Credit: DisneyDisney has unveiled some major changes for Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.
Opening in November 1971, just over a month after Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground remains one of Walt Disney World’s original hotels. Spanning around 750 acres of pine and cypress forest, it offers campsites, cabins, trails, horseback riding, archery, and water recreation on Bay Lake.
Fort Wilderness has evolved steadily over the decades while retaining its rustic identity. Disney recently replaced its longtime cabins with Disney Vacation Club accommodations inspired by the resort’s woodland setting, while continuing to invest in updated amenities across the property.
Now, it has unveiled the latest stage of this transformation as it approaches its 55th birthday.
New Details Revealed for Disney’s Fort Wilderness
The latest additions focus on guest spaces.
Changes can be found around the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool, where Disney has added a brand-new zero-entry pool alongside the existing one. Combined with expanded deck space, the project roughly doubles the amount of room available for guests to swim, relax, and soak up the Florida sun.
The original Meadow Swimmin’ Pool remains open, including its popular 67-foot corkscrew waterslide. Disney has also incorporated a nostalgic tribute to the resort’s past with an old-fashioned barrel carriage featuring Mickey Mouse in camping gear, honoring the long-closed River Country water park that once operated next door.
Elsewhere, the Reception Outpost has been refreshed to create a more welcoming arrival experience. The redesigned lobby gives cast members additional space to assist guests checking into the resort’s campsites and cabins while introducing new artwork inspired by Fort Wilderness’ outdoorsy atmosphere.
Above the fireplace, Mickey Mouse and friends are shown enjoying the waterfront, while Huey, Dewey, and Louie appear in three playful scenes celebrating activities guests can experience during their stay, including fishing, archery, and camping beneath the pines.
Disney Rolls Out More Hotel Changes After Cracking Down on Resort-Hopping
The work is part of a broader wave of investment across Walt Disney World Resort hotels.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort continues its multi-year refurbishment, with work taking place across the Main Tower and Bay Lake Tower through 2027, while Disney’s Port Orleans Resort ā Riverside is receiving a phased refurbishment of its guest rooms.
Construction is also continuing at several deluxe resorts. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is refreshing rooms at Jambo House, while exterior refurbishment remains underway at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Copper Creek Villas & Cabins.
The changes also follow Disney’s recent crackdown on resort hopping. Since June, guests boarding buses or boats from Disney Springs to Disney Resort hotels must show proof of a hotel stay or a dining or recreation reservation, ending a long-used transportation loophole.
Guests have also reported restrictions on the walkway between Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and the Transportation and Ticket Center.
What do you think of the changes at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground?
