A Picture Review & my thoughts of the Cabins

[Ms. Heimlich]

We just got back from a full week at the Fort Wilderness Cabins.

Here are some pics and I will follow up with some thoughts.



The front door looking in:


Looking right into the living room at the front door:


Storage to the left of the murphy bed:


Storage to the right of the murphy bed:


Little table and chairs (chairs are kid sized):


Sofa in Living Room:


Kitchen:

 

[Ms. Heimlich]

TV and stand in living room:


Bathroom view from door:


Bathroom view from the inside:


Bunk beds in bedroom:


Light over the bunk beds:


Full Bed in the bedroom:


"closet" area:


Vanity area to the left of "closet"


View from our deck (AkA our Swamp):

 

[Ms. Heimlich]

another view from the deck:


Looking at the front doors:


Picnic table and back door:


The window and the table:


Looking up the stairs & onto the deck:


View from the driveway (the white car is our rental):


Another view from the driveway:


View from the middle of the street:


BBQ Grill right outside the cabin:

 

[CampingBandit]

Very nice pics. Did you have a nice time?

 

[Ms. Heimlich]

I have very mixed feelings about the Cabins.

The most common questions I hear are :

"Does it feel like Disney?"

"Do you feel like you are away from the magic?"

Let me start with a little story (I promise it will be short! )

My VERY first trip to Disney was in about 1983. My family was very short on money and this trip was planned for and prepared for for months and months. My mother had premade dinners in Seal-A-Meal bags and frozen them. We drove as a family of 9 (my family and my uncle, aunt, and cousins) all in ONE station wagon. Frankly, we didn't know any different.

Due to circumstances that I won't go into here, we ended up (as a whole group) at the Treehouses in Disney. Not what they are today as an "Ultra Deluxe" place but a place much more family friendly to stay with peacocks, golf carts and EXCELLENT bus transportation.

That was Disney to me. Quiet, wooded, golf carts, freedom for the kids, a little primative but comfortable.

Fast forward 25 years.... I have stayed at POP, POR, the Contemporary Resort, and CSR, as well as a couple of off site places for our visits to the world.

Going to the cabins was like going home. It was what I remember Disney to be like. No frenzied, colorful, bigger-than-life icons, no food courts, a pool that is a hike to get to, a kitchen to do family cooking, and quiet, quiet, quiet.

Did it feel different?

Yes.

Did it feel like Disney?

Yes. I could take a quick bus back to the Marina and see Wishes from the beach there, or grab a boat and be on Main Street for same.

Again, I have to stress that if you are used to the POP! then FWC may not be for you.

I found the bus transportation to be above adequate. We rarely waited more than 5 or 10 minutes for a bus to take us back to the Marina for a boat to the MK. The whole trip from the front of MK to our room was about 30 -45 minutes when we wanted to go back. We never used bus transportation to the other parks, as we had a rental car.

I also feel like the set up is perfect for a family of 4 or 5. There is plenty of sleeping (2 bunk beds, a full bed, a murphy bed, and a crib in the closet) for 5 and some room to play. Having the convenience of a kitchen would also be great for a larger family especially without a dining plan because you would have the freedom to cook dinner/lunch and also have breakfast in the room. (Our fridge held water, milk, fruit, butter, bread, some jelly, beer, and wine so we didn't do much "cooking...") The bus transportation would also allow older kids the possibility of taking a bus/boat to the MK without Mom & Dad supervising the whole time.

Golf carts: If you plan to to stay here I feel like you MUST have either a golf cart or a rental car. Golf carts are easier to use at the fort and cart parking is ample while CAR parking is NOT. I saw MANY 12-16 year old children driving them around while we were there.

Overall:

Would I stay here again?

Sadly, the answer is probably no. Not because I didn't like it... but because of the way my family "does" Disney these days. Generally, DH and I go as much for the dining options at WDW as we do the parks. I don't cook on vacation. DD is 16 now and the odds of us having another child are slim to none. The cabins just are not what we "need" in a vacation.

Would I recommend it?

Yes. In situations I mentioned above... Families with small to medium kids this would be perfect... For people who are looking to get away from the Disney craziness other than the parks. And for people looking for a little something different.


The Seal-A-Meal days are gone. Are the good times really over? I seriously doubt it.

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

Thanks for sharing these pics. We have never stayed at the cabins, but they look beautiful! Now I may have to consider this for a future trip.

 

[ALostBoy]

Hi,
Glad you enjoyed your stay. Can you tell me what
cabin number you were in? Thanks

 

[Ms. Heimlich]

 

[TheFlame]

We have a 5th wheel so we would never need a cabin, but I am sure a lot of people will appreciate as I did, your honest, detailed review of the cabins. You did an excellent job with pictures and probably answered more questions about the cabins and 'if they're for me' in your short report than 10 pages of replies from others.

Great job!

 

[29apr00]

Thanks for the wonderful pics!! We are headed to the cabins in just over 100 days and are very excited!! We've got 3 adults and 2 kids so the cabins are perfect for us..and we don't plan on doing too much cooking either...just cereal for breakfast. But it's nice to have someplace to put your bowls instead of your lap! And i'm glad you didn't have any problems or long waits with the buses! We won't have a car so will rely on the bus the whole time.

 

[polkadotsuitcase]

What a nice, well thought out post! We stayed at the cabins several years ago, and loved them. Now we've got a camper so I'm not sure we'd be back in the cabins soon -- but again, great post!

 

[disneymom3]

What a great review. I think the perspective you offer is really helpful and your pictures are very thourough. Thank you for taking the time to do this.

 

[fla4fun]

Would I recommend it?

Yes. In situations I mentioned above... Families with small to medium kids this would be perfect... For people who are looking to get away from the Disney craziness other than the parks. And for people looking for a little something different.

This is why I stay in a FWC. I take mostly solo trips, to escape the "real world" and all it's stresses. The last thing I want is to be stressed on vacation. Although I love many of the Disney resorts (so far this year, I've stayed at BWV, FWC, BLT, and I'll be at BC in December and FWC again in January) I find I have the most stress free stays at the FWC. There is a greater sense of privacy - more like you're at home, but not at home at the same time. There's really a sense of community there. Some people thrive on the energy and excitement of WDW - but I feel I get enough of that in the parks, so I don't need it at my resort. Although I know my BC vacation in December will be fun and full of holiday cheer, I'm really looking forward more to the FWC stay than I am the BC.

 

[RocklandRVers]

I loved your photos. They gave me an idea for a family gathering. I see in one of your pics that your cabin was right across from a camping loop. Which one was it? I could see us "TRYING" to get a cabin for our non-camping family members and campsite for our motorhome. This way we could easily join each other for cookouts, etc.

 

[Ms. Heimlich]

We have a 5th wheel so we would never need a cabin, but I am sure a lot of people will appreciate as I did, your honest, detailed review of the cabins. You did an excellent job with pictures and probably answered more questions about the cabins and 'if they're for me' in your short report than 10 pages of replies from others.

Great job!

Thanks for reading!

I never considered a 5th wheel... EVER. But after staying there, I understand why people vacation with them. It's like a little family.

Thanks for the wonderful pics!! We are headed to the cabins in just over 100 days and are very excited!! We've got 3 adults and 2 kids so the cabins are perfect for us..and we don't plan on doing too much cooking either...just cereal for breakfast. But it's nice to have someplace to put your bowls instead of your lap! And i'm glad you didn't have any problems or long waits with the buses! We won't have a car so will rely on the bus the whole time.

You actually have 2 choices (other than laps!) for bowls... (Well I guess 3 technically...). you have the table in the kitchen, you have the picnic table outside, and then the kids have the little table & chairs in the living room!

I have to say having cold water, beer, and a few pieces fo cold fruit sure made our mid day rest more enjoyable!!

What a nice, well thought out post! We stayed at the cabins several years ago, and loved them. Now we've got a camper so I'm not sure we'd be back in the cabins soon -- but again, great post!

Thanks! Enjoy all your visits to the Fort.

What a great review. I think the perspective you offer is really helpful and your pictures are very thourough. Thank you for taking the time to do this.

Your welcome. I was wishing for something like this before we left so I did it for all the other dis'ers who are headed out to the Fort.

This is why I stay in a FWC. I take mostly solo trips, to escape the "real world" and all it's stresses. The last thing I want is to be stressed on vacation. Although I love many of the Disney resorts (so far this year, I've stayed at BWV, FWC, BLT, and I'll be at BC in December and FWC again in January) I find I have the most stress free stays at the FWC. There is a greater sense of privacy - more like you're at home, but not at home at the same time. There's really a sense of community there. Some people thrive on the energy and excitement of WDW - but I feel I get enough of that in the parks, so I don't need it at my resort. Although I know my BC vacation in December will be fun and full of holiday cheer, I'm really looking forward more to the FWC stay than I am the BC.

I know EXACTLY what you mean! It was so quiet and comfortable. I hope you enjoy your upcoming trip(S)!!!

I loved your photos. They gave me an idea for a family gathering. I see in one of your pics that your cabin was right across from a camping loop. Which one was it? I could see us "TRYING" to get a cabin for our non-camping family members and campsite for our motorhome. This way we could easily join each other for cookouts, etc.

It sure is worth a try. I could've thrown a rock and hit the sites where the campers were... But I just want to be sure you know it was CAMPERS NOT TENT CAMPING that were adjacent to us....

Have a great trip!

 

[ORLCampers]

I loved your photos. They gave me an idea for a family gathering. I see in one of your pics that your cabin was right across from a camping loop. Which one was it? I could see us "TRYING" to get a cabin for our non-camping family members and campsite for our motorhome. This way we could easily join each other for cookouts, etc.

The loop that backs up to this cabin loop is the 1100's. We did just what you mention last year and some friends stayed in the cabin and we had site 1119 which backed right up to their cabin.

 

[Dillonmom]

Thanks so much for posting a review of the cabins!! We are staying in the cabins from 9/13-9/18!!! DH, DS 8, DS 6 and DD turning 4 in Disney!! I think the cabins were a great choice since we (me and DH) have some privacy and not paying the fortune of the 2BR options!!! Also, my boys are all about being outside, and the "wilderness"!!!

Would love to see other reviews of the cabins....or to hear about anyone staying the same week!!!

 

[ChelleinNC]

Great pics & descriptions!

 

[bouncycat]

Thanks so much for posting a review of the cabins!! We are staying in the cabins from 9/13-9/18!!! DH, DS 8, DS 6 and DD turning 4 in Disney!! I think the cabins were a great choice since we (me and DH) have some privacy and not paying the fortune of the 2BR options!!! Also, my boys are all about being outside, and the "wilderness"!!!

Would love to see other reviews of the cabins....or to hear about anyone staying the same week!!!

we're staying in a cabin about the same time...Sept 15 to the 19....I stayed in one in May, and LOVED it....totally agree with OP on her review. I'm not sure I'll want to stay anywhere else anymore since we found the Ft!

 

[Disneyfan1977]

I have very mixed feelings about the Cabins.

The most common questions I hear are :

"Does it feel like Disney?"

"Do you feel like you are away from the magic?"

Let me start with a little story (I promise it will be short! )

My VERY first trip to Disney was in about 1983. My family was very short on money and this trip was planned for and prepared for for months and months. My mother had premade dinners in Seal-A-Meal bags and frozen them. We drove as a family of 9 (my family and my uncle, aunt, and cousins) all in ONE station wagon. Frankly, we didn't know any different.

Due to circumstances that I won't go into here, we ended up (as a whole group) at the Treehouses in Disney. Not what they are today as an "Ultra Deluxe" place but a place much more family friendly to stay with peacocks, golf carts and EXCELLENT bus transportation.

That was Disney to me. Quiet, wooded, golf carts, freedom for the kids, a little primative but comfortable.

Fast forward 25 years.... I have stayed at POP, POR, the Contemporary Resort, and CSR, as well as a couple of off site places for our visits to the world.

Going to the cabins was like going home. It was what I remember Disney to be like. No frenzied, colorful, bigger-than-life icons, no food courts, a pool that is a hike to get to, a kitchen to do family cooking, and quiet, quiet, quiet.

Did it feel different?

Yes.

Did it feel like Disney?

Yes. I could take a quick bus back to the Marina and see Wishes from the beach there, or grab a boat and be on Main Street for same.

Again, I have to stress that if you are used to the POP! then FWC may not be for you.

I found the bus transportation to be above adequate. We rarely waited more than 5 or 10 minutes for a bus to take us back to the Marina for a boat to the MK. The whole trip from the front of MK to our room was about 30 -45 minutes when we wanted to go back. We never used bus transportation to the other parks, as we had a rental car.

I also feel like the set up is perfect for a family of 4 or 5. There is plenty of sleeping (2 bunk beds, a full bed, a murphy bed, and a crib in the closet) for 5 and some room to play. Having the convenience of a kitchen would also be great for a larger family especially without a dining plan because you would have the freedom to cook dinner/lunch and also have breakfast in the room. (Our fridge held water, milk, fruit, butter, bread, some jelly, beer, and wine so we didn't do much "cooking...") The bus transportation would also allow older kids the possibility of taking a bus/boat to the MK without Mom & Dad supervising the whole time.

Golf carts: If you plan to to stay here I feel like you MUST have either a golf cart or a rental car. Golf carts are easier to use at the fort and cart parking is ample while CAR parking is NOT. I saw MANY 12-16 year old children driving them around while we were there.

Overall:

Would I stay here again?

Sadly, the answer is probably no. Not because I didn't like it... but because of the way my family "does" Disney these days. Generally, DH and I go as much for the dining options at WDW as we do the parks. I don't cook on vacation. DD is 16 now and the odds of us having another child are slim to none. The cabins just are not what we "need" in a vacation.

Would I recommend it?

Yes. In situations I mentioned above... Families with small to medium kids this would be perfect... For people who are looking to get away from the Disney craziness other than the parks. And for people looking for a little something different.


The Seal-A-Meal days are gone. Are the good times really over? I seriously doubt it.

I sincerely appreciate your honesty. We are staying in a cabin next month because my dad and his girlfriend decided to add on at the last minute. We have free dining so I don't plan on cooking much at all. My kids are 6 and 9 and I think they will love it. I, too, have stayed at the Poly, BCV, BC, WL and POP so I am a little unsure of how I feel but we got a great deal and are going to make the best of a vacation that is much needed!

I also love the Trails End Buffet and plan on eating there often!