Disney’s Fort Wilderness Dining & Restaurants: 2022 Guide



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This is the most comprehensive guide to dining at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort.

Many experienced campers will tell you that part of the fun of camping is making your own food.

However, sometimes you might find that you want something a bit quicker or that you want to treat yourself. After all, you are technically still at a Disney resort during your Fort Wilderness stay, so it stands to reason that you want to take advantage of that Disney dining!

What might be surprising, even to Disney vets, is that Fort Wilderness actually has quite a few options when it comes to dining.

Marshmallows over a fire
Image by Leon Contreras on Unsplash

Overall, there are three quick service spots, two table service locations, and even a roaming RV-style food truck!

Again, this is more than a typical campground might offer, but this isn’t just any campground – this is Fort Wilderness. Come on, we’re still in Disney World after all!

Additionally, you have to remember that we also have the Cabins on site – non-camping guests in other words. Even though the Cabins do have full kitchens, DVC villas guests will still tell you that doesn’t stop anyone from wanting a Disney-made meal.

With all that in mind, let’s explore the awesome dining at Disney’s Fort Wilderness!

Disney Dining at Fort Wilderness

The Chuck Wagon: Fort Wilderness Dining on Wheels

With such a huge resort area, The Chuck Wagon is such a great idea.

Featuring a simple dinner menu, The Chuck Wagon sets up shop 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturdays through Mondays, and 5:00 – 9:00 PM Tuesdays through Fridays.

As a food truck, you might see The Chuck Wagon in different spots throughout the campground. Most of the time though, you’ll find the old-school RV food truck by the Chip and Dale’s Sing-a-Long campfire area.

The RV itself is adorable, with all the theming touches you would expect from Disney. Folded camping chairs, retro Disney bumper stickers, and even the vintage Walt Disney World logo make you feel like The Chuck Wagon has been around forever. This version of The Chuck Wagon actually has replaced a smaller snack shack, which was also outside the sing-a-long area. However, we think you’ll like this rendition much better.

While the menu can vary slightly, right now it features an all-beef hotdog (available in a chili cheese version), chicken nuggets, and corn dog nuggets, all with piping hot fries. For something a bit fresher, you can try the Pioneer Berry Salad, consisting of grilled chicken, fresh spring greens, ripe berries, blue cheese, topped with a raspberry vinaigrette and walnuts. You can even grab an adult beverage to go with your dog!

Older versions of the menu include delectable barbeque delights like a smoked brisket sandwich, a pork belly cheeseburger, and even a roasted Portobello and veggie wrap. As more of the Disney food world returns to normal in the waning pandemic, we’re hopeful that some of the more complex goodies will come back as well.

Check out this full review of The Chuck Wagon!

Fort Wilderness Poolside Dining – The Meadow Snack Bar

Open daily from 12:00pm to 8:00pm, the Meadow Snack Bar is a great place to get a quick bite while taking a break from your swim. Centrally located at the Meadow Recreation area, those with premium location campsites can also take advantage of the Meadow Snack Bar for lunch or a quick dinner. Hang out and eat at the tables nearby (if you can snag one!) or take the food back to your site with you.

Just be sure to properly dispose of all your trash – don’t want any unwanted critters in the night.

For a poolside bar, the Meadow has some excellent options, make it a great dining stop at Fort Wilderness. Primary on the menu is the all-beef hotdog, also available as a chili cheese dog and the Wilderness Dog (topped with pulled pork and coleslaw). Additionally, you can get a pulled pork sandwich topped with coleslaw, served on a Kaiser roll with potato chips.

On top of the hotdogs, you also can get a Fort Wilderness Garden Salad, made with chicken on a bed of spring greens, carrots, cucumber, tomato and peppers. Simple, but a refreshing alternative to something heavier. Meadow Snack Bar also features pepperoni and cheese pizza, along with a variety of salty and healthy snack options.

If you’re looking for a sweet treat, this is the perfect place to snag a Mickey’s ice cream bar or Mickey ice cream sandwich, as well as a yummy chocolate cake. For adults that want a libation, you can find a solid selection of beer and wine to sip poolside. You can even try Old Smoky Moonshine in some of the signature drinks, a fun frontier twist that fits with the Fort Wilderness dining theme.

Crockett’s Tavern

Opening at 4:00pm and closing at 10:00pm, Crockett’s Tavern is a great place to grab an early dinner or that late night snack, or just have a drink in between. Located beside Pioneer Hall, you can get food and beverages from their walk-up window to take with you. Grown-ups are more than welcome to sit at the bar to enjoy their vittles!

Food Selection

Falling under the lounge category of Disney dining, Crockett’s Tavern does have more of a focus on beverages than food. However, if you want something to snack on, there are some great options at this here watering hole. Try hot and crispy chicken wings, coming in your choice of sauce between Buffalo, garlic-parmesan, or honey-barbecue with blue cheese dressing for dipping. The Smoke House Nachos are perfect for sharing, covered with house-smoked pulled pork, hot and gooey cheese, with lettuce and tomatoes for some freshness. The nachos come with a rich herb cream on the side for dipping and to cut through the heat and smoke of the meat.

The tavern also features jalapeño poppers with a zesty peach-pepper jam, as well as fried green tomatoes with a creamy remoulade sauce. These are fun, down-home takes on traditional Southern goodies, and go perfectly with a cold beverage.

Drink it Up!

As a tavern, Crockett’s main emphasis is on the drinks. Ole Smoky Moonshine features heavily among the signature drinks, putting an extra kick in your cocktail. One of our favorites is the Gullywhumper, Ole Smoky White Lightnin’ moonshine and peach schnapps mixed with pineapple and cranberry juices for a fruity concoction that packs a punch. There are three different spiked lemonade options as well, all of which incorporate Old Smoky flavored moonshines. Get the plain lemonade, called Davy’s Lemonade, or go for the strawberry, or blackberry for a bit more fruit flavor.

Crockett’s also has a great variety of margaritas, including a sweet and zesty Spicy Poblano Margarita, which is unlike any margarita we’ve ever tasted. Plenty of your favorite Disney cocktails are on the menu as well, like the Piña CoLava and Blue “Glow-Tini” (complete with souvenir glow cube). There are also several delicious wines from which to choose, and a full selection of beer on tap.

P & J’s Southern Takeout – Fort Wilderness Dining on the Go

If you need a quick meal at any point in the day, P & J’s Southern Takeout is the way to go. Open from 7:30am to 9:45pm, this is the perfect Fort Wilderness dining option for an early park day, a lunch break, or a late night return. In other words – anytime is a good time for P & J’s! As the name suggests, P & J’s has all your Southern comfort food favorites, fitting right within the theme of Fort Wilderness and its dining experiences.

Breakfast

In the morning, you can find your usual Disney breakfast favorites, like the bounty platter and Mickey waffles. They also have two incredible hot breakfast sandwiches, one with bacon and the other with sausage. Both come on a fresh croissant, topped with cheddar cheese, and with a side of potato barrels (tater tots). These sandwiches are perfect for taking back to your campsite, or eating on the go as you head over to catch the boat to the Magic Kingdom.

If none of the entrees speak to you, create a mix and match breakfast from the side options. They have a side of biscuits and gravy, as well as your typical breakfast meats, potato barrels, and a serving of oatmeal. For those that don’t want something particularly heavy, getting a couple of sides and a yogurt is a perfect start to the morning.

On top of delicious meals, coffee drinks like me will rejoice at the selection of specialty coffees. One that stood out to us was the Hot Campfire S’mores Latte, espresso blended with Swiss chocolate to create a mocha effect, with toasted marshmallow flavors and topped with whipped cream, graham cracker crumbs, and mini marshmallows. However, our favorite was the Hot Wilderness Bark Latte, a chocolate-hazelnut latte that had the right amount of sweetness.

P & J’s is also like the convenience area for Fort Wilderness, something that every Disney resort likes to incorporate for its guests. That means you’ll find the bakery here, along with your fresh snacks available all day. This is also the spot to pick up your refillable resort mug, and one of the locations where you can fill that mug.

Lunch & Dinner

With the same menu for lunch and dinner, you can get these Southern favorites starting at noon and through to the evening.

Family Meals

To begin, P & J’s has four different family meals, all of which can serve at least two people. The largest family meal is the full-slab of barbecue ribs and an eight-piece fried chicken, which comes with four sides of your choice, as well as corn bread. The smaller meals are variations of this large one, one full slab of ribs, a half slab and four pieces of fried chicken, or the eight-piece fried chicken. These meals come with your choice of two sides from the selection. Those smaller meals are a bit cheaper, as they are designed to feed two to four people rather than the four to six of the larger meals.

For the sides, you can choose from coleslaw, cowboy beans (baked beans with ground beef), macaroni and cheese, or mashed potatoes with gravy. Since you can mix and match, for the big meal you could try all four, or double up on your favorites. In terms of the smaller meals, you do have to make a choice, so we suggest going for your two favorites to add some variety.

These family meals are great for a night that you don’t want to cook, or if you’re a Cabin guest. Take advantage of that full eating space!

Entrees, Burgers, and More

Aside from the family meals, P & J’s Southern Takeout has food to feed anyone in your family. Grab a slice of pepperoni or cheese pizza, or stick with a classic burger or cheeseburger with French fries. You can get the ribs or fried chicken as their own entrees as well, served with cornbread and your choice between the family meal sides.

If you want something lighter, P & J’s also has the Fort Wilderness Garden Salad and the Pioneer Berry Salad, both of which you can top with chicken or just stick with the greens. For our plant-based friends, you might like the Fort Wilderness Vegetable Burger, a plant-based patty served with balsamic glazed onions on a fresh brioche bun.

Kid’s Meals

For your kiddos, they have the choice between a turkey sandwich, Uncrustable PB&J, cheeseburger, or chicken nuggets. All of these options come with your little partner’s choice of beverage and side, so they can essentially build their own meal. Plenty of the entrees are large enough to split between two kids as well, if they have their eye on the ribs or fried chicken.

Dessert

Two desserts really stand out at P & J’s Southern Takeout – the Strawberry Shortcake and the Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Push Pop. It make be a simple thing, but a good strawberry shortcake is just what you’re looking for to finish a classic Southern meal. As for the push pop, these used to be more popular around the Disney resorts, and seem to be making a bit of a comeback.

For this Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Push Pop, it has layers of sweet butter cake, soft pastry cream, and sweet caramelized pineapple all contained in the push pop. This way, you can eat this dessert on the go, and not make a mess!

Check out this full review of dinner at P & J’s Southern Takeout!

Trail’s End Restaurant

Available for breakfast and dinner, Trail’s End Restaurant is an all you can to eat table service experience. Like many of the other former-buffet restaurants, Trail’s End has gone to the family-style service that seems to be the Disney trend. However, as someone who has experienced this new way of all you can eat dining, it doesn’t diminish the quality of the food and is in many ways more convenient. Additionally, remember that you can still get as much food as you would like – your server just has to bring it to you.

I stress this because there are many that bemoan the buffets going away. However, you still get the same amount of food (sometimes more!) through the family-style method. On top of that, it is much safer for you to stay at the table and have the food come to you, rather than moving through the restaurant. As a former server, I can attest to this fact! Having the guests seated makes everything on the restaurant side go more smoothly.

Breakfast

You’ll begin your dining experience with a fresh basket of oven-fresh pastries, an assortment including Trail’s End’s famous sticky buns with strawberry-honey butter. If one basket isn’t enough, just ask for another! Your server will gladly keep the buns coming. There is also a delicious berry, granola, and yogurt parfait that comes right before your main breakfast. Even if you’re not a big yogurt fan, you should give it a try.

From there, you’ll get the Breakfast Skillet, which includes smoked brisket, scrambled eggs, Mickey waffles, bacon, sausage and cheesy potato casserole. If there’s anything you like in particular, or that you do not want, you can always ask for more or less of an item. When it comes to getting more, your server will bring you more of particular items, or another whole skillet if there are several things you want again.

If you’re plant based, no need to worry! Instead of the parfait, your table gets a yummy lemon and blueberry trifle you’re sure to love. For your skillet, it includes scrambled eggs, seitan bacon, potato barrels, and Mickey waffles. You can also get this skillet without the eggs if you are true vegan.

For a full breakfast review, check out this video!

Dinner

Dinner is also all you care to eat, served in family-style baskets and skillets. When you get to your table, an oven-fresh bread basket awaits you. Munch on savory goat cheese and chive biscuits, warm hushpuppies and skillet cornbread, with pimento spread and honey butter on the side. Try not to fill up though, because you’ve got a massive chopped salad coming, topped with a warm bacon vinaigrette…and that’s even before the main meal!

For the main dish skillet, you’ll love all the classic Southern flavors thrown into one. Trail’s End Smokehouse Skillet contains pecan-smoked brisket, rotisserie chicken andouille sausage, roasted fingerling potatoes, green beans​, and buttered corn on the cob.​ On the side, you’ll have your choice between a chipotle barbecue sauce and a Carolina mustard sauce​ to top your meats. To finish your meal, a literal wagon load of ice cream appears, topping brownies, cookies, and chocolate covered bacon!

If you’re plant based, the skillet includes Beyond Italian sausage, Gardein Chick’n, and barbecued jackfruit in addition to the roasted fingerling potatoes, green beans​, and buttered corn on the cob. You’ll receive a meat-free dressing for your salad, and the sundae simply comes sans bacon. If there’s anything else you require to fit your plant-based diet, just ask!

For $10 each, you can also add a half-slab of Memphis-rubbed pork spare ribs, peel-n-eat shrimp boil, or cornbread-crusted salmon to your meal.

While there isn’t an official kid’s menu, you can get an assortment of kid’s favorites like chicken tenders and mac and cheese. Just be sure to ask your server!

Want to see the updated Trail’s End dinner experience? Take a look at this video.

Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue – The Signature Fort Wilderness Dining Experience

One of the most beloved Disney traditions among long time guests, the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is the best known of the Fort Wilderness dining experiences (and trust us, it is an experience).

Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue first opened its doors on June 30, 1974, and remains one of the longest-running dinner theater shows in America.

Nestled into Pioneer Hall, this two-hour experience is dinner and a show (thus the name), and requires payment in advance.

Think of this more of a ticket to see an outrageous musical, and you just get to eat ahead of time. With that in mind, making a reservation for Hoop-Dee-Doo is important. You can make a same-day reservation, if there is space, but you still do need to book ahead. They recommend that you arrive 30 minutes prior to your show time, as seating begins immediately at the show time and the show itself starts 20 minutes later.

A family-style, all you care to eat experience, the three stages of the meal line up with the acts of the musical show.

To begin the experience, delicious, sweet cornbread comes straight to the table, along with a basic salad of greens, shredded cheese, and mixed vegetables. Your main course includes fried chicken, barbecue pork ribs, seasonal veggies, mashed potatoes, cowboy beans, all served in buckets or other cowboy-esque gear. For your sweet, enjoy a delectable strawberry shortcake, brought to you via the stage as it takes its place in the show.

While the food is good, what you’re really coming to see is the show. Full of corny and fabulous frontier jokes, the performers will have you rolling in the aisles.

Not only that, but they’ll make you part of the show! Just be sure to eat your veggies, or you might have a more prominent role than you might like.

Even though you’re enjoying the great outdoors, the key to dining at Fort Wilderness is remembering you’re still at a Disney resort! Take time to try something new, get a little silly, and most of all, have a great time.

Grace Hoyos, Staff Writer

Grace is a life-long lover of all things Disney, particularly the parks at Walt Disney World. She is also an avid Disney Cruise Line enthusiast who regularly dreams of the white sands of Castaway Cay. Grace loves the fact that her Disney trips give her time to spend with her family, enjoy incredible food, and try new experiences.



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