Disney's FORT WILDERNESS CABINS & CAMPGROUNDS Thread

[KonaKaiTom]

Yes, but I believe it doesn't open until later in the afternoon -- I think it is at the Trail's End.

Tom

 

[mommyrosa2]

Next month, I booked a sleigh ride as a surprise for my girls and am a little confused on where I have to go exactly. We're staying at CSR and will have a car on this trip...can we just drive over?

 

[tobikaye]

Next month, I booked a sleigh ride as a surprise for my girls and am a little confused on where I have to go exactly. We're staying at CSR and will have a car on this trip...can we just drive over?

Yes, you will have to park in the guest parking at the resort entrance, Outpost Depot, and then take any of the internal buses that show to the Settlement Depot. Many people complain about the internal buses, but I have not had any problems when I have used them during my stay at FW.

FW MAP
(Outpost is on the right side of the map and Settlement on the left side of map.)

 

[staceyrhood]

Scanning through the thread, but have a question. I see a quick service restaurant, but is there a bar anywhere? Nothing fancy, just looking to see if there is a place to sit in the afternoon and have a cocktail.

It is called Crockett's Tavern, they have an indoor bar and a serving window on the porch to grab a cocktail and sit outside. It is located at the settlement attached to Trails End. It usually opens around 3:30/4:00

 

[thegales]

Yes, you will have to park in the guest parking at the resort entrance, Outpost Depot, and then take any of the internal buses that show to the Settlement Depot. Many people complain about the internal buses, but I have not had any problems when I have used them during my stay at FW. FW MAP (Outpost is on the right side of the map and Settlement on the left side of map.)

Just wanted to reiterate tobikaye's comment about the internal buses. When you arrive at the resort, the guard should be able to show you where the parking and the Outpost Depot are located. You can take any of the three different internal buses to the Settlement Depot. Because you have three choices, it shouldn't be too long for a bus to arrive. The internal bus ride may take a total of 10 minutes to get to Settlement with the various stops along the way. It might be a 5 minute leisurely stroll to the area to check in for the sleigh ride.

 

[sndral]

Does anyone know when campers remove their Christmas decorations? Are they typically gone by 12/26, for example, or would there still be some up the first week of January?
Thx.

 

[hstrickland]

Thanks so much!! You answered some important questions!! Arrive at the trail before dark - very important!! And bus to the campfire and back! Just what I was looking for!! Thanks for taking the time to answer!!

You're very welcome! Enjoy your planning!!

Be careful on the trail -- we ran into one of the orignal residents of the area -- the kind they make expensive shoes out of.

Tom

WHAT?! You could be referring to one of two things And I'm hoping it was a smaller version of what I'm picturing in my mind.

Does anyone know when campers remove their Christmas decorations? Are they typically gone by 12/26, for example, or would there still be some up the first week of January?
Thx.

We were there last year right after Christmas and everything was still up. However....things will probably start coming down right after New Years.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

WHAT?! You could be referring to one of two things And I'm hoping it was a smaller version of what I'm picturing in my mind.

If we were playing jeopardy -- the answer is "It has 4 legs, a long tail, lots of teeth and has a college football team in Florida named after it."

Tom

 

[sndral]

...

We were there last year right after Christmas and everything was still up. However....things will probably start coming down right after New Years.

Thank you - we arrive @ WDW New Year's Day and I was thinking we might try to do a carriage ride the following week on the night we will be @ FW for the late HDD show.

 

[Sarah_Rose]

Alright, I just did it. I changed my January 8-17 reservation at a partial hookup site to a January 8-14 reservation in the cabins.

We're going for Marathon Weekend, and my husband is running the half marathon and I'm running the Goofy (half and full marathon). My parents were going to be traveling with us, and were going to watch our two kids during the half marathon. Circumstances have changed with my father's health, and they can no longer make the trip, so we have to use a babysitting service on the morning of the half marathon. Which meant giving up my partial hookup site.

So, we had to make the decision - stay at a value or moderate for the original 10 day trip.... or shave off a few days, and stay at the FW Cabins. NO QUESTION!


I think they're in it for the marshmallows.

I'm a little sad to be giving up the coziness of the 2000 loop, but we're excited to check out the cabins this time!

Anyway, I can't wait! We're 45 days away from our trip!

 

[KonaKaiTom]

How much time between the half and the full? How do you recover?

Tom

 

[Sarah_Rose]

How much time between the half and the full? How do you recover?

Tom

The half is Saturday morning and the full is Sunday morning. This will be my 3rd Goofy and last year I did the Dopey Challenge, which is the 5K, 10K, half, and full on four consecutive days.

As for recovery.... there are lots of strategies, but my running buddy and I prefer to run the half pretty slowly - about 3 minutes per mile slower than the pace that we run the marathon at the next day - so that recovery is pretty minimal. And then lots of stretching, rolling, and FOOD for the rest of the day.

 

[7KLucky]

Hi all of you wonderful Disney Gurus! I'm a nervous wreck as I prepare to submit and put down our deposit for our July vacation.
We have visited 5 times with our children:
2001 ASM
2002 CBR
2004 ASSports
2006 POP
2010 POP

We have 5 children and we want to bring them back to the magic but the expense of two rooms is just so much. Our oldest is graduating from High School this year and this is his last family vacation request...... I've explored every money saving tip I can find and we have decided to Rent an RV and stay at Ft Wilderness. I'm frugal and not accustomed to luxury, but I have also never camped before.
I don't know that you can call staying in an RV actually camping, but I hope you know what I mean....

The descriptions on this site and others are extremely enticing. In part I am happy about the relaxed atmosphere people describe. On the other hand, I don't want my kids to miss out on the "magic of Disney" because mom and dad have to save a buck.

We are spending 10 nights at Ft Wilderness. We plan to go to Universal 2 days in between 6 days at the parks. Surely that will bring enough magic right? This is the "chill" away from the hustle and bustle right?

Going during non peak season isn't an option because both my husband and I are teachers. I'm just a mom of a large family that wants to provide my kids with memories that will last forever .

 

[7KLucky]

Sarah Rose ~
My dad is a coach for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. He just completed his 100th marathon in Athens, Greece a few weeks ago. He will be doing the Goofy (this is his 4th-5th time). Best of luck to you

 

[hstrickland]

If we were playing jeopardy -- the answer is "It has 4 legs, a long tail, lots of teeth and has a college football team in Florida named after it."

Tom

Those things are definitely very common in FL! You see small gators quite frequently in the lakes, but come to think of it....we've never seen any sizable ones. Guess Disney takes care of those

Thank you - we arrive @ WDW New Year's Day and I was thinking we might try to do a carriage ride the following week on the night we will be @ FW for the late HDD show.

I was curious myself about when the decorations would definitely be down, and my friend that works there said they usually start taking things apart on Jan. 2. Of course that doesn't mean the "campers" have to remove decorations...just Disney.

Have y'all ever done the HDDR?? We LOVE it...especially my kids. Great food and fabulous entertainment. Be prepared to laugh!!!

Alright, I just did it. I changed my January 8-17 reservation at a partial hookup site to a January 8-14 reservation in the cabins.

We're going for Marathon Weekend, and my husband is running the half marathon and I'm running the Goofy (half and full marathon). My parents were going to be traveling with us, and were going to watch our two kids during the half marathon. Circumstances have changed with my father's health, and they can no longer make the trip, so we have to use a babysitting service on the morning of the half marathon. Which meant giving up my partial hookup site.

So, we had to make the decision - stay at a value or moderate for the original 10 day trip.... or shave off a few days, and stay at the FW Cabins. NO QUESTION!

Good choice!!!

I think they're in it for the marshmallows.

Yep!!Definitely the marshmallows! What a precious picture!

I'm a little sad to be giving up the coziness of the 2000 loop, but we're excited to check out the cabins this time!

Anyway, I can't wait! We're 45 days away from our trip!

Your experience will certainly be different in a cabin, but I bet you'll still totally enjoy it!

I always wondered about the kid thing and races. Several years ago, I signed up for the Princess Half, and DH and I decided to leave the 2 little ones at home and only take the oldest. Unfortunately I had a knee injury and never made the race Nor will I be making any other races...no long distance running for me...ever again.

Best of luck to you Sounds like a fabulous time!!

The half is Saturday morning and the full is Sunday morning. This will be my 3rd Goofy and last year I did the Dopey Challenge, which is the 5K, 10K, half, and full on four consecutive days.

As for recovery.... there are lots of strategies, but my running buddy and I prefer to run the half pretty slowly - about 3 minutes per mile slower than the pace that we run the marathon at the next day - so that recovery is pretty minimal. And then lots of stretching, rolling, and FOOD for the rest of the day.

.... ....

I like the "FOOD" part!

Hi all of you wonderful Disney Gurus! I'm a nervous wreck as I prepare to submit and put down our deposit for our July vacation.
We have visited 5 times with our children:
2001 ASM
2002 CBR
2004 ASSports
2006 POP
2010 POP

We have 5 children and we want to bring them back to the magic but the expense of two rooms is just so much. Our oldest is graduating from High School this year and this is his last family vacation request...... I've explored every money saving tip I can find and we have decided to Rent an RV and stay at Ft Wilderness. I'm frugal and not accustomed to luxury, but I have also never camped before.
I don't know that you can call staying in an RV actually camping, but I hope you know what I mean....

The descriptions on this site and others are extremely enticing. In part I am happy about the relaxed atmosphere people describe. On the other hand, I don't want my kids to miss out on the "magic of Disney" because mom and dad have to save a buck.

We are spending 10 nights at Ft Wilderness. We plan to go to Universal 2 days in between 6 days at the parks. Surely that will bring enough magic right? This is the "chill" away from the hustle and bustle right?

Going during non peak season isn't an option because both my husband and I are teachers. I'm just a mom of a large family that wants to provide my kids with memories that will last forever .

I'm a teacher, too It's a great job for parents My husband often says he should have been a teacher then we would have ALL of our holidays and summers together.



First of all....you WILL NOT be missing out on the Disney magic by staying in an RV at the Fort. NO WAY!! In fact, there is soooo much to do there that other resorts don't offer.



The Chip n' Dale Campfire is GREAT!!! Our kids loved it! Get there early and grab a front row seat. You'll have fabulous interaction with the characters, and lots of family fun. Of course, the s'mores are a big hit, too.


At night, go down to the beach and watch the Electric Water Pageant and the fireworks Again...more awesome family time! And very relaxing if you get there early and save a lounge chair.



You can rent bikes or bring them (not sure if you are driving or flying). There's a great path/trail that leads over to the Wilderness Lodge. You can walk or ride bikes... just no golf carts


In the afternoons at the pool, they have games for the family. The pool is very large, so even if there are lots of people it's no big deal.


Have you been over to the Camping Forum on the DisBoards? They are super friendly and know LOTS of "dos and don't" about RVing.


No worries about not enjoying the Fort Your family will have a great time there...promise

Happy Planning!!!

Sarah Rose ~
My dad is a coach for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. He just completed his 100th marathon in Athens, Greece a few weeks ago. He will be doing the Goofy (this is his 4th-5th time). Best of luck to you

WOW!!!! That's really quite an accomplishment.

 

[kellody1113]

Hi all of you wonderful Disney Gurus! I'm a nervous wreck as I prepare to submit and put down our deposit for our July vacation. We have visited 5 times with our children: 2001 ASM 2002 CBR 2004 ASSports 2006 POP 2010 POP We have 5 children and we want to bring them back to the magic but the expense of two rooms is just so much. Our oldest is graduating from High School this year and this is his last family vacation request...... I've explored every money saving tip I can find and we have decided to Rent an RV and stay at Ft Wilderness. I'm frugal and not accustomed to luxury, but I have also never camped before. I don't know that you can call staying in an RV actually camping, but I hope you know what I mean.... The descriptions on this site and others are extremely enticing. In part I am happy about the relaxed atmosphere people describe. On the other hand, I don't want my kids to miss out on the "magic of Disney" because mom and dad have to save a buck. We are spending 10 nights at Ft Wilderness. We plan to go to Universal 2 days in between 6 days at the parks. Surely that will bring enough magic right? This is the "chill" away from the hustle and bustle right? Going during non peak season isn't an option because both my husband and I are teachers. I'm just a mom of a large family that wants to provide my kids with memories that will last forever .

I have the best memories of camping in our camper with my family! Ft. Wilderness is definitely "chill" and very relaxing. There are TONS of activities there for all your kids--swimming, biking, kayaking, and even archery! I always loved staying there. Even when it's peak season, you won't have that crowded feeling there.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

The half is Saturday morning and the full is Sunday morning. This will be my 3rd Goofy and last year I did the Dopey Challenge, which is the 5K, 10K, half, and full on four consecutive days.

As for recovery.... there are lots of strategies, but my running buddy and I prefer to run the half pretty slowly - about 3 minutes per mile slower than the pace that we run the marathon at the next day - so that recovery is pretty minimal. And then lots of stretching, rolling, and FOOD for the rest of the day.

Thanks and good luck -- when I start going that many miles, I am on my bike -- that's impressive as hell!

Tom

 

[WDWKOOK]

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[hannahinwales]

Hi there, can anyone tell me how busy these get? I am looking at the $8 ones on a communal wagon. I was wondering if there were massive queues for them and how early I needed to queue up for them. We would be going in 2nd half of August if that makes any difference. Thank you.

 

[hstrickland]

I have the best memories of camping in our camper with my family! Ft. Wilderness is definitely "chill" and very relaxing. There are TONS of activities there for all your kids--swimming, biking, kayaking, and even archery! I always loved staying there. Even when it's peak season, you won't have that crowded feeling there.

So true The place is huge!!!

Hi there, can anyone tell me how busy these get? I am looking at the $8 ones on a communal wagon. I was wondering if there were massive queues for them and how early I needed to queue up for them. We would be going in 2nd half of August if that makes any difference. Thank you.

You're referring to the Wagon Rides at the Fort, correct? Unfortunately I can't answer your question completely...it really depends on the night you go and the crowd factor....for example a Tuesday night versus a Saturday night. There isn't a lengthy queue per se. To be on the safe side, I would definitely arrive early...just check for times.