FW is a home-away-from-home Disney resort. It was opened in 1971 and has both air-conditioned Wilderness Cabins and shaded campsites. Resting on lush vegetation, the resort’s natural beauty is enhanced by the many pine and cypress trees on site. You will be able to catch a glimpse of wildlife such as deer, armadillos, rabbits, ducks and peacocks while you roam the grounds.

The 2005 rates (per night, excluding tax) for FW are as follows:

Room Type	Value	Regular	Peak	Holiday	Pre-Holiday
Partial hook-up campsite – Electricity/water	$38	$54	$62	$72	$42
Full hook-up campsite - Electricity/water/sewer	$43	$64	$73	$84	$47
Preferred campsite - Electricity/water/sewer/cable	$51	$69	$79	$89	$55
Wilderness Cabin	$234	$274	$309	$339	n/a

The highlight of your stay in FW is undoubtedly the Campfire Program, which is open to all WDW resort guests. It is held near the Meadow Trading Post in the campfire area. The program kicks off with a sing along and a marshmallow roast around two campfire rings. You can expect an appearance by Chip and Dale during this half-an-hour sing along. The Chuckwagon sells hot dogs, popcorn, snacks, candies, marshmallows, sticks to roast on the fire, beer and other refreshments, but you have the option of bringing your own marshmallows. After all the campfire merry-making, a Disney movie will be shown on a large outdoor screen. The movie schedule is posted at all comfort stations – which are areas with restrooms, private showers, washers and dryers.

You may wish to catch the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue during your stay at FW. Besides being a lively musical comedy, this is the most popular and longest running dinner show at WDW. Disney’s official website invites you to “dig in to the all-you-care-to-eat vittles at this hearty American hoe down”. The menu consists of tasty frontier treats like fried chicken, smoked BBQ pork ribs, corn, baked beans, tossed green salad, fresh baked bread and strawberry shortcake, plus unlimited draft beer, wine, sangria and soft drinks. Showtimes are 5:00 pm, 7:15pm and 9:30 pm. Tickets should be reserved well in advance by calling (407) WDW-DINE. FW guests may board a Purple, Yellow or Orange internal bus to the Settlement Depot.

The Tri-Circle D Livery at FW offers guided horseback rides daily. If your little ones are at least 9 years, they can go on the ride. The horses are tame which are good for novice riders. It is wise to wear long pants and refrain from open-toed or heeled shoes during the ride. If you are looking for pony rides for kids, these are available at the petting farm in FW from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm.

Staying at FW also allows you to make your family trek to WDW truly a family trip because your pet won’t be left behind at home. There is a charge of $5 per day to bring your pet and the following guidelines must be observed:

• Pets will be restricted at all times to the designated pet loops.
• Pets must be walked on the pet path along the waterway and the owner is responsible for picking up and disposing after their pet.
• Pets must be kept on a leash when being walked when on the site.
• Guests may not leave pets unattended because this may cause the pets to bark and disturb other Guests.
• Pets are not allowed on electric carts.

Cast members at the kennels are usually terrific to pets, so you should have no worries while you go on your theme park rides.

For families who are on a budget, FW is great choice since you pay much less than staying in a hotel. You will be able to greatly reduce the cost of your vacation by cooking your own meals in the cabins. So if you are keen, start parking your camping gear now.