Fort Wilderness questions; Whose has stayed there?

[tig_536]

Hi Everyone -
We are planning our annual WDW fall vacation and normally we stay at POR for 10 days. We love POR, but we got a great deal to in the Cabins at FW. It is just a little more total to stay there for the 10 days.

Here are my concerns:
My father will be going. He is 88 years old and has trouble walking long distances. He won't get a wheel chair either. Is there a close bus stop to the cabins? How difficult is it to get to a quick serve?

Normally we request mansions at POR; close to bus stop.

My DH and I would love to stay there. We think it is great that there is a separate bedroom for our 1 1/2 year old DH and my Dad who need or like to go to bed early. There is a kitchen. We can have breakfast in our room or make a sandwich...

My mom is afraid she will have nothing to do.

Help me sell the cabins too my mom.

Or should we just stay at POR?

Thank you, Jenny

 

[MomDad&2boys]

For sure do the cabins! They are awesome. We've stayed at both POR & FW Cabins & hands down, the cabins win for me even though we love POR. We are at POR again in a month & if I could find a way to swing the cabins then I would be over the moon!

I would recommend renting a golf cart to get around.

You may want to post this in the Camping forum & you'll receive more help.

 

[amyy]

Would renting one of the golf carts be an option? I have only been out there once but people of all ages were using them. I can't answer your bus stop questions as I didn't notice.

You have probably already check this link out but I will add it anyway. We ate at Trail's End and I was happy sitting on the rocking chair on the porch (I am 38 but I enjoy a relaxing vacation We loved the Segway tour. Hoop de Doo is there, the campfire stuff, you could watch the Electrical Water pagent etc. I think there is a lot to do out there.
http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/faq_fw.htm

If you don't get a lot of response let me know and I will talk to my boss. He and his family have stayed there lots (10+ times) in the cabins. He said it was the best option for a family. I will be out there next month for Hoop de Doo. If you want a hard copy of a map and stuff PM me and I will mail it to you when I get back. I know you can find everything on the internet but I still like the original hard copies.

 

[Mayl]

We stayed at the Cabins with our inlaws also (four of us, two kids under 10 and the in laws) a year or so back.

With your dad's age, I would strongly suggest renting the golf cart for the week. They can not promise you a cabin at the end of the loop, so you could end up with a rough walk for someone his age. With the cart, you can drive to the entrance (avoiding the interal bus loop), park where they have cart parking and take buses to parks.

Also if you are not cooking your meals in the cabin, you have to figure in meals and then the cart is a huge help for that (again no internal buses). We found for our family the walk and internal buses were fine, but without the golf cart, the in laws would have been much more limited in getting around.

The cabins are great by the way. One of our favorite trips.

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

There is usually a bus stop close to the front of the loop but - some of the loops are large and if there's a mobility problem and your Dad is going to walk - wouldn't want to end up in the back of the loop. You can request a small loop (take a look at the map http://allears.net/acc/fortwmap1.jpg ) or close to the front of the loop/bus stop but I don't think they can guarantee that. As you can see the 2300 and 2500 loops are small but the 2600 is much larger.

Renting a golf cart is a great idea for transportation around the Ft. Wilderness area and getting to the main bus stop. Here's a couple more thoughts:

A rental car if you are not driving to WDW. A great thing about the cabins is that you get to park right outside your deck so it's just a few steps in. We usually drive to WDW and drive our car to the parks from the cabins (DH has a motion sickness problem with the buses). If steps are a problem, although it's just a few, they do have HA cabins with a ramp. If your Dad has a handicap decal you could park closer to the parks also (had to do that once too).

I know you said he won't use a wheelchair but how about an ECV? We also had to do this once when DH tore up some ligamants in his leg just before a trip. Let me tell you as I was pushing the two young kids everywhere in the double stroller and DH was scooting around in that ECV I was a bit jealous! There are offsite companies that rent them (you can ask on the disabilities board), we rented one for the week and it was cheaper than renting in the parks everyday, we knew we had one (could be out in the parks) and then DH had the use of it for everywhere, not just in the parks. You'd need that HA cabin with the ramp though. It does not have a regular tub but the roll in kind with a pull down seat. The floor space in the bathrooms of the HA cabins are huge though and there's a drain in the middle of the floor so water that splashes out will drain. ECV's can be loaded on the buses, usually before the rest of the crowd.

We think the cabins are fantastic, have stayed there twice and DH loves the whole Fort Wilderness area that he always wants to do a split stay so we can spend a few days there (we are DVC members). Trail's End is one of the best deals on property (make ADR's, it's crowded often), we love the campfire and movie. What does your Mom usually do? What does she like to do? Doesn't she go to the parks? The cabins are like having your own little home with a couple of TV's, a DVD player and a full kitchen.

Hope that helps you out some. Another good place to ask about this is on the Camping Board

 

[AuburnJen92]

Hi Everyone -
We are planning our annual WDW fall vacation and normally we stay at POR for 10 days. We love POR, but we got a great deal to in the Cabins at FW. It is just a little more total to stay there for the 10 days.

Here are my concerns:
My father will be going. He is 88 years old and has trouble walking long distances. He won't get a wheel chair either. Is there a close bus stop to the cabins? How difficult is it to get to a quick serve?

I know this was mentioned before, but an ECV might be a cheaper option than a golf cart. You are looking at around $50 a day for a rental (week rentals are a little cheaper) but everyone can go on the cart and only your father can go on the evc. I would definitely (even if it is not guaranteed) fax in your request to be near a bus stop in the loop and tell them why. The more information they have and why you need the accommodation, the more likely you are going to find someone in the planning dept that might give you what you need. If you ask for the numbers on the camping board, they can give them to you for faxing and calling them to confirm they got the fax. I don't have them with me right now or I would put them here for you.

Normally we request mansions at POR; close to bus stop.

My DH and I would love to stay there. We think it is great that there is a separate bedroom for our 1 1/2 year old DH and my Dad who need or like to go to bed early. There is a kitchen. We can have breakfast in our room or make a sandwich...

That is one of the great things about the cabins. All you have to bring is food.

My mom is afraid she will have nothing to do.
There are all kinds of activities during the day to do and during the evenings as well. Many people take their golf carts and go "looping", which is to ride around the different loops and meet and greet people and just look at all the different setups that are there. I doubt seriously she will be bored.

Help me sell the cabins too my mom.


Or should we just stay at POR?

Thank you, Jenny[/QUOTE

Please see above. I hope this helps.

 

[hushupu]

We just stayed at the cabins returned June 30. We were at the front of the loop and just a few steps from the bus stop. We did rent a golf cart on and it helped getting around there is a lot to do at the fort but not the type of stuff that isavailable at the big resorts. Shopping is very limited and the pools are kind of plain. All in all we loved the cabins and it would be our first choice on our next trip.

 

[AuburnJen92]

The pools are being refurbished this year BTW.

 

[PPFDDisneyLover]

My family will be staying in FW at the end of November for 10 days. My father has 2 bad knees and I asked when I made my ressies about being close to a bus stop. We also requested it be a smaller loop because of that and she made note of it and stated by using the request due to handicap reasons, they can usually acoomidate as best as possible.

We also rented the golf cart for the stay. It basically takes away all those other concerns of getting around within FW. I think its worht the extra money to make things easier. Also, if you rent for a week, they knock 10% off for you.

 

[Rhonda]

We just stayed at the cabins returned June 30. We were at the front of the loop and just a few steps from the bus stop. We did rent a golf cart on and it helped getting around there is a lot to do at the fort but not the type of stuff that isavailable at the big resorts. Shopping is very limited and the pools are kind of plain. All in all we loved the cabins and it would be our first choice on our next trip.

We love the stores ("Trading Posts") at FW! There are two of them, and sell everything from groceries to the typical Disney gift shop souvenirs and clothing!

As Jen said, the pools are going to be refurbished! I can't wait!!

You'll love the cabins! It's so nice to have your own kitchen, as well as a nice deck with picnic table. You'll even have your own grill, that Mousekeeping keeps clean for you every day!

 

[djblu883]

I think your family will love the Fort...there is something to do for everyone! Mom can cook or enjoy a leisurely vacation! Shopping is not far VIA bus and they can always get on the bus to the marina so they can enjoy a boatride!!! A golfcart really does make the stay much more enjoyable as all have suggested . The campfire with Chip and Dale will be something that will take your parents back to the old days and a wonderful time for the whole family to share! Take your own smore "fixins" ...watch for the movie schedule posted in the camping forum.....a lovely way to end the day..they also have some games for those not going to the parks during the day I believe.Fishing, canoeing...nature walks...horseback riding...Beautiful well kept "wilderness"

 

[tig_536]

Hi again
Thank you for all the info so far. I have a few more questions.

Do you really need to rent a golf cart? $47.00 a day is way too much for 10 days (even if you can save 10%) We are talking about not even renting a car this time. (we always rent a car) Since plane tickets have gone up so much, we need to cut somewhere.

My dad won't do the electric wheel chairs either. It's a pride thing I think. He does have a handicap plack though.

My mom will be going to the parks, she likes to shop, hang out at the resort (we normally stay at POR though).

When are the pools going to be refirbished?

thanks agian, Jenny

 

[bradisgoofy]

I'd like to ask if you are all sharing the same cabin? If so, it's going to be crowded. There is only one bedroom with a double bed ( i don't think it is even a queen ) and bunk beds. One full bathroom and a Murphy bed in the living room. You don't have to rent the golf cart for the whole stay, so that would save some money. Maybe three or four days in the middle of your stay? Believe us, it's worth it just to go "looping".
Also, I'm not sure what you meant by quick serve, but if you are asking about counter service, there is none at FW. Trail's End is only food service and that is an all you care to eat buffet.

 

[Mayl]

Hi again
Thank you for all the info so far. I have a few more questions.

Do you really need to rent a golf cart? $47.00 a day is way too much for 10 days (even if you can save 10%) We are talking about not even renting a car this time. (we always rent a car) Since plane tickets have gone up so much, we need to cut somewhere.

My dad won't do the electric wheel chairs either. It's a pride thing I think. He does have a handicap plack though.

My mom will be going to the parks, she likes to shop, hang out at the resort (we normally stay at POR though).

When are the pools going to be refirbished?

thanks agian, Jenny

With your father’s age I do not see a way to get around without a cart at the cabins.

Have you thought about either the Family Suites at All Star Music or connecting rooms at say POR French Quarter (smaller resort)?

If the cart price is not in the budget (100% understand that), maybe moving to one of the above is better and cheaper. I just do not think you can pull it off without a cart

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

I was going to mention POFQ also as it's a much smaller resort! POR is very spread out and a lot of walking can be involved there also. We requested a room close to the food court and bus stop and got Building 27 http://allears.net/acc/portorleansmap.jpg. I really think that was a longer walk than from the back of a loop to a bus stop. I haven't seen an ASMusic Suite so not sure about the sleeping arrangements there or how far they are located from the bus stops.

Only you know just how hard walking is for your Dad and how much the convenience of a golf cart or rental car would be worth. Remember though that this is a vacation and you don't want it to turn into something less happy because of your Dad's mobility issue. You could request a cabin close to the bus stop and explain why but you're still taking a risk in that you may not get it or it still may be too far for your Dad. You could decide after you get your cabin whether you need a car or cart but car rentals around WDW tend to be more $$ than if you get one at the airport. I don't know if there's often a problem with availability of carts at Ft. Wilderness but they'd know on the camping board. Personally, I'd get a car or golf cart if doing the cabins and shorten the vaca a day if I had to, to remain within a budget. I'd rather have quality than quantity - just another idea and my 2 cents. If doing another resort I'd pick the smallest one, get two rooms and put in a request for close to food court and bus stop for your parents - which would probably be POFQ.

You're talking about 4 adults and a young child in the cabin? It's doable if you call get along well but understand the sleeping arrangements. There is a double (or full) bed in the bedroom with one side of it against the wall (so not an easy exit on that side if two in the bed). There is also a set of bunk beds in the room. Your child could sleep on the bottom and an adult on the top I suppose but remember that bunk beds are probably not long enough if you've got a tall person.

In the living room there is a murphy bed (I think it's double and not queen but can't remember) that comes out of the wall and a sofa (not pull out) that someone could sleep on. Consider if that will work for you.

Good luck with the decision

 

[sharadoc]

We switched from the cabins to ASMusic Family Suites for some of the reasons you're stating as concerns.

I have bad knees/arthritis and would have to rent the cart, and the activities are very spread out at FW. Two plain pools (no slides) and playgrounds. It takes a while to get to a playground, the beach, the pool, etc. via the internal bus or the golf cart.

At All Star Music, we can walk to the food court, pool, laundry room and also get a nightly movie and activities. Choice of three theme pools, three quiet pools and three kiddie pools. Cost - over $100 cheaper per night (with the golf cart cost thrown in).

Sounds like your Mom would get bored at the Fort. If you don't really want to cook full meals in your room, I would recommend looking at the Family Suites over the cabins. Or as another poster suggested, two connecting rooms at a value. Two bathrooms is a great bonus, too.

Good luck - let us know what you decide. I'm sure whatever you do, you'll find great things about wherever you stay and you'll have a great time!

 

[Retlawyensid2008]

Just a thought... you might want to check out this company that rents RVs. It is called "Camp at the Fort"

They bring the unit to the site, set it up for you and when your done they come and pack everything up.

It is cheaper than a cabin - sleeps six - and you still get the great atmosphere of FW.

By the way... at Crockett's Tavern, located at Pioneer Hall and downstairs from the Trails End... you can get pizza and appitizers. Take all the food out onto the porch and watch the kids run off all their energy at the playground, listen to the peacocks in the background and watch the sunset!

 

[Donna]

I've stayed in every single resort on property except for BW Inn and Caribbean Beach, the fort has WAY MORE things to do than any resort on property, only comparable to the community hall activities at a DVC. there are pool games, volleyball, basketball, rent boats, rent bikes, rent kayaks, peddle boats, fish, snack bar at the meadows, two large stores to shop, horseback riding, stables with ponys and horses, segway tour, the list goes on and on. that is only off the top of my head! I don't think i could stay in a room with two beds after staying in a cabin and now our RV. You can do alot or do nothing.....speaking of which....rocking on the porch at crockets tavern is a great way to spend the day or play checkers while you're waiting for your table at Trails End, who, by the way, has the BEST SWEET TEA on property! ahhhhh, i can't wait to get there in 2 weeks!!!

 

[rentayenta]

If you are even thinking about a golf cart call asap to rent one. They reserve 365 days out and they go quickly. We have ours reserved for next May already.

 

[tig_536]

Ok so everyone seems to be onboard with Fort!!!! Yeah!! I think it is going to be so much fun.

When we go every Oct. We always stay in only one room at POR (last Oct. it was all 5 of us). so I know about tight quarters. We have been there done that and can do it again if we need too.

The extra room will be great. Especially now that DS is walking. Having a bedroom will be great so DS & DD can go to bed when they are tired and everyone else doesn't have to be quiet! My DD can make a homemade pot of spaghetti one night ('cause thats what he always wants one night on vacation) Yeah!

Is there any chance we could rent a golf cart for just a couple days when we get there?

Does anyone know when the pools are going into renovation?

How are the bugs there? Are they worse there then the rest of property?