Complete FW Newbie with lots of questions!

[katrina1122]

Posted this on the resort board, but they suggested I post here. I didn't even notice the board!

I don't know much about FW other than from what I've seen when at the Hoop de Doo.

We don't own an rv so we'd be renting, how is that? Who's good, etc.

Or maybe a cabin, but they seem pricey for just 2. But what are they like?

We usually go in colder months, is it even worth it to be there then?

How's the noise level from one site to the next?

Is it worth it, if we won't be doing tons of activities at FW, probably just a few walks and the campfire. We are parks people.

I've heard the internal bus system is slow. If you have a bike/golf cart can you park them at Park transfer points for the day?

Can you add on DP if you are in an rv?

What things to do you need to bring beyond the obvious pots and pans, sheets, etc? We'd drive down so we can fill up the car.

I think it'd be nice to sit on a lounger at night reading after a long day, to have that extra space outside, etc.

So lost on this one, lol!

 

[North7]

I'll take a crack at some of these

Posted this on the resort board, but they suggested I post here. I didn't even notice the board!

I don't know much about FW other than from what I've seen when at the Hoop de Doo.

We don't own an rv so we'd be renting, how is that? Who's good, etc.
There are different types of RV's to rent.. pop-ups, 5th wheels, Class C. Do you have any idea what type of RV you're looking for? There are a number of rental options and some very good reviews on here. The first step is to decide what type of RV you want to rent.

Or maybe a cabin, but they seem pricey for just 2. But what are they like?
The cabins are probably a little overkill for 2, but if you enjoy lots of room, it might be for you. There is a bedroom in the back with a double bed (I think) and a set of bunk beds. In the living room, there is also a murphy bed you can pull down from the wall if needed. The cabin has a full kitchen, bath, and daily mousekeeping. It also has a large deck which would be great for sitting out at night

We usually go in colder months, is it even worth it to be there then?
It's always worth it

How's the noise level from one site to the next?
We've never had a noise problem... in fact, the Fort is usually very quiet and peaceful

Is it worth it, if we won't be doing tons of activities at FW, probably just a few walks and the campfire. We are parks people.
Again, IMO it is definitely worth it. It feels a lot more relaxing than other resorts I've stayed in and after a long day in the parks, you would probably appreciate this

I've heard the internal bus system is slow. If you have a bike/golf cart can you park them at Park transfer points for the day?
Opinions vary on this, but I don't find them slow at all. Compared with experiences I've had at other resorts (POR, WL, POP, CS), I'd say the bus system is at least equal if not better. A bike or golf cart will definitely help get you to the parks quicker and yes, you can ride them to the transfer points from you site

Can you add on DP if you are in an rv?
I believe you can, but other will confirm this.

What things to do you need to bring beyond the obvious pots and pans, sheets, etc? We'd drive down so we can fill up the car.
You'd have to confirm this with whomever you rent from. A cooler is nice and you'll need towels for the pool

I think it'd be nice to sit on a lounger at night reading after a long day, to have that extra space outside, etc.
It definitely is... I hate being confined to a 300 sq ft room Just one of the many reason to stay at FW
So lost on this one, lol!

 

[alayne]

If you want to add the Dining Plan (DP) and are staying at the Fort you can.

My family of 6 is going in 7 days and this will be our first time stating at the Fort. We are on the basic dinning plan because I didn't want to cook and I didn't want to worry about paying the bill when it came.

I have never been to the Fort but I'm already excited just based on all the things I have read here and heard from my friends who have been before.

 

[gillenkl]

What things to do you need to bring beyond the obvious pots and pans, sheets, etc? We'd drive down so we can fill up the car.

if you're in a cabin, of course, some of these are provided so you wouldn't need to bring them - for example, sheets, towels, pots, pans - I believe are provided for cabins

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1115732

 

[skyp4WDW]

If you want the Dining Plan, consider going in the early Fall. If you stay in the cabins, you'll get Free Dining (which will counter the high cost of the cabins). Also, You'll be able to enjoy the pool and all of the outdoor activites at Ft Wilderness. In addition, you should consider the fact that if you rent an RV, you'll have to rent both the RV, AND the Site to park it on at Ft Wilderness.

 

[katrina1122]

All great points.

Alayne, can't wait to hear your thoughts on things.

So there's a murphy bed in the cabin? Can an adult use it? DH and I both are bed hoggers and he otfen darts to the guest room from our queen size bed because I'm pushing him out, lol. The cabin only has a full, so that's a real concern for us. When we stay at pop, we each use our own bed.

RV type? Hmmm, It doesn't have to be huge, but I don't think i'd want one with out shower/toilet so I think that rules out pop-ups right? I also am not a fan of the idea of having to climb above the front seats to get in bed. I want space where either of us can get out of bed easily without disturbing the other. I know there's comfort stations, but call me lazy, but I don't want to have to hike to the potty at 2am.

Fall, is there ususally a free DP offer then? We've gotten it in Jan and Feb before, but never really paid attention the fall months. I've always wanted to go then though.

Keep it comin' guys! Your help is greatly aprreciated!

 

[North7]

So there's a murphy bed in the cabin? Can an adult use it? DH and I both are bed hoggers and he otfen darts to the guest room from our queen size bed because I'm pushing him out, lol. The cabin only has a full, so that's a real concern for us. When we stay at pop, we each use our own bed.

RV type? Hmmm, It doesn't have to be huge, but I don't think i'd want one with out shower/toilet so I think that rules out pop-ups right? I also am not a fan of the idea of having to climb above the front seats to get in bed. I want space where either of us can get out of bed easily without disturbing the other. I know there's comfort stations, but call me lazy, but I don't want to have to hike to the potty at 2am.

Fall, is there ususally a free DP offer then? We've gotten it in Jan and Feb before, but never really paid attention the fall months. I've always wanted to go then though.

The murphy bed is fine for an adult (or even 2 if you have to).

It sounds like a 5th wheel or travel trailer would be best for your needs. Both "Make Camping Easy" and Camp at the Fort" rent bunk model 5th wheels
that would meet your multiple beds requirement and both will deliver and set up at FW. "MY RV Hotel" is another company that has had positive reviews ons here. I think they will also deliver and set up at Fort Wilderness but you should check to be sure. Make Camping Easy includes a golf cart with the rental and My RV Hotel has one you can rent for less than what you pay renting at FW.

You might want to check on the Free Dining promotion for this fall. I don't remember hearing about any public offer. I'm pretty sure I've read where some people have received a PIN offer for free dining though.

 

[skyp4WDW]

If you're not going to spend much time at Ft Wilderness, then it probably would be a better idea to stay elsewhere and just pop over for some visits. The Wilderness Lodge is a really nice alternative because you're right next door to Ft Wilderness so you can easily enjoy the Fort too. The Lodge has the same woodsy/outdoorsy feel; but it's physically much more comfortable. It's high end price wise (Deluxe), but you can get 40% off Aug. 14-Oct. 1. Another option might be Port Orleans-Riverside (Moderate). It also has the woodsy style and is really charming. Moderates are 30% off on those dates. Look at photos of the resorts on Allears.net.
FYI (Renting an RV and a site will probably cost the same or more than a nice, comfortable room and can be very challenging when you factor in things like cold or rainy weather).

 

[North7]

The Lodge has the same woodsy/outdoorsy feel; but it's physically much more comfortable.

What do you mean when you say Wilderness Lodge is "physically much more comfortable"?

FYI (Renting an RV and a site will probably cost the same or more than a nice, comfortable room and can be very challenging when you factor in things like cold or rainy weather).

Again, I'm not sure what you mean by challenging. RV's have furnaces, but I'm guessing it wouldn't be needed from August 14th to October 1st and how is rainy weather any more/less a challenge at FW compared with other Disney resorts?

For the OP, here are some numbers for you to compare during the discounted timeframe that skyp4WDW referenced. I used September 18th to the 25th (7 nights).

Wilderness Lodge - Woods view with bunk beds (cheapest option available) - $1,627

Cabins at FW - $1,592

Port Orleans Riverside - standard view - $892

FW Campsite - Premium - $545 - 5er RV Rental with golf cart included is $125 per night ($875 for 7 nights) for a total of $1,420

Hope this helps a little bit... we have friends that are considering renting an RV and staying at FW this August also.

 

[skyp4WDW]

North- I was just offering options. By the way your numbers are off... (At the Lodge, the least expensive room is the "standard"; not the "woodsview with bunkbeds" and chances are a standard will be available in September).
What I meant about camping being difficult at times is my personal opinion about camping in general. If people have not camped prior to choosing a stay at Ft Wilderness, they might not be prepared to deal with things like severe weather: heat, cold, torrential rains, tornados, etc. So I think it's a good idea to point out the possibility of being less comfortable stuck in a little trailer vs. a hotel room with Lobby, etc. Many of the amenities at the Fort are weather dependent as well. (And I have also had the pleasure of having to run my child to the comfort station in the middle of those storms...so trust me, challenging is the correct word). And finally, camping is just not the least expensive option at WDW if people have to rent a site AND a rental trailer.

 

[retired and happy]

Challenging is not the correct word if it is based on potty runs in a storm. Most camper I know of have bathrooms. And it is much more comfortable to lounge around your own campsite than to sit in a cramped room or even a resort lobby. No, you can't do everything when it rains, but there's not much to do in a hotel when it rains either. And how much park visiting are you going to do in the rain whether in a campsite or a hotel? And yes, these are MY opinions, and I happen to like the Fort and would not stay anywhere else at WDW.

 

[Born 2 Fish]

Posted this on the resort board, but they suggested I post here. I didn't even notice the board!

How's the noise level from one site to the next?

Is it worth it, if we won't be doing tons of activities at FW, probably just a few walks and the campfire. We are parks people.

What things to do you need to bring beyond the obvious pots and pans, sheets, etc? We'd drive down so we can fill up the car.

I'll answer a couple of these fer ya.

1. The noise factor shouldn't be a problem for you, I only go to the Fort once a year and the odds of us being there at the same time aren't real likely.

2. I agree with North, always worth it !

3. the OBVIOUS things to bring is a fishing pole,


Hava great trip, and we'd sure love for ya'll to post a trip report, here , on your "First Fort" camping trip after your vacation,

 

[North7]

North- I was just offering options. By the way your numbers are off... (At the Lodge, the least expensive room is the "standard"; not the "woodsview with bunkbeds" and chances are a standard will be available in September).

I realize that as I have stayed at WL before. However, during the time period I used for comparison, the woodsview with bunkbeds was the cheapest of the available rooms, which is why I mentioned that beside the price.

(And I have also had the pleasure of having to run my child to the comfort station in the middle of those storms...so trust me, challenging is the correct word). And finally, camping is just not the least expensive option at WDW if people have to rent a site AND a rental trailer.

The OP said she wanted a trailer with a shower/toilet and my recommendation of a travel trailer or 5th wheel will have that and eliminate the need to run to the comfort station in the middle of the night.

I'm not disagreeing with you whether or not renting a trailer and a site is the cheapest option for staying at WDW... I know it isn't and the numbers I included in my prior post show it isn't. However, katrina1122 never mentioned anything in her post about wanting the cheapest option. To me it sounded like she was wanting to try something new (a stay at FW) and had a few questions.

Camping at FW, whether in a cabin or a campsite, is a fun experience and it sounds like katrina1122 is wanting to try it one way or the other... I think she should

 

[katrina1122]

Thanks guys!

Yes cheap is great, we are big Pop fans, but I also love the deluxes from time to time. I've done WL so I know it's proximity to FW, and I also know that other than Hoop Dee Do we didn't do anything at FW.

So that's why FW is interesting to me. Yes, I want the best deal there, but if it's slightly more than WL it may still be an option if we'll use it.

North, where did you get your pricing comparisions from?

As to camping, I know about it. DH is an Eagle Scout, me a Silver Leader award in GS. I also spent 3 summers as a councelor at a GS resident camp in tents with cots and latrines making fires in the rain and no electricity other than at the pool and dining hall. I know we can do it, but for convience sake I don't want to have to run in the rain to the restroom. Plus the parks are exhausting and I want to wake up at 2 am and have the potty right there.

DH isn't so kean on the idea, he wants to just go to a hotel after a day in the park, so I"m looking for info to help convince him too, cost being a factor for him for sure.

 

[pooh4me]

Two old senior citizens who come to the Fort in a cabin every year because we love it and wouldn't stay any place else. The cabins supply everything you will need but I think it would be nice to have a rocking chair on the deck with the picnic table but we fly so we could not bring one with us. Just walking to the bus stop is a pleasure. You might be a return visitor if you do stay here it can not be beat. Go to www.allearsnet.com for a complete list of cook wear, ect. in the cabin, also check at the top of this forum for great info. Don't forget mousekeeping who also do the dishes.
The cabins usually have a 30% off code for the general public or 35% for annual pass holders. We time our trips so that we can get two ten day trips our annual passes. We go the first two weeks in Feb when we activate our passes and then go back the following Jan.
Have a great trip.

 

[CCIntrigue]

and I happen to like the Fort and would not stay anywhere else at WDW.

Same here! Several years ago we went down for a quick trip for our son's wedding and made the mistake of staying at POR. What a mistake!

 

[retired and happy]

If you want a rocker at a cabin and you are flying in, you can get fold-up heavy duty rockers in bags. Send them, or tie together as one bag, as baggage and rock to your heart's content.

 

[North7]

North, where did you get your pricing comparisions from?

The prices were from the Disney World web site following a link under Special Offers for the discounted rates. The rate for the 5th wheel rental came from an email I received about 2 weeks ago from one of the previously mentioned websites that rents RV's.

Hope you have a great time wherever you decide to stay