11 Recreational Activities Everyone Can Enjoy at Fort Wilderness

Did you know that you can take part in lots of recreational activities at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground without actually being a guest there? We’ve covered 11 of our most favorite things to do at Disney’s only campground and none of them involve sleeping in a tent!

Horseback Riding

What: A 45-minute trail ride through the woods at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. This is a very organized, peaceful activity. The Tri-Circle-D Ranch Guides are absolute experts which makes this a wonderful activity for first timers. Safety is key – this is a common theme for all of the activities here. A Guide will pick the most appropriate horse for your size and experience level. We’ve done this Enchanting Extra many times over the years and it’s always a delight.

Reservations: Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance on the My Disney Experience App, Disney’s website, or by calling (407) WDW-PLAY. Payment in full is due when you make the reservation. Same-day reservations may be available.

Where: Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. This activity doesn’t originate at the Tri-Circle-D Ranch as you might expect from the, well, horses. You’ll check in at the cabin to the right of the stables at the Fort Wilderness front entrance and registration area.

When: Currently, there are 5 tour times: 8:00am, 9:30am, 11:00am, 12:30pm, and 2:00pm

Price: $65 per person plus tax = $69.23 per person. Annual Passholders will pay $58.50 after discount and tax. Tips are accepted but not required.

Getting There: For ride share and self parking, you’ll let the front gate security CM know that you’re there for horseback riding. You will be directed to the registration office parking area to the right after the main entrance. From there you’ll check in at the Trail Check-In building. Don’t stress – there are lots of signs and everything is close and in plain sight. Just plan for travel time. If you’re coming from another Walt Disney World Resort, you may want to take the boat launch from the Magic Kingdom. The boat will drop you at the Settlement Trading area and you’ll need to take an internal bus (yellow or orange line) to the Reception Outpost / Lobby area. This takes some time but is far less complicated than it reads.

Restrictions: 

1. Ages 9+
2. At least 48 inches tall
3. Weigh under 250 lbs. All guests will be weighed at the check-in desk when you sign your waivers. Your weight will only be displayed inside the office and the CM will not announce numbers.
4. Shoes must have a back strap.
5. Helmets are required the entire time you are taking part in this activity.
6. Free lockers are provided. Although you are allowed to bring your phone, it must be securely tucked away the entire time.

Pony Rides

What: A short lap or two around the Tri-Circle-D pony ring with help from an adult. There are adorable scavenger hunts for little folks and a Cast Member (CM) will point out Cinderella’s carriage and other interesting features in the stables.

Reservations: No reservations accepted. Walk-in only.

Where: Tri-Circle-D Ranch Stable near Pioneer Hall at the Settlement area of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.

When: 10:00am – 4:30pm daily

Price: $10 for 1 lap, $15 for 2 laps. Tips are accepted but not required.

Getting There: For ride share and self parking, you’ll let the front gate security CM know that you’re there for the pony rides. You will be directed to the registration office parking area to the right after the main entrance. From there, you’ll take an internal bus (yellow or orange line) to the Settlement Depot area. You can see the ranch when you get off the bus. Head up the path into the Tri-Circle-D Ranch and follow the signs to the pony rides. If you’re coming from another Walt Disney World Resort, you may want to take the boat launch from the Magic Kingdom. The boat will drop you at the Settlement Trading area. Tri-Circle-D Ranch is a short walk from there.

Restrictions:

1. Children ages 3-9 only
2. Child must be able to hang on to the bridle at all times.
3. Under 80lbs
4. Under 48 inches tall
5. A parent or guardian must lead the pony at all times.
6. Provided helmets must be worn at all times.

Holiday Sleigh Rides

What: A 25-minute long sleigh ride in a garland bedecked “sleigh” that takes you through decorated campsites.

Reservations: Reservations for this December offering open a few weeks prior to the first ride. You’ll be able to make reservations on the My Disney Experience App, Disney’s website, or by calling (407) WDW-PLAY.

Where: Tri-Circle-D Ranch Stable near Pioneer Hall at the Settlement area of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.

When: December. In the past, there have been 9 time slots each day while this event is live.

Price: $80 + tax per ride. Each reservation can fit either 4 adults, 2 adults & 2 children, or 2 adults & 3 small children. Payment in full is due when you make the reservation. Technically, same-day reservations may be available but we’d plan to grab them as soon as they’re offered. Spots fill quickly. Tips are accepted but not required.

Getting There: For ride share and self parking, you’ll let the front gate security CM know that you’re there for your sleigh ride. You will be directed to the registration office parking area to the right after the main entrance. From there, you’ll take an internal bus (yellow or orange line) to the Settlement Depot area. You can see the ranch when you get off the bus. Head up the path into the Tri-Circle-D Ranch and follow the signs to the pony rides. If you’re coming from another Walt Disney World Resort, you may want to take the boat launch from the Magic Kingdom. The boat will drop you at the Settlement Trading area. Tri-Circle-D Ranch is a short walk from there.

Restrictions: 

1. Guests using a wheelchair must be able to board the sleigh / wagon unassisted.
2. Ponchos are not provided, so bring your own. Rides will go out in rain and cold as long as the conditions are safe for the horses.

 

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

What: A 25-minute carriage ride through Fort Wilderness.

Reservations: Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance on the My Disney Experience App, Disney’s website, or by calling (407) 824-2832. Payment in full is due when you make the reservation. Same-day reservations may be available.

Where: The Carriage Ride loading area near Tail’s End and Crockett’s Tavern in the Settlement Depot area.

When: 5:30pm, 6:00pm, 6:30pm, 7:00pm, 8:00pm, 8:30pm, 9:00pm, and 9:30pm daily.

Price: $65 per ride plus tax = $69.23. Annual Passholders will pay $58.50 after discount and tax. Tips are accepted but not required. Each ride accommodates 4 adults, or 2 adults and 3 children only.

Getting There: For ride share and self parking, you’ll let the front gate security CM know that you’re there for your carriage ride. You will be directed to the registration office parking area to the right after the main entrance. From there, you’ll take an internal bus (yellow or orange line) to the Settlement Depot area. There is a carriage ride sign directly across from Trail’s End Restaurant near the playground. If you’re coming from another Walt Disney World Resort, you may want to take the boat launch from the Magic Kingdom. The boat will drop you at the Settlement Depot area. Walk down the dock toward Trail’s End and you’ll see the carriages and signage.

Restrictions:

1. Guests using a wheelchair must be able to board the carriage unassisted.
2. Ponchos are not provided, so bring your own. Rides will go out in rain and cold as long as the conditions are safe for the horses.

Guided Bass Fishing Excursions: Nitro and Guided Bass Tours

What: Guided “catch and release” fishing tours from Disney’s Fort Wilderness. All tours include:

• An experienced guide
• Rod and reel
• Tackle
• Sun Tracker Fishin’ Barge (pontoon boat) tours use live bait. Nitro Bass tours do not offer live bait.
• Bottled Coke beverages including water.

Reservations: Reservations can be made by calling (407)939-3474. Reservations cannot be made online or in the app.

Where: Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground Marina in the Settlement Depot area.

When: Dates and times are available by calling (407)939-3474. Availability is not shown anywhere on the MDE app or Disney’s website.

Price: Prices vary a good bit by date and number of people in your party. We called for prices for March and April of 2026 and were given the following ranges:

• Sun Tracker Fishin’ Barge
  • 2 hours / up to 5 guests = starts at $274.00
  • 4 hours / up to 5 guests = starts at $529.00
• Nitro Bass Tour
  • 2 hours / up to 3 guests = starts at $199 to $271.00
  • 4 hours / up to 3 guests = starts at $455 to $499

You may add an extra hour to any tour at check-in once you get to the marina. Rates vary and will be quoted once you check in.

Getting There: For ride share and self parking, you’ll let the front gate security CM know that you’re there for your fishing excursion. You will be directed to the registration office parking area to the right after the main entrance. From there, you’ll take an internal bus (yellow or orange line) to the Settlement Depot area. Follow the many signs to the marina. If you’re coming from another Walt Disney World Resort, you may want to take the boat launch from the Magic Kingdom. The boat will drop you at the Settlement area. The marina office is at the end of the dock. You have to pass it to get to land, so don’t worry about missing anything.

Restrictions:

1. Guests are allowed to bring their own food and beverages, including alcohol for folks ages 21 and up.
2. Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, or anything else you might need to protect you from the elements.
3. Life jackets are provided and must be worn at all times by guests ages 12 years and younger.

The following activities and rentals are all managed out of the Bike Barn in the Meadow Trading Post Area of Fort Wilderness. 

Bike Barn Basics: The Bike Barn is open from 9:00am – 5:00pm daily. The Bike Barn is located in the Meadow Trading Post area of Fort Wilderness and can be reached from the front entrance or the marina via the internal bus line. The only activities on our list that are handled at the Bike Barn and require a reservation include the Archery Experience and the Wilderness Back Trail Adventure. If you’re headed to Fort Wilderness for one of the other, non-reservation experiences, you may not be allowed in via the front entrance to Fort Wilderness. Your best best would be to take the boat from the Magic Kingdom and bus to the Meadow stop.

Fishing Gear Rental and Bait

Fishing gear can be rented at the Bike Barn during opening hours.

• Fishing gear: $10 + tax for 30 minutes, or $16 + tax for all day (9am – 5pm)
• Worms and wigglers: $5 + tax per.. serving? Cup?
• Night Crawlers: $6 + tax per same

Gem Mining

We’ve taken the boat from the Magic Kingdom to Fort Wilderness for just this experience many, many times! You’ll buy a bag of mining rough and a CM will give you one sifter per bag purchased. There is a huge assay station just steps away from the Bike Barn where you can sift through the rough to find and identify gems and stones! We promise you’ll leave soggy and laden with heavy treasure that your kids 100% are going to make you carry. There are 3 bag options ranging in price from $11 – $33 plus tax. There are no discounts applicable for this experience. You can read our review – it’s older but still accurate – here!

Canoes and Kayaks

Canoes and kayaks cannot be reserved but can be rented same day at the Bike Barn by guests 18 and older. Only guests age 12 and older may go out in a kayak or canoe alone after a guardian age 18 or older provides ID and signs applicable waivers.

• Single and double kayaks are $10 + tax = 30 minutes
• Canoes (up to 3 guests per canoe) are $10 + tax = 30 minutes
• There are no “all day” rental rates for these watercraft
• Life vests must be worn by everyone in the canoe or kayak for the entire rental.
• Bike Barn Cast Members may pause rentals when gators have been spotted in the area.

Bikes

The Bike Barn has an enormous variety of bikes for rent including smaller bikes with training wheels and adult bikes with child seats. Helmets are provided free of charge when you rent a bike. Fort Wilderness is more than 700 acres and much of that is bike friendly! Just be sure to wear your helmet and obey traffic signs.

• $11 + tax = 60 minutes
• $20 + tax = all day / 9am – 5pm

Archery

We just covered Archery at Fort Wilderness about a month ago! You can read our full review here.

What: A 75-minute archery lesson and practice session suitable for the most unexperienced beginner.

Reservations: Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance on the My Disney Experience app, Disney’s website, or by calling (407)WDW-PLAY. Same day reservations may be available at the Bike Barn.

When: The Archery Experience offers a few classes each day with the exception of Wednesday and Thursday.

Price: $49.00 + tax per person = $51.19. Annual Pass discounts do not apply for this experience like they do for others. We don’t know why, just that they don’t. Payment in full is due at the time you make a reservation.

Restrictions: 

1. Gusts age 7 and older only
2. Guests ages 7-17 must have a waiver signed by a legal guardian.
3. Guests 18 and older will sign their own waiver.
4. Safety goggles or approved prescription glasses must be worn for the duration

Wilderness Back Trail Adventure Segway Tour

What: A 2-hour Segway adventure around Fort Wilderness! Don’t be dismayed if you’ve never tried a Segway before! The first 30 minutes of this experience is safety and training only. Your instructor will make sure you know how to move forward, backward, and stop before you head out. This is one of the most exciting and downright fun non-park things we’ve ever done in Walt Disney World!

Reservations: Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance on the My Disney Experience App, Disney’s website, or by calling (407) 824-2832. Payment in full is due when you make the reservation. Same-day reservations are never available because all tours leave at 8:30am – before the Bike Barn opens.

When: 8:30am daily, Friday – Tuesday. There are no tours on Wednesday or Thursday.

Price: Prices vary by date from $90 – $99 per person + tax. Annual Passholder rates start at $76.50 + tax.

Restrictions:

1. Ages 16 and older only
2. Must have a valid ID to participate
3. No flip-flops, sandals, or rocker/exercise shoes allowed
4. Riders must weigh between 100 – 250lbs
5. Must be able to stand for the duration of the 2-hour tour

Which of these activities have you done before? Which are now on your list? Let me know in the comments!