FW Cabins vs. deluxe resort Help?

[JerzeeGirl4Disney]

OK we are planning our 2nd trip to WDW my twins are now 7 and we will be there from 12/3-12/13 2004. I am so torn between a FW cabin and staying at deluxe "monorail" resort. Anyone with kids who have stayed at both your opinion would be priceless to me right now. I'm so confused and i've read and read and read.

Here's some details I'm concerned about with each:

1. we are both smokers and even though we dont smoke in our home nor would we smoke in a hotel room, I would like a room with at least a balcony **I know shame on me-please spare the lectures** LOL

2. we are flying from Jersey and wont have a rental car so ease of transportation is important to us.

3.we plan on spending most of our time in mk & epcot, we will take a trip to sea world and possibly universal.


Any help or insight on which you would choose and why would greatly be appreciated.

 

[dpic]

First off, welcome to the Disney Boards! Next, the following is priceless, because I won't charge a penny.

We have stayed in the cabins and at WL. Our first trip in '99 (our kids were 6 & 9 then) we stayed in the cabins. We liked having the kitchen and a bigger space. In 2002, we stayed in WL.

After having done both, I would never stay in the cabins again. I know many people like the cabins. They were very nice, the area was quiet, the extra room was great....however, we missed out on the magic so much when compared to WL. The first example happened the first day we checked in at WL (kids were 9 & 12 then), they wanted to go swimming. We never went swimming at the cabins because the pool was so far away. This time we said, get your suits and go. They looked at us like we had lobsters growing out of our ears--we never let them swim alone. However, WL has a great pool, we could see it from our room, and there were always three life guards on duty. In short, we felt no worry about letting them go swimming or get drinks or go to the arcade. I know your little ones are a little younger, but staying at a deluxe--for us--was so much nicer because there was no distance to do anything. All the resort amenities are just a couple of minutes away.

Another example, at night at the cabins (we went in fall so the parks close earlier), we watched a little TV, but that was about it for entertainment. Sure we could gone to the campfire, but, again, it's a ways away--pain to get to. At WL, a refillable mug of coffee (forget refillable mugs at the cabins) while sitting in the beautiful lobby while the kids were swimming was the end to a perfect day.

A few other things--at the cabins, you take a bus (unless you're close enough to walk to the boat launch) to the boat to get to MK, or Epcot (boat to Contemporary, monorail to TTC, monorail to Epcot). The bus was a bit of a pain. At a deluxe, hop on the monorail (or boat at WL), and be there before you know it. Next, eating out at the cabins is a chore. Again, you must take a bus (unless you are close to Trails End). At a Deluxe, restaurants are a short walk away--or hop the monorail and hit restaurants at the other resorts.

I could go on and on why we liked a deluxe over the cabins. Again, for many people cabins are great. If you want an outdoors feeling, or you want peace and quiet, or you want a kitchen (get a fridge at a deluxe), then the cabins are for you. For us though, I wished I had asked what you are asking now.

Feel free to PM me if you have an other questions.

No matter what, though. Disney is a great place and you'll have a great time no matter where you stay.

Dan

Oh, almost forget--as far as the smoking is concerned--you must have a smoking room to even smoke on the balcony. But they do have smoking rooms--at least at WL. No lectures from me on this, I used to smoke and refrain from the lectures (unless I know you of course, LOL).

 

[Kimberle]

Another option that would be great for you is WL. Each room has a balcony (patio on 2nd). You are allowed to smoke on your balconies.

WL is a wonderful resort for kids. Our dd loved her stay. The transportation options are wonderful. You have a variety of boat & bus routes.

Check out the 1st 2 pages of the WL faq thread, part 4, if you're interested. Lots abt the lodge there.

 

[Grumpy92]

I dont think you can go wrong with either resort.

At FW the cabins will have a seperate LR, Kitchen & Deck area. That way the kids can sleep in the Bdrm and you can still stay up. The transportation is not bad. But you may want to request certain loops that are closer to the bus stop or pool area. There are lots of activities at the campground, biking, petting zoo, campfire etc. There is an internal bus that takes you take you to locations within and drops you off at two hub areas. One is Settlement where you can pick up the boat to MK or a bus to some of the parks and another at the gate of the resort that picks up for EC and DTD.

Deluxe resorts - IF you are going to do this I would recommend one of the monorail resorts or WL. Purely on transportation alone. The WL rooms can be small, balconies are nice and the resort is beautifully themed. For you I would suggest the Poly. The rooms are large they have the monorail and you can easily walk to TTC and pick up the EC monorail.

Transportation Theory - I have been a loyal guest since 1971 and worked there as well. The transportation is not bad. I have never had to wait more then 15 mins for any mode at FW. I think that most of us are used to using are cars and parking at the entrance to everything. We do not use public transportation unless you live in a major city, and WDW does not have a set time schedule. Add to that that most guest are just so eager and excited to get to the park that waiting for transportation is excrutiating.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

We love the GF for the ease of monorail transportation and for the activities like the Pirate Cruise right there. I used to be a smoker too, so I know what you mean. You can smoke on your balconies (so I was told) and they also have ashtrays around the tables outside Gasparilla's by the marina. I would pick any monorail hotel because the time you save is priceless.

 

[my3kids]

Tough choice. But, for 10 days, I think I'd actually go with the cabin. Transportation wise, you CAN get anywhere from there, although not as quickly as from a monorail resort. For that length of trip, I would have have a hard time being in a single hotel room. I would also have a hard time with eating out for every meal. Although the hotel would be lovely, you get a full kitchen in the cabin to scamble an egg, fix a grilled cheese, or simply have cereal and milk without worry of scrubbing dishes in the bathroom sink. Also, Ft. Wilderness gives children room to play in the yard, and if they are having a meltdown, you are self contained....no neighbors to worry about offending.

We did the cabins last time and loved the seperation from the children....being able to go to bed later and get up earlier without waking up little ones. Next time we're doing a deluxe, but it won't be for that length of time.

 

[KittyCat]

DPIC,
I cracked-up when I read "Lobsters growing out of our ears".
Too Funny!!! I'm still laughing!!! I've seen that look on my
daughters face too. At least now I know what she's seeing.

 

[takara]

Another vote coming for the cabins. We just stayed there the week after Thanksgiving with a 6 yr. old. She loved the bunk beds, the availablility of having a VCR (which we brought tapes with us-we drove) out in the living room, she had her own little desk and chairs (which she did her schoolwork on), the full-sized kitchen, the separate bedroom, the picnic grill and table outside. One of the more special reasons for us was that we were able to have space to put up our holiday decorations. We did the railing outside and put some decorations on the inside. It looked so nice at night! We were close to our bus stop and transportation didn't cause a major problem for us. Staying at Fort Wilderness also allows you access at the marina to both the Wilderness Lodge and Contemporary.

We have also stayed in the Garden Wings at the Contemporary and unless you are located in the Tower or bottom floor you won't have access to a balcony here.

Good luck choosing

 

[dpic]

Originally posted by KittyCat
DPIC,
I cracked-up when I read "Lobsters growing out of our ears".
Too Funny!!! I'm still laughing!!! I've seen that look on my
daughters face too. At least now I know what she's seeing.

Thanks. I'd love to take credit for it, but it comes from one of my favorite movies, "Christmas Story." Great (non Disney) flick.

 

[PamNC]

but I still have an opinion on the subject.

My first thought was the cabins would work best for your family.
The main reason being more privacy for you and your DH. Separate bedroom - he he. You might come home with a "little souvenir." Just kidding. Also, you could go out on the deck and smoke to your heart's content. And, it wouldn't bother anyone.

Then again - the monorail is such a wonderful thing. Great for folks with kids.

I think it depends on whether or not your kids would enjoy the activities at Fort Wilderness. We love Fort Wilderness - but we're country folks - but some people aren't. If your kids don't like the country fun - I'd go with the monorail resort. My favorite is the Polynesian.

Either way - you'll have fun because the two choices are both great! Can't go wrong either way really. It's just a matter of preference.

PamNC

 

[JerzeeGirl4Disney]

thanks for all your input, I keep forwarding your replies to my DH at his work email (he's just loving me right now...LOL) I'm not sure if he made a decision just to stop me from flooding his emailbox or if he is sincere, but I think we are going to stay at the Poly this is my reasoning...feel free to comment

It is our 15th wedding anniversary and we honymooned in Hawaii so it has some sentimental value there

DH is afraid if we get some bad weather (rain etc) there will be nothing for the girls to do at the cabins indoors.

and the last reason and his biggest reason DH: "Nobody in that entire resort will be safe with you behind the wheel of a golfcart, let stick with the monorail "

 

[KittyCat]

DO IT!!! You won't be sorry. I stayed at the Poly with my mother
in 1973 ( I was 13). She passed away when I was 17. I have always loved that resort. Many years later I took my 4 year old daughter for a "special mommy/daughter" trip and we stayed at the Poly. My DD who is now 16 still remembers that trip. We have been to Disney every year since she was one, but that trip always
stands out in her mind. Sorry for the "sappy story", but I'm glad you are going.

 

[JerzeeGirl4Disney]

Awww KittyCat

you gave me goosebumps with that story. I'd love to be able to take my girls to Disney every year, unfortunately we like to really spoil ourselves when we do vacation so we take mini's and then a Big one about every 3-4 years. We took them to Disney when they were 4. DH and I went before they were born, now they are 7 so we are doing it again...and I really want it to be perfect. I'm actually thinking of doing concierge as a surprise to DH. The girls have no clue we are even going and concierge means nothing to a 7yr old. But as an anniversary gift to DH I think it would be awesome to have a LV concierge room . Does anyone know if they still have a Luau at night? Do you need ressies for that in advance?

 

[JerzeeGirl4Disney]

Awww KittyCat

you gave me goosebumps with that story. I'd love to be able to take my girls to Disney every year, unfortunately we like to really spoil ourselves when we do vacation so we take mini's and then a Big one about every 3-4 years. We took them to Disney when they were 4. DH and I went before they were born, now they are 7 so we are doing it again...and I really want it to be perfect. I'm actually thinking of doing concierge as a surprise to DH. The girls have no clue we are even going and concierge means nothing to a 7yr old. But as an anniversary gift to DH I think it would be awesome to have a LV concierge room . Does anyone know if they still have a Luau at night? Do you need ressies for that in advance?

 

[JerzeeGirl4Disney]

Awww KittyCat

you gave me goosebumps with that story. I'd love to be able to take my girls to Disney every year, unfortunately we like to really spoil ourselves when we do vacation so we take mini's and then a Big one about every 3-4 years. We took them to Disney when they were 4. DH and I went before they were born, now they are 7 so we are doing it again...and I really want it to be perfect. I'm actually thinking of doing concierge as a surprise to DH. The girls have no clue we are even going and concierge means nothing to a 7yr old. But as an anniversary gift to DH I think it would be awesome to have a LV concierge room . Does anyone know if they still have a Luau at night? Do you need ressies for that in advance?

 

[GrumpyC.Hook]

My vote was for a Monorail Delux hotel for a couple of reasons and please no one hate me for saying the next couple of things...


Not having a car would make the Cabins a little more difficult travel wise to/from the parks. Even with concentrating on MK and EPCOT you would still have to take a bus either to the Marina or to the TTC and then catch either the boat or the monorail from there. To get to the "general stores" another bus or a very very long walk. While this resort is very nice and quiet and relaxing I would not suggest it if your looking for ease of transportation.

A few other posters suggested WL I have stayed there before while it was very nice and the pool was very nice I felt that the bus transportation here took a while as well not as long as the Fort Wilderness but seemed to be slow. The rooms here are small compared to other Delux hotels. But they do have balconies but small ones at that.

My vote did go to a Monorail Delux hotel because for ease of transportation and if you were to go with the Polynesian the theming, the pool, the view, the dining all are great reasons to go there alone but having the monorail to use or boats and walk path to the TTC it would be a better choice. I have never stayed there but have visited quite often.


Good Luck in what you choose.

Sorry if i upset anyone just my honest opninon


Amy

 

[momtotwinglesx4]

Without reading the other replies, my 1st response would be that you absolutely should stay at the Poly. Ease of transportation to MK & Epcot--hands down winner.

I don't smoke, so I can't help you with that; not sure if it's ok to smoke on the patio or balcony of a "smoking" room.

Not sure about the transportation to Sea World or Universal either, but why would you want to go there?

We stayed in the Ft. Wilderness cabins one trip, and they were nice enough and it was handy to have a kitchen, but other than that, I found the place *too* quiet (boring) and the transportation was not convenient at all, esp. compared to the Poly!

JMHO!

Oh, I forgot to say that we did stay at the Poly, so I can compare both. I really felt much more "magical" and in the middle of the action at the Poly than at the Ft. Wild. cabin. Also the pool at the Poly is MUCH cooler than the pools at Ft. Wilderness. Only complaint about Poly pool is--why no hottub???

 

[momtotwinglesx4]

Originally posted by JerzeeGirl4Disney
I'm actually thinking of doing concierge as a surprise to DH. The girls have no clue we are even going and concierge means nothing to a 7yr old. But as an anniversary gift to DH I think it would be awesome to have a LV concierge room . Does anyone know if they still have a Luau at night? Do you need ressies for that in advance?

I'll have to disagree with you on that one, lol! We stayed concierge at the Poly last Dec. and my 7 yr. old twins LOVED the conc. lounge! The little sofa and chairs in front of the BIG tv playing Disney movies, the great snacks and drinks, watching the fireworks--trust me, your kids will love it as much as you and your dh will! We just had the GV room to save money, but LV would be extra-awesome!

Yes, they still have the Luau, but it does require advanced reservation I think, and it's expensive IMO.

Sue

 

[JerzeeGirl4Disney]

Alright...then thats it!! You guys made up my mind thank you thank you thank you for alll your help and opinions, I think if we were going with other families the cabins might be fun, but just the four of us doing our own thing I'm really thinking the Poly is the place for us. Unfortunately my DH found the link to these boards on the emails I sent him and found my post about doing concierge...hehehe so much for the surprise, he also read somewhere that AP codes are rarely applied to concierge rooms so he kinda put a kabosh on that plan, but the Poly is still the POly even with a standard room so off we go!!! Thanks again!!

 

[momtotwinglesx4]

he also read somewhere that AP codes are rarely applied to concierge rooms so he kinda put a kabosh on that plan, but the Poly is still the POly even with a standard room so off we go!!! Thanks again!! [/B]

Uh, sorry to disagree with you again, but I receive the AP discount on my Poly GV concierge room last Dec. during Christmas week. So you might want to re-think that concierge thing.