Fort Wilderness ?s

[Nicsmom]

I've never stayed at FW. We usually stay at Wilderness Lodge or the Swan. We've decided to take advantage of the free dining in mid August. We've decided that we now need a separate room that we can put our 2 yr old DS to bed in. Our choices are 2 room (which they will not guarantee adjoining) at a moderate, 1 bdroom villa at WL or a cabin at FW. The cheapest would be FW. So, here are my questions. I'm not a "camping" type of person. I'm not fond of snakes, lizards or bugs. I'm sure that I will see these critters but how often. How is the bus system? Is it a long walk to get to the bus stops? What is your overall opinion about WL? What are the pros/cons? Thanks.

 

[MichiganMommy]

We stayed at FW when my sons were 5 and 2. It worked out really well having a seperate bedroom. DS2 was still napping every day at that time. We also enjoyed having a kitchen. I didn't really cook, but we had breakfast food and snacks there. We rented a car, so I can't answer questions about the internal bus system. Things are very far apart in FW. We also rented a golf cart when we were there to get around. That was quite a hit with the kids.

If you want more info on FW, try the camping board. There is usually a lot of info about the cabins and FW in general.

Have fun!

 

[pooh4me]

The cabins are great. When you make your reservations ask to be near a bus stop.The bus stops are not far, almost at the end of each loop.The internal buses run every 10 minuets and the bus stops are covered with benches.We didn't have a car and did not rent a golf cart and did not have any problems.
You will find that the wild life is far and few and you will not be bothered by them.The cabins are quiet and very comfortable.We will not stay any place else.Have a great trip.

 

[auntie]

I have stayed in the cabin loops many years ago..and frankly did not see any snakes, or bugs or anything of the creatures you mentioned. We do camp..we have a travel trailer, and do hope to be able to bring our trailer to FW in the fall. I would imagine being a camping resort it is more likely that they would be found there..but it wasn't our experience. Oh..my son did find a turtle when we went bike riding from the WL to the campground. I'm thinking probably a tortoise..but whatever..he thought it was great! I did find the cabin loops somewhat removed from the amenties of the campground..the pools and Meadow areas. We rented the golf cart at that time, which greatly facilitated things. The newer cabins look very nice..with a deck and outside grill ...way nicer than the ones we stayed in back in the 90's. We have stayed at many of the moderate and deluxe resorts..mostly the Wilderness Lodge, but have always looked forward to being able to go to FW in our own RV. By the way..I have seen snakes at the WL ..in the pool area..and in the water near the beach..also along the walking path. So ...those sort of creatures can be anywhere in Fla. Also heard of aligator on the golf course at the Disney Inn..oops Shades of Green...showing my age there!

 

[Rella Bella]

Staying in the cabins isn't at all like 'camping'. It's like your own quiet little home! The bedroom has a double bed and bunk beds and the living room has a queensize pull down murphy bed. There is one bath and the living room/dining room kitchen is a nice size. The deck and is nice too. The thing I loved was at night it was quiet and dark when you turned out the lights. Having a little distance between you and your neighbors is great! It has a lovely otherworldlyness about it... when I looked up into the tall trees I almost felt like I was in the mountains.

The internal bus system was great, and you can take the boat to MK or TTC. The Wilderness Villas are probably a bit fancier but the cabin was very nice... and if it matters, it was the only place we've stayed that we ever got towel animals!

The campground area is great! You can do the movies, campfire & smores, when it rains they do a sing-a-long. There is a walking trail. The golf carts are a blast! The also have the surrey-bikes. You're close by for the HDDR, even more fun!

The only downside of the whole area -- and it's not really a negative -- is that the pools are just your normal square pool -- like any neighborhood pool. No slides or cool theme-ing. We love it there... I think it's the hidden gem of Disney.

 

[Nicsmom]

Thanks for all of you opinions. Glad to hear that the critters are too much of a problem. I'm sure that all the gators eat them Another concern would be traveling back to the cabin after a long day in the park with a toddler and cranky pre-teen. Is it a long walk to the cabin? Is it dark like a campground and we'll need flashlights? As you can probably tell I'm a city girl.

 

[pooh4me]

The walk back to the cabins at night is not real dark as they have outside lights at each cabin which lights up the cabin loops nicely,no flash light needed.These lights come on at night and are automatic.I really like to walk in Fort wilderness at night.Make sure you ask for a cabin near a bus stop, although none of the cabins in the loops are very far.

 

[Dancing_Caylin]

Hi,
We're taking my 9 year old daughter this first weekend in March and we're staying at FW cabin. We're spending 3 days at the parks, any recommendations on getting to the parks? Do buses run directly to the parks? I read about the boat to MK. Do you think a golf cart is necessary? Other than the first day we'll be be spending a lot of time in the parks. Thanks for your tips.

 

[proudmomof4]

Hi,
We're taking my 9 year old daughter this first weekend in March and we're staying at FW cabin. We're spending 3 days at the parks, any recommendations on getting to the parks? Do buses run directly to the parks? I read about the boat to MK. Do you think a golf cart is necessary? Other than the first day we'll be be spending a lot of time in the parks. Thanks for your tips.

Golf carts are convenient but expensive so if you are spending most of your time each day in the parks it wouldn't be worth it since the cart would remain parked most of the time. As to getting to the parks, just take an internal bus to the Settlement area to catch the boat to MK and the bus to MGM, or take the internal bus to the Outpost area to catch a bus to EPCOT, AK, DTD, and the waterparks.

Have a great time!

 

[Livin'4Disney]

We just got back from our first trip to Disney and FW.

We stayed in loop 2100 (read a post that recommended this loop)
It was great b/c it is central to everything.

We were there for a week so we did rent a golf cart. Well worth the money.
We only used Disney Ferry to get to MK. We drove our own car to all other parks. This was also recommend somewhere I read on these boards.

We did see an armodillo one night and there was what my kids called a "turkey goose" that hung out by our cabin the whole week, which was great entertainment.

Have Fun!

 

[magicforever]

Golf carts are great for getting around. However, If you don't want to spend the extra cash, they are not a must. The internal bus system works fine. You just have to be patient.