Fort Wilderness at Walt Disney World Resort is renowned for its festive atmosphere, especially during the holiday season. The campsites are transformed into a winter wonderland, with guests going all out in decorating their sites. From sparkling lights to inflatable characters and personalized stockings, the resort’s guests embrace the holiday spirit in a way that’s hard to find anywhere else on Disney property.

One of the most cherished traditions at Fort Wilderness is the exchange of small gifts and tokens of goodwill among campers. Many guests leave items in their stockings, whether it’s a sweet treat, a heartfelt note, or even small holiday trinkets for their fellow campers to enjoy. This exchange fosters a sense of community and camaraderie that’s truly unique to the resort.

In addition to the gift exchanges, guests frequently travel through the campsite loops, engaging in friendly conversations, sharing candy, or even offering a celebratory shot in the spirit of the season. It’s a time of joy and togetherness, with everyone embracing the holiday cheer. The sense of community is palpable, and visitors often remark on how Fort Wilderness feels like a second home during the holidays.

However, this year, the holiday cheer has been slightly dampened by a few unfortunate incidents. According to reports, on Christmas Eve, around 3:00 PM, thieves in golf carts were reported targeting the campsites and swiping items from stockings left out in the spirit of giving. These thefts were not isolated events, as multiple campsites were affected by at least one “Grinch” who was driving a golf cart through the loops, taking items without permission.

Guests who were affected quickly contacted Guest Relations, reporting the thefts and hoping for a resolution. Fort Wilderness is typically seen as a close-knit, family-friendly environment, and this kind of disruption is rare. At the time of the reports, it remains unclear if any suspects have been identified or apprehended, and Disney has yet to release any official statement regarding the matter.

Despite these unfortunate incidents, the holiday spirit at Fort Wilderness has remained strong. The overwhelming majority of guests have continued to participate in the long-standing tradition of exchanging gifts and sharing joy with their fellow campers. The thefts have not stopped the community from coming together and spreading goodwill, with many saying the actions of a few individuals won’t dampen the collective spirit of the season.

For those unfamiliar with Fort Wilderness, it’s important to note that the resort offers more than just a place to stay; it provides a unique, immersive experience that’s different from anything else at Walt Disney World. The holiday decorations, the sense of community, and the shared traditions all come together to create a magical atmosphere that keeps guests returning year after year.

While the recent thefts are a reminder that not everyone embraces the holiday spirit, they have not overshadowed the larger, more important message of the season: kindness, generosity, and community. The campers at Fort Wilderness continue to demonstrate these values by coming together and ensuring that the holiday cheer remains alive and well, no matter what challenges may arise.

In the end, it’s clear that the holiday spirit at Fort Wilderness is more resilient than ever. Guests are undeterred, and the community continues to thrive, with smiles, laughter, and goodwill spreading throughout the resort. Even as a few Grinches may try to steal the joy, the true meaning of the holidays remains very much intact.

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Eric Morton