Fort Wilderness Cabins - what do you think?

[KBryner1]

We are looking at traveling with our 2 yr old twins, 5 yr old and grandma and grandpa - (so it is a total of 5 larger people, 2 babies) We would like to stay at FWC - for the outside atmosphere and space for the kids to run around outside etc. but I am wondering how it would accomodate all of us - or if we should look into getting 2 rooms at the all star resorts. What is your opinion?

 

[llebrekniT]

We LOVE the FWC's!!!

I think you are right that it would be great due to its atmosphere, both for the kids and the grandparents. I'm not sure how you would work out the sleeping arrangements, but as far the rest of it, I don't think you'd have a problem accept for the bathroom. If your grandpa is like ours, you may not be able to get in there (or even want to, LOL). One bathroom could be your biggest problem.

The back bedroom is great because if the tots need a nap, the rest of the family can carry on without worrying about waking them up. There are 2 bunks and a double-size bed, a vanity and a dresser with a TV on top back there. There is a murphy bed in the living area that we always fight over, but the grandparents may not like sleeping on it because it is very soft. You can also request pack and play cribs if you want to try and squeeze them in.

There is a full kitchen and table that seats 6 I think. There is a wonderful deck attached with a grill and picnic table. Parking right in front of the cabin is also great!

BTW, we have also gotten 2 adjoining rooms at the AS before and that worked great, you just won't have the kitchen.

I hope I've helped. Have a great trip

 

[FloridaCat]

Here is a link to Fort Widerness and pictures of the cabins.

http://fly.hiwaay.net/~jlspence/faq_fw.htm

 

[HeatherM]

Hi~

It's been a few years since we stayed in a cabin, but I believe the layout hasn't changed. (Someone please correct me if I'm wrong!)

What we found was this: There was a small bedroom in the rear of the cabin with a double (or maybe queen?) bed and bunk beds. In the "living" area was a murphy bed (one that is recessed into the wall & you pull it down). I don't think there was a sleeper sofa.

When we stayed there, DH and I slept in the room with our 2yo on the bottom bunk and our 9mo in a portable crib (which Disney provided), and my BIL got the murphy, which he said was comfy.

What we found is that it was OK for 4 of us (we stayed again just the 4 of us at a later date), but with 5 it's cramped come sleeping time. There was only one bathroom and my BIL woke up anytime any of us had to use it, and it made mornings difficult with 5 of us to get ready---BIL was showering one morning and the 2yo had to potty. That was scary trying to get BIL out in time! Also, it's small inside, so noise travels (kids coughing, quiet talking, etc).

Now, that said, I must say that I loved it there. Being in the nature area was great and the buffet was wonderful. We also enjoyed taking the boat over to the MK (we had our own car, but chose the boat because it was so neat).
We don't cook on vacation, so having the kitchen only came in handy for our 9mo bottles ans to keep a few snacks.

Please keep in mind that our last stay there was 4 years ago, so there is a chance that things have changed.

Hope I've helped!
Heather

 

[Donnainnj]

also please consider that you will be paying the extra adult charge for 2 adults at the cabin. I'm not sure how much it is now, but it could add up. I also think it will be easier to get around at AS in case you want to split up the group at times. Considering the time of year and the discounts available I would try and get 2 rooms at a moderate, shouldn't be much different then the cabin, esp after the extra adult charge, and you will get a little more room and a hot tub for the adults to relax in. Also there will be a bit more room for cribs if needed. (bedrails?) Enjoy your trip, and enjoy your planning.

 

[tar heel]

I'd go with two rooms at a moderate if you can, value if you can't. In my opinion, there's a good bit of difference between those two levels.

The cabins are very nice, but there is only one bathroom. Also, I was surprised by how close together they are -- there's not what I would call "running around room" since there are cars all over the place. Also, it's just much easier to get to places from the other resorts.

Of course, the kitchen in the cabin is really nice to have.

You can't go too wrong with either option, but my family of 5 prefers two rooms over the cabins.

 

[soccer mom]

I agree with others. FW is a great place and we have stayed in the cabins twice, but I too think it would be a little crowded with four adults and three kids. I would vote for connecting rooms somewhere.

 

[SalandJeff]

We were pleasantly surprised by the FWC. They really are very nice and the set up is great. The area is beautiful. That being said, however, I think you would be better off with 2 rooms.

As someone else said, the cabins are close together, surrounded by woods and the roads. The kids cannot run around out there unless you go to the main area where the petting zoo, restaurant, etc. are. And this place is so spread out, it is not easy to go anywhere. You are not allowed to drive your car internally. And the golf carts they rent are expensive. Depending on where your cabin is, most of them are quite a hike to the bus stop. The pools are also far and are very basic.

I would think you could get 2 rooms at a moderate for the same nightly rate as the cabin. Depending on when you are going, you may be able to get a discount. POR is really nice and very family friendly. Nice pools and a nice food court. I believe the rooms at the moderates are a little larger than the AS rooms.

 

[my3kids]

We loved the cabins with a total of 5. Unless you put 2 portacribs in the kitchen though, I'm not sure where they would fit. We put the 3 children in the bedroom, with my husband and I on the murphy bed. That worked out great because we could get up earlier, get showers and get breakfast ready. Then we'd wake up the kids, feed them and be out the door in flash. If they hadn't had their own bedroom, mornings might have been pretty hectic if we'd awakened them before we had things under control.

If your twins can share the bottom bunk, the 5 yo in the upper bunk and a couple in the bed, other couple on the murphy, it would work.