We took a considerable amount of time checking out Fort Wilderness Resort back in June when I reviewed the relatively new weekend brunch option as part of this post. Since that was just a couple of months ago, I’m not going to spend much time talking about all that the resort has to offer, how to get over here from the bus or boat, where the ponies are, etc.

Check the brunch post if you missed any of that.

One area of Settlement Depot and Pioneer Hall in particular that might be underappreciated is Crockett’s Tavern, the lounge area inside Trail’s End restaurant that also offers a to-go window for drinks.

Food is also available:

Ignoring the fact that “Uncle John’s Taters” might be the creepiest name of any dish on property, there are some nicely shareable offerings here for those that don’t want to commit to the full restaurant buffet. We’ll return for a full review.

One thing we can discuss is the Moonshine Menu:

Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine is not really “moonshine” of course, but one does have to respect the marketing. And at 100 proof on the White Lightnin’, which is 20 proof higher than your standard vodka or whiskey, one does have to respect the alcohol.

Drinks with the Blackberry (40 proof), Strawberry (65 proof), and Apple Pie (70 proof) are also available for something potentially a little sweeter and a little less alcoholic.

The Smoky Mountain Apple – Ole Smoky Apple Pie Moonshine, Ole Smoky White Lightnin’, Apple Juice, and Cranberry Juice was a very fall cocktail, tasting almost like the Wondrous Autumn Nights Glade plug-in smells. But not in a bad way. Or maybe not at all since I don’t actually know what that smells like. But with apple, cinnamon, cranberry, vanilla, and caramel coming together, it was a very easy drinking, approachable cocktail that balanced the sweetness of all of the ingredients well. I would gladly make it at home if the temperature ever drops below 90 degrees, which it may well not.

The Luna Colada – Ole Smokey White Lightnin’ and frozen Pina Colada Mix is about what you would expect with the heavy pineapple/coconut flavors of the pina colada mix overpowering the largely neutral flavor from the moonshine. It’s one of the better, more refreshing ways to mask the alcohol if you don’t want to taste it and would like to be up all night on a sugar high.

The Moonshine Mojito – Ole Smokey White Lightnin’, fresh Lime Juice, Agave Nectar, and Mint topped with Soda Water shows just how versatile the moonshine can be when combined with fresh ingredients. Purists would probably balk at the recipe, but it was just sweet enough with the sourness of the citrus and the coolness of the mint.

Overall, this is one of the more unique drink menus on property and each was mixed well by some of the friendliest bartenders on property. I would certainly stop in a couple of times during the 3pm-10pm hours of operation if my other option was sitting on the ground in a tent. Or even if it wasn’t.

Check out my review of the posher Cabins here: https://www.easywdw.com/easy/blog/disneys-fort-wilderness-resort-refurbished-cabin-review/.

You’ll find the bar area with about a dozen chairs just inside the entrance to Trail’s End on the right.

We were visiting on the first night of regular season football and come game time, the Broncos/Panthers game went up on both televisions. This isn’t exactly an ideal spot to watch the Western Illinois vs. Southern Michigan game during Rivalry Week, but it might be a nice bonus if there are just a couple of games on and you can all agree on what to watch.

This is about 75% of the buffet area at Trail’s End with the soft serve ice cream and some of the desserts out of frame to the right and the baked potato bar out of sight to the left, in addition to more desserts behind where I’m standing.

The dinner menu hasn’t changed much over the years:

Currently, dinner is $26.99/adult and $14.99/child ages 3-9.

Here’s what the spread looks like:

Larger: https://i2.wp.com/easywdw.com/reports13/trails_end_dinner_salads.jpg

Caesar Salad, Roasted Beets Salad with Spinach and Goat Cheese, Arugula Cranberries Couscous Salad, Cucumber Salad, Blue Cheese Dressing, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Ranch, Garden Salad.

The same Caesar Salad, Roasted Beets Salad with Spinach and Goat Cheese, Arugula Cranberries Couscous Salad.

Cantaloupe, Strawberries, Grapes, Potato Salad, Hearty 3 Beans Salads, Coleslaw.

Tomato Feta Salad, (very sad) Peel-and-Eat Shrimp, Lemon Wedges, Cocktail Sauce.

Larger: https://i2.wp.com/easywdw.com/reports13/disney_trails_end_hot_sides.jpg

Mashed Potatoes, Cowboy Beans, Baked Macaroni & Cheese, Pasta with Roasted Vegetables and Basil Pesto, Steamed Vegetable Medley, Corn.





Salmon, Baked Chicken, Fried Chicken Breast and Wings, Fried Chicken Thighs and Legs, Brown Gravy.

Cheese Pizza, Smoked Beef Brisket, Barbecue Sauce, Barbecued Pulled Pork, Pork Ribs.

Chili.

Cheese, Sour Cream, Bacon, Butter, Chives, Baked Potato.

There’s quite a bit of variety and I was surprised how much I enjoyed the various salads, which Trail’s End is perhaps not well known for. You typically know what you’re getting in the fried chicken, chili, pork ribs, baked potatoes, and other staples. Trail’s End is also particularly good at dealing with allergies and other dietary needs.

The cornbread is in the perfect shape to hide the whole loaf under your shirt as you carry it back to your table. Note that I would know anything about that.

Cookies, Banana Pudding, and Red Velvet Cake are abundant for dessert.

On the other side is where you’ll find the corn bread, in addition to S’Mores Brownies, Strawberry Shortcake, and Fruit.

And finally, the warm cobbler, cinnamon rolls, and toppings for the soft serve ice cream off to the left.

Overall, there is probably nothing about Trail’s End that I can tell you that you don’t already know. It’s a bit of a hassle to get to from certain places on property, but once you’re at the restaurant, it’s easy to fill up on barbecue and other items at lower prices than any other dinner buffet on property. The value here is around $16 for dinner, $4 for the non-alcoholic drink, and $6 for dessert. It’s hard to do better, particularly when you consider the fun rustic setting and friendly service.

And pretty much no matter what day you visit, some Disney blogger(s) will be having their birthday party dinner there. You never know what celebrity you might see.