No you do not need a cart, the bus stops are almost right at the end of the cabin loops.The buses will take you to the outpost where the front desk is or you can just call them if you need anything and someone will bring it out to you.If you want to rent a cart they are $45 a day from 1pm to 11am the next day.You should call to reserve one if you want.The phone number is(407)824-2742. The buses run every 10 minuets so you really do not need a cart.They connect with the park buses(Epcot,MGM,Animal Kingdom,Down town Disney or the boat to Magic Kingdom) at the Outpost or the Settlement.There is a Trails End restaurant,Hoop De Do show and Crockett's Tavern and the Trading Post at The Settlement as well as the beach and play areas.We have never needed a cart because we found the buses to be great .