Definitely a niche product...that being said, we recently signed a contract for CFW. We own at BLT and VGF, plus a Marriott week. We had no interest in adding anymore timeshare like products for various reasons. However CFW is the only exception which we struggled with quite awhile.
Our main concerns were:
1. We really don't want to be tied to more maintenance fees, in general. Looking towards retirement we would like to lessen the load as we wind down our income.
2. The possible high trajectory maintenance fees specific to the cabins( large property to upkeep, unusually intense housekeeping of each cabin: grill, deck, bunks and high occupancy 6 people + dogs leads to wear and tear)
3. Possible special assessments whether it will be an extra bill or rolled up to even higher maintenance costs when the cabins need to be replaced in another 25 years.
I'm even doubting myself whether this is a good "investment," but I look at it as buying an RV or a boat. Neither are investments, but rather a toy which is to be used for joy and entertainment. To me, all the other
DVC properties give me similar experiences, except different themes. If not for the Disney bubble, most of the Marriott properties are just as nice. Not interested in more of the same. So what would possess a normally sensible, budget minded person to make such a purchase?
1. The dog...need I say more?
2. The environment...waking up, stepping out onto the deck, surrounded by trees...and it's quiet. Lots of places to walk around
3. The golf carts...driving into town, driving to the laundry, just driving all around.
4. The community. Less so the cabins, but I love driving around the RV/campers and seeing how much they enjoy each other. Maybe in another life I owned an RV, but in this life I'm simply too lazy to put so much work and expense into it. Fort Wilderness is it's own little bubble and truly no other place like it.
5. Fort Wilderness during the holidays...this is why I needed to buy, vs joining the hunger games at 7mos.
I understand most people don't pick camping as their main vacation, so trying to turn the CFW into a luxury resort is pointless. But for people who enjoy camping/idea of camping...the cabins are certainly a convenient way to accomplish it. To me, the other DVC resorts are like dining at a fancy restaurant. Love it, but I can only eat fancy food for so long before I just want a simple meal. The cabins is soul food.
No w/d: none issue
Bunk beds in room: none issue (empty nesting and appreciate the extra sleeping surface if kids come home)