Disney's FORT WILDERNESS CABINS & CAMPGROUNDS Thread

[ewerstruly]

We're staying in a cabin for the first time in May, for a few days before a Disney Dream cruise. A couple questions. Should we plan to do both Hoop Dee Doo and Mickey's Backyard Barbeque ... Or pick one since food is similar? And, do we need both a rental car and golf cart? Thanks

 

[KonaKaiTom]

We're staying in a cabin for the first time in May, for a few days before a Disney Dream cruise. A couple questions. Should we plan to do both Hoop Dee Doo and Mickey's Backyard Barbeque ... Or pick one since food is similar? And, do we need both a rental car and golf cart? Thanks

I would do one or the other as far as MBYBQ or HDDR - the HDDR has an elaborate stage show, I've never been to theBBQ. The golf cart comes in handy, the only place you would use your car is to go to the parks -- there is no place to park it in FW except at your cabin. There is a dedicated Ferryboat that goes back and forth from FW to MK (it is a fun and short 15 minute ride which we look forward to, especially after a long day.) and another that goes in a loop from FW to CR to WL. Generally when going to epcot we will take the ferry to CR and then get on the monorail and get off at the next stop, the TTC and then take the Epcot monorail to Epcot (that is 8 minutes). We try not to drive unless we absoloutely have to for an ADR or something.

I hope this helps.

Tom

 

[twinsmama]

We will be checking in anywhere from 10pm-1am depending on traffic on 12/17(well, 12/18 after midnight!). Are we going to run into any issues? I did note this on our online check in. There will be a CM there to check us in, right?

 

[WDWKOOK]

We will be checking in anywhere from 10pm-1am depending on traffic on 12/17(well, 12/18 after midnight!). Are we going to run into any issues? I did note this on our online check in. There will be a CM there to check us in, right?

All WDW Resort check-ins and even bell services are open 24/7 so no worries.

 

[lovethefort]

1st time posting but have read posts on Dis for years. I read a post earlier today that has me a little concerned. We plan on arriving at the fort around 7:30 a.m. on 12/26 (already having trouble sleeping I'm so excited). I know if the site is not ready that there is parking in the overflow lot. My concern is that this is a very busy time of year and the Fort is completely booked. Any chance the overflow lot would be too full to park there? We have ressie at HS and need to start our day right away.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

1st time posting but have read posts on Dis for years. I read a post earlier today that has me a little concerned. We plan on arriving at the fort around 7:30 a.m. on 12/26 (already having trouble sleeping I'm so excited). I know if the site is not ready that there is parking in the overflow lot. My concern is that this is a very busy time of year and the Fort is completely booked. Any chance the overflow lot would be too full to park there? We have ressie at HS and need to start our day right away.

I doubt it -- if anyone is staying at the FWC, they can park their car at the cabin (I don't know about the campgrounds but I would guess same rule). So I don't think you will have to worry.

Tom

 

[Luv_Tink]

We check in to our FW cabin on Saturday morning and I just want to say thanks to everyone for answering questions and providing such great information on FW.

 

[Mydreams]

Has anyone seen an activities calendar for December for Fort Wilderness? I found a like to one, but the link is still showing November's schedule, lol! We have less than 2 weeks to go!

Cathy

 

[7KLucky]

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!!!






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

I love teaching! This is my husbands first year and it is incredible being together. I'm getting more and more excited about the Fort!

Thank you for the encouragement!

 

[G719]

We just switched our reservation from WL/CL to a cabin. I was going to surprise DH with the club level stay but I am afraid he would faint if he finds out how much it costs. Our dates are 11/14-11/21. I called today and reserved a golf cart too and request 2100 loop when I changed the resort. My only concern with the Fort is what to do the last day. We have to return the cart by 11 and typically we have a flight between 6-7 PM. The last 2 trips we have done DTD and then hung out in the food court until pick up time. But there is no food court/lobby area to lounge while waiting for DME. I think we may do a lunch at WL and explore there. Maybe plant the idea for the next trip. . Anyone have any other ideas?

 

[Brit_Jude]

Is there a Christmas themed golf cart parade? Or is this something done on a regular basis? Thanks

 

[Leleluvsdis]

We just switched our reservation from WL/CL to a cabin. I was going to surprise DH with the club level stay but I am afraid he would faint if he finds out how much it costs. Our dates are 11/14-11/21. I called today and reserved a golf cart too and request 2100 loop when I changed the resort. My only concern with the Fort is what to do the last day. We have to return the cart by 11 and typically we have a flight between 6-7 PM. The last 2 trips we have done DTD and then hung out in the food court until pick up time. But there is no food court/lobby area to lounge while waiting for DME. I think we may do a lunch at WL and explore there. Maybe plant the idea for the next trip. . Anyone have any other ideas?

We love love love Fort wilderness, but have never stayed there. We transfer our timeshare from RCI into DVC so we can't justify the cost, but always make at least 2 trips to the fort to relax. I recommend exploring Fort Wilderness if you haven't had the chance to do so on your last day. You can also do a horseback ride at the fort. You can take the boat to contemp and do a little shopping or have lunch, or the boat to Wilderness lodge. Wilderness lodge is nice to relax at as well; however, the lobby can seem a little loud with WCC.

If you take the boat to contemp, you can hop the monorail to poly and enjoy lunch at capt cooks, or continue on to GF and enjoy their lobby. There lobby is one of my favorites to relax in, especially if the piano is being played, or the band is playing.

You could always take the bus to DTD and still explore, but we prefer doing the monorail look and fort wilderness to DTD. We always make a trip to DTD, but not on departure day. It is too stressful

 

[Scarlett81]

We just switched our reservation from WL/CL to a cabin. I was going to surprise DH with the club level stay but I am afraid he would faint if he finds out how much it costs. Our dates are 11/14-11/21. I called today and reserved a golf cart too and request 2100 loop when I changed the resort. My only concern with the Fort is what to do the last day. We have to return the cart by 11 and typically we have a flight between 6-7 PM. The last 2 trips we have done DTD and then hung out in the food court until pick up time. But there is no food court/lobby area to lounge while waiting for DME. I think we may do a lunch at WL and explore there. Maybe plant the idea for the next trip. . Anyone have any other ideas?

Sitting on the porch by trail's end, walking to the beach, exploring the stables, horses and wagons, taking a trail ride or pony ride if you have kids, or checking out the trading posts. I love FW because there is SO much onsite to do and alot of it is free or cheap!

 

[KonaKaiTom]

We have a 5pm flight. We are planning on checking out in the morning (this trip we have a rental car) and then go to AK -- we have the Wild Africa Trek booked and that includes lunch, then we have FPP for Kali River Rapids. After that we are going spend the day enjoying the rest of AK -- we have Lion King FPP and then we plan on listening to some of the drum performers etc. before we drive back to the airport at 3 for a 5 flight.

In the past we have rarely rented a car. So, when we were there in October, we brought our bags down and checked them through for our flight, checked-in our airline online, and then walked into Epcot, spent the day at the park and then walked back and got back on DME at the designated time.

Do you have park tickets for the last day? If not, I wouldn't worry, as PP have noted, there is a ton of fun stuff to do right on the grounds of FW. The grounds are beautiful. You can see the huge draft horses that pull the waons for the shows, the horseback rides are fun and not that expensive (especially in Disney perspective).

I hope this helps.

Tom

 

[Scarlett81]

Headed to the Fort now for our family princess half marathon yearly trip! Was booked at POR, then in laws decided to hop aboard the trip, then sister in law and all her kids hopped aboard, then friends!-So where can we all stay that accommodates a big group, near MK for the littles and is still reasonable? The cabins at FW of course! This is my 5th FW stay and I'm so excited to share my love of this resort with our family.

 

[G719]

Sitting on the porch by trail's end, walking to the beach, exploring the stables, horses and wagons, taking a trail ride or pony ride if you have kids, or checking out the trading posts. I love FW because there is SO much onsite to do and alot of it is free or cheap!

Thanks for the ideas!

 

[G719]

We have a 5pm flight. We are planning on checking out in the morning (this trip we have a rental car) and then go to AK -- we have the Wild Africa Trek booked and that includes lunch, then we have FPP for Kali River Rapids. After that we are going spend the day enjoying the rest of AK -- we have Lion King FPP and then we plan on listening to some of the drum performers etc. before we drive back to the airport at 3 for a 5 flight. In the past we have rarely rented a car. So, when we were there in October, we brought our bags down and checked them through for our flight, checked-in our airline online, and then walked into Epcot, spent the day at the park and then walked back and got back on DME at the designated time. Do you have park tickets for the last day? If not, I wouldn't worry, as PP have noted, there is a ton of fun stuff to do right on the grounds of FW. The grounds are beautiful. You can see the huge draft horses that pull the waons for the shows, the horseback rides are fun and not that expensive (especially in Disney perspective). I hope this helps. Tom

Thanks! Not sure if we will have a ticket left or not. We have one day that will be up in air if we do the Christmas party on Thursday. (It's usually on Thursday.). Not sure if we will use the day on Friday or Saturday. I like the idea of going around on the monorail too and seeing the resorts. Can't wait!

 

[jayhawk74]

We have to return the cart by 11 and typically we have a flight between 6-7 PM. The last 2 trips we have done DTD and then hung out in the food court until pick up time.

If you want the cart past 11 just add, and pay for, another day to your cart reservation. You can then turn the cart in when you go back to the Outpost to get the bus. With the cart it would then be easy to wait at Crockett's Tavern or the Arcade at the pool.

 

[tinkandonaldfans]

What's the best way to see the lights? I've seen various options such as golf carts, wagon ride and horse drawn carriages. We liked the idea of the golf cart but looking at the map it looks like you have to cross to the other side to collect them, seems a lot of effort and we would see a lot of the lights on the way! Are the options out of the question if we haven't already booked? Thinking of going 22nd dec

 

[Leleluvsdis]

What's the best way to see the lights? I've seen various options such as golf carts, wagon ride and horse drawn carriages. We liked the idea of the golf cart but looking at the map it looks like you have to cross to the other side to collect them, seems a lot of effort and we would see a lot of the lights on the way! Are the options out of the question if we haven't already booked? Thinking of going 22nd dec

we walked last December. It took about 2 hours to walk over half the campground but it was really nice!!