Golf carts, yay or nay?

[avalovesminnie]

From reading various reviews there appears to be a division- some strongly feel you need one, some don't. We are staying 5 nights in a cabin, no car access, planning 4 park days. We are all active but kids are 5 and 7 and grandma is 72 but a very energetic fit 72. We live in a major urban area so are used to public transportation. I'm leaning towards not renting one except maybe on our non park day if one is available. That day happens to be the day of the Princess half marathon so I'm imagining it will be busier than average.

Opinions?? The only thing that seems like a hassle is getting back and forth from the pool.

 

[snowmedic]

There is a pool in the cabin loop area, but with a 5 and 7 yo, they will more than likely want to play on the water slide. Last I knew, the cabin area pool has no lifeguards and is open 24 hr. The Meadows pool closes at 9 or 10.

 

[North of Mouse]

From reading various reviews there appears to be a division- some strongly feel you need one, some don't. We are staying 5 nights in a cabin, no car access, planning 4 park days. We are all active but kids are 5 and 7 and grandma is 72 but a very energetic fit 72. We live in a major urban area so are used to public transportation. I'm leaning towards not renting one except maybe on our non park day if one is available. That day happens to be the day of the Princess half marathon so I'm imagining it will be busier than average.

Opinions?? The only thing that seems like a hassle is getting back and forth from the pool.

I think your answer is in your opening sentence!! There is no 'right or wrong' choice! Unless there are mobility issues in one or more of your party, you don't 'need' one, but it is definitely a personal decision if you 'want' one!!

We are in the camp of not wanting one. Over the many trips we have stayed there in the past, we have never had a cart. We love the walks that are necessary to reach transportation. This is part of the way that we keep fit, plus we really love the walks and being closer to the 'natural' there. Again, only 'you' can decide if you want/need one! It can be a cost factor also even though that has not been a decisive issue with us.

 

[Eeyore's My Favorite]

DH & I decided to go with one & we're so glad we did. We were in the 2200 loop of the cabins & it made getting everywhere so much easier & quicker. We rented from FW & picked it up when we checked in. We'd camped before without one & decided from then on it would only be with a golf cart on any future trips.

 

[G719]

We love getting the golf cart. Especially when getting back late at night and for just cruising around the campground.

 

[2goofycampers]

I would definitely get one on your no park day.

 

[Jimsig]

We have done The Fort twice in the cabins and the first time we did not got a golf cart and the second time we did. The first time we were there for 6 nights and the second for 9. Not knowing what we were missing by not having one it was no big deal the first time. But now after having one we would never do The Fort with out one for anything over 3 days. For only a 5 day stay we would probably rent right from The Fort for convenience and quickness, but anything over we would rent from an outside vendor.

 

[tinkerdorabelle]

This is a funny subject, bc my husband and I always wonder when we go camping why there are so many golf carts in many of the campgrounds we go to, why don't healthy people bike more, walk more, etc. when camping, even teenagers not riding their bikes but going around in their parent's golf carts, golf carts just everywhere. That being said, THIS IS NOT THE PLACE I WOULD DO THAT. This place really IS the place for a golf cart. It is BIG. Really big. And to get to the pool or the boats, etc., is a large distance. Yes, you can walk (but it can be a very far walk) and it's fairly easy to take buses, but personally I would have either bikes or a golf cart, it will definitely make your experience there much better IMO. You are either going to have to walk a long distance in many cases or have to wait and board a bus, just to get around your campground. And this by someone who usually doesn't get the whole golf cart thing most of the time.

 

[avalovesminnie]

Thank you all! If they would rent us bikes for the whole time that would be fun but when I looked around it would cost more to rent 4 bikes than a golf cart. Given that it is a marathon weekend do you think I should reserve ahead or just see when we get there?

 

[Eeyore's My Favorite]

Thank you all! If they would rent us bikes for the whole time that would be fun but when I looked around it would cost more to rent 4 bikes than a golf cart. Given that it is a marathon weekend do you think I should reserve ahead or just see when we get there?

Rent ASAP - when we went in October we were told there wasn't anything left when we reserved & that was mid week.

 

[mickeymom22]

I am in the camp that you need to rent one! We are fortunate to camp with our extended family and they have one we can use. The kids love riding on it. It would be great for your down day. It is also nice after a long day at the parks to have your golf cart waiting on you at the bus stop so you don't have to ride the internal bus. If it is really humid when you there, a golf cart gives you a little bit of a break too.

Happy Planning!

 

[peg110]

I think it depends on what you want to get out of it.

On your non-park days, what are your plans? If you are just going to "Veg" at the pool, maybe you don't need one, but if you are going to run around and see what the fort has to offer, then it could be a good choice.

We have been there with and without the cart. It's nice to come back from the park and to NOT have to wait for the bus because you have a cart, but sometimes finding a parking spot can be a challenge. Really there are arguments for and against, all of which are valid. I can take it and I can leave it. I will say though, when we have one, it is nice to have. Never has it been NECESSARY for us though, but we don't have anyone with any mobility issues (well other than tired feet after a full day at the parks)

 

[Bonniec]

You don't NEED one, it's a question of whether you want one. We just got back and had no trouble walking the whole park. In the summer, I might consider one due to the heat. The buses run often and work just fine. I definitely wouldn't get one on a park day. Even on a non-park day the bus works just fine.

 

[RegisterDisneyFreakz]

Definitely should get one, it is nice to cruise around and look at the different sites!

 

[christianweecare]

We will be camping for the very first time at FW this October. How do you go about reserving a golf cart?

 

[peg110]

If you are there locally, you can go to the front desk to reserve them, however this option usually doesn't work for most as they typically need to be reserved well in advanced depending on the time of year yo are there.

You can call the Fort directly and ask to reserve one. 407-824-2900

 

[christianweecare]

Thank you for the information!

 

[Teamubr]

For reference, if you rent from Kenny, how far in advance should you reserve? I'm going at the end of September, which should be a relatively slower time.

j

 

[peg110]

We rented from Kenny on our last trip (Thanksgiving time frame) and I reserved it about 4 months in advance. Because we were checking in on Thanksgiving Day (and they are closed that day), we couldn't pick it up until that Friday. Because of our timing, they had some carts available (if we wanted one on the Wednesday BEFORE Thanksgiving we would have been out of luck).

So you will probably be okay a month or two out (for that time frame) but I wouldn't chance it. They require 10% down (NON-Refundable) and the balance will be billed to your CC 10 days out of pickup. The cancellation period is up until that 10 days before.

 

[Teamubr]

Thanks Paul,

I figured I'd get a reservation by the beginning of summer, but I was afraid that was too late.

j