Cabin vs renting a travel trailer

[cwnhokie]

Right now we have a cabin rented, but I just started looking into renting an travel trailer. We are a family of 5, 2 adults and 3 kids 6, 10, and 12. We will be fresh off a cruise and looking to spread out a little more than a single hotel room will allow, I expect. Looking for info on pros and cons of each from Ft. Wilderness experts. The camper I'm looking at sleeps 10 from florida camper rentals. The price for the camper is about $400 cheaper with the golf cart. Thanks!

 

[PrincessTeresa]

Right now we have a cabin rented, but I just started looking into renting an travel trailer. We are a family of 5, 2 adults and 3 kids 6, 10, and 12. We will be fresh off a cruise and looking to spread out a little more than a single hotel room will allow, I expect. Looking for info on pros and cons of each from Ft. Wilderness experts. The camper I'm looking at sleeps 10 from florida camper rentals. The price for the camper is about $400 cheaper with the golf cart. Thanks!

I would like to know the answer to this as well.

 

[North of Mouse]

Right now we have a cabin rented, but I just started looking into renting an travel trailer. We are a family of 5, 2 adults and 3 kids 6, 10, and 12. We will be fresh off a cruise and looking to spread out a little more than a single hotel room will allow, I expect. Looking for info on pros and cons of each from Ft. Wilderness experts. The camper I'm looking at sleeps 10 from florida camper rentals. The price for the camper is about $400 cheaper with the golf cart. Thanks!

Well, JMO like you asked We have our own MH, have camped for many years, so we are very much partial to camping in our RV.

But, not owning your own RV, and under your circumstances, I would personally choose the cabin. Have you ever camped before? How many nights are you looking at now at FW? The cabins are 'very' nice for a family group, plus you have the advantage of 'being in FW" with all the amenities of a hotel room (room service, etc.).

This will definitely have to be your own personal decision, how committed you are to wanting to be in an RV, make up your beds (with 3 children, doubt the beds can be down all day - depends on size/layout of RV) plus it would be a tighter 'fit' than a cabin.

The best of luck to you whatever your decision. Have a wonderful stay!

 

[livingis2me]

Right now we have a cabin rented, but I just started looking into renting an travel trailer. We are a family of 5, 2 adults and 3 kids 6, 10, and 12. We will be fresh off a cruise and looking to spread out a little more than a single hotel room will allow, I expect. Looking for info on pros and cons of each from Ft. Wilderness experts. The camper I'm looking at sleeps 10 from florida camper rentals. The price for the camper is about $400 cheaper with the golf cart. Thanks!

Funny, I'm renting that particular camper this weekend... It will be my second time renting from Florida Camper Rental. It's a great company. I personally wouldn't want to stay in one of those cabins for the money they charge. It just doesn't seem like a camping experience to me. On the other hand I'm not sure I'd want to camp fresh off a cruise. I'm usually worthless for a couple of days post cruise. As a matter of fact I just got off a cruise a little more than a week ago and I'm just now getting back into the swing of things...

Ron

 

[disnic75]

We rented a travel trailer from http://www.greenbergrvflorida.com/ for our first camping experience and we enjoyed it. It is a nice alternative to the high cost of a cabin if you don't mind using the comfort station.

Since the trailer will rock a bit with the movements of 5 people, it may feel like your still on the cruise.

 

[cwnhokie]

We've camped but only in a tent. We've been thinking about getting a RV and have thought about renting one to check it out. We will be staying for 3 nights. The cabins are discounted right now so the price difference would be about $200 with the golf cart calculated in. Yesterday I thought it would be more, but I forgot to add in the cost of the sight. The kids are excited and want to try it out but they don't know we will be on a cruise and I'm starting to think the space of the cabin will be worth the price difference. I just can't decide! Love having the options.

The RV has two sets of bunk beds on one end and a queen on the other so the beds would be able to stay down.

Thank you for the replies, I love hearing everyone's opinions.

 

[North of Mouse]

That's good in the RV that the beds will be out of the way, not have to be made up every day Don't get me wrong - I think you would have a VERY nice time in the trailer. It's just for the $$ difference, also being at the end of a nice cruise, that you might want to be 'pampered' a bit more, and let Disney wait on you in the cabin

Have a great time, and whatever you decide, it will be the 'best' choice for you!

 

[Disney Bunny]

Right now we have a cabin rented, but I just started looking into renting an travel trailer. We are a family of 5, 2 adults and 3 kids 6, 10, and 12. We will be fresh off a cruise and looking to spread out a little more than a single hotel room will allow, I expect. Looking for info on pros and cons of each from Ft. Wilderness experts. The camper I'm looking at sleeps 10 from florida camper rentals. The price for the camper is about $400 cheaper with the golf cart. Thanks!

We have been camping for almost 32 years.....17 of them in tents and the rest of the time in a pop up/travel trailer/5th wheel. If you are looking for a little more room to spread out than a typical hotel room, then you will not want to rent the travel trailer. Despite the fact that it states it can sleep 10 people, most of those "beds" are not actual beds. They will be sofas and dinettes that will convert into beds and you probably will not want to keep them in the bed configuration for the entire trip (depending on the floor plan, you might have some bunk beds instead). Bathroom will probably be as small or smaller than the one you will have in your cruise cabin. The entire square footage of living space in the travel trailer will probably only be about half of what you would have in the cabins.

 

[QueenQueso]

I haven't (yet!) stayed in the FW cabins and I didn't check out the company you're renting from to look at the floor plan or what they would supply for you
|, but my thoughts are that campers, once you are inside of them, are usually a bit more cramped that you would think. To get them to sleep as many people as they say they do, you usually have to fold out a couch bed or put the table down and turn the bench cushions sideways. The storage space would be similar to a cruise ship cabin and the bathroom is probably the smaller. You will have the outside area of the site, but would you have chairs available to use outside? Many people also have a pop-up canopy that they set up next to their campers.

The cabins would likely be more space, plus they also have a porch with picnic tables. An additional benefit of the cabins is housekeeping. And depending on when you are going, the possibility of free dining.

That said, if you are seriously thinking of purchasing one and have never camped in one, this may be your perfect trial run. We are avid campers, we use either a tent or a pop-up. We have never camped in a full-hookup campground, we're usually out in the woods by the river. It's definitely not for everyone. I know of a few people who bought big campers and use them once or never, and I'm sure you don't want to even think about wasting money on that scale.

 

[bama_ed]

Right now we have a cabin rented, but I just started looking into renting an travel trailer. We are a family of 5, 2 adults and 3 kids 6, 10, and 12. We will be fresh off a cruise and looking to spread out a little more than a single hotel room will allow, I expect. Looking for info on pros and cons of each from Ft. Wilderness experts. The camper I'm looking at sleeps 10 from florida camper rentals. The price for the camper is about $400 cheaper with the golf cart. Thanks!

Well let's see. In my opinion:

1. Both put you at the Fort.

2. Both have full kitchen and bedding facilities for the group.

3. The camper CAN put you closer to the pool or whatever area you desire.

4. The camper CAN save you money to spend on souvenirs.

As I said in my recent trip report, I'm glad to see the number of reliable trailer vendors growing because it opens the Fort up to more people who might otherwise not experience it. The added savings might allow you to spend an extra day to enjoy the Fort pool and kid activities.

I've stayed in the cabins several years ago and loved them but if I could get basically the same experience for less $$$ I would. Plus, I will say that in the trailer loops I'm more likely to meet my fellow campers and chit chat with them. The cabins seem a little more self-contained.

I vote in favor of the trailer but if the cabin is the only choice then take it. Whatever puts you at the Fort will be a hit with your family I believe.

Bama ED

 

[Sundancer330]

We rented a 30 foot trailer from greenbergrvflorida.com this past March. Matt the owner was great to deal with, the trailer we rented was brand new we helped take plastic off the beds. This trailer will sleep 10, had a full kitchen and also a kitchen outside, full bath with a tub/shower, two flat screen tvs. Matt provides all bed linens, cups, dishes, pots and pans if you wish to cook. We had looked at renting a cabin but the cost was over $1000 more for eight days. And when I saw the cabin loops I was so glad we rented a trailer, it reminded me of a trailer park everything looked the same. We stayed in the 1300 loop and could walk to the pool and nightly movies and smores cookout. Matt also has golf carts for rent at just under $200 for the week. We had one rented from Kenny but he canceled the day we arrived due to problems with a few of his carts, Matt saved the day and rented us one of his for the week. This has become the only way we will do Disney, the fort is a wonderful place to spend a week so relaxing after a long day at the parks.

 

[FortCanadaGirl]

We've stayed in a cabin once, and rented from Camping World a few times--I think it all comes down to price. The pros and cons of each balance out--true, renting an RV gives you a better site (most likely); but cabins provide housekeeping; the RV would have plenty of space--so much time spent outdoors anyway, and you all can't fit in the bedroom of a cabin anyway.
When we've rented an RV, we had my parents bring a lot of the supplies with them, so it the company you rent from and staying at a cabin are comparable (in terms of how well supplied you are) that's the same.
What about how easy it is to get the RV? We've always gone to pick it up ourselves, but maybe some companies deliver on site.
What about food? Either way I suppose you have to hit a grocery store.
Bottom line for us (family of 5) we liked having a RV so much we just bought one. Next WDW trip we'll be in our very own motor home. Woo hoo!

 

[englishteacha]

I would choose the cabins over a camper. I've grown up camping and cabins offer more space. If you want space, you want the cabin. Even now with a 12x15 foot cabin tent, a "camping cabin" at a KOA offers a bit more floor space!

 

[disneylove10]

We have been camping at the Fort for a few years now. As much at we like our camper, I would suggest keeping your cabin reservation. Especially just getting off of a cruise. Although camping is fun, it can be a lot of work. The cabins can give you almost the same experience with less work on your part.

 

[Southern Bell]

We really enjoy camping at the Fort (even though we have now decided on staying at AOA), LOL! So who am I to ask! LOL! But the thing that makes it easy and nice for us to camp is bringing our camper and having everything already packed. Food, clothes, bikes, etc., (We will miss it for sure)LOL! I can hear my husband fussing now (as we carry in our luggage etc.,)and saying we should have camped! LOL!


But if money is not an option, or theres not much difference in price of a cabin, or you don't need the room for 10 people instead of 6 , I would rent a cabin if I did not own a camper! This would still allow your family to enjoy the Fort but it would be alot easier on you!

In a cabin you would have more room, especially for your luggage, full size kitchen, deck outside, maid service (clean towels everday would be nice & I read they would even do your dishes), all the hot water you needed! Sometimes our hot water in the camper will run out when several are having to shower. It doesn't take long to reheat but... its not fun if you are the one in the shower! LOL! If everyone is getting ready for Disney at the same time it is impossible. Somebody has to go to the bathhouse!(don't forget your flip flops)LOL! But I will say that Disney has the best comfort station I have ever seen in any campground and they are air conditioned.

If I camped in a camper I would just be sure that it came very equiped(which I read some did) and they (who I rented the camper from)went over everything with me that I needed to do in the camper! I would read camping list (on here)of what I needed, if anything else for my week!

 

[sharadoc]

Thanks for starting this thread. Not sure, but I decided to read it even though we are not campers, just cabin renters. Wow, this could actually make an onsite trip affordable again. My parents had a trailer, then a mobile park model for years, so we know how to stay in a camper/trailer.

Unfortunately, the dates we want are not available at Fort Wilderness so we can't do it for this trip, but we are definitely going to consider it for the next one.

I do have a question - what's Greenberg's rate for a golf cart?

Thanks!!

 

[tcherjen]

We rented a travel trailer from http://www.greenbergrvflorida.com/ for our first camping experience and we enjoyed it. It is a nice alternative to the high cost of a cabin if you don't mind using the comfort station.

Since the trailer will rock a bit with the movements of 5 people, it may feel like your still on the cruise.

What did they require for the deposit down? I am thinking of renting two campers.

 

[Lindymagoo]

Having just done 6 days in a cabin last month, I would vote for a cabin rental over a camper. Think about it. You will be just coming off a crowded cruise ship, where you have been surrounded by lots of families and tourists, and huddled into a shipboard cabin with 3 growing boys. A cruise can be very relaxing, but they are not without the herds of people as you line up for muster, meals, excursions, embarkation, and debarkation.

Do you really want to go from one cramped quarters to another? The cabins are serene, and much more roomy then a camper would be. You would have a full kitchen, dishwasher, full size fridge, and a separate bedroom where you could store the boys, so mom and dad can have the solitude of the murphy bed in the living room. It was quite comfy for DH and I. We used the deck as an extension of the cabin, and found that it gave us a camping-like experience, without as much work. There is a grill right off the deck, where you can cook out to save some $$$$ on meals. Either way, you will still have to go find groceries to stock the camper or the cabin. The cabin boasts a pantry and all the cooking, and eating utensils, you could need, with the exception of grilling tools. Luckily, I had read about this lacking feature here on the DIS, and packed my own grill tools. And lets not forget you will have a full size bathroom with a tub and a shower head! (and clean towels, and and mickey shampoo, and mickey conditioner, and mickey lotion......lol)

One of the biggest benefit of the cabins is Mousekeeping, who will even do your dishes for you, and clean the grill. You won't find that in a camper rental.

After doing the parks, we loved coming back to the relative serenity of Ft. Wilderness, and liked the seclusion the cabins offered. After being around lots of people all day long, I welcomed our little cabin in the woods. We were a party of 4 adults, and 1 child, and it worked out wonderfully for us. But I understand, every family is different, and preferences will vary.

Having done a cruise before, I am pretty sure I would not have the energy following a cruise, to then set up camp, with cleaning, unpacking, stocking, etc, and then have to do the opposite at the end of the rental period. You will already be tired from the cruise, and then even more tired from your time in the parks. Camping is a lot of work. If you can afford it, go for the cabins. You can always try the camper next time. Just my two cents.

 

[wdwmom3]

I camped at fw in a pop up many times as a kid. This past April we stayed in a cabin. I really enjoyed the cabin. It was nice having a seperate bedroom to put the kids (we have 3 as well). We could stay up later an not bother them. The deck was really nice as well. For that small of a price difference I would pick a cabin. Much more room to spread out. And housekeeping is a bonus! Also if you are planning on ordering groceries bell services will put them in your caving for you before you arrive.

 

[disnic75]

What did they require for the deposit down? I am thinking of renting two campers.

Greenberg only required a $100 deposit and the remaining balance was paid when the camper was delivered to FW.