Camping 101: Fort Wilderness RV rentals

Author’s note:  This is Part One of a Series on the ins and outs Disney’s Fort Wilderness.  Part One focuses on Fort Wilderness RV rentals.  Part Two will focus on how to get groceries and supplies to the RV when you will be flying into Orlando, and Part Three will explain transportation within the vast campgrounds.

Some of the best vacation memories I have from my childhood involve some element of nature and camping. Whether it was a weekend at a family member’s cabin in the woods or staying with my grandparents in an RV at the lake, I cherish each memory. Into adulthood I have wanted to experience the closeness of nature again. I’ve fantasized about cashing it all in, buying an RV, and traveling the country, working odd jobs (or blogging more steadily) as I go. Nothing but me, my husband, the fur kids, and nature in my day. Sounds peaceful, but delusional, I know.

Instead of camping, most of my adult vacations have been spent in Disney World. These vacation memories are just as cherished as those nature themed ones of my youth. I have often thought that combining the two would make for one amazing trip, but quickly dismissed the thought because we do live out of state and don’t own that coveted RV yet.

Yes, we could stay at one of the Cabins at Fort Wilderness, but the thought of shlepping all the camping essentials in my luggage, just doesn’t appeal to me. I would rather just show up, clothes and toiletries in tow, and plop myself into the experience.

A few years back while reading a magazine, I came across an advertisement for a rental RV place in my home state of Ohio. This got me to thinking that perhaps I could rent an RV and drive to Disney. That was short lived. I may dream of driving myself in an RV all over the US, but really I can’t fathom the idea of driving anywhere farther than the next state over. And why drive over fifteen hours when you can hop in a plane, sit back and relax, and be there within two? So what is a nature loving girl to do? Find a rental place in Florida of course.

Fort Wilderness RV Rentals

And so I did. I found three in fact. Three RV rental places that cater specifically to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campgrounds: Florida Camper Rental, Greenberg Rent A Camper, and Moore Camping Rentals. The best part? They all deliver! That’s right; I can hop the plane and grab Magical Express straight to the campground. My RV will be set up and waiting for me. More details please!!!

Florida Camper Rental
www.floridacamperrental.com
465 Libby Alico Rd. Babson Park, FL 33827
Phone: 863-605-3995

• Registered Disney Travel Agents – They can book your camper and also your Fort Wilderness campsite. Park tickets and meal plans can also be purchased through Florida Camper Rental.
• Many different RV models to choose from, sleeping from 4 – 10 people. Prices vary depending on model chosen and length of stay.
• Rental fees: There is a 100% refundable $200 reservation/security deposit due at the time of reserving the camper. This will be returned to you within 14 days after your stay subject to $100 cleaning fee if the camper is not returned in the same condition it was received. The actual rental fee itself is due 7 days before your first day of stay. Delivery and set up is included in price.
• Discounts: Guests staying 6 nights or more receive a discount. They also price match and offer AAA discounts.
• Forms of payment accepted: all major credit cards, cash, check, and PayPal.
• Logistics: Florida Camper Rental arrives at your campsite between 10-11am to begin set up. Once complete, you will receive a phone call or text letting you know your site number and that your camper is ready. Official Fort Wilderness check in time is 1pm. Check out time is 11am, but you are requested to depart by 10am so that Florida Camper Rental can break down the camper and comply with this time.
• Amenities provided:
  • Air conditioning / Heat
  • Pillows, linens, & towels
  • Dishes & Utensils (including grilling utensils)
  • Pots & Pans
  • Paper Towels
  • Salt & Pepper
  • Microwave, toaster, can opener
  • Coffee pot & filters
  • Hand Soap, dish soap, & cleaning supplies
  • LCD TV & DVD player
  • (4) Camping chairs
  • Camping table
  • Patio mat
  • Propane
  • Trash bags
  • First Aid kit
  • (4) Rolls of Toilet paper
• Extra rentals:
  • Wi-Fi hot spot $10/day, email & web browsing only, connect up to 5 devices
  • Approved fire pit with bag of wood $40
  • Extra mini fridge w/ small freezer $40
  • Bike rentals $7/day per bike
  • Electric scooter $10/day per scooter

Comments: Their website contact form promises replies within one day. I had a response within an hour. They were super friendly and courteous. You can connect with them via Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube. Their website is very clean, easy to navigate, and full of pictures.

Greenberg Rent A Camper
www.greenbergrvflorida.com
9600 US Highway 192, Clermont, FL 34714
Phone: 407-668-8980

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJNuM1Z5c_k

• Works directly with Fort Wilderness management team to obtain your campsite number and make your experience seamless.
• Many different RV models to choose from, sleeping from 4 – 13 people. Prices vary depending on model chosen and length of stay.
• Rental fees: $75 delivery/setup/pickup fee due at time of reservation. Balance of camper rental fees due one day before start date.
• Forms of payment accepted: all major credit cards and PayPal.
• Logistics: Call Greenberg to ensure an RV is available for your planned dates. Then call Fort Wilderness directly at 407-939-6244 and reserve your campsite. Authorize Greenberg Rent A Camper to deliver your camper for you. Call Greenberg back to confirm the reservation. Depending upon campsite availability, your camper will be ready between 1:30 – 3pm. It will be left unlocked with the keys on the counter. On day of check out, leave the camper unlocked with the keys on the counter by 11am.
• Amenities provided:
  • Air conditioning
  • Eating utensils
  • Pots & pans
  • Plates, bowls, cups
  • Toilet paper
  • Propane
  • TVs & DVD players
  • Satellite radio
• Extra rentals:
  • Approved fire pit w/ wood $40
  • Additional wood pack $12
  • Propane Grill $75
  • Outdoor Movie theater $100 for up to 7 days, $7 each day additional
  • Pet Fence $20
  • Generator $40/day
  • Gazebo w/ anti-mosquito mesh $60
  • GoPro camera package $40/week *only with Jet Ski or motorcycle rental
  • Outdoor package (rug, chairs, décor, fan) $20
  • Linen & Sheet package $20
  • Towel package (one beach, bath, and washcloth) $3/set
  • Happy Birthday or Anniversary package $75
  • Bike rentals $5/day, $25/week single; $7/day, $35/week tandem

Comments: Privately owned, family run company. It was a quick response time via their contact form on the website (one day in my case). Trailers are all newer models. Website is easy to navigate with good pictures and descriptions. You can connect with them via Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Yahoo, and YouTube.

Moore Camping Rentals
www.mcrfl.com
17309 Squirrel Prairie Rd., Masaryk town, FL 34604
Phone: 352-442-6365

• Two packages to choose from: Standard ($1177/7nights) and Economy ($1070/7 nights). Both sleep up to 10 people.
• Rental fees: Refundable $250 damage deposit. $350 reservation deposit that must be made at time of rental. Balance due 30 days prior to your vacation.
• Forms of payment accepted: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and PayPal. They can also set up payment plans.
• Logistics: Guests make their own Fort Wilderness reservation or goes thru one of Moore’s travel agents. Once you add Moore’s to your reservation, they handle all of the booking for you. Or, if you prefer, you can call or text them at the time of check in with the campsite number. Disney check out time is 11am.
• Amenities provided:
  • Air conditioning and heating
  • Golf cart that seats 4
  • Patio rug
  • Awning lights
  • (4) Camping chairs
  • Pillows, sheets, & bedding
  • Paper towels
  • (4) Rolls toilet paper
  • Dish soap
  • Can opener
  • Cook stove & toaster
  • Coffee pot & filters
  • Silverware & dishes for (4)
  • Cooking utensils
  • Pots & pans
• Extra rentals:
  • Additional golf cart $25/day plus delivery cost of $125
  • Cooler filled w/ ice $15
  • Additional set of sheets $25
  • Towels $25

Comments: Small family owned and operated business. Trailers are smoke and pet free. Website is simple and easy to navigate, with lots of videos. You can connect with them via Delicious, Digg, Facebook, Google, Stumleupon, Technorati, Twitter, Linked In, and Pinterest.  Video courtesy of MouseSteps / JWL Media.

All three companies have great reviews from users. Choosing one will simply come down to what appeals most to your family, your needs, and your budget.  And now that you have gotten the RV rental taken care of,  what’s next to think about for your stay at Fort Wilderness?  How to stock your RV with groceries and supplies.  Be sure to check out the second part of this series, titled “Fort Wilderness Camping 101:  A camper’s gotta eat!” that will be posting soon.