Cabins at FW or Family Suite at AoA?

[Jmomom1]

Hello! We are booking the first week in May and looking at either cabins at FW or an AOA suite. It will be my husband and I, our 4-yr-old daughter and my mom. The cabins are enticing to me because of the deck--my mom loves to sit outside in the evenings. We've done connecting rooms, but we are looking for some living space to hang out in after we put the little one down. I do think my daughter would like AOA (we often stay at Pop) but I also think she'd maybe like the outdoor space at FW? I also like how you can take a boat to MK. Is the internal transportation system really a huge pain? More so than Pop or AOA? We will probably only have breakfast/snacks in the room--won't be cooking dinners. Just looking for advice.

 

[uccats97]

Busing from/to AoA is fine. My experience at FW with buses wasn't the greatest. I do think AoA is themed perfectly for a 4y/o. Love all the Disney themeing! There are places your mom could sit outside in the evening at AoA, the bar, tables near the pools, or benches along Hourglass Lake.

 

[Hopefully]

The Cabins sound perfect for your family. The sleeping space will be great to put your 4 YO down and the adults hang in the separate, comfortable living room. I think the deck at FW is way better for your Mom than anything at AoA.
The transportation at FW is not horrible. You need to plan for it and you will be fine. I think it probably is a bit slower than all the internal stops at AoA. From the Cabins it is a short walk up the loop to an internal bus stop. There you will get a bus to transfer to the parks or a boat to the MK. This can all be mitigated entirely by getting a Golf Cart, which I think is tons of fun as well. But it will add to the cost of your trip.
I would definitely choose the Cabins over AoA for your family
Have Fun

 

[Kaytie]

. I think it probably is a bit slower than all the internal stops at AoA.

There's only one, central bus stop at AoA

 

[Average Joes]

We stayed at FW with my wife, 9 month old and father-in-law. It went really well. We got a golf cart which was extremely useful and fun. I probably wouldn't go without one. Yes the golf cart is extra. There are some savings over other resorts with having a kitchen at FW for meals. The boat ride is nice. On the other hand a lot of what FW has you can get camping. Have no stayed at AoA. Unlike FW one of you would have to stay behind if you want to go outside somewhere at night.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

If you like an outdoor space, I would go with the cabins. Ft. W is such a fun resort! Have you considered a 1-bedroom at any of the villas?

 

[cheryllarsen]

My kids love FW and so do we adults. We are outdoorsy types.

 

[uccats97]

A pp mentioned the sleeping arrangement at FW being perfect for your situation. Just FYI, the family suites at AoA have a bedroom that closes off from the living area, too.

 

[1234lucky]

The cabins are great. The internal buses are reliable and frequent. I didn't find them to be problematic at all.

 

[maxiesmom]

I would go with AoA. The whole having to take an internal bus to a bus stop and then another to the park like at the Wilderness Cabins sounds like a huge pain. AoA has one stop, you walk up and you are on your way!

 

[bsjs0708]

I've done both and they both have advantages...the bus system at the fort really isn't that bad,especially when you're prepared for it. The deck and surroundings at the cabins are great. That being said the kitchen is a full kitchen that takes a lot of space. The little kitchenette at AoA is ample if you are just planning on snacks or quickie in room breakfasts. AoA has their own bus and 2 full bathrooms but no private deck or patio...

 

[RADOPT]

My mom, daughter and I stayed at the cabins and fell in love with them. The kitchen was nice to have (as well as the table to eat at), being able to go to bed when I wanted instead of when the child went to bed was a hugh plus. We love the outdoors so it was perfect for us. We enjoyed taking the internal bus around to check out the area and the restaurant was good, plus I belive they had a store where we bought a few things from breakfast. We did not get a cart and did not need one. We where near a bus stop and now too far from the boat.

Whatever you choose, have a wonderful vacation.

 

[Sweettears]

I would go with AoA. The whole having to take an internal bus to a bus stop and then another to the park like at the Wilderness Cabins sounds like a huge pain. AoA has one stop, you walk up and you are on your way!

I agree with maxiesmom here. We stayed at the cabins once and got so frustrated with the transportation. We ended up moving to CBR after a couple of days. Way too much wasted time. Also keep in mind that there is virtually no Disney oriented theming around the cabins. Secluded yes but maybe a little too much. At least for our taste.

 

[Boopuff]

I've stayed at both. With a 4yr old I'd say the AOA suites would be so much fun. The room size is very nice. The pools are fun as well. The cabins are also very nice. Although the theme is "rustic" the main pool theme is very fun for kids. Also the Hoop-de-Do review is fun. Either choice is fun.

 

[Jaimie1911]

I considered both for our upcoming trip and went with AoA. I have 3 kids 4 and under and I just think now is the perfect time for the theming!

 

[Jmomom1]

Thanks, everyone. I think we are going to go with the cabins--just BOOKED. We love the outdoors. The campfire at night sounds so fun as does watching the fireworks from the beach. My husband, daughter, and I are going a few days early and will stay at Pop, which I think has a fun theme for kids. Since we go every year, I definitely plan to try AoA too. The cabins are actually cheaper this time around than AoA and MUCH less expensive than the 1 bedroom villas, so I think it's a good time to try it out. We ALWAYS have dinner at Artist Point at WL and usually California Grill too, so I love the idea of being able to take the boat to both of those resorts for dinner. YAY! I AM SO EXCITED!

 

[Sweettears]

Have a great trip!