Disney's FORT WILDERNESS CABINS & CAMPGROUNDS Thread

[Mydreams]

Hi Cathy

It shouldn't take you any longer than 10 or 15 minutes tops to drive. Make sure you factor in some time for walking from the DHS parking lot to the actual park...it can take a while depending on where you end up. They usually open the park before 9 and let the crowds gather on the main street. If you're trying to make Rope Drop, you might want to be in line by at least 8:30ish. It gets fairly crowded.

Have fun planning!!

Thanks Heather! Now I have another question. I thought that I read somewhere that you could see the Wishes fireworks from the beach at Fort Wilderness and somewhere I thought I read that they piped the music is also. Do you, or anyone know if any of that is true?
Cathy

 

[bjschil]

We should get out around 10:30. MK closes at 10 that night. Will they still let me on the boat to get back to MK?

After each and every HDDR show, there are resort busses that will take you to your resort. You may make several stops at other resorts. The boat will still run, but it would be quicker after the show to take the bus back to your resort. The bus pickup is a short distance from Pioneer Hall, and there will be CM to guide you. Enjoy, this is a wonder show.

 

[hstrickland]

This morning, I snagged a reservation for Hoop Dee Doo for next Wednesday! The site says the show lasts 2 hours. Is that accurate? It will be our first time visiting the Fort and am curious as to how to get to Pioneer Hall. I read something about an internal shuttle...
Also, we will have a car but with the alcohol factor, it might be better to get there another way. If I wanted to toy with other means of transportation (staying at ASMu), would the best way be to take the bus to AK then jump the bus to Ft Wilderness then taxi back home? We are taking advantage of TiW with the last show and not sure if any park buses will still be running... Thanks!

I would recommend taking the bus from ASMu to MK, then the boat to Fort Wilderness. I would also do the same to return. You can also do bus to MK, walk to Contemp, boat to Fort Wilderness, but I believe the first option is easier and possibly quicker. When you get off the boat at Fort Wilderness, you will walk up the dock, and just through the trees, you will see Pioneer Hall on the right. I can't be missed!!

Excellent advice!! And bjschil is spot on, too! No need for you to drive over. Take advantage of the Disney transportation

I am so excited! Original plan was to leave home around 11pm and drive 8 hours to Disney while attempting to sleep and my insomniac friend would be the driver, then dropping luggage at FW and heading straight into MK. Luckily we are now able to leave earlier so we decided to check in the night before! We still won't get in until late at night but it will be so good to check in, get everything set out in the morning, and sleep in the Cabins.

Yay for another night! Y'all will be more rested this way for sure!!!

Thanks Heather! Now I have another question. I thought that I read somewhere that you could see the Wishes fireworks from the beach at Fort Wilderness and somewhere I thought I read that they piped the music is also. Do you, or anyone know if any of that is true?
Cathy

I do know you can see them. Of course the view is going to be obstructed. But if you're already there, why not try it. Some have said you can't hear the music, while others are saying you can hear it but the music will not be in sync with the fireworks because of the distance. Don't know that for a fact, though.

 

[twinsmama]

Thanks Heather! Now I have another question. I thought that I read somewhere that you could see the Wishes fireworks from the beach at Fort Wilderness and somewhere I thought I read that they piped the music is also. Do you, or anyone know if any of that is true?
Cathy

We got really lucky and happened to be leaving Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary right before wishes started. We were the only family on the boat and the driver (captain?) stopped it so that we could watch Wishes from the water. The view was amazing!!! I am going to attempt to do the same this year, even if the boat didn't stop we would still have gotten a nice view.

 

[hawgwilld]

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!! Fort Wilderness News and Other Pertinent Stuff for Campers http://s560.photobucket.com/user/hs...ness Thread/musketmickey_zps58dd64cc.jpg.html Tri-Circle-D Ranch introduces their newest members to the family! Two New Clydesdales! Movie Schedule October http://s560.photobucket.com/user/hs...lderness Thread/IMG_5182_zps1e08e886.jpg.html How's that weather in Orlando????? The forecast is just one click away! Orlando Weather Report How about a Cabin/campsite marker??? This is a great template for DisMembers! http://s560.photobucket.com/user/hs...d-40e6-8289-c4aaecc2c927_zpsda054e03.jpg.html Template for Sign Compliments of bama_ed on the Camping Forum New Magic Bands, anyone??? For curious minds, click on the link below for very detailed information about the new Magic Bands and Key To the World Cards....compliments of WDWKOOK from her Christmas Trip Report at the WL. Magic Band Info Who's vacationing at Fort Wilderness? Post or PM your resort and dates, and we'll be happy to post them here! *summersalt: October 10 - FW Cabin *iheartMagicKingdom: October - FW Cabin *postcardguy: October 19-26 - FW Cabin (1st time at the Fort!!) *doughcwjt: October 30 - FW Cabin (MNSSHP & MVMCP) *nataliej_vk: November - FW Cabin *sarahmae3: November - FW Cabin *mkymouse40: November 12-19 *pcarathers: November 15-22 - FW Cabin (FREE DINING!) *tiggerdad: Novembr 15-23 - Premium Campsite (Going Home!) *Bayoumama: November 30-December 7 - Campsite (Adults only!) *princessluvsapirate : November 30-December 5 - FW Cabin (Baby's First Trip!!) *CJsMom: December 1-6 - FW Cabin *krosmith: December 1-10 - FW Cabin *urbanhooligan: December 4-8 - (MVMCP!) *aprilmichelle: December 12-19 - FW Cabin *Luv Tink: December 13-26 - FW Cabin (FREE DINING at Christmas!) *twinsmama: December 18- FW Cabin *Mydreams: December 21-27 - FW Cabin (Christmas at the Fort!!!) *rosa727: May - Campsite (A Happy Birthday Trip!!)

dec7-12 checking out the Christmas lights

 

[DrummerDad]

Thanks Heather! Now I have another question. I thought that I read somewhere that you could see the Wishes fireworks from the beach at Fort Wilderness and somewhere I thought I read that they piped the music is also. Do you, or anyone know if any of that is true?
Cathy

In September we were able to see them very well from the beach. Some of the very low level ones were obstructed but it was still fun enough that we went twice that week to watch from the beach.

The music was piped in one day, and very well synchronized. It was not piped in 2 days later. It was kind of strange watching the fireworks with the banjo type music coming through the speakers.

 

[hstrickland]

dec7-12 checking out the Christmas lights

Christmas Lights are always a good thing!!! Your trip is sooooo close!

We got really lucky and happened to be leaving Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary right before wishes started. We were the only family on the boat and the driver (captain?) stopped it so that we could watch Wishes from the water. The view was amazing!!! I am going to attempt to do the same this year, even if the boat didn't stop we would still have gotten a nice view.

Wow! Y'all did get super lucky! That doesn't happen often. Here's a little hoping you can catch the fireworks again via boat

In September we were able to see them very well from the beach. Some of the very low level ones were obstructed but it was still fun enough that we went twice that week to watch from the beach.

The music was piped in one day, and very well synchronized. It was not piped in 2 days later. It was kind of strange watching the fireworks with the banjo type music coming through the speakers.

I'll have to agree....that would definitely be weird!

 

[Mydreams]

How long is the Castle lighting show that start at 6:15 ( I think)? We have dinner reservations at The Plaza at 6:20. Do you think we would be able to see it before we go in to eat? Or should I try to change our dinner time?
Cathy

 

[Koh1977]

Does anyone have the Christmas holiday schedule/activities at the Fort from last year? Thanks!!

 

[kaybird]

dec7-12 checking out the Christmas lights

December 12-18 for us! See you there!

 

[hawgwilld]

Cool
Never been there at xmas time before and can't wait to see how the fort and the kingdom looks.

 

[Koh1977]

Why so quiet in here??

 

[hawgwilld]

Everybody must be at the park
Hehehe

 

[MagicalEars]

Does anyone have pics/info on any handicap cabins?

We arrive on the 10th and my wife just severely sprained her ankle. She can't put any real weight on it yet and will be in a wheelchair while in the parks. We were gonna stick with a normal cabin and I would just help her up the stairs. Now I'm wondering if we should get a handicap cabin if available.

Also, does anyone know if there is one in every loop, or are there only a few in certain loops. We still might stick with a normal cabin and even bring our own shower chair.

Anyway, any info/pics would be awesome. I didn't see anything about it on the first few pages, so sorry if I missed it elsewhere.

Thanks!

 

[hawgwilld]

Not sure where they're situated but there's lots of photos of accessible cabins on disneys website

 

[tobikaye]

Does anyone have pics/info on any handicap cabins?

We arrive on the 10th and my wife just severely sprained her ankle. She can't put any real weight on it yet and will be in a wheelchair while in the parks. We were gonna stick with a normal cabin and I would just help her up the stairs. Now I'm wondering if we should get a handicap cabin if available.

Also, does anyone know if there is one in every loop, or are there only a few in certain loops. We still might stick with a normal cabin and even bring our own shower chair.

Anyway, any info/pics would be awesome. I didn't see anything about it on the first few pages, so sorry if I missed it elsewhere.

Thanks!

This thread has my pictures of a HA roll-in shower cabin: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2493721.

If you need a HA cabin, I would call immediately as they can go quick. They have roll-in and tub style HA bathrooms. I think they are scattered through a few of the loops. The one in the photos was in the 2800 loop near the loop entrance.

 

[tinkerdorabelle]

We never were at the campgrounds and recently purchased a sprinter van camper. We have an inflatable kayak. Read something about kayaking here? What would be the best camping area for a smaller motorhome near the water area for kayaking? We do want sewer also. Also would like to know your best camp spots and why.

 

[MagicalEars]

Thanks very much for the info on the accessible cabins. Can't believe I missed the pics on the official site. I'm gonna call about them, but my wife hates the idea of having to use one and taking it from someone who has a permanent disability.

Another question if I may....

Our first day there we have a dinner at Hollywood and Vine in HS. How much of a pain would it be to transportation hop to get there? I'm not a fan of the rolling petri dish (bus), and was thinking about using the boat to MK--->monorail to Epcot--->walk out the world showcase and take the boat to HS route. Doable, especially on the return trip at night, or suck it up and take the bus? I figured driving there might be a pain as we'd have less parking options late in the day.

 

[tobikaye]

Thanks very much for the info on the accessible cabins. Can't believe I missed the pics on the official site. I'm gonna call about them, but my wife hates the idea of having to use one and taking it from someone who has a permanent disability.

Another question if I may....

Our first day there we have a dinner at Hollywood and Vine in HS. How much of a pain would it be to transportation hop to get there? I'm not a fan of the rolling petri dish (bus), and was thinking about using the boat to MK--->monorail to Epcot--->walk out the world showcase and take the boat to HS route. Doable, especially on the return trip at night, or suck it up and take the bus? I figured driving there might be a pain as we'd have less parking options late in the day.

If your wife needs the additional help, even temporary help, I would sugest seeing if there is a HA cabin available. Believe me when my mom broke her ankle, she would have had a difficult time using her normal shoer. Luckily my sister's bathroom had been redone for accessibility.

I would take the bus to DHS or drive, if you go the FW-MK-Epcot-DHS route, you would need to allow 2-2.5 hours once you add in waits and walking times. Not counting any wait times or walking, you are looking at about 40-50 minutes on boats or monorails.

FW-MK via boat: 10-15 minutes
MK-TTC via express monorail: 5-10 minutes
TTC-Epcot via monorail: 7-10 minutes
Epcot-DHS via boat: 10-20 minutes (not certain on this, but it seemed long just from BC to Epcot)

I would do the DHS-Epcot-TTC-MK or Contemporary-FW route back if Epcot has not closed by the time you would get to the IG. Then you could stop along the way if you are not too rushed to get back.

My parents did Epcot back to FW via monorail, since it was just pulling in, to TTC monorail to MK boat to FW while my sister and I drove back. We were just starting the car as they pulled out of Epcot on the monorail. My sister and I had gotten back to the cabin, changed shoes, had something to drink before my parents called to tell us they were getting ready to get on the boat. We got in the golf cart and drove and park near the marina as the boat was just docking. It took them about 40 minutes and that was with waits less than 5 minutes at each transfer, which was very rare that trip.

 

[tobikaye]

We never were at the campgrounds and recently purchased a sprinter van camper. We have an inflatable kayak. Read something about kayaking here? What would be the best camping area for a smaller motorhome near the water area for kayaking? We do want sewer also. Also would like to know your best camp spots and why.

I would suggest you check out the camping forum. They have a lot more information on the camping sites. I do not think you are allowed to use your own kayaks, canoes, or boats at FW. I also think that the spots to put into the canals are set and not near the sites, but near Meadows Trading where they rent them out.