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The RV Atlas Podcast

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Then and Now + What Real RVers Want in 2025

The RV Atlas Podcast

RVFTA Podcast Network

Places & Travel, Parenting, Society & Culture, Wilderness, Kids & Family, Sports

4.6584 Ratings

🗓️ 15 November 2024

⏱️ 64 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

What’s New at Disney’s Fort Wilderness and More
This week on The RV Atlas, we explore two big topics: the current updates at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and the top things RVers are looking for in 2025. From the magic of Fort Wilderness to RV storage challenges and campground innovations, we’re already excited about the year ahead of us.
Disney’s Fort Wilderness: A Unique Blend of Resort Amenities with State Park Vibes


Why Fort Wilderness Stands Out
Fort Wilderness has long been celebrated for its ability to combine the best of two worlds: resort-level amenities and a peaceful, nature-filled environment. With its spacious sites and tranquil atmosphere, it’s hard to believe you’re just a short boat ride away from the hustle and bustle of Magic Kingdom. The resort offers activities like horseback riding, nature trails, and the beloved Chip and Dale campfire sing-along.

Concerns About Reflections Resort Construction
The construction of the new Reflections Resort next to Fort Wilderness, which resumed after a pandemic pause, has sparked mixed feelings. While Disney is known for blending new developments into the landscape, the cranes and construction noise near the Settlement area have affected the serene vibe. Once completed, the new resort could offer convenient dining and entertainment options for Fort Wilderness guests, but some worry it may permanently alter the campground's charm.

New DVC Cabins at Fort Wilderness
The addition of Disney Vacation Club (DVC) cabins has replaced the older rustic cabins, creating a stir among Fort Wilderness fans. These new cabins feature:

Modern Designs: Spacious interiors with a mix of vintage Disney touches and modern amenities.
Sleeping Arrangements for up to 6: The cabins offer a queen bed, a set of bunk beds, and a Murphy bed, accommodating up to six people, though some families may find the layout less private.
Outdoor Features: Each cabin includes a grill and outdoor seating, perfect for those who love to enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.

What RVers Really Want in 2025


Improved State Park Reservation Systems
RVers expressed frustration with the current state park reservation systems, particularly the issue of no-shows. We aren’t sure what the answer to this problem is, but it needs to be addressed for the health of the camping industry. We discuss a couple of options including:

Implementing penalties for no-shows to encourage cancellations.
Introducing dynamic pricing models to make campers think twice before overbooking sites they might not use.

Better RV Storage Options
Finding affordable and secure RV storage is a growing challenge. RVers are looking for:

Covered and Secure Storage: Many facilities lack proper security measures or weather protection.
Proximity and Availability: Storage options near residential areas are often limited or fully booked.
Affordable Pricing: Rising costs for storage have made this essential service increasingly burdensome for RV owners.

Higher Quality RVs
Many RVers are hoping for a shift in manufacturing quality. The pandemic-era boom led to rushed production and diminished craftsmanship. As the industry stabilizes, there’s optimism for better-built RVs that offer long-term durability.

Affordable Campgrounds with Modern Amenities
RVers are seeking campgrounds that balance affordability with essential amenities, such as:

Reliable Wi-Fi, viewed as a utility rather than an amenity.
Enhanced recreational options, including pickleball courts and guided activities.

Supporting New Campgrounds
New campgrounds are opening across the United States, particularly in the Western region.

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

So when, when Disney announced they were going to do reflections in between the two properties, people kind of freaked a little bit like, whoa, that's, you know, that's right next door. And literally, it's next door. It'll be a really short walk. It has cool restaurants, fun things to do. That could be a perk that you're staying at Fort Wilderness and you can walk over and do all the dining at reflections.

0:23.4

But if it opens up more entertainment and dining that is walkable from your RV, that could be cool.

0:34.1

Hi, everyone. I'm Stephanie.

0:36.2

And I'm Jeremy.

0:37.4

And we are the authors of Where Should We Camp Next?

0:39.9

Where Should We Camp Next National Parks?

0:41.7

And where should we camp next, budget camping?

0:44.1

This year we are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the RV Atlas podcast.

0:48.4

We hope you join us as we cover the best campgrounds, the best RVs, the best food, and

0:52.6

the best gear to bring with you when you go. So pull up a chair and join us around the digital campgrounds, the best RVs, the best food, and the best gear to bring with you when you go.

0:54.5

So pull up a chair and join us around the digital campfire.

0:58.0

This is the RV Atlas.

1:08.8

Hello, Stephanie, and welcome back to New Jersey after a week in sunny Florida.

1:14.8

How are you doing?

1:17.0

Reentry is hard.

1:18.7

Reentry is hard.

1:20.1

We are lucky.

1:21.7

We got to spend time at Disney World and we got to visit Fort Wilderness, one of our favorite places on planet Earth.

1:28.6

And I know that you don't like to rank things, but I'm going to put you on the spot.

1:36.3

How high up would you rank Disney's Fort Wilderness in terms of your favorite campgrounds in America?

1:43.5

Because I've said for years with no hesitation that it is my favorite campground, no hedging.

1:50.0

It has been my favorite campground in America.

...

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