Cabin and FW info required! urgently!

[JeffKoz]

I just saw my wife has 146 posts on this site. I think I need to take the dsl modem with me when I leave for work!

 

[WDW1979]

I stayed with my wife and two small children in the Fort Wilderness cabins twice – for 5 nights in January 2005 and for 8 nights in January 2006. We all love the cabins and Fort Wilderness.

You asked if the cabins seem small and dark. The cabins are small, but of sufficient size. The biggest drawback in terms of size is the lack of storage space. However, my wife and I love having a bedroom separate from the rest of the accommodations so the kids can go to sleep early and we can stay up. We also love the full kitchen with full-sized fridge, stove, microwave, dishwasher and sink.

In terms of darkness, the lighting in the cabins is dim, except for maybe the immediate kitchen area, which has good lighting. I have commented to my wife that we should go to a local shop to buy a lamp for the cabin whenever we stay there.

There are four beds: two twins as part of a bunk bed in the bedroom, a double bed in the bedroom. And a double-bed that pulls down from the living room wall.

There is a parking spot adjacent to each cabin.

I did not notice many bugs in Fort Wilderness.

It is a long walk to most of the amenities, though if you don't rent an electric cart or a bike, there is the internal Fort Wilderness bus service.

Of the two main pools in Fort Wilderness, I have only been to the pool near the Meadow Trading Post area (the pool is also right next to the campfire/outdoor movie area). Before I saw this pool I had low expectations of the pool area being a 1970’s concrete jungle with no theme (based on Disboard posts from other people), but when I went to swim there I was pleasantly surprised. There is no big slide and there is no extra theming, but the pool is very large and the surrounding trees and campground landscape make for a nice view around the pool. There is also a children’s wading pool next to the large main pool.

There is another pool near cabin loops 2500 and 2600, but I did not visit that pool. I had rented an electric cart from Disney for $40 a day (this includes the 10% discount for renting at least a week), and so it was very easy to get to the larger main pool behind the Meadows Trading Post. Our whole family loves to ride around in the open-air electric carts (there is a windshield).

Another big plus is the boat to the Magic Kingdom from the Ft. Wilderness marina.

We are not a family of campers, but we love Fort Wilderness, the cabins, the campfire program, the outdoor movie, the Trading Posts, the quiet, the trees, and the Disney magic.

I have been to Disney World thirteen times, and our January 2006 trip, which was spent mostly in the cabins, was the best vacation I ever had, and some of the best days of my entire life.

 

[campingcorgi]

our family is staying in the cabin but i need to know where i go to check-in?

You'll stop at the Guard Shack when you enter FW (you have to stop and tell the guard your name and s/he'll check the list of check-ins) and you will be directed to drive (for the cabins) ahead and to the right and park in the lot on the right side of the Outpost. You will go inside and check in there. There is a tv and chairs for the little ones, a couch and chairs (and hookups for the people with laptops), the check in desk and a conceirge desk.



Have fun!

 

[jeanylaser]

You'll stop at the Guard Shack when you enter FW (you have to stop and tell the guard your name and s/he'll check the list of check-ins) and you will be directed to drive (for the cabins) ahead and to the right and park in the lot on the right side of the Outpost. You will go inside and check in there. There is a tv and chairs for the little ones, a couch and chairs (and hookups for the people with laptops), the check in desk and a conceirge desk.



Have fun!

thanks for the info campingcorgi.

 

[auntie]

I think with the dining plan you would be better off looking into accomodations that would include a coffee maker in your room for your tea. As far as I know the dining plan includes a table service and a counter service meal...surely you could use that for breakfast at a food court? Most of the hotels do have a refrigerator and you could use it for milk and keep cereal for the kids in the room. I've seen many people do that. I agree that you should look into renting a DVC from a member..there is a thread on this site for just that. For what you pay for the cabins..if you don't have a code or discount..you are looking at near $300. a night..and frankly while it's been a while since I've stayed in them (back in the 90's) they are too far from the amenities of the campground. I didn't like having to take a bus just to go to the main pool. Certainly you CAN walk..but depending on the time of year (it was August when we stayed there)..and if small children are involved you might be better off with renting a golf cart. This made our trip much more enjoyable and I would recommend them to anyone who decides to stay at the cabins during the summer months in particular.
While I love FW...and hope to one day bring our travel trailer there..I didn't particulary care for the location of the cabins. Found them to be removed from the many enjoyable amenities the campground offers. Especially for the rate charged..that of a Deluxe resort..they could offer a better pool. While there is a pool located closer to the cabins..it does not have a life guard or towels. I personally think the campground is better for folks who have their own RV's. Now some will differ..and absolutely love the cabins..so to each his own. I'm just saying that we are campers..and while I would love to camp there..I don't think I'd pay full rate again for the cabin loops. We also encountered the same problem as the other poster..who indicated that luggage was a problem. If you choose to stay there because of the size of your party it usually means you have a good amount of luggage with you too..and we found the same thing..very limited closet or drawer space. You have to use your luggage..and we were tripping over it. Of course we also had two kids in strollers at the time..so we are talking a LONG time ago for us! Everyone is different.and I just get the feel from your post..you are not going to be crazy about the cabin locations. Although I must admit..I did not see anything in the way of bugs to talk about. Very clean..and not a mosquito around. They probably all died of the heat it was 103 degrees in the shade! It was August after all!

 

[dgaston]

I'm someone who loves the cabins, although we've only stayed twice! FW is one of my adult children's favorites, perhaps due to our camping trips there. They fill a niche for privacy and kitchens, and often there are good discounts. If you decide to go, bring small cups for the bathroom, filters for the coffee pot (basket style), and salt and pepper.

 

[SammieG]

thanks for the advice! We have booked the dining plan and FW Cabins for next August for 10 days and then will be going on for a week to the luxury of space at HGVC.

I think it will be fun.. and something different!