Community Forums

carolanded · 03-19-2015, 03:52 PM

Are reservations at Fort Wilderness absolutely needed for any time in late April/early May? We are heading from California to Florida in mid-late April. We'd prefer not to be hemmed in by reservations, and HAVING to be at a certain place on a certain date....but if at all necessary, we'd make reservations. Have a few questions, maybe someone can advise? This is our first trip to Florida!

1. We have a 40 ft 5th wheel. Are there enough campsites that would accommodate us?
2. We'd like to visit the Magic Kingdom and Epcot only. Having only been familiar with Disneyland which we've grown up going to, we know that Disneyworld is a lot larger. We are thinking the 4 day pass...2 days for Disney, 2 days for Epcot. Is this reasonable? It's just the 2 of us retired emptynesters😉

Any other recommendations?
Thanks!!

bulldog2 · 03-19-2015, 03:58 PM

cant help with the fort ,but you will get caught up the the fun get a 6day ,u wont regret it

wildtoad · 03-19-2015, 04:26 PM

Give them a call and see what reservations look like for the time you plan to be there. Since it's still school season spots may be more available. You might want to get the park hopper option and check out Animal Kingdom too.

decodancer · 03-19-2015, 04:32 PM

I would say call Fort Wilderness and ask them but my guess is that reservations are needed. There are several nice campgrounds in the area that offer shuttles but it is nice to jump on the monorail or one of the other modes of transport and start your day. The only problem with a four day pass is that after two busy days of walking Disney, you might want a down day to relax before doing Epcot. Sea World is also worth a visit and there are many other fun things to do in the Orlando area.

suiteowner · 03-19-2015, 04:55 PM

My wife and I are also retired and have stayed in Fort Wilderness 3 times...It is wonderful down there but reservations are a must and a hopper pass is a necessity...One more recommendation I would make if time permits go to Universal Orlando...Its the best park and resort down there in my opinion...Have fun

Jake74 · 03-19-2015, 05:50 PM

Reservations are for sure a must. I booked 4 months out for our trip there this February and barley got a spot. There's a group fortfiends.net that has a wealth of information and travel agents who post on that site that can help you. I stayed in the 600 loop with my 38ft MH and had plenty of room.

jondrew55 · 03-19-2015, 06:13 PM

We live near Ft Wilderness and like to go there a lot. I would not waste my time showing up without reservations hoping to get lucky, especially coming from as far away as you are.

Call the reservation line for Disneyworld. Keep calling a couple of times a week and you may find something when there's a cancellation. You can also try online reservations

JMonroe · 03-20-2015, 10:41 AM

You absolutely want reservations for Ft Wilderness, regardless of the time of year, especially with a larger RV.

Parts of April are still spring break season and all of the Disney facilities will be very busy. Some of the less expensive resident passes are blacked out for much of April for just that reason.

Early May would probably be a bit better, in terms of crowds.

PS: Buy your tickets early so you can get familiar with the fastpass system and start making ride "reservations" before you even get here and definitely make any Disney dining reservations you may want as far in advance as you can (up to 6 months out if you have a reservation at any of the Disney resorts, including Ft Wilderness)

sknight · 03-20-2015, 10:53 AM

Yes, reservations are a must, what I would do is plan on driving straight there to make your reservation then take your time going back home.

2 and 2 should be sufficient, but there's so much else, if nothing else make sure you can go to the Animal Kingdom for a day.

Book early and see if you can put your hands on a recent copy of the Birnbaum guide and the highest rated non official guide to Disney whose name escapes me. Both books are money very well spent.

dabrooks · 03-20-2015, 06:01 PM

I would suggest you call Hilda 302-598-8892. She has helped many of us on the iRV2 network. Is is the resident Fort Wilderness GURU

carolanded · 03-20-2015, 06:15 PM

Well, I just made reservations online for 6 nights at Ft. Wilderness and a 4 day park pass with apparently no problem! Everything got confirmed. Maybe our timing was right.,,after Spring Breaks, but before summer vacation? Woo hoo!

jondrew55 · 03-20-2015, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carolanded

Well, I just made reservations online for 6 nights at Ft. Wilderness and a 4 day park pass with apparently no problem! Everything got confirmed. Maybe our timing was right.,,after Spring Breaks, but before summer vacation? Woo hoo!

Good deal. You won't be disappointed. Do you have a golf cart? Do you want one? If so you should try to reserve that before you go just in case they are out when you get there.

Do the magic fast pass as soon as you can. Really makes a difference.

carolanded · 03-21-2015, 01:11 AM

I'm not familiar with the need for a golf cart there! Please explain!😊

carolanded · 03-21-2015, 01:25 AM

Ok..I read up on the golf carts..great idea! Here's another question. I grew up with Disneyland less than an hour from my house in SoCal. So I'm familiar with the rides, fast pass, etc. For example, I've been on Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion rides, etc,many,many times over the years. For those who have been to both parks, are the rides identical? Or should we spend our time on things at Disneyworld that Disneyland does not have?