25 FREE Things To Do At Disney’s Fort Wilderness

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I feel like many people visit Walt Disney World, and have no idea Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground even exists!! It’s definitely one of the best places to stay on Disney property. Amid 750 acres of pine and cypress, you may not even believe you’re in Florida. These 25 FREE things to do at Disney’s Fort Wilderness are just part of what makes this place so special.

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Are there any free things to do at Disney’s Fort Wilderness?

1. Fishing at the Meadow Pond

Bring your fishing poles, and there are several fishing spots throughout the campground, including this spot behind the Meadow Trading Post. Don’t have your own fishing poles? Ask a friend to borrow some. **Please note: fishing at Walt Disney World Resort is catch-and-release only.

2. Basketball

3. Tetherball 

Several loops have basketball hoops, and tetherball. Each court has a box with a ball available for use, or bring you own. I personally have many memories of shooting hoops with my brother and dad in the Quail Trail loop.

More FREE things to do at Disney’s Fort Wilderness

4. Tennis

5. Pickle Ball

You can find tennis/pickle ball courts in the Meadow Recreation Area, next to the pool. Hit some tennis balls, or play some matches. Free tennis gear is available at the Bike Barn. After that, you can cool off at the pool. So bring your bathing suit!

6. Volleyball

7. Badminton

Beach volleyball can be played in the Meadow Recreation Area, right by the tennis courts, and pool. Volleyballs can be picked up at the Bike Barn with a valid resort ID. Grab some friends, and get a match going. However, if you would like to play badminton, you would need to bring your own set.

What activities at Fort Wilderness are free?

8. Shuffleboard

In the Meadow Recreation Area, behind the Bike Barn, is where you can find the shuffleboard. Free gear is available at the Bike Barn with a valid resort ID.

9. Playgrounds

There are several playgrounds around Fort Wilderness. You can see one just beyond the volleyball court, in the Meadow Recreation Area, by the pool. Others can be found outside a couple different camping loops, and at the Settlement Trading Post, near the beach/Pioneer Hall. Perfect for keeping those toddlers busy!

10. Biking Around Disney’s Fort Wilderness

Our two younger girls both actually learned to ride a bike at Fort Wilderness! If you have room, bring your bikes, because there’s plenty of sidewalks, and trails for biking! **Bikes are also available to rent at the Bike Barn in the Meadow Recreation Area.

What is there to do in Fort Wilderness?

11. Walk around Fort Wilderness

12. Run along the trails at Disney’s Fort Wilderness

If you are one for getting in some extra exercise while on vacation, there jogging trails. A leisurely stroll to take in the sights, or look for wildlife too. Maps on the trails are available at the Reception Outpost.

13. Swimming at the Meadow Recreation Area at Fort Wilderness

With two pools to choose from, we love the main swimming pool located in the Meadow Recreation Area. The Meadow Pool has the slide pictured above. The Wilderness Swimmin’ Pool is located among the cabin loops, and is much smaller. One of our favorite things to do at Disney’s Fort Wilderness, is to chill out by the pool.

The Meadow Pool also has a fenced in splash play area for smaller kids. Bring own towels from your campsite or cabin. Life jackets are complimentary at both pools, and available at The Bike Barn too. 

14. Poolside Activities at Fort Wilderness

Our girls have always had so much fun with the poolside activities!! Dance parties, hula hoop contests (Anna has been the champ several times), trivia, and so much more. Be sure to get your recreation guide from the Reception Outpost for daily activities. You may even win some fun prizes!!

Relaxing things to do at Fort Wilderness

15. Relax on the Beach

Although you no longer can swim in the lake, you can still relax, and take a break on Clementine’s Beach. With lounge chairs, you can soak up some sun, listen to music, or read a book. They even have tables and chairs to sit and enjoy a snack or meal.

16. Chill on the Porch

Grab yourself a coffee, beer, or cocktail, and sit your behind in a rocking chair, on the porch at Trail’s End Restaurant. Enjoy the view! Keep an eye on the kids while they work off some energy at the playground!

What can you do for free at Fort Wilderness?

17. Play Games: Things to do while waiting to eat at Trails End Fort Wilderness

While hanging out on the porch at Trail’s End Restaurant, challenge your party to some large scale Jenga, checkers, ring toss, or hula hoop. Let the kids just play with the blocks, like our girls did when they were younger! You can also find checkers inside the Meadow Trading Post!

Fun things to do at Disney’s Fort Wilderness

18. Explore the Swamp Trail

Find the swamp trail beginning along Clementine’s Beach. This is not something we have ever done, but plan to finally do next time we visit.

19. Boat Ride

One of our favorite things about Fort Wilderness, is the boat transportation to both Magic Kingdom, and other resorts. You can hop on a boat, take a ride, and you don’t even have to get off!! Great way to take in the sights, and enjoy a nice boat ride!

Unique FREE things to do at Fort Wilderness

20. Tri Circle D Ranch

Another one of those memories from when I was a kid, is the Tri Circle D Ranch. I remember when they had a petting farm here. However, now it’s home to all the Cinderella ponies, and the horses of Main St USA.

While staying at Fort Wilderness back in April of 2019, we were able to see the two new Shetland Ponies who were born in March and April. They were 7 weeks old, and 2 weeks old when we got to see them. They were so cute to watch. Take a peek at them playing in the video!

Certainly animal lovers of all ages would like to learn more about the “Happiest Horses on Earth” at their FREE barn tour. You may even catch the blacksmith making horseshoes. Be sure to check times when you visit, as they may change. You can find more info on the Tri Circle D Ranch HERE.

Update on things to do at Disney’s Fort Wilderness:

Fort Wilderness is in the process of rebuilding a new Tri Circle D Ranch, so be sure to check the info on Disney’s website for updates. It will now be moved to the front, near the parking with the new resort being built between Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge.

21. Wildlife Spotting

No matter how you’re making your way around Fort Wilderness, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for some wildlife! This is just a few of the animals we saw on our most recent trip. The deer was actually right on the side of the road, in the middle of the day.

Be sure to check out the butterfly garden outside the Reception Outpost. **Please be respectful of the wildlife, and do not feed them.

What does Fort Wilderness have to offer?

22. Chip & Dale Sing – A – Long: A favorite thing to do at Fort Wilderness

Oh the memories… I remember going to the Chip & Dale Sing-A-Long when I was young, and now my girls love it too! Each night they do a campfire lighting, and sing-a-long with Chip & Dale.

Bring your own s’more supplies, but they do have sticks to share for roasting marshmallows. **This may be a post about free things to do at Fort Wilderness, but you can buy s’more kits in the movie area, just so you know.

23. Movie Under The Stars

After the Chip & Dale Sing-A-Long, be sure to stick around for the screening of a selected Disney movie! Each time we check into the campground, the first thing our girls do, is check the movie schedule. Although movies are shown at most other resorts, the sing-a-long is unique, and only happens at Fort Wilderness.

TIP: Bring your own camping chairs, if you have them. The benches and bleachers can be rough for an entire movie.

If you are staying at another Disney resort, you can get the movie schedules by calling (407) 939-2273. **Movies and entertainment are subject to cancellation or change without notice, and are weather permitting.

Can you see Disney fireworks from Fort Wilderness?

24. Magic Kingdom Fireworks: Best of things to do at Fort Wilderness

As with all resorts on Bay Lake, the music for the firework show at Magic Kingdom plays at outside viewing areas. If you head to Clementine’s Beach at Fort Wilderness, you can catch the firework show. It’s quite magical, even from afar.

25. Electric Water Pageant: The ONLY FREE parade at Disney

Another reason to head to Clementine’s Beach at night, is so you can see the Electrical Water Pageant. Jojo’s all time favorite night time show. Stay on the beach after the Magic Kingdom fireworks, and the water parade comes dancing by. For closer viewing, you can even walk out onto the boat dock.

No matter where you choose to stay on your Disney vacation, I hope you spend some time enjoying some of what Fort Wilderness has to offer. This is just some of How We Find Happy at Disney!

Have you been to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground? What are your favorite things to do? We hope this inspires you to check out all the FREE things to do at Disney’s Fort Wilderness.

Please be sure to check out up to date information on Fort Wilderness recreation before heading over. Also, if your not staying at Fort Wilderness, but plan to spend some time there, you can find places to dine HERE.

Finally, check out some of our other Disney tips and reviews:

20+ FREE Things to do at Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s Copper Creek

Tips for Cruising with Disney

Splitsville at Disney Springs

Animation Experience at Animal Kingdom

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