Originally Posted by
FLKatie912
Fort Wilderness is tricky because depending on how you arrive to Fort Wilderness will depend on how much time you need.
Since their is no direct transportation from All Star to Fort Wilderness, you will have to bus to MK and take the boat across OR Uber to the resort. I prefer Uber as the MK bus from All Star tends to be crowded.
If you Uber, it will drop you off near the Lobby or Horse Riding Stables from there, you just head to the bus stop. At this bus stop, you will see busses for the parks and also the internal shuttles. To get to the Settlement, you will take any internal shuttle (Purple, Yellow, or Orange), when you get on the bus just let them know you are going to Hoop De Doo, though chances are you won't be the only one. ;)
That's part of the reason for the early arrival, but also some people don't get their tickets prints ahead of time, so they have to go to Concierge to get them printed before they can check. Checking in can be quite the wait as well. And of course, the picture. They've done pictures every time I've gone (I've gone well over 20 times over the past 5 years), I think some of the previous posters have missed it because you don't get your picture taken once you are inside, it's a picture on the outside of the building. It's a cute backdrop and of course, weather pending.
My personal opinion is to arrive early because I just LOVE spending time at Fort Wilderness. They have a gift shop and a gift stand, as well as the horse barn and the horses that may be out. There's also a playground if you have little ones, and a bar if you want a pre-dinner drink, and rocking chairs on a porch if you just choose to relax. :)
Hope this helps and HAVE FUN!