Are golf carts necessary?

[sahm3]

We are going to be at Ft. W April 13-21 and I am trying to decide if we should rent a golf cart while we are there or just bring bikes. I would love to have a golf cart to really be able to see the entire campground and question how much my kids will actually get to ride their bikes (or want to) since we have a 7 day hopper pass w/water parks so I doubt we will be at the campground all that much. That said, why should I spend that much money on golf cart rental? To get to where you pick up transportation to the park, is it a long walk across the campground? WHich loops are closest to everything? Pool, transportation, trading post etc? TIA!

 

[drewc]

I would say that if you aren't going to be in the campground all that much, I wouldn't bother renting the cart. The bus system is pretty good.

That said, we rented one (as we planned a lot of time in the campground), and it is as addictive as crack. We turned it in before our stay was over, and all of a sudden those busses seemed to take hours. Those quick runs to the pool seemed like the Battan death march on foot. Plus the cart is just a lot of fun to buzz around in and see all the rigs.

Renting a cart nearly doubles your per night cost, so if it is just going to be sitting at your site, or at one of the bus "parking lots", it is kind of a waste of money. IMHO.

They should come up with a "cart-share" program. 2 or 3 sites could rent the same cart and use it during agreed to times, and that way it would be fully used and not sitting idle. Disney can reward me with a lifetime free pass to FTW for this idea.

 

[clkelley]

I would just stick with the bikes and use them to get to the Outpost or the Settlement to catch transportation to the parks.

Just remember however, if you park hop, you might be returned to the opposite end of Ft. Wilderness than you started out at.

For example, if you start the day at Magic Kingdom, and take the boat over, and end the day at Epcot and take the bus back, you will be dropped off at Outpost, and your bikes will be parked down at Settlement.

 

[Mom to 2]

We only took our bikes and didn't miss having a golf cart at all. We had our vehicle so we drove everywhere except MK. We took the boat there, leaving our bikes locked up on the beach. We rode around the entire campground on our bikes on our day of rest and also used them to go to the store etc. I personally wouldn't spend the money for one.

Lory

 

[natalie from pa]

They are not necessary, but very fun! We have rented one for each trip. It's part of the "Disney Magic" for us, so we just budget for it. I also don't feel comfortable with my kids riding their bikes after dark with all of the busses driving around.

 

[minkydog]

we rented one and it is as addictive as crack. We turned it in before our stay was over, and all of a sudden those busses seemed to take hours. Those quick runs to the pool seemed like the Battan death march on foot.

So true!

We got a golf cart the one time we stayed at FW. My kids loved it! The oldest was old enough to drive and he entertained the younger ones (and his Grandma ) for the whole week. We're going back at Thanksgiving and you nkow their first question--are we getting a golf cart?

We don't stay at FW to save money.We stay there for the rides

 

[lookingforward]

We are headed there in 14 days! I can't wait for the vacation but my kids are focusing on the golf cart. It will be fun to explore the campgrounds. We are staying in the cabins.

 

[Thekidsmom]

How much are golf carts and does anybody have the number?

 

[bigdisneydaddy]

IIRC they are $44 per day with a 10% discount for the whole week.

The bike barn number is 407.824.2742

If you talk to Ms Sundee when you call there tell her we said "howdy"

 

[auntie]

We rented the Golf carts while staying in the cabins..in August. In my opinion from that location at that time of year...they are a must. I personally think they are extremly convenient. Making a trip to the pool or the Tradinging Post very pleasant. If money is not an issue..then I say rent one. Or you can rent one for a few days of your trip. I have not stayed in one of the camping loops as of yet(hoping to do so in Ocotber)...they are much more conveniently located to the campground amenities than say the cabin loops. So you can absolutely get away without having to rent one....it's just a matter of convenience and if you want to pay for that convenience. I suppose also I would consider the ages of your kids..and are they going to want to do alot of bike riding if they are at the parks a good deal of the time. They will love touring the campground with the carts. It makes coming back from the parks and relaxing and taking trip to pool a leisurely experience ..rather than having to take your bikes or the internal bus to the pool or trading posts. Personally I'd probably take the bikes anyway if it wasn't a problem to transport them. You should try to schedule a day to just enjoy the campground..you'll be glad you did.

 

[sahm3]

I would just stick with the bikes and use them to get to the Outpost or the Settlement to catch transportation to the parks.

So, if we ride our bikes to wherever we need to go to catch our transportation, the settlement or outpost or wherever, do we need to come with bike locks? Or will they be safe there unlocked?

 

[auntie]

If I were bringing my bikes and leaving them all day in a bike rack..I'd bring a lock. Be aware..that if you say..take the water launch to the Magic Kingdom..you best take it back..so that you can get your bikes again. If you take the bus..back..or if you go to Epcot from MK..and take the bus back..you will not be in the same area where you left your bikes that morning.

 

[Sinclare]

I would just stick with the bikes and use them to get to the Outpost or the Settlement to catch transportation to the parks.

So, if we ride our bikes to wherever we need to go to catch our transportation, the settlement or outpost or wherever, do we need to come with bike locks? Or will they be safe there unlocked?

We use bike locks as we left them in the racks all day but we didn't see anyone else that did it and theirs were just fine at the end of the day. IMHO it's better to be safe than sorry though. Oh and don't forget a can of WD40. We had to go to Walmart on day 7 and get a can. Our bikes were riding like they were sitting in rust for 1000 years and I could barely get the bike locks open. After the WD40 everyting ran smooth again so I used it every couple days.

Florida weather takes heavy toll on such things.

Oh, and if you can't tell I'm all for the bikes. The carts are too "easy" and if you're like me (desk job) the last thing you need on vacation is less excerise.

 

[ftwildernessguy]

For sure bring locks. I can't tell you how many times I have heard people get off the boat at the marina to go to HDD and, when they see the bikes parked there, say "look at the bikes Disney provides you - we'll have to try them after dinner." Last trip I was in the settlement area and I saw two teenage kids say "look at that bike - let's take it....never mind, they locked it." It happened to be my bike, at which point I went over, unlocked it, and shot them a look - they ran off. Bring the lock - cheap insurance.

 

[christinou]

We always bring our bikes, and have never had the need for the gol cart, I am sure that they would be great, but I just cannot justify the cost.....

 

[michelle9343]

If your are not planning on just hanging around FW then I would say dont waste your money. If you think a few days you might spend a little extra time at FW rent it for a few days. I would decide before you go because at busy times they might not have any availible.