Fort Wilderness Cabins Full Review (long)

[CarolynFH]

How long is the walk from the main bus drop off (eg from the parks) to the farthest section with the DVC cabins (I guess the 2200 or 2300 loop)?

There’s an internal bus that you transfer to at the FW entrance where the park buses are. The internal bus stops at every loop. See the map here: https://www.wdwinfo.com/resortmaps/fortwilderness.htm

 

[peacefrogdog]

There’s an internal bus that you transfer to at the FW entrance where the park buses are. The internal bus stops at every loop. See the map here: https://www.wdwinfo.com/resortmaps/fortwilderness.htm

Thanks. I'm actually curious as to actual walking distance/time. We are hoping of doing a MK After Hours ,and if so, renting a cabin for that evening. I'm picturing us getting back from the parks 130-2 AM and wondering how much of a chore it would be to actually get to the cabin that late.

 

[zackiedawg]

Thanks. I'm actually curious as to actual walking distance/time. We are hoping of doing a MK After Hours ,and if so, renting a cabin for that evening. I'm picturing us getting back from the parks 130-2 AM and wondering how much of a chore it would be to actually get to the cabin that late.

You'd be around 1/3 mile to the 2800/2700 loop, and a bit less than 2/3 mile to the 2200 loop (which is the farthest from the bus stop). At normal walking speeds, your probably ranging about 8 minutes to 15 minutes from closest to farthest loop.

 

[peacefrogdog]

You'd be around 1/3 mile to the 2800/2700 loop, and a bit less than 2/3 mile to the 2200 loop (which is the farthest from the bus stop). At normal walking speeds, your probably ranging about 8 minutes to 15 minutes from closest to farthest loop.

Brilliant, thanks.

 

[nherbert]

We are here now and the room dehumidifier (near the bathroom) is very loud and never turns off - did anyone else have this issue - I am trying to determine if it is a problem or a feature that I need to live with?
It sounds like I am sitting right next a washing machine.
Does anyone know how we contact maintenance here? [we didn’t have to check-in so we have no paperwork, we came direct to door]

 

[tidefan]

We are here now and the room dehumidifier (near the bathroom) is very loud and never turns off - did anyone else have this issue - I am trying to determine if it is a problem or a feature that I need to live with?
It sounds like I am sitting right next a washing machine.
Does anyone know how we contact maintenance here? [we didn’t have to check-in so we have no paperwork, we came direct to door]

Ours had a button in the outside of the bathroom door that you could push that switched it off. iIRC, there isn’t a “switch” like you would think…

 

[Jack Kerouac]

.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

We are here now and the room dehumidifier (near the bathroom) is very loud and never turns off - did anyone else have this issue - I am trying to determine if it is a problem or a feature that I need to live with?
It sounds like I am sitting right next a washing machine.
Does anyone know how we contact maintenance here? [we didn’t have to check-in so we have no paperwork, we came direct to door]

We had this in our cabin a few weeks ago. At first it wasn't on constantly, but we called maintenance a couple of days in because the HVAC unit was making a pretty loud rattling metal-on-metal type of sound. It took them an hour and several full unit power on/off switches, but finally got the sound fixed.

From then on I noticed the dehumidifier ran constantly the rest of the trip. It didn't bother us during the day, but at night I did find the noise a little bothersome, but was able to sleep through it. On the plus side, our towels were always nice and dry. On the downside, the weather was cool and air already dry - I would have loved to known the actual humidity in our unit because it certainly felt really low - like how cold, dry air makes your skin and nose feel after awhile.

FYI, I used the app chat feature to contact maintenance, it's pretty easy. You can also use the phone in your room to call, which puts you to a central call center (no matter what they say) but the information gets relayed to people at the Fort that can help.

 

[Memorymakerfor4]

This was a really helpful write-up. We booked a couple of nights in May before our 7-night stay at Animal Kingdom. We just want to get a taste of the cabins to see if it’s something we would do for a longer stay in the future. I know the golf carts are expensive ($90 per day for us) but the points chart is so friendly, so maybe that is a trade-off if you consider the cost of dues for those points and the length of stay compared to other DVC villas. Or, maybe DVC could provide a discount to DVC owners who own there directly or as a part of Membership Magic Beyond. We are really excited to see the Cabins in person, so thank you for this review.

We got a 4 seater for all 7 days of our trip and we used it a ton, even on park days. An unexpected savings for us is that the FW bus/boat stops were not ever as crowded as the other resorts, resulting in shorter waits, so we only called a rideshare once (and that was because we were leaving from a resort and didn't want to have to hop to another bus). On other trips we've looked at the lines and called a Lyft (I have a kiddo that doesn't tolerate lines well). Bring some decorations for your cart so you can find it easily, even if it's just a ribbon to tie to one of the poles.

 

[Memorymakerfor4]

Now that we're back, I thought I'd update how groceries worked for us. We ended up getting a stop at Publix with our car service, so we rolled up to the Outpost, unloaded, and a wonderful cast member took both luggage and groceries to storage. We did receive tags and were able to press the Luggage button on the phone in our cabin that evening when we returned from the park. Everything was delivered and I was extremely happy with how easy it was!

 

[nherbert]

Ours had a button in the outside of the bathroom door that you could push that switched it off. iIRC, there isn’t a “switch” like you would think…

We did not have one of these buttons, there was no control over the dehumidifier

We had this in our cabin a few weeks ago. At first it wasn't on constantly, but we called maintenance a couple of days in because the HVAC unit was making a pretty loud rattling metal-on-metal type of sound. It took them an hour and several full unit power on/off switches, but finally got the sound fixed.

From then on I noticed the dehumidifier ran constantly the rest of the trip. It didn't bother us during the day, but at night I did find the noise a little bothersome, but was able to sleep through it. On the plus side, our towels were always nice and dry. On the downside, the weather was cool and air already dry - I would have loved to known the actual humidity in our unit because it certainly felt really low - like how cold, dry air makes your skin and nose feel after awhile.

FYI, I used the app chat feature to contact maintenance, it's pretty easy. You can also use the phone in your room to call, which puts you to a central call center (no matter what they say) but the information gets relayed to people at the Fort that can help.

Our dehumidifier was running constantly with an extremely loud hum. We waited to ask mousekeeping if it was normal and she said it was. We tried persisting but I only lasted half a day, it was driving me mad. We called “maintenance” on the phone, and they showed up maybe half n hour later, didn’t even come in and listen. He just did something outside, knocked on our door and said he had turned it off. It is now so peaceful in here . I am guessing by the speed and the fact he didn’t even come in, we weren’t the first to complain. So thanks @GADisneyDad14.

 

[Judique]

We did not have one of these buttons, there was no control over the dehumidifier


Our dehumidifier was running constantly with an extremely loud hum. We waited to ask mousekeeping if it was normal and she said it was. We tried persisting but I only lasted half a day, it was driving me mad. We called “maintenance” on the phone, and they showed up maybe half n hour later, didn’t even come in and listen. He just did something outside, knocked on our door and said he had turned it off. It is now so peaceful in here . I am guessing by the speed and the fact he didn’t even come in, we weren’t the first to complain. So thanks @GADisneyDad14.

I stayed for 2 nights in early December. First stay in the new cabins and I loved them. I was aware of the noises in advance due to people reporting on here. I'm fortunate that I can block out noise by just falling asleep. Dehumidifier didn't bother me but it was somewhat loud. What does bother me is the hvac fan system blowing too hard on me especially in ac mode. I was able to get it turned to the off position for sleeping. The (screened) window opens and you can hear the night noises.

I think the cabins are great! Having stayed in the old ones and having stayed at FW actually tent camping I'm familiar with the Fort. A big plus this trip was I did not get bit to pieces by noseeums!

Thought about getting a cart and didn't this trip, but if I have friends on any future visits, I will do it. I've also had the cart in the past and agree it helps a lot. This trip I had other plans so my car was sufficient. I do think that a discounted version should have been part of the equation for DVC as in most cases they are an asset. I don't think they are entirely necessary for every day of a trip.

I did bang my head but not badly on the bunk getting out of bed, and standing on the side next to the bunks. Could have been worse. The upper bunk was just the right height combined with my height as I looked down to slip on my footwear, and then 'bop' as I came up.

Will probably stay again if I get the opportunity but I think when I go this is going to be a popular choice. The effort some guests put into Xmas decor was also quite impressive. Our loop was quite well lit with lights, inflatables and other decorations.

Took a ride around the perimeter road and was able to park at the Meadows for a few minutes on both days. Once to do a bit of shopping in the store and another time I filled my mug near the pool. Wouldn't bother with that again in general as it's not really convenient unless you get parking or have a cart. I had my mug prior as I bought it at Hilton Head, so it worked for all my vacation, almost 2 weeks including DHHIR, Swan Reserve, BWV and FWC, plus offsite.

@nherbert - your journey as detailed in your signature looks impressive! Two months! I'm curious also what the mystery end will be.

Once Xmas week is over, I'll be anticipating my next two weeks starting in February.

Oh, last comment - seemed lots of people had dogs in my cabin loop 2300. Mostly small dogs. I love dogs so no problem for me. On my drive around the perimeter (not through any camping loops) I also saw a lot of dogs being walked, mostly larger dogs on leash. I saw no dogs as I passed the dog walk area.

Overall it was a pleasant stay and the cabins are well done.

 

[nherbert]

your journey as detailed in your signature looks impressive! Two months! I'm curious also what the mystery end will be.

Yes the mystery end, still haven’t made up my mind. I have treehouse and Polynesian lakeview both booked, but we loved AKL, the decision is so hard and I have to finalise soon.

Thanks for your review I wanted to give the cabins a chance before writing a review. We love the Fort and have stayed here every trip normally at the end of our holiday but this time we wanted to do a Christmas week. The fort is a great place to be at Christmas, it feels like Christmas here. There are so many decorations even at the cabins, and the cart parade yesterday was fantastic. Both shops are well stocked with everything we need, and we discovered the fun of having a cart the first time we visited and always rent one to get around. I love sitting outside on the balcony, so restful especially early morning with large cuppa. Mozzies are a problem though. The balcony has good table and two comfortable chairs, especially if you bring out one of the inside cushions.

Now for the cabin..we are in loop 22, which feels like the midddle but is really the bottom of the top third. We do have an inside loop cabin so our view on the porch is largely other cabins but we do still feel like we are in the bush and apart from an occasional vehicle there is no noise from the neighbors. The neighbour are a nice distance away even on inside loop cabin.

One thing about the exterior the cabins are all different colors, so unlike the previous cabins they do all look a little different, though on the inside they are all the same.

The kitchen is lovely and has everything, microwave, toaster, full oven and fridge and pots and pans, and plates, bowls and cutlery. I can’t complain about the kitchen. The large table (with 4 nice chairs) is in the kitchen as well, this makes the new cabins feel smaller than the old. Still it is nice to sit around a table at dinner time.

The bathroom has a huge shower, no bath, shower is great. It has a single sink inside and then another single sink outside so that helps getting everyone ready on time. Only one toilet. The exhaust fan sometimes does not turn itself off which is annoying at night if sleeping in lounge room. I have previously posted about our issues with the noisy humidifier.

The lounge room is odd. Only one person can lie on couch to watch Telly, there is a sort of comfortable chair for another person, but it’s not comfortable enough for a long sit eg the Harry Potter marathon that was on last night. The tv in bedroom gets a lot of use.

The beds. Well the big bed is great and even the pull down bed is comfortable (though it gets the noise from all the appliances). The bunks are hard, and they come with no bedding. They have a kind of sleeping bag thing. We asked for extra sheet and blanket so an adult can use. The bunks are big enough for an adult, quite wide and long. The headspace on lower bunk might be difficult for a tall person sitting up. There are ample pillows. Those sleeping bag things are very warm when used as single size blankets, great for winter. The window in bedroom opens but no others. We have to use a chair to keep main door open - we like fresh air and bird noise during the day.

We found there was more than enough storage throughout for all our stuff so we can put away the suitcases.

So old v new cabin - we preferred the old simply for the lounge set up. But everything else about the new is better, especially the shower. Would we stay again, definitely, you can’t beat having your own kitchen alongside the relaxed isolated feel of the fort. I love the peace n quiet, especially now they fixed humidifier.

 

[nherbert]

Curious. We are booked in a DVC cabin the first week in December. Wondering what kind of coffee pot the new cabins have.

Just wanting to include photo of coffe pot. DH has enjoyed a week of using the pods. They only supply six at a time, and they do mousekeeping every two days (we are cash customers not dvc in case that matters). We didn’t try getting any on an off day, so not sure if we could get any. They do garbage collection only on the off day.

 

[nherbert]

Free of charge? Room key/MB/digital key on phone needed to enter?

I just wanted to update about the DVC laundry. It is open at the cabin pool, opposite loop 2600. You use a magic band to enter, assume phone or keycard would also work but we didn’t try it. We assume it just works for cabin people, but have no evidence of that. We used it twice, first time no issues. Second time it was rather crowded, as limited washing machines, and annoyingly one family had taken two washing machines and not come back for their stuff - tying up those two machines with their clothes in them for hours (at least as long as it took us to do washing and drying, and people in the laundry said they had already been in taken up for an hour while they were there). Frustrating. But to confirm the machines are free once in the laundry, I assume you have to pay for soap, but we had our own so didn’t investigate. Washing takes 30 minutes, drying one hour. For the record the cabin pool is heated!! So while we did washing we had a nice relaxing swim in pool, in December!

 

[Memorymakerfor4]

I just wanted to update about the DVC laundry. It is open at the cabin pool, opposite loop 2600. You use a magic band to enter, assume phone or keycard would also work but we didn’t try it. We assume it just works for cabin people, but have no evidence of that. We used it twice, first time no issues. Second time it was rather crowded, as limited washing machines, and annoyingly one family had taken two washing machines and not come back for their stuff - tying up those two machines with their clothes in them for hours (at least as long as it took us to do washing and drying, and people in the laundry said they had already been in taken up for an hour while they were there). Frustrating. But to confirm the machines are free once in the laundry, I assume you have to pay for soap, but we had our own so didn’t investigate. Washing takes 30 minutes, drying one hour. For the record the cabin pool is heated!! So while we did washing we had a nice relaxing swim in pool, in December!

We paid for laundry soap, but it was refunded to our credit card.

 

[TinkB278]

I’m thinking about booking a cabin in September as we want a kitchen but don’t want to spend the points for a one bedroom. I am clueless about how things work in the cabin though. Is it difficult to get to the bus stop? Is a golf cart a necessity? We won’t have a car and have two small kids so will be lugging around a double stroller. Also, it sounds like they can accept a grocery delivery and will deliver it?

 

[nherbert]

I’m thinking about booking a cabin in September as we want a kitchen but don’t want to spend the points for a one bedroom. I am clueless about how things work in the cabin though. Is it difficult to get to the bus stop? Is a golf cart a necessity? We won’t have a car and have two small kids so will be lugging around a double stroller. Also, it sounds like they can accept a grocery delivery and will deliver it?

I would strongly recommend a cart, but it is not absolutely essential. Though personally we always get one for both convenience and fun. Depending on how well your stroller compresses, it might not fit on a cart with 4 passengers. No matter what cabin you are in you could walk to an internal bus stop that will take you to either the outpost or settlement to get to a park, these buses are very frequent, almost no wait. Can’t answer the question about groceries sorry.

 

[CDN Prince Charming]

We paid for laundry soap, but it was refunded to our credit card.

Do the laundry machines use any sort of soap (ie. pods/powder/liquid)
We’ll bring some just in case their dispensers are empty.
Thanks

 

[Memorymakerfor4]

Do the laundry machines use any sort of soap (ie. pods/powder/liquid)
We’ll bring some just in case their dispensers are empty.
Thanks

It's been a month now and I honestly can't remember what it looked like where you put the soap, but I did see a bottle of liquid on a shelf that someone left behind. They were pretty user friendly.