Hiya Katie - welcome to
planDisney!
Thanks so much for stopping by with this Very Merry question about
Disney's Fort Wildnerness Resort & Campground!
This past December was my first visit to Fort Wilderness for a yummy dinner at
Trail's End Restaurant. As we weaved through the cabins and campsites making our way towards Bay Lake, we were in awe of the expertly decorated scenes glowing with thousands of lights. It was unlike anything I'd ever seen, and I was so impressed that this is something that Guests do themselves! We thought for sure that Disney had sprinkled some holiday pixie dust throughout the woods, but our driver informed us that decorating by Guests is a longstanding tradition at this Resort! So, long story short, I completely understand your dream of a nighttime golf cart ride to experience all the holiday magic. In fact, I'm going to borrow that dream and add it to my bucket list too!
Rules about campsite and cabin decorating do change from time to time, but there is no set start date for Guests to put up holiday lights. In my experience, I see most
Disney Resorts Collection hotels getting their magical "official" holiday decor glow-ups by mid-November, which typically nudges Guests to start their own decorating as well.
I spoke to a friend and fellow Walt Disney World Resort enthusiast who has stayed at Fort Wilderness in past November & December holiday seasons to get more advice to pass along to you. They noted that Guests' lights and decorations are usually up in mid to late November, but that things start to get extra magical around the Thanksgiving holiday. They noted that many Guests at this particular Resort reserve extended stays beginning around Thanksgiving and lasting until around Christmas, and these tend to be the Guests with the most impressive holiday lights and decorations!
I'm sure you'll have a magical holiday experience whenever you visit, and if lights are your thing, be sure to catch the
Electric Water Pageant on Bay Lake - it's even been updated for the
Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration!
I hope this information helps -
please let me know if any other questions come up as you continue planning!
Ryan J.