Disney World for Kids: Disney's Chip and Dale Campfire and Movie at Fort Wilderness

Sometimes some of the best kept Disney secrets are free, or almost free at Disney World. Such is the case with Disney's Chip and Dale Campfire and Movie at Fort Wilderness Resort at Disney World. Every night at 6:30 during winter hours and 7:30 during summer hours, parents and children can hop on over to Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort for some old fashioned sing alongs, marshmallow roasting and a movie. The stars of the show are Disney characters, Chip and Dale, who make a nightly appearance for photo opportunities.

About Disney's Chip and Dale Campfire and Movie

Disney World has been hosting the nightly Chip and Dale Campfire and Movie for several years, though many guests of Walt Disney World may not be aware that it is a free event for families. Disney's Fort Wilderness Campground is the site for the event and guests staying on Disney property can easily find transportation over to Fort Wilderness by boat from the Magic Kingdom or by bus from any of the Disney parks or Downtown Disney.

The campfire includes a singing cowboy who encourages sing along from the audience for a number of traditional campfire songs and Disney songs. Guests can purchase pre-made bags of marshmallows (large enough for a small family) for $4.25, including two roasting sticks. A smores package, complete with Hershey's chocolate bars, marshmallows, and graham crackers sells for $9.50 at the small trading post snack shop. Other treats are also available.

Campfire guests can roast marshmallows during the sing along and move at a few different fire pit areas. Chip and Dale start making the rounds when the sing along begins and stay for about 30 minutes. The setting for Disney's Chip and Dale Campfire and Sing Along is in the woods, giving the event a very camp-like feel.

The Chip and Dale Campfire and Movie Experience

Disney's Chip and Dale Campfire and Sing Along is the perfect escape for families who are looking for something off the beaten path to do for an evening. Families with children will have a few hours to sing, roast marshmallows, and watch a Disney movie, rather than braving the Disney parks for another evening. The experience is fun and one that is worth the effort to try at least once on a Disney trip.

The greatest challenge for most families will be getting to the campfire once at Disney's Fort Wilderness. The event takes place near the Meadow Trading Post, and you will need to board an in-resort Disney bus to reach it. It helps to get a map of Fort Wilderness from one of the stores or cast members. The bus ride is short and once you get on the right bus, it is an easy ride to Disney's Chip and Dale Campfire and Movie.

The campfire and movie can last about 3 hours, depending on the length of the Disney movie for the night. A different Disney movie is shown each night of the week. Overall, our experience was fun and ideal for two of my children, ages 7 and 10. Younger children will enjoy the characters and sing along. Parents will also get an evening of old fashioned fun in a woodsy, camp setting.

How to Reach Disney's Chip and Dale Campfire and Movie

Disney Resort guests can take Disney busses to Fort Wilderness from any of the four Disney parks or board a boat from Disney's Magic Kingdom to Fort Wilderness. Guests traveling by car can park for free at Disney's Fort Wilderness Campground. For more information about Disney's Chip and Dale Campfire and Sing Along, visit www.disney.com and search Disney World activities. No prior reservations are required.