Yes, absolutely not cheap. I do agree.
About 15-20 years ago, I pulled a camper down to Disney World from Iowa and we stayed about 2 weeks at Ft Wilderness (2 adults and 2 kids). I still think that staying there was the better idea. The bus stop was just around the corner, the restrooms (air conditioned !) were real close and there was a 24 hour pool that was within sight.
We were in the parks early and stayed late. Real easy to get on the bus and head back to the camper for a snooze in the afternoon and then head back to the park. And we could also use the transportation to visit the other 'worlds' or the Disney Hotels to use their pools, hot tubs, etc. Also, we did not have to pay for parking ($15 per day) like you do if you are a day-hopper. And I think we were able to spend more time actually in the parks since we were already on-site.
For a once in a lifetime experience like that, I had no qualms about paying the extra cost to stay at The Fort. Actually, I'm not so sure that it's all that much more. I just looked and if you choose the $75/night campsite, but delete $15 due to not having to park a car, then it's really $60/day. I don't know how that compares to a really nice campground that is nearby but I'll bet they aren't cheap either.
Tim
