Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long at Disney’s Fort Wilderness (Photos and Video)
We recently visited the Chip ‘n’ Dale Campfire Sing-A-Long at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Below, we’ll discuss specifics for attending the campfire sing-a-long, including how to get there!
Fort Wilderness is a unique resort, no matter how you look at it. Instead of staying in a regular hotel, you can bring a camper, pitch a tent, or rent a cabin. For some, this type of lifestyle is the norm. But for many of us, the idea of roughing it doesn’t particularly sound like a vacation.
However, many of us would enjoy a few “camping” activities without the entire experience. One of those activities is Chip n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long. Anyone can visit Disney’s Fort Wilderness to participate in the nightly campfire sing-a-long. You don’t have to stay at Fort Wilderness or any other Walt Disney World Resort to enjoy it. But, of course, you’ll have to get there.
So, below, I’ll walk you through our visit to Fort Wilderness for the campfire sing-a-long. We’ll discuss how to get to Fort Wilderness and what to expect when you arrive. We’ll also preview a video with clips from the sing-a-long.
How to get to the Chip n Dale Campfire Sing-A-Long
There are several ways to visit Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground. Those options will depend largely on your starting location. For instance, if you’re coming from a Walt Disney World Resort, you can take a bus to Magic Kingdom and then take the resort watercraft to Fort Wilderness.
However, if you’re at Disney’s Contemporary or Wilderness Lodge, direct boat service is available from the resort to Fort Wilderness. In addition, a bus runs between Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge.
Furthermore, if you’re staying at the Grand Floridian or Polynesian, you can take the resort monorail to either Magic Kingdom or the Contemporary and then take a boat to Wilderness Lodge. (Note that the boats that run from the Contemporary are smaller and do not always accommodate wheelchairs or ECVS. More information on Disney’s site: Guests with Mobility Disabilities)
When you arrive at Fort Wilderness via the boat service, you’ll land at The Settlement. This is where Pioneer Hall, Trail’s End, Hoop Dee Doo Revue, and Settlement Trading Post are located. You’ll need to locate the Settlement Bus Depot and board the “orange” bus to the Meadow. Then you’ll walk to the Campfire Sing-A-Long.
Alternatively, you can take a bus from the theme parks (Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Animal Kingdom) or Disney Springs to Disney’s Fort Wilderness. When you arrive, the bus will drop you off at the Outpost. Then you’ll need to wait at the Outpost for the orange bus. That bus will drop you off at The Meadow Trading Post bus stop. It’s a short ride, and you’ll return the same way when the sing-a-long is over.
Driving Directions:
*If driving to Fort Wilderness from off-site, use this address: 4510 N. Fort Wilderness Trail, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830. This will get you to the Outpost parking lot. After you park, you can walk to the Outpost bus stop and take the Orange bus to The Meadow.
It’s a short walk to Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long.
Tip: From most resorts (other than the Magic Kingdom Resorts), allow an hour and a half to travel from the resort to Fort Wilderness.
Fun with Chip and Dale Before the Sing-A-Long
Since I had never been to the Sing-A-Long before, I arrived early. It was almost 5:45 p.m., and a few other families were arriving at about the same time. Usually, the Campfire Sing-A-Long begins at 7:00 p.m. However, Chip and Dale mingle with guests a little earlier.
*Disney notes on their site that the sing-a-long and movie are held nightly as weather permits. You will want to check with the resort for the exact time and schedule or call (407) 939-7529.
By 6:15 p.m., approximately 30 guests had arrived. I was surprised to see so many guests this early. There were still plenty of benches and bleachers for guests at this time. However, the entire area almost entirely filled up on the night of our visit.
Many of the campground guests brought camp chairs and blankets. So, if the weather is chilly, you might remember to bring a few extra things to stay warm after the sun sets.
Chip and Dale came out and started playing cornhole with other guests. A few cast members brought out multiple games to entertain guests.
Chip and Dale played games and greeted guests for almost 30 minutes. Then they disappeared for a break at around 6:40 p.m. before the sing-a-long started.
During this time, cast members had started a fire in both fire pits for guests to roast marshmallows and make s’mores. Complimentary packages of marshmallows were available. But I noticed many guests had brought their own marshmallows and s’mores kits.
Kits are also available for purchase at the resort’s gift shops or the Chuck Wagon Snack Bar. They contain chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers.
Additionally, an ice cream truck and snack cart were available on the night of our visit. We saw guests with items like popcorn, hot dogs, sodas, candy, juice, beer, and even nachos! If you have refillable mugs, you can refill them at the nearby Meadow Snack Bar.
The Sing-A-Long
A cowboy joined the stage at 7:00 p.m. By this time, it had gotten dark. The timing for this event fluctuates somewhat during the hotter months when it gets darker later. You can check the resort’s recreation calendar for exact times. They are posted at each of the resort’s bus stops and on billboards near the trading posts.
The cowboy sang a few songs and then introduced Chip & Dale, who joined him on stage. Most of the songs ask for participation from the crowd. For example, one song was the Chicken Dance. The chipmunks stayed for a few songs and then disappeared again. Toward the end of the show, the pair came back out, and everyone formed a circle around them to do the Hokey Pokey.
Chip and Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long lasted approximately 30 minutes. After it was over, everyone was invited to stay for the nightly Movie Under the Stars. The movie is played in the same outdoor theater area.
Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long Video
Our video below shares clips from our evening at Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long.
Final Thoughts
We had the best time at Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long. If you’re staying at Fort Wilderness, try to plan it into your schedule on a resort day or an evening when you get back from the parks early.
This is also an excellent way to wrap up a day off from the parks if you’re staying nearby. You might have an early dinner at one of the Magic Kingdom Resorts, then head over to the campfire at dusk. Obviously, fans of Chip and Dale will want to get there early. Don’t forget to practice those cornhole skills!
For more details about Disney’s Fort Wilderness, we have a resort guide:
Or you might enjoy these other articles:
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Review
- The Pools at Disney’s Fort Wilderness
- Laundry Options at Disney’s Fort Wilderness
- Transportation Tips for Disney’s Fort Wilderness
In the Comments
What do you think about the Campfire Sing-A-Long at Fort Wilderness? Do you love Chip and Dale? Is this something you would go out of your way to do?