When most people come down to Walt Disney World, they do so for the sunshine, the rides, the unique attractions and shows, the characters, etc. – the list goes on and on. However, winter is the perfect season to try something that’s a little different from the Disney norm – camping! With the cooler temperatures in Orlando right now, nothing’s more fun than snuggling up to a campfire and roasting marshmallows at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.

Since 1971, the campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort have offered classic outdoor fun right in the middle of Walt Disney World. This picturesque campground features more than 700 acres of lush pine and cypress trees, and the scenery is truly beautiful this time of year. Hike through quiet trails beside trickling water canals in a serene forest filled with ducks, deer, and rabbits. You’ll enjoy all the outdoor beauty that would normally be covered with snow in other states during the winter. And unlike other campgrounds that are close together and only have a few trees, you’ll really feel like you’re in your own private patch of forest at Fort Wilderness.

If you don’t want to rough it entirely, Fort Wilderness also features over 400 charming cabins with all the amenities of a typical hotel room. These wilderness retreats are complete with fully equipped kitchens and a charcoal grill. Six people can sleep comfortably in them, and along with the campgrounds, they come with a wood deck and a picnic table. Since Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is the only pet-friendly resort at Disney, you can also bring along Fido or Kitty for the fun.

Though most people enjoy escaping to the parks for the day, Fort Wilderness has plenty of activities to keep you occupied if you opt to hang out at the resort/campground. Normally, swimming is a popular pastime, though the water might be a little too chilly at present. Horse riding is also available, as well as fishing, biking, several sports, and even an arcade for those needing a momentary escape from nature. You can also rent movies at the Meadow Trading Post, which also sells groceries, limited camping supplies, and other sundries.

And since one can’t subsist on marshmallows alone, Fort Wilderness features plenty of dining options. Check out the Trail’s End restaurant for classic American fare or Crockett’s Lounge for a relaxing quick bite. You can also combine dinner with an incredible show at Mickey’s Backyard BBQ or the Hoop-Dee-Hoo Musical Revue.

With rates starting at $43 a night, the Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is an inexpensive alternative to staying in one of the pricier Disney resorts, which means you’ll have more money left over for fun at Disney theme parks. Combine that with all the savings you’ll get when you purchase Walt Disney World tickets at OrlandoFunTickets.com, and the result is one sweet winter deal.