Twelve Days of a Dixie Christmas #4

A Countdown to our Favorite Christmas Destination The Christmas season is taken pretty seriously in the southeastern US, and the Richardson Tribe has a dozen suggested destinations to make your holidays more adventurous. Over the next 12 days, we will reveal each of our favorite RV camping and recreation spots until we reach our #1 Christmas Holiday Destination. Come back each day to see the places this southern family has grown to love. #4 - Fort Wilderness - Disney Resorts, Florida Ok, we love state parks, nature, and low cost vacations, so why is a Disney property on our list? Well, it's because Fort Wilderness is actually an affordable way to visit Disney and other surrounding attractions. It's also an awesome campground with an incredible list of amenities. As a Disney property, you can imagine. First, the full hookup RV campsites are large, level, and private with lots of surrounding tropical vegetation. There is a massive year-round pool (with water slide and entertainment), rental boats, a beach, stores, shows, restaurants, horseback riding, hiking, wildlife, golf carts, and shuttle busses that will take you anywhere within Fort Wilderness. I need to point out that golf carts, bikes, and shuttles are the primary modes of transportation within the park. Cars are expected to be left at the campsite. Perhaps the most popular mode of transportation at Fort Wilderness is the ferry that carries guests across the lake to the Magic Kingdom. No waiting in line here. If you are a guest of Disney resorts, you move straight to the front. Returning to Fort Wilderness from Disney's Magic Kingdom is just as painless as getting there. Guests board the ferry at the Magic Kingdom back gate and are dropped-off just a few yards from their bikes and golf carts. The pool is especially popular with the kids at Fort Wilderness. There is constant entertainment, music, games, all targeted at the youth. When was the last time you could relax in the warm sun and let someone elsse take care of entertaining your kids. Sorry folks. Everyone needs a break every once in a while. The evenings are awesome at Fort Wilderness. The campsite decorations are incredible, but the Magic Kingdom fireworks are even more spectacular. There is also an amphitheater that shows movies after dark. This event is a lot of fun for the whole family because it includes a bon fire and s'mores. If you would like to see more pictures and details about Fort Wilderness, click here. Come back tomorrow when we reveal our 3rd favorite Christmas holiday destination.

Disney's Fort Wilderness

A Camper's Magic Kingdom Fort Wilderness, a Disney resort, is located just across the lake from Disney's Magic Kingdom. A short boat ride delivers you to the park's gate. In fact, from here, you can get to every Disney attraction either by boat or bus. Once you're a guest of the Disney campus, everything gets a lot easier. First and foremost, Fort Wilderness is truly an RV resort at its finest. The full hookup (incl. cable) campsites are large with lots of tropical vegetation providing considerable privacy. While the quality of the campsites is consistent, their "quietness" can vary considerably (see PB&J Adventure Journal). I must say it's difficult to find a site you to really complain about. On the other hand, until I stay in those sites, I'll never really know. On another note: There seems to be a real "Disney/Mickey Mouse" theme with many of the campers. It's entertaining to ride through the campground looking at the many colorful and flashy decorations, lights, stuffed animals, and so much more. It's borderline magic and tacky, perfect for this north Georgia family.   The amenities at Fort Wilderness are awesome. Virtually every activity in the park has a component for the kids. For instance, the massive pool (featuring a water slide) is the site of many afternoon games designed to keep the kids active and entertained. Other features include bike riding on nice paved roads, off road Segway tours, horseback trail riding, sandy beach, pontoon and speed boat rental, golf carts, bike rental, horse farm, volley ball, tennis, basketball, canoes, golf, and I almost forgot, THE MAGIC KINGDOM!   And that brings me to the local attractions. Well, that's pretty easy. Obviously, the park is made for the Magic Kingdom. Simply hop on the shuttle, golf cart, or bike (no cars and no parking) and head down to the dock for a free ferryboat ride to the park. All the Disney properties (Animal Kingdom, Epcot, etc.) are easily accessible from here. Within half an hour of Fort Wilderness are many of Orlando's other offerings. Universal Studios' parks, including the new Harry Potter portion of Universal's Islands of Adventure are all just a short drive away. Don't forget Sea World, not to mention, all the dozens of other attractions in this family fun capitol. There is no arguing. You'd be hard-pressed to be bored here.   In summary, I'll admit we loved this park. It was great for the kids and grown-ups alike. It was convenient and easy. If you plan to go, I'd suggest taking bikes (with lights), or renting a golf cart (reserve in advance). The buses are very convenient, but frustrating to wait for late at night after watching the fireworks across the lake. For more pictures and details, including a PB&J Adventure Journal entry on Fort Wilderness, click here.