3 Generations! 2 Resorts! 10 Days! DxDp! 3000 Pictures! - Saying Good-Bye!

[hstrickland]

Count me in!!

Glad to have you along, MelMel11! Hope you enjoy!

 

[Tink rules]

Did all of you stay in one cabin? If so... how did you manage it?

Also... I'm dying to know if your kids knew they were at WDW... I'd have driven my parents NUTS to go to the MK the very first day!!!

 

[PrincessDis]

Surprise............It's PrincessDis (Princess68 is already in use????) I'm no longer a lurker and ready to follow along on your trip report......you have done such a good job.....loving your pics Can't wait to read more

Ignore my signature and ticker.....I've got to work on that!

PrincessDis

 

[Tink rules]

Welcome!!!

Just wait until you get up to like 12,000 posts like me... lolol

 

[hstrickland]

Did all of you stay in one cabin? If so... how did you manage it?

Also... I'm dying to know if your kids knew they were at WDW... I'd have driven my parents NUTS to go to the MK the very first day!!!

My parents arrived at FW on Thursday, and DH and I arrived on Friday...so...we all concurred that if we were staying for a longer visit at FW, then we would DEFINITLEY have to have 2 cabins. For us...4 adults and 3 kids was a bit crowded. And technically, you're only supposed to have 6 people per cabin. On Friday night, DS4 slept on the sofa.

DS9 knew he was at WDW, and he was fine with the whole deal. However, I'm not sure that DS4 understood that FW was Disney He expects to see the 'castle'. In fact, when we were leaving FW to head over to the CR, he kept asking us..."where is Disney World...where is it?!!!" I was cracking up!

Surprise............It's PrincessDis (Princess68 is already in use????) I'm no longer a lurker and ready to follow along on your trip report......you have done such a good job.....loving your pics Can't wait to read more

Ignore my signature and ticker.....I've got to work on that!

PrincessDis

Well, well, well!!!! You finally stopped being the Dis Stalker and joined in! For someone who is a DVC ower, goes 4 times a year, and lives and breathes Disney...you should have been on here years ago! So glad to have you, Lisa! Perhaps you should start a TR on your recent Dream vacation!...seriously!

 

[princessamie]

I remember seeing Chip and Dale at Fort Wilderness when I was a kid! That's certainly something I need to do with my own kids!
I'm sure the cabins got tight when you guys got down there! We did it with 4 adults and a toddler once! Love the golf cart idea! We walked and used the bus system. It wasn't too bad but a golf cart would have been so much easier!!

 

[PrincessDis]

Patiently waiting for more ...........

 

[hstrickland]

I remember seeing Chip and Dale at Fort Wilderness when I was a kid! That's certainly something I need to do with my own kids!
I'm sure the cabins got tight when you guys got down there! We did it with 4 adults and a toddler once! Love the golf cart idea! We walked and used the bus system. It wasn't too bad but a golf cart would have been so much easier!!

Next time y'all are there, head over one night and try it. It cost nothing...nothing but time And your kids will be at a great age to enjoy the entertainment!

Lots of people stay there without golf carts and they still love it...just a convenience thing. Apparently there is this guy named Kenny Patton that rents golf carts at a much cheaper price...googled him, but not much luck

Patiently waiting for more ...........

Give me an hour! I'm in the process...perfection takes time

 

[hstrickland]

FINALLY...Day 3
Early Morning Pics & Review of Fort Wilderness



(info taken from Allears)
What are the Fort Wilderness Cabins like?

The 407 Wilderness Cabins (WC) are about 12' x 42'. There is a wood deck outside, with a picnic table and a charcoal grill. Inside, the cabins are laid out as follows: starting at one end: bedroom with with double bed, bunk beds, a nightstand, a chest of drawers, separate vanity with wall-mounted hairdryer, closet space; full bathroom with tub/shower; hall closet; full kitchen with amenities listed below; living area with color television and a VCR, a dining table that seats six, sofa, kids table and two chairs, pull-down Murphy bed, window seats, telephone, locked cabinet (safe).

As you will soon find out...I'm all about getting up at the crack of dawn!!! Luckily, DH is onboard with my craziness. The kids don't always agree, but once we get going they're thankful. If you're like me and really into the whole picture thing, then early morning is the best time at any resort...no people, just the birds singing! We thought we were going to get out of the door before the kids, but DS4 wasn't about to let us leave on the golf cart without him!!!

We decided to cruise around and take it all in while everything was quiet...Bill drove and I had the camera ready!

For some reason, I had no idea that the cabins would be sooooo close together! I guess when you hear the word 'cabin'...you expect secluded, alone...all by itself. Well, as you can see, the cabins are really close together. This wasn't a huge deal...just an observation. There were cabins with 2 cars parked, but as you can see...that would be tight! My parents parked at the cabin and we took the parking lot by check-in. Also, the street going through all the cabins is one way...never the less, some people chose not to follow directions.

(the following info taken from Allears)

The number of Cabins in each loop is as follows:

2100 loop - 44 cabins; 2200 loop - 44 cabins; 2300 loop - 30 cabins; 2400 loop - 49 cabins; 2500 loop - 33 cabins; 2600 loop - 65 cabins; 2700 loop - 72 cabins; 2800 loop - 70 cabins. Additionally, there are two cabins located on campsites 118 and 120 in the 100 loop that are used exclusively by Disney management and other corporate types. Finally, there is an unfurnished single cabin near the 2300 loop that is used by Housekeeping.

Backside shot of some cabins...there are some cabins located on the canals, but don't remember which loop that would be.

Which are the best loops?

Best is a subjective term. Generally, campers want to be near the Settlement Trading Post on the north end of FW, which would allow them to be close to the FW marina and beach, Pioneer Hall, and guest services. Loops in this area are 100 through 500 and 700. Others may want to be more near the center of FW near the Meadow Trading Post, the campfire program, the main swimming pool, tennis courts and Bike Barn. Loops in this area are 600, 800 through 1600. For those campers who want to be a little farther away from the action and are looking for quieter surroundings, loops 1700 through 2000 are best. Guests in Cabins are located in loops 2100 through 2800. 2100 is the closest to the center of the resort. Loops 2200 through 2800 get increasingly farther away as the loop number increases with 2800 being the closest to the south end of the resort near the entrance.

Main Swimming Pool area

(taken from Allears)
There are two heated outdoor swimming pools available for FW resort guests only. The main pool is located near the Meadow Trading Post in the center of the campground and the second smaller pool is located with the Wilderness Cabins, between loops 2500 and 2700, which is more near the resort entrance. Lounge chairs and tables are provided. The pools are open 24 hours, but the lifeguard hours vary seasonally.

The main pool, the Meadow Swimmin' Pool at the Meadow Trading Post has just been enhanced with a themed water slide, hot tub, and childrens play area. Ask a Cast Member about planned pool activities for children.

The scenery and landscaping are unbelievable. When you're actually there, it's hard to remember that you're at a place that has 4 amusement parks!...just doesn't seem like Disney...(but I mean that in a good way). No hustle and bustle...no hot pavement...not lots of loud noises.

I jumped out of the cart to make pictures....

When I tried to get back in the cart, DH decided it would be funny to make me chase them! Each time I got close...he would take off again. Jesse thought this was hysterical...if anyone was watching, I'm sure they thought we had lost our minds!

If you are a walker/runner, this would be an excellent place to exercise!! Tons and tons of non-traffic areas to run...lots of roads...lots of sidewalks. I honestly could have spent much more time that morning riding around and taking it all in...BUT we had places to be...namely, Epcot for rope drop!

Great play area for the kids! There are 4 play areas located throughout FW. Even our 9 year old enjoyed playing on them!

Well...much to my disappointment, we did have to return to the cabin...it was almost time to check out.

Inside the cabin....

(info from Allears.net)
Kitchen includes:
full-size refrigerator with icemaker
electric stove
microwave
dishwasher
1 4-cup coffee maker (with 1 filter-pack of coffee)
1 10 cup coffee maker (stored in cupboard)
toaster
tea kettle
flatware for 6: forks, salad forks, teaspoons, soups spoons, knives and steak knives
dinnerware for 6: mugs, cereal bowls, dinner plates, dessert plates
6 handled mason jar glasses
1 serving spoon
1 glass measuring cup
1 2 qt. pitcher
1 2 qt. casserole with lid
1 glass baking dish
1 oval platter
manual can opener
bottle opener
corkscrew
cutting board
bread knife
ladle
spatula
1 12" skillet
1 1 qt. saucepan with lid
1 2 qt. saucepan with lid
Dutch oven with lid
metal colander
spoon rest
2 potholders
2 sponges
4 cloth dish towels
fire extinguisher (under sink)
packets of dishwasher soap
liquid dish soap
paper towels (under sink)
trash bags (under sink)

We did have a few items missing...only had 3 spoons, so it was a little difficult for everyone to eat cereal at one time...not a huge deal, though. We didn't cook any major meals in the kitchen, but it would have been fine...spacious enough to cook.

The table is a bit small for 6 people...kinda have to eat in shifts or some could sit on the sofa. Of course, we didn't have to do this...no major meals in the cabin with the entire crew. We did eat breakfast before we left for the CR...a little cramped with all 7 of us trying to move about in the kitchen area.

Notice the TV in the left of the picture...it was a nice TV with a DVD player. The murphy bed is in the middle of the far wall. As you can tell...when the bed is pulled down, there is NO room in the den area at all!!! My parents said this bed was very comfortable believe it or not. The only negative...it's a double...so if you're use to a queen, it might be a bit tight. There is some storage space in the den area in some of the cabinets.

The bedroom...
wall-mounted hair dryer
vacuum cleaner
iron
ironing board
2 extra pillows
extra blanket

Hall Closet:
portable crib with sheet
broom
dustpan
sponge mop

Over to the left of the room is the double bed. DH and I slept in this bed and....well...we are use to a queen. He's 6'3 and not a huge man, however...we were cramped! Neither of us slept well that night. The mattress wasn't that comfortable, he tossed and turned which kept me up. Now that being said...this wouldn't prevent me from returning...BUT...I have a feeling that one of the adults would sleep in the bedroom and the other on the murphy bed. If you're use to a double...then no worries! You will see a couple of small drawers for storage in between the double and the bunk beds.

The kids loved the idea of bunk beds, however DS9 got the top...he's the one who found the sign that literally gave a warning to smaller children. Honestly, this was a blessing...it stopped the fighting with the two smaller ones.

I did not get a picture of the closet area...sorry!! Guess I was too excited about getting to the CR!!! Anyway...there is a closet that you can hang clothes in...but not huge. There is also a chest of drawers (smaller drawers) with a mirror over it...this is where the hair dryer is located...one of those wall mounted deals. Kinda strange...when I was in the bathroom, I looked for the thing and finally found it in the bedroom...oh well...at least there is one.

I will have to say this....if we were there for an entire week with a family of 5, I'm not exactly sure what I would do with all of the clothes. There really isn't enough room to lay suitcases out if you just wanted to live out of a suitcase. We lined up the suitcases in the hall area.

And would you believe...no picture of the bathroom, either!! It was plenty of room, though...spacious. The cabinets underneath the sink would be good storage space. Let me preface this by saying...the comment that follows is petty...the H2O soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion wasn't there!...Ok...told you it was petty...but I sure missed it!!

We had to return the golf cart before we checked out...snapped this photo of the RV/Camper entrance....check-in would be over to the left of the picture.

Golf cart area...and FYI...no one said anything about the number of people that were stuffed in one cart. Basically, when you check in, you can pick up your cart...and when you check out...leave the cart there....very simple!

When we returned to the cabin...Jesse was ready to go!!! But, he had one question that cracked me up!...

My mother had to get just one more picture of the cabin!...I'm sure y'all find this shocking...between 3 adults, we only made 3500 pictures. DH was ready to GO!!!!! Bless his heart...he endures a lot with all the pictures we make him pose for.

So....the big question...WOULD WE RETURN????!!....YES!! Not sure if we would do 8 or 9 days there, but I would certainly do a split stay at FW or a long weekend. Would I go without a golf cart? For our family...NO...since we have experienced FW with one, not sure if I could do without. I was pleasantly surprised with the comfort level of the cabins. The kids had an absolute ball at this resort...there's something for everyone. I would really like to return in the fall for Halloween and MNSSHP again...not sure if that's in the budget, though.

It's a great, great place...no major complaints at all! Lookin' forward to making a return visit one day.


Stay tuned...up next...checkin' in at the CR!!!!...and lunch in China!

 

[Yellowbellow]

This is MaHopie & Pop A.K.A. the 1st Generation of this Disney Lovin' Group.
Stephen - DS9 - acctually spotted the lizard - he has an eye for wildlife just like his dad. The Trails End Buffet was really good for a buffet - this group of 7 are more Table Service types - I am sure you will hear more about this from the Owner of this TR. Fried Chicken and ribs and all the fixn's were right up the kids alley and ours too.
Would we return to FW - you bet - would be a great 2 day ending to an 8 day Park Hopper trip. Relax and rest before returnig to home and work.

3 Gotta Haves for FW:
Golf Cart
Smores Kit
Relaxed Attitude
Love rreading this TR - brings back memories with the Grands

 

[WDWKOOK]

yellowbellow to a great TR! You sure have a wonderful family.

So, if you were to do FTW again, you would rather do it at the end of your vacation?

Heather, loved seeing the cabin photos and early morning golf cart teasin'. We'd love jogging there, but would miss not having a gym. But, I guess we could jog over to Sturdy Branches

That was so cute of your DS to ask if he could take the golf cart over to the CR. Imagine him on World Drive with all the buses passing by as he makes his way to the CR gate

 

[hstrickland]

This is MaHopie & Pop A.K.A. the 1st Generation of this Disney Lovin' Group.
Stephen - DS9 - acctually spotted the lizard - he has an eye for wildlife just like his dad. The Trails End Buffet was really good for a buffet - this group of 7 are more Table Service types - I am sure you will hear more about this from the Owner of this TR. Fried Chicken and ribs and all the fixn's were right up the kids alley and ours too.
Would we return to FW - you bet - would be a great 2 day ending to an 8 day Park Hopper trip. Relax and rest before returnig to home and work.

3 Gotta Haves for FW:
Golf Cart
Smores Kit
Relaxed Attitude
Love rreading this TR - brings back memories with the Grands

Glad to have you taggin' along again, Pop! If you're going to print all this, you better get the ink cartridges ready Next year this time, we'll be preparing for the cruise

yellowbellow to a great TR! You sure have a wonderful family.

So, if you were to do FTW again, you would rather do it at the end of your vacation?

Heather, loved seeing the cabin photos and early morning golf cart teasin'. We'd love jogging there, but would miss not having a gym. But, I guess we could jog over to Sturdy Branches

That was so cute of your DS to ask if he could take the golf cart over to the CR. Imagine him on World Drive with all the buses passing by as he makes his way to the CR gate

I think I'm in agreement with my dad...a couple of days at the end of a trip would be great. Everything at FW is so very laid back...it would be a nice, relaxed ending to 'hustle and bustle' kind of trip.

Guess you could run over to the WL on the trails...not sure what the distance would be?? It would probably be a very scenic jog...I might try it next time

DH was cracking up laughing with the vision of Jesse in a golf cart on World Drive!!! I can't imagine!!! Jesse was dead serious, though...he wanted that golf cart at the CR

I'm trying to come up with a convincing arguement for us to return during October...perhaps DH could take the boat to Mosquito Lagoon and fish, and I could go to FW?? He can always come over at night. Probably not gonna happen since we are going the end of February...oh well.

 

[PrincessDis]

" Let me preface this by saying...the comment that follows is petty...the H2O soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion wasn't there!...Ok...told you it was petty...but I sure missed it!!"

Heather, you are going to the Disney Dream.......our room steward kept us stocked twice a day with DCL H20 products

 

[leshunlenese]

Hey! I just read your entire TR and im ready for more. I had no idea fort wilderness had sooo much to do. shuffleboard, playgrounds, even the kids water slides. I know my little would love that. Those are two of his favorite things. water and slides..

 

[hstrickland]

" Let me preface this by saying...the comment that follows is petty...the H2O soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion wasn't there!...Ok...told you it was petty...but I sure missed it!!"

Heather, you are going to the Disney Dream.......our room steward kept us stocked twice a day with DCL H20 products

When we go to WDW, I never pack lotion, shampoo or conditioner simply because I the H2O products...so much to my dismay...none... And like I said...a petty complaint. Next time I'll know to bring my own.

Hey! I just read your entire TR and im ready for more. I had no idea fort wilderness had sooo much to do. shuffleboard, playgrounds, even the kids water slides. I know my little would love that. Those are two of his favorite things. water and slides..

Another Georgia Girl!!! Glad you have enjoyed thus far.

Years ago, I would hear the words "Fort Wilderness Campground" and automatically think...camping in a tent. I had no desire whatsoever to go. Then, when we were staying at the WL, we decided to take the boat over just to see what it was all about...and....curiosity killed the cat! I'm hooked now!

I started reading your TR, and went to make a post, but it was closed. I've got to finish it. We were there last year for MNSSHP, too, and LOVED it. Too much fun! In fact, we were there with PrincessDis

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

Loved your review and I cant wait to read more. I agree that it all looks lovely and I know my boys would love to stay here someday but I think I would go bonkers in I stayed in that cabin all week. I would love to try it out someday for a few nights though. I bet a morning run there would be so peaceful.

 

[princessamie]

Love the H2O stuff too!!! One thing I missed being at ASMo this time! DH loves it too! I may just have to order some for him!

 

[hstrickland]

Loved your review and I cant wait to read more. I agree that it all looks lovely and I know my boys would love to stay here someday but I think I would go bonkers in I stayed in that cabin all week. I would love to try it out someday for a few nights though. I bet a morning run there would be so peaceful.

I didn't get a chance to run there Next time I most definitley will...there are several paths around the area for biking, running, walking etc. I would like to try the one that leads over to the WL. I've had bronchitis for the past few days, and haven't been able to run! I keep thinking to myself that this is putting me farther and farther behind Guess I'll start again this weekend, God willing.

Love the H2O stuff too!!! One thing I missed being at ASMo this time! DH loves it too! I may just have to order some for him!

Father's Day is close! Maybe you can do a rush delivery for him MouseKeeping at the CR loaded us up before we left...I didn't ask, nor did I put any in my bag throughout the week...she just kept leaving it. Finally, on the last day, Bill said "TAKE IT!"

 

[tinkerbell3747]

Great Update,

Loved your DS request for a Golf cart at CR..to cute....

Early mornings look so peaceful and serene. I may just have to put the cabins on my "must try list"...

Can't wait to read more! I am SO ready to go tot the CR....

 

[leshunlenese]

Another Georgia Girl!!! Glad you have enjoyed thus far.

Years ago, I would hear the words "Fort Wilderness Campground" and automatically think...camping in a tent. I had no desire whatsoever to go. Then, when we were staying at the WL, we decided to take the boat over just to see what it was all about...and....curiosity killed the cat! I'm hooked now!

I started reading your TR, and went to make a post, but it was closed. I've got to finish it. We were there last year for MNSSHP, too, and LOVED it. Too much fun! In fact, we were there with PrincessDis

Hey! I was just in savannah last wed. To the beach of course! I so agree with you. I thought the same about fort wilderness .there was no way im going camping it is not my thing but it looks like some fun!