Camping was a success!

Well, we are back! Our first official camping trip as a family at Fort Wilderness was a great success! The weather was perfect and the kids had a blast! We arrived just before sunset on Friday evening and spent a few hours getting things set up! Scott was the "man of the day", of course, by getting our tent erected and all the accessories installed (yes, we brought our own mini-fridge), including outdoor lights and even some strands of Christmas tree lights for decoration.

On Saturday morning, we made scrambled eggs and bacon on the propane travel stove Scott brought. Then, we headed off to the nearby bus stop to catch a ride on a Disney bus to the Tri-Circle D Ranch, where they had pony rides for the kids to enjoy. Amanda was too scared to ride on one, but she walked with Scott & I as we each took Sierra and Chandler on their ponies around the walking area. After that, we headed over to a really great playground they had for the kids to slide on and swing. After some playground time, the nearby boat sounded its horn which will take you on a free ride either to the Magic Kingdom or the Wilderness Lodge. We hopped on a boat to Wilderness Lodge, and enjoyed browsing the humongous accommodations there! I have posted a picture of the kids sitting outside in front of the Wilderness Lodge which backs up against a picture-perfect waterfall with stones.

Later on Saturday night, we joined a small group for tacos for dinner and old-fashioned smores for dessert! This was a special treat for the kids! We then hopped on yet, another bus to a campground site where they show Disney movies outside in a stadium-like setting. You can order popcorn and drinks from their concession stand and even roast your own smores outside on their firepits as you watch the movie on a large outdoor screen! It was a great ending to a perfect day and the kids and Scott & I were very tired Saturday night after that!

Sunday morning we packed up and came home. We were all pretty tired but enjoyed the rest of Sunday at home after unpacking. I loved camping at Ford Wilderness because even though the surroundings make you feel as if you are totally away from urban society, pretty much anything you need is right there! They have bathroom and shower facilities within walking distance from your camp site, there is running water and a hose and spigot on each site, in addition to an electricity hook-up unit. You can enjoy eating at restaurants if you want simply by hopping on a bus! And, of course, while you are "roughing it", if you happen to forget something from home, such as food items or toiletries, you can purchase them from one of two trading post/sundry stores they have in the resort. I would definitely recommend this simple vacation away from home for anyone looking to spend only a small amount of money on a relaxing and fun adventure away from home!