First Time Fort Wilderness Cabin Campers

[postcardguy]

Hi guys. First time staying at the Fort Wilderness Cabins (Oct 19-26 2014). Only three of us, but we have some special dietary needs, so we thought we'd give the cabins a try. We'll be doing some cooking ourselves, so is there a nearby food store or Walmart? How about a McDonalds?

I guess we're really not roughing it with AC, Wi-Fi and housekeeping, but hope we still get that camping feel. Heard that the pool might be a bit crowded in October with the visiting guests coming from other resorts due to theirs being closed?

We're renting a car at Orlando airport, so no problem to a store if nearby. Also spending a day a Universal, one day at Sea World and one day just driving around Orlando itself seeing the sites. If we have a car, is it necessary to have a golf cart to get around? We might even avoid the buses and drive to the parks ourselves.

Have the Hoop De Doo Review booked for the first night there....any other must dos? Any help is appreciated...The Hughes Family-NJ

 

[hstrickland]

Hi there!

Our family totally loves the Fort! We're more "cabin" campers Although hubby would love to actually do some camping. We just got back a little over a week ago.

Hi guys. First time staying at the Fort Wilderness Cabins (Oct 19-26 2014). Only three of us, but we have some special dietary needs, so we thought we'd give the cabins a try. We'll be doing some cooking ourselves, so is there a nearby food store or Walmart? How about a McDonalds?

Great time of year!!! You'll get to enjoy all the Halloween decorations. And yes to both of those questions. There's actually a McDonalds maybe 5 minutes from FW. And there are several places to buy groceries that are close. You can even get some things at the Meadow and Settlement Trading Post.

I guess we're really not roughing it with AC, Wi-Fi and housekeeping, but hope we still get that camping feel. Heard that the pool might be a bit crowded in October with the visiting guests coming from other resorts due to theirs being closed?

You'll totally feel like you're in the woods! I can't say enough positive things abut the Fort! As far as the pool goes, I don't think it will be that huge of a deal. I've been reading over on the WL thread, and it sounds like many of them will be venturing over to the CR. If it does it crowded, you can always go to the quiet pool. It doesn't have a slide or lifeguard, but is usually fairly empty.

We're renting a car at Orlando airport, so no problem to a store if nearby. Also spending a day a Universal, one day at Sea World and one day just driving around Orlando itself seeing the sites. If we have a car, is it necessary to have a golf cart to get around? We might even avoid the buses and drive to the parks ourselves.

Once you get into the Fort and park your car at the cabin, you can't drive to Pioneer Hall, dock, HDDR, or the Trading Posts. You'll either have to take the internal bus system or rent a golf cart.

Have the Hoop De Doo Review booked for the first night there....any other must dos? Any help is appreciated...The Hughes Family-NJ

That's a GREAT show!! We've done it several times and will probably do it several more. The Chip n' Dale Campfire Sing-a-long is always fun...and free, the Electric Water Pageant at night (viewing from the beach), there is also a different movie each night under the stars after the campfire. And you have to walk around some of the campsite loops and see all the fabulous Halloween decorations!!! Some of the campers go all out, and it's so much fun to see!

Hope this helps a little. There are tons of knowledgeable people on this forum...more-so than me...that can answer your questions, too. If you click on the FW link in my signature, you'll find some more info. Lots of people on that thread are 'cabin' campers like us I'll add your name to the list of Fort Goers!

Heather

 

[bama_ed]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3231507

This thread has some maps to a few grocery stores.

Bama Ed

PS - Enjoy your trip to the Fort

 

[Grumpy92]

There is a McDonalds at the Crossroads shopping center and another near the AS resorts. Walmart and Publix are right down the street from the Crossroads.

Walmart 1471 East Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee (407) 870-2277
Open 24 Hours

Publix 8145 Vineland Ave Orlando, FL 32821-6847

As for the golf cart. That really is a personal choice and depends on which loop you are in. We have done it both ways. The cart really does make it convenient. There is no parking in FW except at your site, up front and 15 mins at the Meadow trading post.

Unless you have a disabled sticker the driving can be more effort then it is worth. The boat to MK is lovely. The buses to the other parks are pretty easy to do as well. They come about every 20 mins.

You will enjoy the Hoop de doo. We go down early, sit on the TE porch and enjoy a cocktail beforehand. It is fun to people watch there.

 

[kaystein827]

We go down early, sit on the TE porch and enjoy a cocktail beforehand. It is fun to people watch there.

Haha! Glad to see we are not the only ones who enjoy this routine

 

[sharadoc]

Haha! Glad to see we are not the only ones who enjoy this routine

We like to stop at Crockett's Tavern before dinner, before fireworks, before heading out or coming back from MK, etc. etc. Lovely little spot for an adult beverage.