Disney's FORT WILDERNESS CABINS & CAMPGROUNDS Thread

[hstrickland]

(repost from general resort forum)

I've heard mixed things about transportation from the cabins at Ft Wilderness. If you can give me any input based on our family info, that would be great. If you include your own experiences for comparison that can help as well.

We have stayed at POFQ, CSR & CBR so far. We did not enjoy CBR as much due to the # of stops within CBR. POFQ has been our favorite and we've stay there twice. It always felt like the TOTAL trip time to the resorts (from leaving our room to arriving at park) was the shortest compared to CSR & especially CBR.

Our trip will have me, DH, and our 1 yo, 4 yo, 6 yo, and 9 yo. We will have two strollers. We would NOT be renting a golf cart (partially due to cost and partially due to size of our family + strollers).

We will be at the parks for 9 days. 4 of those days will be MK, 2 EP, 2 AK, and 1 HS. We also visit DTD several times during our trip. We do come back EVERY day for afternoon rests.

Based on our history and what parks we are visiting, how will our TOTAL transportation time compare with the moderates given that we'll need to take the internal bus to either another bus or the boat?

Thanks for any input! This is our first trip that we've outgrown the 1 standard room at the mods...so we're trying to figure out our best (affordable) option. (We still fit into a POR AB room...but for 10 nights that doesn't sound very enjoyable).

Hi there! I'm not going to be a huge help with transportation questions because we've never used the internal buses. When waiting for a bus to and from the parks, it's been fine. I've had longer waits at the Poly and WL Jeepin Dad only had one major hang up with the internal buses while they were there...he said all was good. We always plan for an hour to get to the parks no matter where we stay...ya just never know. When going to the MK, you can take the internal bus then the boat. Again, I would probably give myself 45 minutes to an hour just to be on the safe side. I'm not a big bus fan, but my DH loves them! He continually tells me it's all part of the Disney experience

OK,OK you can stop pressuring me, I've started the TR.

I am so glad that I have found this thread! I am planning a trip to WDW for June 2015. My plan is to get 3 cabins, 1 for my husband and I, 1 for my daughter and her husband and 2 children and 1 for my son and wife and 2 children. I know that two cabins would work, but each of my children have a toddler and I am thinking it will be much easier for them to get the little ones to sleep if the cabin isn't full of other people.

YES!!! 3 cabins !!! Sounds like a super fun trip for everyone!! We always take my parents...wouldn't be the same without them

One of my questions is this, if I rent a golf cart or two, and we drive them to catch the bus to the other parks, or to the marina to catch the boat to the Magic Kingdom, is there parking for the golf carts at the bus stops? And how do you know which cart is yours if there are a ton of carts parked there? Are they marked somehow with your cabin number or name?

Lots of people mark their carts with bows or Disney paraphernalia! The crazier the better Can't decide what I'm going to do with ours, yet...

Okay, that is the first of many questions to come, lol. This will be our first trip ever to any Disney property. It has been my dream forever, and will probably be a once in a lifetime trip for me, but I am hoping that my children and their children have the opportunity to make it more than just this once.

Thanks in advance for your help....

Cathy

OMG!! Your first trip!!! That's so exciting!!! Glad to see you're planning early....never to early to start planning a Disney trip. The more informed you are, the better I'm a bit over the top with my planning, but it works for us!

We are thinking about the cabins for a Nov '15 trip ...

GREAT idea!!! Lots of fun to be had at the cabins!

Horsing Around at Tri-Circle-D Ranch!
Disney Parks Blog​

Many thanks kind Kook!! You are the queen Disney information

 

[pas130]

Wanted to say hiya Heather

 

[Jeepin Dad]

Hi there! I'm not going to be a huge help with transportation questions because we've never used the internal buses. When waiting for a bus to and from the parks, it's been fine. I've had longer waits at the Poly and WL Jeepin Dad only had one major hang up with the internal buses while they were there...he said all was good. We always plan for an hour to get to the parks no matter where we stay...ya just never know. When going to the MK, you can take the internal bus then the boat. Again, I would probably give myself 45 minutes to an hour just to be on the safe side. I'm not a big bus fan, but my DH loves them! He continually tells me it's all part of the Disney experience

And our transportation hiccup wasn't at the Fort it was at the Polynesian after our breakfast at Ohana, at the Fort we never waited more than 10 minutes for a bus or boat the whole week we were there.

 

[Mydreams]

Yes, can you believe it will be my first trip, and probably my only trip to Disney World. I am 64 and hubby is 69 and not walking around to good these days. But, I am hoping that, if I can pull this trip off, that it will start a tradition for my children. I just can't bear the thought that they may end up my age and realize they have never been or taken their children!

They need to hurry up with the package prices for 2015! I can't wait much longer...I want to see how much it will cost so that I can figure how many days we can stay, lol!

We will be driving from Texas and will meet up at my daughters home in Gulfport, MS. And then continue on to Florida. I had originally planned to surprise them all with this for Christmas this year, but when I realized that some popular things can be booked 180 days in advance, i decided to go ahead and tell my son and daughter so that they would have time to research with me so we can plan together.

Cathy

 

[hstrickland]

Wanted to say hiya Heather

Hi there, friend! So glad you stopped by to say hello. I've been MIA Like y'all, we're super busy - not complaining, though - enjoying every minute of the kids' activities. Think I'll pop-in on the RC thread today

And our transportation hiccup wasn't at the Fort it was at the Polynesian after our breakfast at Ohana, at the Fort we never waited more than 10 minutes for a bus or boat the whole week we were there.

Oops Thanks for clarifying! That's even better news for the Fort transportation. When we stayed at the Poly, we had issues, too. Nothing that would prevent me from going back, but the waits were a bit long.

Now I'm going over to your thread to finish reading

Yes, can you believe it will be my first trip, and probably my only trip to Disney World. I am 64 and hubby is 69 and not walking around to good these days. But, I am hoping that, if I can pull this trip off, that it will start a tradition for my children. I just can't bear the thought that they may end up my age and realize they have never been or taken their children!

That is so sweet And ya know, you're never too old to go to Disney. My parents are 69 years young and love it! In fact they'll be on our trip this June and on our Disney cruise next year. I bet your family will love it, especially since you're putting so much heart into it. Let us know if we can help you plan and answer questions!!

They need to hurry up with the package prices for 2015! I can't wait much longer...I want to see how much it will cost so that I can figure how many days we can stay, lol!

We will be driving from Texas and will meet up at my daughters home in Gulfport, MS. And then continue on to Florida. I had originally planned to surprise them all with this for Christmas this year, but when I realized that some popular things can be booked 180 days in advance, i decided to go ahead and tell my son and daughter so that they would have time to research with me so we can plan together.

Cathy

Sounds awesome!! You can always go ahead and plug in June 2014 dates and get an idea of what things may cost. At least that will give you an idea of what you're working with. Fort Wilderness - IMO- is a great value because you get extra space plus a full kitchen. Since you're driving, you'll be able to run to the grocery store and get food. We always eat breakfast in the cabin, and sometimes get take-out and bring it back for dinner....saves us money. Be sure to plan some downtime at the Fort. Soooooo many fun activities to do at the campgrounds.

Enjoy planning!!!

 

[jhornbeck]

I need help, planning a family reunion at the Cabins. We need three cabins, one booked as a Florida resident, one booked with DVC ( now allowed) and one booked out of state no discount. How can we book these cabins together??

 

[amberohio]

Does anyone know how long it takes to walk from the fort to the wilderness lodge? We are trying to figure out transportation for an early ADR and I read that the lodge buses start earlier.

 

[Mydreams]

That is so sweet And ya know, you're never too old to go to Disney. My parents are 69 years young and love it! In fact they'll be on our trip this June and on our Disney cruise next year. I bet your family will love it, especially since you're putting so much heart into it. Let us know if we can help you plan and answer questions!!


Sounds awesome!! You can always go ahead and plug in June 2014 dates and get an idea of what things may cost. At least that will give you an idea of what you're working with. Fort Wilderness - IMO- is a great value because you get extra space plus a full kitchen. Since you're driving, you'll be able to run to the grocery store and get food. We always eat breakfast in the cabin, and sometimes get take-out and bring it back for dinner....saves us money. Be sure to plan some downtime at the Fort. Soooooo many fun activities to do at the campgrounds.


Enjoy planning!!![/QUOTE]

Yes, I have already plugged in the dates for June 2014 to get an idea. Still, I can't wait to get confirmed prices. I think I am just so anxious to say "I am booked!"

 

[blackdogg]

Just added a couple of days in the cabins before we scoot over to the BC for a fam reunion trip a little early Super excited about staying at FW for the first time! Have Hoop De Doo set up and all I was wondering if parking at the cabin would be ok for 2 cars? Also thoughts on needing a golf cart for just the 2 days? We won't be going to the parks ~ just hanging out around FW so I wasn't certain if that would be a yay or nay yet

 

[pas130]

Hi there, friend! So glad you stopped by to say hello. I've been MIA Like y'all, we're super busy - not complaining, though - enjoying every minute of the kids' activities. Think I'll pop-in on the RC thread today

No worries, I am not on as much as I would like, so I figured I'd find you to say hello!!

 

[thegales]

Just added a couple of days in the cabins before we scoot over to the BC for a fam reunion trip a little early Super excited about staying at FW for the first time! Have Hoop De Doo set up and all I was wondering if parking at the cabin would be ok for 2 cars? Also thoughts on needing a golf cart for just the 2 days? We won't be going to the parks ~ just hanging out around FW so I wasn't certain if that would be a yay or nay yet

Per the rules I have been reading about, only one car is allowed at each cabin. We are also having two cars, but planning on leaving one at the parking lot at the entrance to Fort Wilderness.

However, I don't think the cars will serve you to get around internally in FW. There is no additional parking at Hoop De Do, pool, etc. The only place for parking is your cabin and the main entrance. You would need to use Disney transportation, walk, or do the Golf Cart for that internal movement.

 

[thegales]

New Question as I have been reading reviews, etc.

On some older reviews, it is indicated that each cabin has its own hot water heater, and that the sizing may be inadequate for more than two people.

Having three teenage girls, this is concerning me some. Have people found that they have to be cautious regarding their hot water, so that they don't run out? And if the hot water runs out, about how long to get it back?

 

[hawgwilld]

There's lots of hot water
We had 5 adults showering morning and night last couple trips and never ran out.

 

[thegales]

There's lots of hot water We had 5 adults showering morning and night last couple trips and never ran out.

Excellent. I think that review was a few years old.

 

[hstrickland]

I need help, planning a family reunion at the Cabins. We need three cabins, one booked as a Florida resident, one booked with DVC ( now allowed) and one booked out of state no discount. How can we book these cabins together??

Hmmm... Not sure how the DVC works, but you could call Disney directly to book your package. I'm fairly certain that your reservations can be linked to each other.

Does anyone know how long it takes to walk from the fort to the wilderness lodge? We are trying to figure out transportation for an early ADR and I read that the lodge buses start earlier.

If I remember correctly, it took us about 15-20 minutes to walk from FW to the WL. It wasn't a bad walk at all, and this was at a leisurley pace..maybe 3/4 of a mile. If you walk the entire jogging trail, I think it's around 2.5 miles. The link below gives you lots of info about the trails.


FW/WL trails

Yes, I have already plugged in the dates for June 2014 to get an idea. Still, I can't wait to get confirmed prices. I think I am just so anxious to say "I am booked!"

I totally get that!!!

Just added a couple of days in the cabins before we scoot over to the BC for a fam reunion trip a little early Super excited about staying at FW for the first time! Have Hoop De Doo set up and all I was wondering if parking at the cabin would be ok for 2 cars? Also thoughts on needing a golf cart for just the 2 days? We won't be going to the parks ~ just hanging out around FW so I wasn't certain if that would be a yay or nay yet

Sounds like fun!!! I'm probably not a good person to ask about golf carts My kids love them, so we always rent one. Do you have to have one?....No. Is it super convenient and fun to scoot around the Fort?? YES!! But not a necessity to enjoy FW.

New Question as I have been reading reviews, etc.

On some older reviews, it is indicated that each cabin has its own hot water heater, and that the sizing may be inadequate for more than two people.

Having three teenage girls, this is concerning me some. Have people found that they have to be cautious regarding their hot water, so that they don't run out? And if the hot water runs out, about how long to get it back?

Never had a problem in the past. It's always been fine.

 

[ForeverAlice]

Hello everyone! I was wondering if anyone has put lights around cabin deck and if so how many strings did you use or how many feet? I have red white and blue lights and want to surprise the fam

 

[j2thomason]

Just booked my first ever stay at the Fort! I'll be staying with my daughter and my mom in a handicap accessible cabin. I'm SO excited!

 

[tci1212]

Have fun we love it there!

 

[auntread]

hi everybody! I just wanted to say how glad i was to have found this thread. i have enjoyed reading everyone posts here and i have found out so many helpful tips about staying at the cabins. We will leave late tonight and take two days to drive (my DSis is the only driver) Thanks for all the great tips! we are so excited for our first stay at the Fort!!

 

[thegales]

New question for me...

We are thinking more about the golf cart. If we have dinner at Whispering Canyons at Wilderness Lodge, can we drive the golf cart to WL?