Anyone checking into the Cabins at FW on July 1?

[SleeplessInTO]

Just checked into a cabin. We are in the 2300 loop. It’s gorgeous. Still has that “new build” smell. Been lying in bed listening to the thunder and rain pattering on the roof. Very relaxing.

 

[zackiedawg]

Just checked into a cabin. We are in the 2300 loop. It’s gorgeous. Still has that “new build” smell. Been lying in bed listening to the thunder and rain pattering on the roof. Very relaxing.

A few questions if you get the chance...

Which loops are open now, and which ones look like they'll open next?

Have they added more landscaping around the loop entrances? The early shots I saw of the construction and the 2500 loop when it opened made it look like the cabins nearest the road were completely bare - in the open - usually there are lots of trees that block the view to the cabins so they feel more 'in the woods'. I assumed it might just be temporary since they just finished up construction and hoped they intended to add back a lot more foliage so the end cabins look a bit more woodsy and private.

How's the TV viewing? Strange question, but that looked like one thing that was a little odd with the design that the big TV was on the wall beside the couch - just wondering how that works for watching it. Do you find it uncomfortable to watch the TV from the couch, and use the table instead?

 

[Love Ft Wilderness]

Just checked into a cabin. We are in the 2300 loop. It’s gorgeous. Still has that “new build” smell. Been lying in bed listening to the thunder and rain pattering on the roof. Very relaxing.

Sounds wonderful!

I too have a question: if you get the chance, could you please find out the status on the walking trail between the Fort and Wilderness Lodge? Last I heard it had been paved but no pictures and no updates since.

TIA

 

[SleeplessInTO]

A few questions if you get the chance...

Which loops are open now, and which ones look like they'll open next?

Have they added more landscaping around the loop entrances? The early shots I saw of the construction and the 2500 loop when it opened made it look like the cabins nearest the road were completely bare - in the open - usually there are lots of trees that block the view to the cabins so they feel more 'in the woods'. I assumed it might just be temporary since they just finished up construction and hoped they intended to add back a lot more foliage so the end cabins look a bit more woodsy and private.

How's the TV viewing? Strange question, but that looked like one thing that was a little odd with the design that the big TV was on the wall beside the couch - just wondering how that works for watching it. Do you find it uncomfortable to watch the TV from the couch, and use the table instead?

1/ They are currently working on 2800 Willow Way.

There is a construction project area right at the corner of the main road and the left turn onto Peacock but there’s scary signs up saying no photographs. Not sure what they’re doing there - maybe a prepping area? Horse rides are curtailed due to construction in the area.

I also think they are redoing the laundry room at the leisure pool comfort station since it’s currently unavailable and I was directed to use the machines near the 2100 loop. Apparently the machines look like they want payment but they should be free.

2/ There is some tree coverage but (not sure if I’m biased because I read this) driving around the old cabin loops felt shadier and quieter. I felt more exposed to the sun in the new cabin loops. But it’s not completely bare. The brown patches will be covered soon I’m sure.




3/ The TV angle is a little odd. We were able to watch TV on the couch (sitting at the point farthest from the wall) on the first day. But then we pulled down the bed and just ended up using our laptop and lying in bed to watch shows. The view from the table to the TV is decent.

 

[SleeplessInTO]

Sounds wonderful!

I too have a question: if you get the chance, could you please find out the status on the walking trail between the Fort and Wilderness Lodge? Last I heard it had been paved but no pictures and no updates since.

TIA

This might be a silly question but whereabouts is the walking trail between the Fort and Wilderness Lodge? This is my first time staying at the Fort, still trying to figure out where everything is! I’m also a bit directionally challenged.

Is it up near Pioneer Hall and to the left? Google Maps shows a couple of roads up there, “Wilderness Nature Path” and “W Wilderness Rd”.

Edited to add: Where does it begin on the Fort side? How long approx should the walk take? (I will try to explore it if the weather cooperates, but if I’ve been walking for 3 hours with no sign of Wilderness Lodge, am I just lost in the woods? )

 

[CarolynFH]

This might be a silly question but whereabouts is the walking trail between the Fort and Wilderness Lodge? This is my first time staying at the Fort, still trying to figure out where everything is! I’m also a bit directionally challenged.

Is it up near Pioneer Hall and to the left? Google Maps shows a couple of roads up there, “Wilderness Nature Path” and “W Wilderness Rd”.

Edited to add: Where does it begin on the Fort side? How long approx should the walk take? (I will try to explore it if the weather cooperates, but if I’ve been walking for 3 hours with no sign of Wilderness Lodge, am I just lost in the woods? )

View attachment 882642

Unfortunately, that trail was closed when construction of Reflections began, and it hasn’t reopened despite work being done on it recently.

 

[SleeplessInTO]

Breakdown of the loops I checked out today:

2200 - new cabins in progress, probably next to open. See pic below.
2300 - new cabins, occupied
2400 - old cabins, appear to be occupied (I didn’t drive through the loop, just past the entrance)
2500 - new cabins, occupied
2600 - old cabins, occupied (drove through the loop)
2700 - old cabins, occupied (drove through the loop)
2800 - new cabins, in progress, but not as advanced as loop 2200.

 

[SleeplessInTO]

Sounds wonderful!

I too have a question: if you get the chance, could you please find out the status on the walking trail between the Fort and Wilderness Lodge? Last I heard it had been paved but no pictures and no updates since.

TIA

I went by the front desk to ask them in person. They confirmed it’s still closed due to construction. No reopening date known yet.

 

[SleeplessInTO]

Unfortunately, that trail was closed when construction of Reflections began, and it hasn’t reopened despite work being done on it recently.

Thanks! I popped by the front desk to ask about it, and was told pretty much the same thing. Too bad, sounds like it would have been a nice walking / biking trail to take.

 

[CarolynFH]

Thanks! I popped by the front desk to ask about it, and was told pretty much the same thing. Too bad, sounds like it would have been a nice walking / biking trail to take.

It was, it was!

 

[Love Ft Wilderness]

I went by the front desk to ask them in person. They confirmed it’s still closed due to construction. No reopening date known yet.

Thank you for taking the extra stop to the Outpost to find out. This was, in my opinion, one of the best amenities the Fort had to offer. The peaceful trail offered beauty, tranquility, and lots of deer sightings! You would even find pinecones arranged like Mickey Mouse along the way.

 

[BLTtinkerbell]

 

[SleeplessInTO]

Have not seen any discussion/chatter about the opening date. Looking forward to reading about experiences at the cabins, including check-in process, layout/comfort, using the grills, the free laundry at the comfort station, etc.

Also, does anyone know if any tours (with incentives) are going to be offered?

Cheers!

Not sure if you already had answers to these. If not:

1/ We did online check-in, the process was the same as other DVC stays. We got our room ready message / text as soon as we pulled into the gatehouse. After the gatehouse there is another entry way where CMs will answer any questions you have, provide the resort map, etc. It basically acts as a front desk/lobby. There is also a front desk at the Outpost, which is connected to the golf cart rental podium. We drove to our cabin first to unload everything. There’s enough parking for one car and one golf cart. Additional vehicles can be parked in the overflow lot (next to the buses that go to HS, Epcot, AK, and the Outpost). Lots of parking spaces. Very easy to pick up the golf cart too. I had never driven one before, but we were basically off in 2 minutes. Super easy to handle.

(We did have a brief moment where I realized that, without a second licensed adult, if I drove the golf cart back to the cabin, I’d have to leave my car at the Outpost. And vice versa. I attempted to bribe a CM to drive the golf cart back for me, which was kindly declined, but they did suggest I take one back to the cabin and then bus back to the Outpost for the second vehicle. Brilliant. No actual bribery occurred.)

2/ Layout is okay. Personally I’d prefer a king bed in the bedroom and more storage space vs a bunk bed, but I’m biased because we are only a travel group of 3. The bathrooms being at the opposite end from the bedroom is a little inconvenient but honestly it’s not that far. The TV in the living area isn’t that convenient for watching while on the couch, but fine from the table. But the two chairs closest obviously have the best view.

3/ I’ve never grilled in my life so won’t offer many comments as I’ll only embarrass myself. I will say that each cabin has a grill and I saw a neighbour using his one day. He seemed to be enjoying himself.

4/ I did do a batch of laundry. There are comfort stations all throughout the fort. For the DVC cabins, loop 2100 and 2500 are the ones you’ll be directed to. But right now 2500 is down for refurbishment (I think they’re renovating it for the new DVC cohort.) So I went to 2100, where the machines are free, but detergent and dryer sheets cost $1.00 and take credit card / debit card. You can drive your golf cart pretty close to the comfort station and it is available 24/7. No MagicBand or tapping required for entry. The room itself is air conditioned and spotlessly clean.



Five washers and six dryers at that location.



I did not investigate the other laundry locations, but I’d guess it’s fairly easy to zip to another comfort station if you find all the washers here are in use. I don’t know if the other machines will cost money.

5/ Saw a few DVC tours going on when we drove by on the golf cart. I admit we loved the stay so much, I did briefly consider adding on points. But those dues…

 

[zackiedawg]

1/ They are currently working on 2800 Willow Way.

There is a construction project area right at the corner of the main road and the left turn onto Peacock but there’s scary signs up saying no photographs. Not sure what they’re doing there - maybe a prepping area? Horse rides are curtailed due to construction in the area.

I also think they are redoing the laundry room at the leisure pool comfort station since it’s currently unavailable and I was directed to use the machines near the 2100 loop. Apparently the machines look like they want payment but they should be free.

2/ There is some tree coverage but (not sure if I’m biased because I read this) driving around the old cabin loops felt shadier and quieter. I felt more exposed to the sun in the new cabin loops. But it’s not completely bare. The brown patches will be covered soon I’m sure.

3/ The TV angle is a little odd. We were able to watch TV on the couch (sitting at the point farthest from the wall) on the first day. But then we pulled down the bed and just ended up using our laptop and lying in bed to watch shows. The view from the table to the TV is decent.

Many thanks for the answers and photos. It does address my thinking too - seems the original cabins felt a little more shady and foresty from the photos I've been seeing so far of the construction. I am hoping that once it's established and finished, it might grow in a little bit more - for now, I'll just have to make sure to request cabins a little farther around the back of the loop to stay away from the main roads. Glad to hear they're working on 2800 and by the sound of it, they're working around all the 'outer' loops first while the inside ones seem to be going last. I prefer some of those outer loops more anyway, because around the backs of each, you seem to be more woodsy behind as opposed to seeing roads and infrastructure.
Also figures about the TV - that was an instant worry that it seemed a bit awkward to watch from the couch. Seems fine if sitting at the table though - maybe I'll be more tempted to sit there than the couch - I mostly watch the TV late evenings and mornings.

 

[jillt2ph]

Just checked into a cabin. We are in the 2300 loop. It’s gorgeous. Still has that “new build” smell. Been lying in bed listening to the thunder and rain pattering on the roof. Very relaxing.

LOL, like others before me, I have a few questions

1. Did you have a vehicle? While I will not, I will be getting a golf cart. Problem is, the rest of my part will be arriving while I will be at HDD so I will not be able to pick them up. Wondering if they will be told at the Outpost to hop a bus to our loop and then bell services will bring the suitcases later.

2. Will an adult be able to use the bunk bed for one night?

Thanks!!

 

[SleeplessInTO]

LOL, like others before me, I have a few questions

1. Did you have a vehicle? While I will not, I will be getting a golf cart. Problem is, the rest of my part will be arriving while I will be at HDD so I will not be able to pick them up. Wondering if they will be told at the Outpost to hop a bus to our loop and then bell services will bring the suitcases later.

2. Will an adult be able to use the bunk bed for one night?

Thanks!!

Hi there.

1/ I did have a vehicle. Is the rest of your party arriving via Uber or similar? I did an UberEats delivery order one night and they delivered right to my cabin door. So your party may be able to be dropped off right at the cabin along with their bags.

2/ I didn’t try the bunk bed myself but someone else did (5’8”, about 165 lbs) and said it was fine. Might be a little tougher for a taller person. He compared the bunk bed to the sleeper train bunk beds in France or China. This is in reference to the lower bunk bed though, no adults tried to climb to the top one.

 

[tjkraz]

Breakdown of the loops I checked out today:

2200 - new cabins in progress, probably next to open. See pic below.
2300 - new cabins, occupied
2400 - old cabins, appear to be occupied (I didn’t drive through the loop, just past the entrance)
2500 - new cabins, occupied
2600 - old cabins, occupied (drove through the loop)
2700 - old cabins, occupied (drove through the loop)
2800 - new cabins, in progress, but not as advanced as loop 2200.

The scheduled order of completion is:

2500 (Now)
2300 (Now)
2200 (in 2024)
2800 (in 2024)
2400 (early 2025)
2600 (in 2025)
2700 (in 2025, likely early May)

 

[jillt2ph]

Hi there.

1/ I did have a vehicle. Is the rest of your party arriving via Uber or similar? I did an UberEats delivery order one night and they delivered right to my cabin door. So your party may be able to be dropped off right at the cabin along with their bags.

2/ I didn’t try the bunk bed myself but someone else did (5’8”, about 165 lbs) and said it was fine. Might be a little tougher for a taller person. He compared the bunk bed to the sleeper train bunk beds in France or China. This is in reference to the lower bunk bed though, no adults tried to climb to the top one.

Thanks so much. That makes me feel better! I stayed in the cabins years ago pre-magical express and always had a rental car.

 

[Bowen9475]

We just spent one night in a cabin. We thought it was adorable! We were in the 2300 loop. Very quick walk to 2 different bust stops and to a quiet pool. Lots of construction going on around. We were disappointed that they are considered a 1 BR but don’t have laundry. We were only a party of 3 but my 6+ foot, 21 yo son chose to sleep in the top bunk. He found it very comfortable but his feet were hanging off . Would definitely consider staying for a longer visit.

 

[CarolynFH]

@Bowen9475 thanks for the report and especially for the photos!

Because of the lack of laundry, i consider the cabins to be Studio Plus - plus a bedroom, plus a full kitchen!