Fort Wilderness newbie

[ilovevacation]

Hello all! We are staying at the cabins at Fort Wilderness in August and I'm attempting to get prepared. Is there a Fort thread? I searched under Ft and Fort and couldn't find an official resort thread. We will be there early/mid August as a family of 5 (2 adults, 3 kids age infant to 8yo). We have been to Disney many times including with infants but this is our first Fort stay. I love to read the resort threads and get prepared. We will have a rental car since we will have stroller(s) and I don't want a golf cart (car seat, kids fighting over seats, extra expenses, etc...) if you have any recommendations or threads to suggest, please let me know. I am all ears!

 

[WLWildlife]

If you go back to the main category page and scroll down, there is a whole board on camping at Disney that will get you up to speed on the Fort.

 

[WLWildlife]

https://www.disboards.com/threads/fort-wilderness-resort-information-a-work-in-progress.3502095/

Hopefully this will be helpful. I haven't read it or had the pleasure of staying at the Fort.

 

[Dave006]

You might be looking for this: https://www.disboards.com/forums/camping-at-disney-world.24/

Dave

 

[katyjeka]

You'll have a great time as it's the perfect place for kids! It's a beautiful resort that reminds me of Florida years ago. The pool is a lot of fun as is the ride to MK. Rent a golf cart, our girls always loved them and it gave everyone a much needed break from walking. Enjoy your trip.

 

[cruising spud]

Go to the "Camping at the Fort" thread and ask away. Everyone over there is wonderful and will answer your questions.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Hello all! We are staying at the cabins at Fort Wilderness in August and I'm attempting to get prepared. Is there a Fort thread? I searched under Ft and Fort and couldn't find an official resort thread. We will be there early/mid August as a family of 5 (2 adults, 3 kids age infant to 8yo). We have been to Disney many times including with infants but this is our first Fort stay. I love to read the resort threads and get prepared. We will have a rental car since we will have stroller(s) and I don't want a golf cart (car seat, kids fighting over seats, extra expenses, etc...) if you have any recommendations or threads to suggest, please let me know. I am all ears!

Ft Wilderness chatter tends to get split between an occasional post around here on the Resorts Board and the previously linked Camping at Ft Wilderness board. I’m generalizing but that board tends to be frequented more by campers/RV’ers who are very knowledgeable about the Fort, you see less cabin specific chatter. Even more so these days with the conversion of the cabins to DVC. Long way to say there’s not really a centralized cabin thread and it’s one of the least discussed accommodation types around here.

That said, I adore FW and the cabins, we’ve been making regular stays for a few years now, most recently this past November in a new cabin (which while they aren’t perfect, are a big upgrade from the old ones which were definitely in need of updating).

I know you have your reasons for not getting a golf cart and it’s definitely not required to have an enjoyable stay, but that does happen to be my one piece of advice - a golf cart really comes in handy.

We love doing all the activities and often find we throw out intended park plans in favor of staying around the resort. Fishing, archery, bike riding - so much to do.

The Fort is one of those places you can read/research a lot of things, but ultimately part of the fun/adventure is the process of being there and figuring it all out as there are so many nuances to a stay and how the property fits (or doesn’t fit) with your family routine and what works with your age ranges.

Happy to answer any questions. Have fun!

 

[erinch]

I've not stayed there, but a friend said they wished they had remembered bug repellent

 

[Becky2005]

Looks like we are staying around the same timeframe. We are also going early/mid August and staying in a cabin.

I have stayed there before in 2011 in a cabin and we didn't get a golf cart, so it is doable. It is a bit of a pain but doable. You can drive your car to the parks and then back to your cabin. You won't be able to drive throughout the campground though, you need to use the internal bus system for that.

We would take a bus to the boat to MK and then an internal bus to the Outpost busses which would go to the other parks, etc... You could also walk depending on how close your cabin is I suppose. We had my 70 year old mom with us so we weren't going to walk any extra!

 

[ilovevacation]

If you go back to the main category page and scroll down, there is a whole board on camping at Disney that will get you up to speed on the Fort.

Thank you!

 

[ilovevacation]

You might be looking for this: https://www.disboards.com/forums/camping-at-disney-world.24/

Dave

Thank you!

 

[ilovevacation]

Thank you! We are going to skip a golf cart this time. The cabins was already more than I had budgeted for this trip plus we rented a car

You'll have a great time as it's the perfect place for kids! It's a beautiful resort that reminds me of Florida years ago. The pool is a lot of fun as is the ride to MK. Rent a golf cart, our girls always loved them and it gave everyone a much needed break from walking. Enjoy your trip.

 

[ilovevacation]

Ft Wilderness chatter tends to get split between an occasional post around here on the Resorts Board and the previously linked Camping at Ft Wilderness board. I’m generalizing but that board tends to be frequented more by campers/RV’ers who are very knowledgeable about the Fort, you see less cabin specific chatter. Even more so these days with the conversion of the cabins to DVC. Long way to say there’s not really a centralized cabin thread and it’s one of the least discussed accommodation types around here.

That said, I adore FW and the cabins, we’ve been making regular stays for a few years now, most recently this past November in a new cabin (which while they aren’t perfect, are a big upgrade from the old ones which were definitely in need of updating).

I know you have your reasons for not getting a golf cart and it’s definitely not required to have an enjoyable stay, but that does happen to be my one piece of advice - a golf cart really comes in handy.

We love doing all the activities and often find we throw out intended park plans in favor of staying around the resort. Fishing, archery, bike riding - so much to do.

The Fort is one of those places you can read/research a lot of things, but ultimately part of the fun/adventure is the process of being there and figuring it all out as there are so many nuances to a stay and how the property fits (or doesn’t fit) with your family routine and what works with your age ranges.

Happy to answer any questions. Have fun!

Thank you so much! This was so helpful. We are park commandos so I can't imagine we will spend a lot of time doing Fort things. I am sure it's not the same but my oldest is a scout so we do get to do camping, camp fires, fishing, archery, etc... throughout the year.

Do you have a loop request suggestion? We will have a rental car and plan to take the boat to MK. We will probably eat breakfast in our room but will have refillable mugs. I honestly don't even know what I looking for so any suggestions is welcome.
I am really hoping to get a cabin with a sink/mirror outside of the bathroom. I've watched some YouTube videos and see thsy not all cabins have 2. Not sure if that is something I can request

 

[ilovevacation]

Looks like we are staying around the same timeframe. We are also going early/mid August and staying in a cabin.

I have stayed there before in 2011 in a cabin and we didn't get a golf cart, so it is doable. It is a bit of a pain but doable. You can drive your car to the parks and then back to your cabin. You won't be able to drive throughout the campground though, you need to use the internal bus system for that.

We would take a bus to the boat to MK and then an internal bus to the Outpost busses which would go to the other parks, etc... You could also walk depending on how close your cabin is I suppose. We had my 70 year old mom with us so we weren't going to walk any extra!

Thank you for this! Did you get the free dining? I know it's too much food but we decided to do it this time. Our oldest will be so impressed with it.

We do plan to drive to the parks except MK which we will take the boat. We are pretty mobile and have Strollers for the kids but I'm sure by day 7-8 we will be spent

 

[Becky2005]

Thank you for this! Did you get the free dining? I know it's too much food but we decided to do it this time. Our oldest will be so impressed with it.

We do plan to drive to the parks except MK which we will take the boat. We are pretty mobile and have Strollers for the kids but I'm sure by day 7-8 we will be spent

Yep, we have the free dining! My DH is coming along and he isn't that much of a Disney fan but "eating big" is his vacation request. LOL! Last time he went was 2005 and when the dining plan was brand new & we literally had 3 meals/day. We did so many character meals/TS meals. It was literally as if all we did was eat & that is what my kids remember most about their first vacation. On the flip side, we got a lot of extras because nobody knew what they were doing with the plan (I pulled out the brochure more times than I can count), we ended up with the lighted ice cubes and who knows what else & back then they offered basically an all inclusive package in addition which we had (included tours, fishing, La Nouba and so much more). To be fair, I figured it might be our only trip so did the go big or go home concept. It was a *lot* and not so sure I would do it again that way.

So all he remembers is the eating of 2005. I have had to tell him it isn't quite the same & we definitely do not need 3 TS meals/day!!!! We have only booked a couple that he requested as must do's and we will see what happens with the rest.

We have to get the handicap cabins this time around and it does look like those might be close enough to get to the Outpost without taking the internal bus but same as you, with the switch to DVC most things I have found looking for that angle are the older cabins not necessarily the newer ones. I have found a few things but it is like finding a needle in a haystack (not only that but also just ride accessibility).

Of course, there is no way to know until we get there and find out where we are assigned. We drive to Disney and it is a 2 day trip, so once I park the car, it doesn't move (it might though to at least go to Wal-Mart or something since we have the full kitchen).

I am also excited because the cabins seem to get the Deluxe perks if I am correct on everything I have read so we get the Extended Evening hours (not the paid event but the free for Deluxe -- can never remember which is named what). It looks like Monday has EPCOT (doubt we will get to that one) and there is one for Magic Kingdom I think on Wednesday. I was surprised they still had it when they extended MK hours to 11.

As of right now, it looks like it might be my 25 year old going with me as he is a night owl & I might be the one dropping before we get there but I have never had the opportunity to do those, so I would like to go to the MK one at least for a little bit.

 

[ilovevacation]

@Becky2005 you are correct we do get deluxe benefits including extra evening hours. Last time we stayed at the Swan and got them as well. It's a great perk and I'm totally looking forward to it!
I think the last time we did the dining plan was around 2011and it was way too much food. Like you we had the 3 meals a day.
Currently we have a mix of table service and buffets. My middle is character phobic but hopefully the immersion will break him. Lol.

I'm super excited for this trip. It will be out first trip to the world since Tron is open and also looking forward to the new nighttime parade!

 

[ucf_knight]

Hello all! We are staying at the cabins at Fort Wilderness in August and I'm attempting to get prepared. Is there a Fort thread? I searched under Ft and Fort and couldn't find an official resort thread. We will be there early/mid August as a family of 5 (2 adults, 3 kids age infant to 8yo). We have been to Disney many times including with infants but this is our first Fort stay. I love to read the resort threads and get prepared. We will have a rental car since we will have stroller(s) and I don't want a golf cart (car seat, kids fighting over seats, extra expenses, etc...) if you have any recommendations or threads to suggest, please let me know. I am all ears!

I would never do the fort without a golfcart. Too much to enjoy at the fort that the golfcart gives you easy access to between activities, pools, transportation to busses or boats, food etc.

 

[bama_ed]

Ft Wilderness chatter tends to get split between an occasional post around here on the Resorts Board and the previously linked Camping at Ft Wilderness board. I’m generalizing but that board tends to be frequented more by campers/RV’ers who are very knowledgeable about the Fort, you see less cabin specific chatter. Even more so these days with the conversion of the cabins to DVC. Long way to say there’s not really a centralized cabin thread and it’s one of the least discussed accommodation types around here.

That said, I adore FW and the cabins, we’ve been making regular stays for a few years now, most recently this past November in a new cabin (which while they aren’t perfect, are a big upgrade from the old ones which were definitely in need of updating)

Yes we have an entire DIS Board for Fort Wilderness (campsites and cabins) at the Camping Board.

https://www.disboards.com/forums/camping-at-disney-world.24/

There had been an attempted FW "RESORT" mega thread on the Resort DIS Board a couple years ago and it faded away because people were turning to the Camping Board for info and answers. Sure, more campers on campsites than guests in the cabins (that's the way the resort counts run anyway). But if you ask on the Camping Board, you can get answers. Although I haven't stayed in the new DVC cabins, I did take a tour of a FWC DVC Oct 2024 and last stayed in a legacy FW cabin Jan 2024 (first time 2001).

I would never do the fort without a golfcart. Too much to enjoy at the fort that the golfcart gives you easy access to between activities, pools, transportation to busses or boats, food etc.

Personally, I don't subscribe to this opinion. Carts are an expensive convenience but not a necessity. Internal busses run often and we drive to the parks not-named-MK (boat). But if you have cash to burn ...



... it's up to you.

One of the nice points about the FW cabins (legacy or DVC) is you can drive up to the front door of your accomodations (which is why we drive to 3/4 parks). Obviously, if you fly in with no rental car, then YMMV.

Most folks who stay in the cabins seem to enjoy their experience.

Bama Ed

 

[jaredjohn4]

We've been to the fort over 10 times, always camping. We rented a cart for us 1 time just to check it out. It's nice, but couldn't justify the price. My son, his wife and her extended family went last year and got 2 cabins for the week. I bought 2 golf carts for the week for them. They had a few young kids and one with sever special needs. It really helped them out to get around. It is great to have a cart, but we are in no hurry when we are there so it is not a requirement. We get up in the morning, take the bus system to other buses, then come back to our camper to see the dog for a while, then head back to a different park.

 

[fla4fun]

I stayed solo in the previous cabins a few times and did not rent a cart. The buses and boat were fine for getting to the parks and getting around the campground in general.

However, I am going with my sister and BIL this November and they want to spend a lot of time in the resort. My sister decided she wanted to rent a golf cart for a few days when we won’t be going to the parks. Hopefully I won’t get too spoiled! This will be my first stay in a new DVC cabin and I am looking forward to it. I did think about getting these shirts for us to wear while looping . . .



We always take some light groceries, especially breakfast food, because it does take a little more effort to go out and get food since the resort is so spread out. With having the full kitchen, I may plan on fixing an evening meal or two since there will be three of us.