Did you know it is possible to get an inexpensive, or nearly free, character meal and mini dinner show at Walt Disney World? It’s true! Chip ‘n Dale’s Campfire Sing-a-Long held nightly at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground is one of those “hidden secrets” few really know about or truly understand! We’re camping at Fort Wilderness right now and just got back from the Campfire … sit tight and I’ll tell you all about it.

In the middle of the Fort Wilderness campground, down a meandering path and over a footbridge, you’ll come across an pretty outdoor theatre.

The outdoor theatre at the Camp Fire Program

Wood benches and metal bleachers are perched between two large, open-pit campfire circles, and a Chuck Wagon stands ready to feed hungry visitors in the back. At about 6:30 (or an hour later in the summer), the Chuck Wagon opens its hatch for business. You can fill your belly with hot dogs ($4.99), nachos and cheese ($3.99), and popcorn ($3.29), but the real highlight here are the ‘s’more kits ($9.99) with marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate, two roasting sticks, and two moist towelettes (trust me — you’ll need it). See the full menu here.

Alexander was VERY excited about the s’mores!

This ‘s’more kit ($10) was more than enough for us — we have leftovers for another night!

At 7:00/8:00 pm, the Sing-a-Long portion of the program begins, starting with a cowboy who introduces Chip and Dale. The show lasts about 30 minutes and includes favorites such as Hokey Pokey, She’ll Be Comin’ ‘Round the Mountain, My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean, the Jive, and the Twist. Everyone is welcome (and encouraged) to sing, get up, and dance. After a brief introduction, Chip and Dale wander amongst the crowd (in two separate directions) to meet folks. Expect to meet only Chip or Dale, not both.

Cowboy Mark entertained us well tonight!

At about 7:40 pm, the feature Disney movie plays on the big screen! We saw Finding Nemo. The picture quality and sound were both great. You can get the movie schedule by calling Fort Wilderness or check online at http://www.buildabettermousetrip.com/activity-outdoormovie.php.

Ready for the movie!

Best of all? The campfire, show, and movie are FREE and available to all — you do not need to be staying at Fort Wilderness! And if you bring your own food and ‘s’more fixin’s, it’s a super low cost yet entertaining evening in the great outdoors!

Alexander’s expressions as he took his first bite of ‘s’more. Yeah, it was good.

Campfire Program Tips:

1. Get there early enough to sit upfront on the wood benches — not only are they more comfortable, but you’re more likely to get a personal visit from Chip and Dale there!
2. If you arrive early, you’re more likely to get playtime with Chip ‘n’ Dale — we got there about 6:00 and Chip and Dale were playing ball with the kids, and Alexander even joined in on the fun!
3. If you plan to stay for the whole shebang, bring a cushion or pillow … or your own camp chairs. My behind was mighty sore from the hard bench!
4. The theatre has gravel on the ground, so wear appropriate footwear.
5. You can bring your own camp chairs, blankets, food and/or ‘s’mores! I recommend eating before you arrive, as the $5 hot dog (while yummy) doesn’t go very far.
6. If you just want to see Chip and Dale, come earlier around 6:00 while they are milling about.
7. If it rains, the sing-a-long moves to the Meadow Trading Post porch nearby.
8. Restrooms are behind the Chuck Wagon.

How to Get There:
By Bus – Take a bus from your resort to the nearest Disney theme park, water park, or Downtown Disney. Then catch the bus there to the Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. Alternately, take a boat from the Disney’s Magic Kingdom theme park.
By Car – Take I-4 to Exit 64B. Take the right guest lane to the Magic Kingdom theme park and tell the gate guard that you are going to Fort Wilderness. Follow the signs to the campground. You will have to present photo ID at the gate. You will park at the “outpost.”

Once at Fort Wilderness, take the Yellow Loop bus to the camp loop 1500 bus stop. This is the stop for the “Meadow Trading Post” Recreation Area. Across the street from the bus stop, you’ll see a wooden foot bridge and a sign for the Meadow Recreation Area directing you to the “Camp Fire Program.” When you arrive at the swimming pool, take the path right around the pool and behind the pool building. At this point you will cross over to the Chip and Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long area. You will see the sign, stage, seating area, screen and the Chuck Wagon snack bar. When in doubt, follow signs.

Alexander wanted to roast marshmallows just to stand by the campfire!

Alexander goofing around with Chip (or is it Dale?) before the campfire