Hidden Gems of Disney – Chip ’n Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long
These days the typical character meal runs about $30 per adult. That’s a hefty price tag considering most of the food is marginal at best. What you’re really paying for is the convenience of the characters coming to you without waiting in a long line. So what if I told you Chip and Dale do this every night free of charge?
Nestled back in the Fort Wilderness Campground, the Chip ’n Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long takes place every night. The fun gets started when the Chuck Wagon opens up serving all kinds of treats. (Check out the complete menu.) The timing of this event will vary by season. During the colder winter months the Sing-A-Long will get started at 7:00 pm, with the Chuck Wagon opening up roughly at 6:00 pm. In the summer everything happens an hour later, which gives it a little more time to cool off.
The outdoor theater is lovely, with ample seating for all that attend. On the ground level wooden benches are available, and towards the back are metal bleacher type seats. I was surprised at how comfy the wooden benches were. It is worth arriving early to assure you don’t end up in the bleachers. Two open fire pits are available at the front of the theater to roast marshmallows for s’mores. Every child I saw thought this was an absolute riot. I think they would have been just as delighted to roast marshmallows in the wilderness even if Chip and Dale never showed!
When it is time for the Sing-A-Long, a cowboy will take the stage and lead the audience in a song before introducing Chip and Dale. Don’t expect Disney tunes; these are more nursery classics. After the brief introduction the chipmunks will take their time greeting, taking photos, and signing autographs for everyone in the audience while the cowboy continues to serenade. This lasts roughly 40 minutes. Once Chip and Dale have left, the outdoor seating area doubles to show a classic Disney movie under the stars nightly. Both events are free to enjoy regardless of whether you are staying on Disney property.
Getting to the Fort Wilderness Campgrounds can be a challenge even when driving. This resort has its own internal bus system. The parking lot or bus drop off is still a 15 minute bus ride away from the Meadow Trading Post stop where this event happens (be sure to take the orange route). You can also take a boat from Magic Kingdom. Don’t be deterred by the extra effort it takes to get to the Campground. This is one of the most beautiful places in all of Walt Disney World and certainly worth the time it takes to visit.
Here are some tips to consider if you are going to try the Chip ’n Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long:
Most people bring their own snacks to this party rather than purchasing them there. If you’re planning to bring or order groceries, why not add graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows to the list?- The Meadow Trading Post just in front of the theater sells wine. I saw many tired parents (and grandparents) enjoying a nice glass with their s’mores.
- Chip and Dale will greet the audience from the front of the theater to the back and ask everyone to stay seated while they do. Keep this in mind if your little one will get impatient.
- Don’t worry about being able to see the small stage from your seats. Chip and Dale don’t spend much time up there, and the cowboy is easy to sing-a-long with regardless of your view.
- The outdoor theater has a gravel floor, so keep that in mind when choosing your shoes. It might be best to skip the flip flops!
So will you be trying this out on your next visit to Walt Disney World? Do you have any tips I’ve missed? What was your experience with this nightly event? Would you like to see more about the Fort Wilderness Campground? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below!
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The menu picture shows S’mores kit for $9.99, and a marshmallow stick for $.59, marshmallow bag $4.99,etc.
I remember having read that you can buy the S’mores kit, but I also remember having read that some of the resorts hand out marshmallow sticks and marshmallows initially for free.
Has anyone heard of this?
Did it never happen?
Or is it history? (it no longer happens?)
Last December (2012) we stayed at the Caribean Beach Club and they provided a campfire each evening with free marshmellow toasting – sticks and marshmellows included
You can find out what movie is being shown at http://www.buildabettermousetrip.com/activity-outdoormovie.php#fort – it is updated on the first of each month.
We went this past January. It was a fun show, but we were in the bleachers in the back. Chip and Dale did not come to the bleachers; after they visited everyone in the bench seats, they disappeared, and my kids were quite disappointed. So the takeaway is this: If you want to meet Chip or Dale, make sure you are sitting on the wooden bench seats, not the bleachers.
Does this go on even during the off season? Our next trip to WDW we are thinking of staying at the Fort Wilderness Cabins and this was a draw (as is the fact that we will be a family of 5 and our options are getting limited). If we are there when the crowds are at their lowest will the sing-a-long song still be going on?
I know I have been there on very slow nights. I don’t claim to be an expert but I’m pretty confident that this goes on all year. Does anyone know for absolute certain?
Yes, it is available all year. It begins earlier in the fall/winter than during the April through Summer time period. We have attended in November and December.
Another tip is to come earlier than the scheduled start time (maybe 30 minutes or so). Both times we went Chip and Dale were just hanging out before the scheduled start time and our kids got plenty of time with them.
Thanks!
My family has done this a couple of times. Here are some tips.
• If staying for the movie afterward, consider bringing along a cushion or pillow to sit on. The wooden benches are far more comfortable than the bleachers, but both will get uncomfortable after sitting for a couple of hours.
• Keep in mind that your kid will meet Chip OR Dale. The two split up to work the crowd. This isn’t a big deal, unless it’s a big deal for your kid. If your child is the type to insist on meeting both: Sit in the front row, all the way to the left or all the way to right (Closest to the campfires). Then, you’ll be among the first to meet one of them. After meeting Chip or Dale – take your child to the back row of the bleachers on the other side of the amphitheater. You won’t have to sit there very long before getting to complete your set of chipmunks.
• Call Fort Wilderness or Google “Fort Wilderness Campfire Movie Schedule” the week of your vacation to find out which movies are playing. Older, non-princess movies tend to be less crowded.
I’m so thankful for your comment! The nights I have been there the characters stayed together but I admit I tend to head over on a Monday or Tuesday night when things are the slowest. Great tip on only getting to meet one. I think I am the type that insists on meeting both!! 🙂