Hi Sharon,
Welcome to planDisney! Wow! I thought I had a long Walt Disney World Resort guest tenure having visited since 1984 (I was 4, so I can't take credit for getting myself there). You and your family certainly have me beat. I love the fact that you guys have been visiting for so long - you've witnessed all of the amazing transitions the parks have gone through up close and made amazing family memories that will last a lifetime.
Hearing that
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort has been a favorite for you and your family is pretty great. I chatted with a cast member today to ask this question and I'm happy to inform you that you do not need to be staying at Fort Wilderness nor visiting Disney World to enjoy many of the activities there. However, it is important to note that if you drive to Fort Wilderness, resort security will not allow you to enter unless you have a
dining or experience reservation there. Experiences that require an advance reservation such as the
Fort Wilderness Archery Experience,
Horseback Riding,
Horse-Drawn Excursions are good options if you choose not to book a dining reservation. Check out all the available options on the
resort page or the
Enchanting Extras page. Once you've attended your reservation, you are welcome to hang out and enjoy more of what the resort has to offer on a daily basis such as
pony rides,
bike rentals, the
Electrical Water Pageant and
Chip 'n' Dale's Campfire Sing-A-Long. Book your dining or experience reservation early so that you can have more time to enjoy the resort.
Living in Florida means that you are that much closer to the magic at all times, so I'm happy that you and your family can visit your favorite resort hotel when the mood suits you. I hope this information is helpful, Sharon. Enjoy your time at Fort Wilderness, and sing a song with Chip 'n' Dale for me!
Sakinah