We just got back from the cabins. We were there Feb 2-8. I hate to say this but I would not stay again. I knew of the bus to catch a bus deal so we rented a golf cart. That was helpful but there were still problems. No one told us that the boat to MK didn't start until 8:30. What are you supposed to do with a BBB Appt. at 8? My wife and granddaughter were on the bus to catch the boat and the driver told her it wasn't operating until 8:30. Luckily she got special permission to drive them over to MK. Another day we couldn't leave the boat dock to MK because of fog. So we were told they would bring in buses. Went to bus stop and no one knew what we were talking about. So headed back to boat dock and they said the buses should have been running to MK.
. Finally an hour later the fog lifted and we were on our way to MK but missed rope drop. There is no convenient place to fill your mugs and no where to fill them before 730 or after 10 at night. The Cabins were OK but nothing special. My grandsons loved them so I guess thats what matters. The roof leaked and we had a puddle on the floor. We also ran out of hot water after 1 shower. I have read many great reviews about the cabins so I was surprised by this. We stayed at Riverside last year and it was much better imho. We cancelled the AOA suite because it didn't offer
free dining. If everything was the same I would have much preferred AOA. Thanks.
Thank you so much for being honest. It is a reality check! I for one, can be guilty of dreaming up the perfect vacation... I did it this past summer. We went to London, Paris, and Brussels and I just had in my head exactly how it was going to go. And then I got sick on our 4th day and stayed that way. We still had fun, but I was SO depressed for months after because it wasn't all what I had hoped. Did I learn? NOPE! I still dream big! But your story is a lesson that sometimes things just aren't what we hope for, for whatever reason(s). In your case it sounds like it was was fog combined with a bit of mismanagement and lack of communication on the part of Disney, along with hopes for a nicer cabin.
Fort Wilderness is a place that I chose because my DH can easily overdo park and crowd time. When he's done, he's done. Until then, he's fine, but when he's had enough, he really wants to be in his own space, so I thought the cabin would be nice. (We love to rent them in the Smokey Mountains!) Like you, we've stayed at POR, and loved that, but only for four days. For a whole week, I thought it would be nice to have the extra space in the cabin. But everything at Disney is a tradeoff it seems and I constantly second guess! For the extra space of the cabin, we have a bus to a bus, as you so aptly called it! And, even with all the obsessive planning I do, I'm not sure I would have known about the boat not leaving until 8. I'm so glad the bus driver took you right there - that's Disney, swooping in to save the day when given the chance. (One time, after waking DD9 up on her birthday, and announcing that we were going to Disney, our plane was then stuck on a runway for five hours, and we had tickets that night to Mickey's Very Merry Xmas Party. We got to the MK gate at 11pm. One hour left of the party, and we'd missed the fireworks and the parade. The castmember at customer service let us in AND gave us tickets to the next party. And he also told me to stop crying because I was at Disney now and it was all going to be ok. I'll never forget that, not so much for the free ticket, but for what he said. He was my friend when he knew I needed one!)
I'm so sorry FW wasn't all it was cracked up to be for you. Thank you for bringing us back down to earth. I've heard the cabins are not as plush as a hotel room - they are simple, rustic, but comfortable, but that is not widely stated. Definitely NOT the chalets of the Smokies! lol
Also, I am on the fence with the golf cart, but according to you, I should definitely get it, so I thank you for helping with that decision.
Now, you can cross Fort Wilderness off your list (been THERE, done THAT, moving ON!) Hopefully, as time passes, and as you look at your photos, the good stuff will start to outweigh the bad (this is happening as I look at my pics from Europe.) And, it's so hard to beat POR - we love the rooms in the Alligator Bayou. I see nothing wrong in staying in the same place each time, where you know you'll feel at home! I'm hoping FW will be good for us, and still looking forward to it, but so glad you shared your story. I hope you'll go back to Disney soon for a "Bounce Back Trip"!
and maybe some more trip planning 
Thanks for the info on the boat/buses. I'm like you with the pools....must be a little on the warm side for me to swim 
I certainly don't like being cold!
I'm sure you will have a fabulous time! Of course I totally get why FW cabins are your fav 
I can never keep my mouth shut. 
(I'm right there with him-gotta have my Starbucks daily
Horrid weather for y'all! And sorry to hear about your wife...being sick and cold weather are the pits. Hope she is doing much better. The winter weather this year has been unbelievable. At least y'all can look on the bright side..... 40 more days and you will be 
headed to the World!!!! Exciting!! 
to help melt those snowbanks that surround your camper!!
Hope you're doing well and not under the weather, too.
It's killing me but my sister doesn't want to hear the kids ask 'how many days left?' For more than a week. If I tell DS he will tell his cousins immediately!
Dreams do come true at Disney!!! 
