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 Camp Kessler Newsletter
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Featured Travel Destination
 Disney’s Fort. Wilderness Resort & Campground Resort Location: Disney World Property in Kissimmee, FL Fort. Wilderness is an upscale camping destination, located inside Disney World property. I have camped there on several occasions through the years; the last time was this past summer (July 2007). It’s a great resort to stay at if you want to go to all Disney theme parks. Wilderness buses provide transportation to all theme park locations and Downtown Disney. Wait times and actual bus rides can take more than a hour, so give yourself plenty of time to get where you are going. If you’re not into the theme parks it is still a wonderful place to visit, as there are many in park activities. It is also a beautiful place to sit around and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Campground Details: There are three campsites available: Preferred Hook-Up Campsite, Full Hook-Up Campsite, and Partial Hook-Up Campsite. All campsites provide water and electricity. Only the first two offer sewer and the partial is strictly for tents and pop-up campers. Cable hookup is added to the preferred site to make it the elite. Most sites are spacious and this past summer I even spotted several pull-thru sites. Each campsite is partially paved and offers a picnic table and grill. Pet Area. There is a separate camping area for campers traveling with their pets, which provides grass pet run, near the campsites. These sites are smaller to enter then other sites in the park; we have found and tend to be closer together than others. Last year we had a hard time maneuvering into the site with our 31 ft. fifth wheel, there just wasn’t enough room to pull forward (without crashing into the camper parked in another campsite), the picnic table had to be relocated so we could back in… mostly the difficulty was due to the angle that the sites are designed. There is also a charge for each pet you bring. Campsites range from $55-75 dollars, or more depending upon pets and also depending on the season you are visiting. Cabins: These are available for rental starting at $249. They are quite small and are located near camping areas. Each cabin is fully equipped with a kitchen, TV and air condition. Getting Around: There is in park service bus transportation that you can board and take from one area to another within the park, normal waiting time for a bus is about 15 minutes. At the Bike Barn golf carts can be rented for your entire stay for about $40 a day –a reservation is required! If you decide to rent one when you arrive it’s not going to happen, in fact signs are posted outside the barn stating that a reservation is required and no carts are available. We have never rented a cart, mostly because it is an easy park to get around on foot. You can drive your car down to the Meadow Trading Post, but not the Settlement, you have to walk to that one or take a bus. Warning! Watch out for the golf carts!! We were almost ran over several times this past summer by children who were driving around the park recklessly. While you must have a valid driver license to rent the carts, parents are allowing their children unsupervised to drive around in them. One cart filled with teenagers hit one small child on our last visit; while he was not seriously injured, it was uncalled for. Shower/Bath Facilities: The most beautiful and cleanest showers I have ever seen are located at Ft. Wilderness. They are an easy walk from each campsite and well maintained. At the comfort stations laundry rooms are available, pay phones and ice machines. Ice costs $2 a bag to fill. Activities: Free Activities include: 24-hour access to the pool area, located near the Meadow Trading Post. Tri-circle -D farm area that advertises itself as a petting zoo but all animals have been moved to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. All you will find here is ponies and free pony rides. Two tennis courts located next to the swimming pool area, it’s free if you bring your own tennis equipment… tennis gear is available for rental at the Bike Barn. Campfire Program. This is a real treat for kids and grownups… located behind the Meadow Trading Post. Sit back under the stars and watch a classic Disney movie, refreshments are available for purchase at the Wagon. While bleacher style and wooden benches are available you are welcome to bring your own chair. That’s about all the freebies available.
Pay for Activities: At the Bike Barn you can rent bicycles, canoes and kayaks. While paddleboats are advertised they are no longer available for rent. Canoes cost about $10 per hour. Horseback Riding is available, you must make a reservation. Wagon Rides last for about 45 minutes and are available for a fee, if the weather permits. You will have to call when arriving to check on times and reservations. Near the Settlement area is the fort wilderness beach that is home to the marina. From here you can take the ferryboat over to the Magic Kingdom or rent a Sea Raycer boat (holds two people) or a SunTracker Pontoon boat. Boating begins at about $39 for a half hour. There are two arcades open: Davy Crockett Wilderness Arcade near Pioneer Hall at the Settlement and Daniel Boone’s Wilderness Arcade located near the Meadow Swimming Pool. *Davy Crockett’s arcade is small and does not have a lot of games. Dining: If you don’t feel like cooking there are several dining options. Trail End’s Restaurant: Featuring a large breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet. The food is OK. You can also order pizza and chicken for take out. The pizza tastes like it is frozen. Crockett’s Tavern: Strictly for beverages, non-alcoholic and alcoholic. Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue: A dinner show, loactated at Pioneer Hall. I went here for the first time this year, while it is was somewhat comical, I would have to say it is a one-time thing. I would never go back. The food is all you care to eat, however, it is the same food from the Trail Ends restaurant… you receive salad, cornbread, ribs, chicken and mashed potatoes. Macaroni and Cheese is available on request, but I discourage anyone from ordering this poison tasting yellow stuff. Just the thought of it puts a horrid taste in my mouth. It costs about $59 for the show/food. Mickey’s Backyard BBQ: I have not visited this yet, but I heard the food was different than the hoop –dee-doo show. It costs about the same price. Located near the Trail End’s restaurant. For Tech Seekers: Internet access is available at most campsites now. Wireless access is available at reception outpost and Crockett’s tavern. Shopping: If you are looking for gifts or need something quick to eat, drink or forgot anything there are two stores located in the park: The Settlement Trading Post or the Meadow Trading Post, which is centrally located. Prices are high though!
Information packets are available when you arrive at the campground, with complete details on all park activities. Book a campsite now! Or Call (407) WDW-MAGIC Maps and more are available at the website. Map/Directions: Summer 2007 -Monte Sano State Park Review *Destinations that Cass Kessler has been to will be the ONLY places reviewed and featured at this time. |
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