Has any stayed in Fort Wilderness?

[big jack 2002]

We are planning to spend 3 or 4 days in October at WDW. I have made reservations for a cabin in Fort Wilderness. My sister and brother-in-law are renting a space for their trailer there. Has anyone stayed in a cabin a Fort Wilderness or brought their own trailer and stayed at the campground? How are the cabins? I don't know if this will be a littler more "roughing it" than I will like!! Thanks so much for your help!!!

 

[JOC]

Here are two links that will tell you more about Ft. Wilderness:

http://www.mouseplanet.com/sue_holland/sh030328.htm
http://www.mouseplanet.com/sue_holland/sh030411.htm

You definitely won't be "roughing it" by staying in the cabins; there's a full kitchen, living/dining area and separate bedroom. We liked having the full kitchen for breakfast and dinner. If you have little kids there's the petting zoo, pony rides, hay rides in the evening and Chip and Dale's Campfire movie every evening. We stayed there for seven nights last year and we loved how quiet and peaceful it was after a day at the parks.

 

[nhmomx2]

We absolutely love the cabins at FW! Had we not bought into the DVC, that would be our resort of choice! It's like having your own little house - but with maid service . It is remote and quiet, but very relaxing. And if you're like me telling your kids not to run around the room because someone may be sleeping under you...you don't have to worry because it's all you!!!

 

[dgaston]

We've stayed in the old Wilderness Homes, and the Cabins, and also have camped. If you wish to be close to your sister and brother in law they might want to request the 1100 loop, and you could request the 2100 loop. These two back up to each other. FW is wonderful. Even tho my children have stayed at moderates and the Polynesian, they ask to return to camp at FW!

And remember the buffet at the Trail's End--possibly one of WDW's best secrets!

 

[Millipore]

we are considering a cabin at FW. How are the buses to the parks? What about the boat to MK?

 

[audflash]

The Travel Channel's Great Hotels is running a show on the WL this week! Check out the schedule at:

http://travel.discovery.com/schedule/series.jsp?series=86456&gid=7665&channel=TRV

 

[nhmomx2]

To be honest, we never take the buses to the parks. The boat to MK is fine. You will either have to take an internal bus (do they still run?) to the boat launch, or if you rent a golf cart you can drive right up to the launch.

I believe the Travel Channel is doing the special on Wilderness Lodge, not Fort Wilderness!!

 

[MELSMICE]

The FW cabins are definitely not "roughing it". They are nothing like staying in a log cabin at a state park or something like that. They are like your own little trailer home without the wheels but roomier & I think even nicer.

We love FW. One of the above posters mentioned the Trail's End Buffet. This is a must, especially for at least one breakfast. It is the most reasonable restaurant in WDW. We also recently joined DVC, but my 3 DD's still say that FW is their favorite resort.

 

[audflash]

Re: the Travel Channel show - It is about the WL but she goes out and briefly shows the RV area and walks through a cabin at FW! It didn't look like roughing it at all to me!

 

[Penny2]

Roughing it???? Take it from someone who camped on every vacation until I was 16....this is like NO campground we ever stayed at. The cabins/homes are really wonderful plus, as mentioned you have a kitchen, barbeque, picnic table and a BIG bathroom. We had five people in ours (4 adults-1 child) and didn't feel too crowded. Did I mention that you don't even have to do the dishes if you don't feel like it....the maids will do them if you don't. Definately plan on a grocery stop. Just buying pop and snacks will save a fortune.

FW only has two drawbacks from my perspective....the bus system is onerous and it takes time getting around. Even with a car you can't park down near the marina/restaurant/zoo area. On the days we were sticking around the campground, we rented a golf cart but it isn't cheap. The other drawback is the pool situation. Unless they upgraded in the last few years, the pools are really basic. No slides or whirlpools here....just small pools scattered around the complex adjacent to laundry facilities.

Both times we went we decorated our cabin..granted it was early December...twinkle lights in the windows and on the 'porch', luminaries lining the stairs. I'd do that no matter what time of year....people with camp sites had all kinds of cool stuff. Of course, I'd be like Dolly Parton in Steel Magnolias if I didn't live in a condo with a list of rules the size of a dictionary!

This really is a hidden gem and well kept secret. Saw Cindy's ponies, found out that peacocks fly, and saw all kinds of neat critters. It's relaxing and an oasis in the middle of theme park madness.

 

[honeymom]

Saw Travel Channel's Wilderness Lodge special and it does include a segment on Ft. Wilderness that shows the cabins and they are nice.

Would consider staying here, but do like having a pool slide (which it doesn't have).

 

[darlene walker]

We stayed in a cabin last year and it was better than I expected. I am a hotel person but for our family of 6 we stayed here becuase of the value and I was quite impressed. My ds's 4 and 5 wanted to move here. The boat ride to MK is wonderful, especially after an event like spectromajic when everyone charges for the exit. LOL. The maid we had was awesome. She left a new towel animal for us every day. The basic pool was fine for us my ds's didn't even know pools had slides until we stayed at HRH after we left the cabin.

 

[BCV23]

We stayed in the cabins twice many years ago and loved it. Very peaceful and relaxing. Both times we had a baby and it was so nice to be able to put the baby down for a nap and still have the living area to be in. Also loved having a refrigerator.

There is a Disboard for camping and you can probably get lots of info about the campgrounds there.

Have a great time!

 

[MELSMICE]

Originally posted by darlene walker
The maid we had was awesome. She left a new towel animal for us every day.

At least one of the housekeepers there is awesome!! Here name is Isabel. We had her about 4 years ago the first time & then requested her the 2nd time. We stay in contact with her now. Send Christmas cards, etc. & even go visit her on the trips that we don't stay at FW.

She used to create "scenes" in our room with towels, washclothes & the beanie babies & stuffed animals my kids brought along. It was great.

 

[nhmomx2]

Oops...sorry about that!

 

[mcsmiley59]

We have stayed there before. Last time was around Christmas. You can rent golf carts to get around Fort Wilderness, but they sometimes run out so you may wish to make a reservation for them. The cabins are a trailer with a murphy bed in the living room and bunk beds and a three quarter bed in the back. One bathroom, kitchen facilities and an outdoor deck with grill (charcol). Parking is tigh t so if you are driving a hummer you might have a problem. Horseback riding is also available there (walking only) but again you probably would want reervations. They have a full marina and a large public pool. If ya need any more info et me know