Cabins at Fort Wilderness Points Charts Posted! For Sale and Booking Dates too!

[BL2020]

Plus if people are traveling with a dog the boarding costs for the dog could easily consume that dues premium.

Doesn't Disney charge a daily fee per pet, about $50 or so? That adds up quick. Pretty outrageous that it is a daily fee as most hotels charge a flat rate for the first 4-5 days.

 

[DonkeyHoTay]

Realistically, how much extra in dues are you paying to guarantee you get what you want? Let's assume its $4/pt more than the other points you would buy? So, 150 points is $600 extra a year? For me, that would be well worth not having to gamble.

Yep. This is the math. Touring the cabins today on an excursion away from my Riviera stay (damn this is a nice resort! Had dinner at Topolinos last night and going back again tonight!) and will make a decision on signing the CFW FW contract when I get back.

 

[CarolynFH]

Just as FYI, there is no "concrete pad" under the DVC cabins. Never has been a pad under the legacy cabins (that I'm aware of).

Thanks. For some reason my brain equated “footprint” with “concrete pad foundation.”

Someone mentioned above that laundry perhaps couldn’t be added to the cabins due to drainage or similar issues at FW, e.g. the sewer system couldn’t handle it. Do you know anything about that?

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

Yep. This is the math. Touring the cabins today on an excursion away from my Riviera stay (damn this is a nice resort! Had dinner at Topolinos last night and going back again tonight!) and will make a decision on signing the CFW FW contract when I get back.

Don't forget to try the cold brew while you are there!!

 

[bama_ed]

Thanks. For some reason my brain equated “footprint” with “concrete pad foundation.”

Someone mentioned above that laundry perhaps couldn’t be added to the cabins due to drainage or similar issues at FW, e.g. the sewer system couldn’t handle it. Do you know anything about that?

Not really.

Of course I do know the Fort cabin loops have sanitary sewer lines. Manhole covers in the road, at least one pumping station along Peacock Pass (the main road through the cabin loops).

Often at a beach condo, these type of washer/dryer combos are commonly used:

The GE model I looked at uses an average of 16 gallons per load with a range of 12-24 depending. One swap might be to replace the 2nd bathroom sink out in the hallway with this top-over unit in a closet in its place.



Likely not an exact fit (width, depth) though so would take some work.

Then I know in Europe the under-the-kitchen-counter all-in-one models are popular. It uses about 20 gallons per load (interestingly, some of that is on the dryer cycle-maybe because it's ventless?).

Again, with some work, it might fit to the left of the sink in the pic below but you would give up some cabinet space. I also notice a gap between the end of the counter and the start of the Murphy bed frame that could be intruded upon to extend the counter if more width was needed to cover the top of the all-in-one.



This unit is smaller (holds less clothes) than the first unit above it. And like the first option, there's a trade-off in lost space (storage cabinet) but it could go in there maybe. But hey, with these two possibilities, a washer/dryer can be had.

So these cabins are going in without a washer/dryer and I read ya'll say every 14-15 years the cycle is to go down to the studs and redo DVC units so that would be the first reasonable opportunity to put w/d in if the decision was made to do so.

I have a pic of the drain pipe at each cabin site which is tucked under the cabin next to the AC unit concrete pad.



I have no idea what the sizing requirements would be if the additional drained water from these machines would be considered and the ripple effect of the added flow on the sewer pumping system. That would all have to be considered. Don't really know how ya'll do laundry in the other DVC properties (machines at the end of a hallway? a big w/d room on a ground floor tucked in a corner of a building somewhere?)

Lack of a w/d is not a concern for me personally at WDW. When need be, I carry a few items and wash them (and I use multiple machines at one time if available) at the Fort (rarely more than 1X a trip). I get, though, that it might be nice to throw a pool towel in the dryer for a few minutes before returning to the pool.

Somebody smarter than me could figure it out (or already has run the numbers). And if the members/owners want (demand) w/d and will pay the bump in dues to pay for them, it might happen in the future.

Bama Ed

 

[CarolynFH]

Not really.

Of course I do know the Fort cabin loops have sanitary sewer lines. Manhole covers in the road, at least one pumping station along Peacock Pass (the main road through the cabin loops).

Often at a beach condo, these type of washer/dryer combos are commonly used:

The GE model I looked at uses an average of 16 gallons per load with a range of 12-24 depending. One swap might be to replace the 2nd bathroom sink out in the hallway with this top-over unit in a closet in its place.

View attachment 873615

Likely not an exact fit (width, depth) though so would take some work.

Then I know in Europe the under-the-kitchen-counter all-in-one models are popular. It uses about 20 gallons per load (interestingly, some of that is on the dryer cycle-maybe because it's ventless?).

Again, with some work, it might fit to the left of the sink in the pic below but you would give up some cabinet space. I also notice a gap between the end of the counter and the start of the Murphy bed frame that could be intruded upon to extend the counter if more width was needed to cover the top of the all-in-one.

View attachment 873613

This unit is smaller (holds less clothes) than the first unit above it. And like the first option, there's a trade-off in lost space (storage cabinet) but it could go in there maybe. But hey, with these two possibilities, a washer/dryer can be had.

So these cabins are going in without a washer/dryer and I read ya'll say every 14-15 years the cycle is to go down to the studs and redo DVC units so that would be the first reasonable opportunity to put w/d in if the decision was made to do so.

I have a pic of the drain pipe at each cabin site which is tucked under the cabin next to the AC unit concrete pad.



I have no idea what the sizing requirements would be if the additional drained water from these machines would be considered and the ripple effect of the added flow on the sewer pumping system. That would all have to be considered. Don't really know how ya'll do laundry in the other DVC properties (machines at the end of a hallway? a big w/d room on a ground floor tucked in a corner of a building somewhere?)

Lack of a w/d is not a concern for me personally at WDW. When need be, I carry a few items and wash them (and I use multiple machines at one time if available) at the Fort (rarely more than 1X a trip). I get, though, that it might be nice to throw a pool towel in the dryer for a few minutes before returning to the pool.

Somebody smarter than me could figure it out (or already has run the numbers). And if the members/owners want (demand) w/d and will pay the bump in dues to pay for them, it might happen in the future.

Bama Ed

Thank you for the detailed reply! I learned a lot from it.

In the other DVC resorts, guests staying in studios (basically a regular hotel room) can use a designated laundry room at the resort at no charge. The larger villas, 1 or more bedrooms, have a washer and dryer in the villa. DH and I routinely stay in 1BR in part due to the in-room laundry, which allows us to pack fewer clothes for a week’s stay. So with these new cabins having a bedroom, many DVC members expected in-room laundry and were disappointed not to have it. To me, that makes the cabins more of a Studio Plus - they have a full kitchen (vs. regular studios’ kitchenette) but no laundry - as opposed to a 1BR equivalent.

 

[crvetter]

In the other DVC resorts, guests staying in studios (basically a regular hotel room) can use a designated laundry room at the resort at no charge.

Do we know yet if the laundry rooms at the comfort stations will be free for DVC stays like the studios? That will change it somewhat too compared to the other DVC resorts.

 

[CarolynFH]

Do we know yet if the laundry rooms at the comfort stations will be free for DVC stays like the studios? That will change it somewhat too compared to the other DVC resorts.

I’m not sure we know officially yet. Hopefully someone there now will check and report here, or a trip report will be posted soon.

 

[DonkeyHoTay]

Do we know yet if the laundry rooms at the comfort stations will be free for DVC stays like the studios?

Free or not, I have always found the comfort stations to be super convenient and well equipped/maintained when I was a cash paying customer at CFW., which is why this criticism on lack of washer/dryer in the cabin does not resonate with me.

 

[MICKIMINI]

Thanks. For some reason my brain equated “footprint” with “concrete pad foundation.”

Someone mentioned above that laundry perhaps couldn’t be added to the cabins due to drainage or similar issues at FW, e.g. the sewer system couldn’t handle it. Do you know anything about that?

Our guide Marcel called a couple months ago. I asked if there was laundry and he told me the reason no W/D was added was that the designers could not find room for them. Bummer!
We will tour with him in October.

 

[bama_ed]

Our guide Marcel called a couple months ago. I asked if there was laundry and he told me the reason no W/D was added was that the designers could not find room for them.

Well, yes and no. That answer tells me they didn't try too hard because they tried to follow what was in the legacy cabins. If the guide had a clue at all. Or they are just speculating.

No w/d for the DVC floor plan are being built presently.

Yes w/d for the DVC floor plan when down-to-the-studs updates are done years down the road.

Oh life is a question of trade-offs.

Washer/dryer in place of a 2nd bathroom sink?

Washer/dryer in place of under-the-counter cabinets and storage?

The owners will ultimately decide in ~15 years.

I'm not afraid of the timeline because those are the options down the road. Helen Keller could see these options coming.

Bama Ed

 

[CarolynFH]

The owners will ultimately decide in ~15 years.

Only if enough owners call, email, and write DVC in the interim. They don’t ask us what we want when refurbs are coming; they don’t even tell us what the plans are until they’re pretty much set.

 

[Kailunkat]

I have a pic of the drain pipe at each cabin site which is tucked under the cabin next to the AC unit concrete pad.



I have no idea what the sizing requirements would be if the additional drained water from these machines would be considered and the ripple effect of the added flow on the sewer pumping system. That would all have to be considered. Don't really know how ya'll do laundry in the other DVC properties (machines at the end of a hallway? a big w/d room on a ground floor tucked in a corner of a building somewhere?)

Just as FYI, there is no "concrete pad" under the DVC cabins. Never has been a pad under the legacy cabins (that I'm aware of).

They sit on elevated posts with big cross beams under the floor.

Bama Ed

PS - and yes, the design is meant to reuse existing utility connections (power, water, drains) to minimize that can of worms.

I assumed based on other comments and commonly held practice that there was a slab and see I was very mistaken! Thank you! I’d love to know how deep those pilings go if anyone has that info!

In terms of the sewer connection - hard to tell based on the lack of scale in the photo what the exact size of that waste pipe is - but I can tell you for certain that a 4inch is the industry standard throughout the US. 4inch waste is considered large enough for an entire single family home and would have no problem accommodating a washer/dryer unit.

 

[Marypoppins14]

I’m not sure we know officially yet. Hopefully someone there now will check and report here, or a trip report will be posted soon.

I emailed DVC about free laundry. I was assured that laundry would be free:

Welcome Home Denise,

Thank you for contacting Disney Vacation Club®. We appreciate your interest in your upcoming stay and will be happy to assist you further. As a Member, you will receive complimentary credits on to use the laundry facilities while staying with us. Detergent will available for purchase in these facilities. Should you have any additional questions, we invite you to reply via return email or reach out to us here at Member Services via chat online at DisneyVacationClub.com or by phone. Member Services is available Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM ET, and Saturday – Sunday, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM ET, by phoning (800) 800-9800 or (407) 566-3800. Press Option 1, then Option 1 and it will bring you to a Vacation Advisor who can assist you.

Please let us know if we may be of further assistance. Thank you and have a magical day, Rex Disney Vacation Club Member Services

 

[CarolynFH]

I emailed DVC about free laundry. I was assured that laundry would be free:

Welcome Home Denise,

Thank you for contacting Disney Vacation Club®. We appreciate your interest in your upcoming stay and will be happy to assist you further. As a Member, you will receive complimentary credits on to use the laundry facilities while staying with us. Detergent will available for purchase in these facilities. Should you have any additional questions, we invite you to reply via return email or reach out to us here at Member Services via chat online at DisneyVacationClub.com or by phone. Member Services is available Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM ET, and Saturday – Sunday, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM ET, by phoning (800) 800-9800 or (407) 566-3800. Press Option 1, then Option 1 and it will bring you to a Vacation Advisor who can assist you.

Please let us know if we may be of further assistance. Thank you and have a magical day, Rex Disney Vacation Club Member Services

Thanks for sharing! Confirms what I expected, use of laundry facilities will be free - but guests have to pay for detergent. That’s good because we’d rather bring our own.

 

[Duane]

I assumed based on other comments and commonly held practice that there was a slab and see I was very mistaken! Thank you! I’d love to know how deep those pilings go if anyone has that info!

In terms of the sewer connection - hard to tell based on the lack of scale in the photo what the exact size of that waste pipe is - but I can tell you for certain that a 4inch is the industry standard throughout the US. 4inch waste is considered large enough for an entire single family home and would have no problem accommodating a washer/dryer unit

When we were there back in April, I saw a stack of the pilings stored in the staging area beside the main road... While I didn't have my tape measure with me, I "guestimate" that the pilings are somewhere between 10' and 12' long. They are screwed into the ground with an excavator, minus the bucket, but with a hydraulic type of boring assembly attached. They appear to be some sort of galvanized metal, but can't me too sure of the material.

As for the utility connections as each site, they are pretty much the same (probably with some minor differences) as the hookups at the campsites. 4" sewer connection, a 50 amp electrical feed, a cold water supply line, and some sort of networking (cable TV/Internet).

I feel the absence of the w/d dryer in each unit comes down to a cost factor... There is no reason they cannot put a stacked unit of some sort where that extra sink is placed. I would venture to say, that probably 8 out of 10 motorhomes and 5th wheel campers today have washers and dryers installed, so I don't think water or sewer capacity is an issue. I know in our motorhome, I have a stacked Whirlpool washer that only requires a drain and a cold water connection only. It makes its own hot water if needed. The dryer, is a 120V vented unit that sits directly on top of the washer. My units are separate, unlike the W/D's in the 1 & 2 BR villas at the "traditional" DVC properties are currently.

This is the W/D installed in my 40' motorhome... They can't tell me that something like this wouldn't work in the cabins...

 

[pkrieger2287]

FULL TOUR: NEW 1-Bedroom DVC Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort!

Join Amy as she takes us on an exclusive tour of the new 1-Bedroom DVC Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.
https://dvcfan.com/video/full-tour-new-1-bedroom-dvc-cabins-at-disneys-fort-wilderness-resort/
#disneyvacationclub #disneyworld #dvc #disney #disneyparks

 

[SugarSweetLee]

Yep. This is the math. Touring the cabins today on an excursion away from my Riviera stay (damn this is a nice resort! Had dinner at Topolinos last night and going back again tonight!) and will make a decision on signing the CFW FW contract when I get back.

What did you think after your tour?

 

[DonkeyHoTay]

What did you think after your tour?

The new cabins are a significant improvement over the old ones and I’m glad I have reservations to try them out for the week of Thanksgiving and another week in December.

Another intangible aspect was the feel of the cabin relative to the vibe of the resort. We were there on the 4th when a golf cart parade was just about to start, and I almost forgot how much more family oriented that resort is, and that is saying a lot when every Disney resort is family oriented.

I am almost certain I will be signing the FW contract tomorrow.

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

What did you think after your tour?

I was wondering the same thing - glad you asked!