AoA vs Ft wilderness cabin

[liamthompson]

Currently booked at all stars music family suite for the last week in April 2026 and just realized that cheer/dance competitions are going on then, oops. Cabins at fort wilderness and art of animation are both coming up within my price range (under $500) for similar late april-early may dates.

I'm planning this to be a magic kingdom-heavy trip for myself, spouse, 4yo, and my parents. We enjoy art of animation for the cars theme, skyliner, and easy access to the food court. The reason I booked all stars music instead of AoA was because I felt silly paying skyliner resort prices when we were mainly going to be relying on bus transportation to MK.

We visited fort wilderness a few weeks ago and my spouse and kid LOVED the golf carts and we would definitely rent one if we stayed there. Even then, I'm still concerned about the size of the resort and getting around.

Trails end also seems to have fewer food options than AoA's food court although with a full kitchen it might not matter (the full fridge is a big plus for the cabins - I spend hours rearranging my cooler because there's no fridge in the rooms at AoA).

At AoA, my parents can stay in the little mermaid section or across the bridge at Pop. I'm not sure what to do at fort wilderness...I think my parents would balk at the price point of renting their own cabin but because of the layout with only one bathroom, I think we would want the extra space/privacy of 2 rooms. We were spoiled by the Disney+ subscriber deal this summer...my dad couldn't believe the AoA family suites were ~$200/night and asked me if his bill was wrong and I had to assure him it was the same amount that we were paying. I think jumping to a ~$400/night cabin might be some sticker shock to them. So then we would stay in different resorts but where would they stay?

If anyone has other resort options, I would love to hear them too. Thanks!

 

[sponica]

Maybe something like 2 rooms at POFQ or POR? Or keep the all stars and see what the spring discounts look like?

 

[ucf_knight]

Currently booked at all stars music family suite for the last week in April 2026 and just realized that cheer/dance competitions are going on then, oops. Cabins at fort wilderness and art of animation are both coming up within my price range (under $500) for similar late april-early may dates.

I'm planning this to be a magic kingdom-heavy trip for myself, spouse, 4yo, and my parents. We enjoy art of animation for the cars theme, skyliner, and easy access to the food court. The reason I booked all stars music instead of AoA was because I felt silly paying skyliner resort prices when we were mainly going to be relying on bus transportation to MK.

We visited fort wilderness a few weeks ago and my spouse and kid LOVED the golf carts and we would definitely rent one if we stayed there. Even then, I'm still concerned about the size of the resort and getting around.

Trails end also seems to have fewer food options than AoA's food court although with a full kitchen it might not matter (the full fridge is a big plus for the cabins - I spend hours rearranging my cooler because there's no fridge in the rooms at AoA).

At AoA, my parents can stay in the little mermaid section or across the bridge at Pop. I'm not sure what to do at fort wilderness...I think my parents would balk at the price point of renting their own cabin but because of the layout with only one bathroom, I think we would want the extra space/privacy of 2 rooms. We were spoiled by the Disney+ subscriber deal this summer...my dad couldn't believe the AoA family suites were ~$200/night and asked me if his bill was wrong and I had to assure him it was the same amount that we were paying. I think jumping to a ~$400/night cabin might be some sticker shock to them. So then we would stay in different resorts but where would they stay?

If anyone has other resort options, I would love to hear them too. Thanks!

We stay in the cabins regularly with myself, wife, two kids (11 and 9) and grandma and grandpa. It's our favorite resort by a mile. If you're getting a golf cart there isnt a need to worry about the size of the resort then imo. I feel like we have more space with 1 cabin vs. two hotel rooms (even if family suites) because of the outdoor space you have. We enjoy having a full kitchen as well for breakfast and at least one dinner at the cabin (even if takeout from trails end). My vote would be for everyone to stay in the cabin together and I don't think you'll regret it.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I love the FW cabins. And I love my in-laws. But with their layout I would not want to share a cabin with them. In my humble opinion.

I’d keep a FW cabin stay for just you and your kid down the road somewhere. FW only gets better as your 4Y0 gets older.

 

[Disneylover99]

I’d stick to the Music family suite and request the backside of The Calypso buildings (not facing the pool). The cheer groups will be much further out in standard rooms, so sleeping shouldn’t be an issue.

We’ve stayed at the AllStars and Pop a few different times when there were huge tour groups. Maybe we’ve been lucky, but we’ve never had any issues with slammed food courts/buses during these times.

 

[Wendysofftoneverland]

For a MK trip, I would pick the cabins (love the boat ride to MK) but then again, last time we went with my parents to Disney, it was them, plus my husband and I, plus our 2 kids (ages 3 and 6 at the time) in one AoA suite, so we'd just all cram in the cabin.

 

[liamthompson]

Thanks all for your helpful replies!

 

[WLWildlife]

Is there any possibility that Boulder Ridge or Copper Creek Villas came in your price range? They are close to MK, but cheaper then the other MK resorts. Is it possible you could split the cost of a 2 bedroom? That would give all of you a private bedroom and bathroom, but common family space with full kitchen. I can't speak to the All Stars or Family Suites at AoA, but I have stayed in a deluxe studio at both BRV and CCV at WL and they are always my first choice when budget and availability allows.