring your golf cart, rent from the Fort, or a third party. Our family loves renting from J & S Custom Carts since we like looping in Lil Mater and Lightning McQueen.
Imagine returning from a long day in the parks to the quietness of a rustic retreat with the smell of a campfire, s'mores, and pine trees surrounding you. You can put away your cell phones and enjoy the natural beauty of the landscape, the wildlife (deer, armadillos, turkeys), and the sound of happy children playing outdoors. The Fort boasts some of the tastiest fried chicken (at least that's what the meat eaters in my family have said), and Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is a lively show with tons of food to make all palettes happy!
If you want to sample the Fort before committing to a stay, check out our Rollicking Racers Competitive Quest (based on the themed golf carts!), which includes stops in Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom and ends at Fort Wilderness.