Hi Michelle!
Your parents will have a wonderful Walt Disney World vacation staying at the
Fort Wilderness Campground. It is where my husband and I stay for a few months every fall. We love the atmosphere and ambience of all the fellow guests and cast members.
Guests are more then welcome to come to the Fort for a visit. They just need to let the guard station know at the entrance who you will be visiting and the site number. They recommend you use the guest parking at the front of the park and then take an internal bus to reach the loop where your parents will be staying in. The loops are crowded and they prefer as little traffic going through them as possible. Two vehicles are allowed to park at each site if you do drive to their site but you must stay off the grass and off the road completely when parking.
Fort Wilderness is like any other resort on Disney property. Guests may come and visit at any time with a photo ID. It is not a park and therefore you do not need a park ticket to visit. It is a unique resort though and one that many guests don't know much about. The Disney stables can be found in the Fort as well as two trading posts, tennis courts, two swimming pools, and many other recreation facilities. The marina is a great place to hire a fishing guide or rent a pontoon boat while the Bike Barn is the place for canoes and fishing off the dock.
I'm sure you will enjoy your visit for dinner whether it is at your parents site or at the Trails End restaurant. Mickey's Backyard Barbecue and Hoop Dee Doo are two other dining experiences held in the Fort if you have interest. Reservations are required. Top off your evening with the
Chip 'n Dale's Campfire Sing-a-long and movie under the stars.