Disney’s Fort Wilderness Back Trail Adventure

October 25, 2013COMtnMom

My Disney friend James, from MousePlanning.com, tried out Disney’s Fort Wilderness Back Trail Adventure and offered to give us a full report.  Let’s see what he has to say about this Disney experience!

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground is not your standard Disney Resort. Located on over 750 acres of land, the site has almost 800 campsites and over 400 cabins available for rent. While it has all the amenities that you’d expect at a Disney Resort — such as great pools and restaurants — there are a lot of things that you might not expect to find. In addition to activities like horseback riding, canoeing, and archery, you’ll find miles of woodland trails winding through the pine and cypress forest. The most unique way to explore those trails is riding on a Segway personal transporter, on the Wilderness Back Trail Adventure.

Disney Fort Wilderness Back Trail Adventure Segway

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Back Trail Adventure

Disney’s Wilderness Back Trail Adventure is a 2½-hour guided tour on a Segway X2.  No prior Segway experience is required.  The first half hour of the tour in devoted to teaching you how to ride one. (In fact, you can’t get out of the training even if you are already an experienced Segway rider like me.)

The training is actually a fun part of the experience.  The two instructors/guides do a great job meeting the needs of both novice and expert riders and they have a great sense of humor.

Disney Fort Wilderness Back Trail Adventure Segway Trainers

What is really amazing is how easy it is to learn to ride a Segway.  No one should worry that they won’t be able to learn it.

It’s actually more difficult to find the Bike Barn (where you check in for the tour) than it is to learn to ride.

 Disney Fort Wilderness Back Trail Adventure Bike Barn

Disney Fort Wilderness Back Trail Adventure row of parked Segways

Once your training is complete, the real fun begins.  Your tour guides take you all over the property, on both paved and unpaved paths.  With a radio headset in your ear, you’ll learn the fascinating history of the campground, as well as plenty of Disney anecdotes and trivia.  You’ll also stop at quite a few locations along the way, such as…

The Tri-Circle-D Ranch that houses all of the horses used on Disney property.

Disney Fort Wilderness Back Trail Adventure Tri Circle D Ranch

The beautiful shores of Bay Lake.

Disney Fort Wilderness Back Trail Adventure Segway Riders on Tour

And Meadow Trading Post.

 

Disney Fort Wilderness Back Trail Adventure Views Meadow Trading Post

You’ll probably even see some wildlife along the way. (I’ve got no pictures of the various animals I saw; I was riding the Segway at the time.)

Tips ~ Disney’s Fort Wilderness Back Trail Adventure

Here are my Fort Wilderness Back Trail Adventure tips:

  • You need to allow plenty of time to travel to Fort Wilderness and within Fort Wilderness (which is so large it has its own internal bus transportation system). For example, from the Magic Kingdom entrance, you’ll have to wait for the boat to Fort Wilderness, then take the boat ride (~15 minutes), and then take the internal bus transport to the Bike Barn (~20 minutes).  That’s about 45 minutes if all goes well.
  • Bring a camera. There are a lot of photo opportunities. Just don’t try to take a picture and ride the Segway at the same time.
  • Dress comfortably for the weather and wear comfortable shoes, since you’ll be on your feet (albeit on the Segway) for long periods of time. Don’t forget sunscreen!

Two other things to note:  You must be 16 years old with a photo ID to take this tour.  Segway riders must weigh between 100 to 250 lbs and be in good general health.

The Wilderness Back Trail Adventure costs $90 + $5.85 tax, and there is a 15% discount for Disney Annual Passholders, AAA members, and Disney Vacation Club members.

In my opinion, the experience is worth the price.  I’ve been on other Segway tours before, and this one is my favorite by far!  It is a unique tour of a beautiful area, and the time spent riding a Segway, both on and off the beaten path, combined with the informative tour guides will leave you with great memories that won’t soon be forgotten.

$25 Disney Gift Card Giveaway

Photo credit Disney Gift Card
Photo credit Disney Gift Card

To thank you for stopping by and reading today, James is sponsoring a $25 Disney Gift Card Giveaway!  For those not familiar, this gift card can be used just like cash for practically all things Disney nationwide at Disney Theme Parks and Resort Hotels, on Disney Cruise Line®, at Disney Store, DisneyStore.com, at DisneyMusicStore.com and beyond.

Open to US residents, 18+.  Enter using the form below.

 *o*     *o*     *o*

 

About the Author:  James Dolan is the founder of MousePlanning.com and an independent travel agent affiliated with Destinations to Explore, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner®.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Comments (78)

  • Carol W

    October 25, 2013 at 11:12 am

    I would use the card to buy something for my son for Christmas. Maybe a new figure set. thanks

  • Mary Happymommy

    October 25, 2013 at 11:21 am

    I would buy my daughter a princess dress.

  • Natalie

    October 25, 2013 at 11:41 am

    Christmas gifts

  • amy pugmire

    October 25, 2013 at 12:38 pm

    I would get my daughter a christmas toy!

  • Mindy Dyer

    October 25, 2013 at 1:00 pm

    Going to Disney in December, would use it to buy my kids a special Christmas present.

  • Rebekah Baier

    October 25, 2013 at 1:43 pm

    I would use the gift card for my next Disney trip to help pay for this tour! Looks like fun!

  • Angela W

    October 25, 2013 at 1:52 pm

    I am taking my daughter to Disney World for the first time in March. I would give the gift card to her for spending money.

  • Brittiany Sells

    October 25, 2013 at 1:59 pm

    I’d give the gift card to one of my children for Christmas when we surprise them with our January WDW trip. They can use it for their souvenir money 🙂

    Great review, btw. That looks like a great tour!

  • Erin

    October 25, 2013 at 2:07 pm

    Great review! I am going to Disney next month so I would love to win and buy something there.

  • Rachel

    October 25, 2013 at 2:07 pm

    To buy my youngest her first Disney toy!

  • Sean @DisneyDayByDay

    October 25, 2013 at 2:30 pm

    I had heard of this, but haven’t tried it yet. Love finding new things to explore in and outside the parks. Thanks for sharing and Good luck everyone in the giveaway!

  • Ryan

    October 25, 2013 at 3:17 pm

    My wife and I just got married at Disney’s Boardwalk and we’re traveling back to Disney for Christmas. To celebrate our first Christmas as a married couple, I would use the gift card to pay for a surprise dinner following The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights:)

  • Jessie C.

    October 25, 2013 at 4:06 pm

    I would get toys for DDs.

  • Heidi Davis

    October 25, 2013 at 4:10 pm

    I would spend it when I go to Disney with my 8 kids.

  • Ani

    October 25, 2013 at 4:17 pm

    I’d probably get some Disney jammies for my kids.

  • Danalee Davis

    October 25, 2013 at 5:33 pm

    My daughter’s 5th birthday is coming up! That is what I would use it for. 🙂

  • Mike

    October 25, 2013 at 5:48 pm

    I loved the article Tami! It was great, and I did not realize just how big Fort Wilderness is! Thanks for sharing it with us. As for me, I would use the gift card as mad money to buy something special for my girls. Thanks!

  • Lindsay C

    October 25, 2013 at 6:06 pm

    Great article! I miss the Epcot around the world tour so ill have to give this a try! Thanks and fingers crossed on the gift card I would love to win it and use it towards spreding some Disney cheer to those who are sick or depressed. (I send our cards and gifts to others who suffer from similar ill was like me. Ehlers Danlos Spina Bifida etc.)

  • Jen

    October 25, 2013 at 6:09 pm

    Disney jammies for my sons!

  • Sharon I.

    October 25, 2013 at 6:21 pm

    I’d use the card to buy gifts for my two sons.

  • sassycuna

    October 25, 2013 at 7:28 pm

    i will use it to buy dole whip and try mickey’s beignets! i haven;t tried those!!!

  • Stephanie Matthews

    October 25, 2013 at 7:52 pm

    Great article…I would love to try this!! If I won the Disney gift card, I would put it towards our February trip to WDW! °o°

  • Cassandra Eastman

    October 25, 2013 at 9:00 pm

    I’d use it to get my daughter a cinderella dress and dress up shoes for Christmas!

  • Pam H.

    October 25, 2013 at 10:31 pm

    Christmas gifts for my niece and nephew.

  • Teish

    October 26, 2013 at 1:32 am

    I’d do some Christmas shopping at the Disney Store!

  • Sherri @The Well Floured Kitchen

    October 26, 2013 at 3:41 am

    Saving it for vacation!

  • gary

    October 26, 2013 at 3:44 am

    fun stuff for my grandkids

  • miranda

    October 26, 2013 at 3:47 am

    I would use this to buy some Disney Cds

  • Melanie

    October 26, 2013 at 4:51 am

    I would use it on our next trip in January to treat my husband and I to something special for our 5 year anniversary trip.

  • ken ohl

    October 26, 2013 at 9:12 am

    hopefully use it at disneyworld

  • Jayme B.

    October 26, 2013 at 12:46 pm

    I would probably use it to help get some Christmas shopping done! 🙂

  • Amanda Payne

    October 26, 2013 at 1:13 pm

    I’m so glad I found your blog! I have been hoping to do the Segway tour with my husband for a while now, but I have a hard time getting us out of the parks!

  • Terri Torrez

    October 26, 2013 at 1:39 pm

    Sounds like a great tour. I wish they hadn’t cancelled the Epcot one.

    I’d use the gift card at Disney World next week to buy Gliw With the Show ears.

  • Peter G

    October 26, 2013 at 3:00 pm

    A Disney T-shirt.

  • Heather

    October 26, 2013 at 3:10 pm

    I would buy my three year old a Mickey Mouse toy for Christmas.

  • Patty Jester

    October 26, 2013 at 5:29 pm

    I would use my gift card on my grandchild.

  • Shannon Baas

    October 26, 2013 at 8:48 pm

    A gift for Christmas.

  • Kate F.

    October 26, 2013 at 11:51 pm

    I would use it for a Christmas gift.

  • Kathleen

    October 27, 2013 at 1:12 am

    Christmas gifts for my son and daughter.

  • Jennifer M

    October 27, 2013 at 1:13 am

    We are going to Disney on 11/14 and are staying at the Poly for a week. Would love this to buy something in a gift shop for my 4 year old son. 🙂

  • Janice Cooper

    October 27, 2013 at 1:23 am

    Mermaid or Princess doll for my niece

  • Nichole Smith

    October 27, 2013 at 1:40 am

    I’d use it for pajamas 🙂

  • angie

    October 27, 2013 at 3:18 am

    I’d use it for Christmas gifts.

  • Julie

    October 27, 2013 at 4:25 am

    I would take my daughter to the disney store and let her get something princessie:)

  • Mary Casper

    October 27, 2013 at 12:07 pm

    I would buy a disney cros stitch kit

  • Cynthia C

    October 27, 2013 at 1:16 pm

    I would use it for a gift for my niece.

  • Rosey

    October 27, 2013 at 2:02 pm

    I’d use it for an awesome stocking stuffer gift for my daughter-in-law.

  • Sunnie

    October 27, 2013 at 2:11 pm

    I think something for Christmas for one of my kids.

  • Kathy kelly

    October 27, 2013 at 2:41 pm

    I never knew this tour existed! As far as the gift card, well… Christmas is coming!

  • Kim L.

    October 27, 2013 at 2:59 pm

    I would use it toward the purchase of Disney Infinity for my son for Christmas.

  • Kim H

    October 27, 2013 at 3:04 pm

    I would let my grand daughter have it

  • Dorothy Teel

    October 27, 2013 at 9:41 pm

    My oldest grandson wants to be an animator for Disney and he lives in San Diego and I would get him some more Disney books on animation, he loves them.

  • catherine copeland

    October 28, 2013 at 12:39 am

    Halloween costume for our little princess

  • Rebecca Graham

    October 28, 2013 at 5:51 am

    I would use it at the Disney Store.

  • Cory

    October 28, 2013 at 12:01 pm

    I would save it for when I go to Disneyland.

  • meredith

    October 29, 2013 at 5:48 am

    We are planning a trip to disneyland in Feb for my sons 3rd birthday, so we would use it then!!

  • Kristina Wilson

    October 29, 2013 at 8:52 am

    for a cute minnie headband

  • Kiy

    October 29, 2013 at 5:43 pm

    Christmas shopping at the Disney Store!

  • Patricia Fienga

    October 29, 2013 at 7:35 pm

    Our next Disney World trip…hopefully in April 2014.

  • Pauline M

    October 29, 2013 at 8:34 pm

    I LOVE visiting the Disney store and would definately use it there. Couldn’t tell you what I’d use it for since I’m a bit of a compulsive spender there!!

  • wendy rozema

    October 30, 2013 at 12:55 am

    i would use it to buy my daughter a princess dress from the disney store!!

  • D SCHMIDT

    October 30, 2013 at 2:30 am

    I would spend it on some plushes for my sons

  • Mechele Johnson

    October 30, 2013 at 4:04 am

    I would get my princess loving 3 year old a Princess Dress! Either Belle or Sleeping Beauty.

  • Heather K

    October 30, 2013 at 6:50 am

    I’d use this for Christmas shopping.

  • Donna W.

    October 30, 2013 at 8:54 am

    I would buy my daughter a doll from the Disney Store

  • Tami Vollenweider

    October 30, 2013 at 12:11 pm

    I would give it to my Sister for her grand kids

  • Rachelle

    October 30, 2013 at 2:59 pm

    We are taking my daughter to Disney in December for her birthday.

  • Jill Myrick

    October 30, 2013 at 10:14 pm

    I would use the gift card to purchase a stuffed Eeyore for my daughter for Christmas.

    jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com

  • Deb C

    October 31, 2013 at 8:10 am

    I’d use it for a Disney Cars gift for a little boy.

  • Kimberly Bauer

    October 31, 2013 at 12:48 pm

    I would use it for Dress up clothes.

  • Lindsey Meys

    October 31, 2013 at 3:10 pm

    I would definitely use it to buy a Rapunzel outfit for my daughter Chloe – she loves her so very much!

  • scott amoroso

    October 31, 2013 at 5:50 pm

    I’d take my daughter to pick out something at the store she wants

  • Harolde

    October 31, 2013 at 8:52 pm

    A gift for my granddaughter.

  • Kevin E

    November 1, 2013 at 1:00 am

    I would use it to buy something at our next trip to Disney World!

  • Jessica P

    November 1, 2013 at 1:01 am

    I would buy some of the new Dumbo Christmas Ornaments on the Disney Store website.

  • Laurie Emerson

    November 1, 2013 at 2:05 am

    I would use it for my son’s birthday next month.

  • tina reynolds

    November 1, 2013 at 3:30 am

    christmas presents for my kids

  • Mary

    December 21, 2013 at 2:10 pm

    We’re doing this tour with the Disney teens in May! Very excited! Thanks for the review.

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