If I can't make up my mind they're going to "Cart" me away!

[adamsloco]

I'm struggling with the question of whether we need to rent a golf cart or not. We are staying at the fort (in a cabin) for 8 nights. We WILL have a car available to us. There is only one day (Sunday) that we are planning on spending all day at the Fort, the other days will be at the parks. Since it is the winter season, and they aren't open very long, we are not planning on returning mid afternoon, as that would take to long.

So, do we need a golf cart or not? I have one reserved currently, and the cost is $360 for the whole stay. Am I right in thinking that the golf cart res is the same as the cabin res -- needs to be cancelled more than 45 days out? Or should I change it to one day? Or is it really helpful?

Any advice, or experiences either way would be helpful!

Oh, I guess I should mention the group is me and my wife, my sister in law and three kids 9, 5, 2.

 

[pjcinderella]

I would say YES! We have never stayed at the cabins without having one! It is just so nice to drive around and see Fort Wilderness. We now have our own we bring with us, but still booked one for my in-laws when they come down with us in December. In my opinion they are a necessity! There is nothing like jumping on a golf cart after a long day at the park/s

 

[dizneydiva2005]

You don't need to rent it everyday- we only rent them on our days off and days we're going to the parks very late. It's easier to get on the cart after being at the parks until 12 midnight then waiting on the bus. But it's fun to have it all week- just expensive.

 

[kimluvswdw]

We always take our golf cart. Alot of our trip is riding around the campground looking at peoples sites. People love to decorate. We recently took friends with us and they were not sure whether to rent one or not (the cost was a big factor). They ended up renting one and it was the highlight of their trip. We had so much fun. I say if you can afford it, then go for it.

 

[pooh4me]

Since you have a car and will be driving to the parks I don't think you will need a golf cart except for the day you are staying at the Fort.We never rent a cart except to tour the Fort and use the buses or boats to get to the parks.You can cancel any time, it does not have to be 45 days out.We also have just signed up for a cart for the next day durning Jan.

 

[HappyDznyCamper]

Carts are fun but not necessary, also keep in mind that the carts are only designed to hold 4 people, 5 is pushing it, 6 won't work well even with the kids.

 

[Justntime]

I feel your pain. I just went through the same dilema for our trip last week.

Here are my thoughts. If money is not issue get it and keep it. I liked being able to come and go as I wanted. The fastest tranportation to MK and Epcot was via the boats. You cant drive your car to docks but you can park your cart there. If you need to catch a bus to another park then your cart will get you to the that bus faster than any of the in park loops.

Getting your cart is not easy. You cant just drive up to the bike barn. You have to park at the Trading Post if you can get a parking space. Take a short hike to the barn rent your cart and then get your cart and vehicle back to your area before the 15 minute parking limit.

I hated paying more for a cart than I pay for rental cars but having been there and done that I would suggest that if you can afford it do it. The Fort is more managable and enjoyable with a cart.

Even though they got more carts they are still selling out even last week which was during off season and low crowds. Going back and forth renting one day and not the next and maybe not having a cart or having to turn it each day by 11:00 would drive me batty. Not to mention you will have to fill out new paper work each time add another 5 to 15 minutes for that depending on the line.

After have been there and done that I would do it again. Our experaince at the Fort was 9 out 10. Without a cart is would have only been a 6 or 7 because of waiting and walking and waiting and walking.

Good luck

 

[Swimnoid]

Well, I seem to be the only person who doesnt rent a cart. Not that I wouldnt like to but it's stretching it just to make the trip as it is. Having said that, although we dont miss it and dont mind using the bus system, I think your trip will go easier with your little ones if you do have a cart. Lots of waiting and walking otherwise....at night? when they are beat? makes me shudder!

 

[SammieG]

you wont all fit into a cart and whilst i would suggest hiring one usually (its great to nip down to the shop or pool).. some of you will have to take the bus anyway...

Depends what you want to do..
The Cabin loops require two seperate buses i think to get to most places..

 

[tungpo1]

I bring my carts, wouldnt go without one It all depends on how much moving around the campground you are going to do. Trust me if you are going into the parks and walking around all day its a bummer on your feet to have to get to the campground and walk more!!!! I cant sit in the motorhome all day I like to move around and see all the campground it is a beautiful place.

 

[OK GRUMPY]

We have gotten where we rent one towards the end of our stay (when we tend to be less entergetic) Sometimes its for 5 day sometimes 3. Keep in mind that the bus drops you off at the street and it could still be a long walk back to the cabin. I think the golf carts are really nice but you would be alright with renting it for part of your stay.

 

[trulygoofy]

We liked having a cart to drive around the campground and driving to the marina when we had a cabin. I think you will fit fine in the cart. The 2 YO can sit on an adults lap. The 5 YO would fit on the seat next to the 9 YO. We had two adults and 4 kids when we rented a cart last and we all fit just fine since the kids don't take up much space.

 

[adamsloco]

Thank you everyone for your opinions, I like how helpful everyone is on these boards.

A further question to this debate: Can I drive the car to the theme parks, or is that driving limited as well? Can I, say, drive to MGM for the day, and then drive back at the end of the day? Or is that frowned upon, to keep traffic down at the Fort?

 

[disneywithfive]

Thank you everyone for your opinions, I like how helpful everyone is on these boards.

A further question to this debate: Can I drive the car to the theme parks, or is that driving limited as well? Can I, say, drive to MGM for the day, and then drive back at the end of the day? Or is that frowned upon, to keep traffic down at the Fort?

We didn't rent a cart and we drove everywhere expect the Magic Kingdom. It's actually easier to get from your car to the park entrance and back then waiting for the buses. You won't have to pay to park at the Parks if you place the paper the Fort will give you (stating the dates you will be there) in the front left window area. They just flag you through.

 

[doughcwjt]

I reccommend the golf cart. We returned earlier this month from our first stay in the cabins and the golf cart was so much fun to have. It was nice to have it RIGHT there when we got off the buses or boats at night after the parks or coming from dinner (we did have a car there too) and drove it right back to the cabin. If you are not at the beginning of the loop it can be a long walk from the bus stops. It is great to drive to the pools, trading posts, marina, Camp Fire and just around Ft. Wilderness. I would never stay there without one. Yes, there are buses and they are frequent, but the campground is so large, that this makes for an even more pleasurable vacaiton experience there.

Good Luck with your decision.

 

[SammieG]

we drove to the parks every day and hired a cart..
the only park we took the boat to was MK... that was a breeze!

actually one day we took the bus to and from MgM i think it was.. but otherwise we took the car..

There are no restrictions on driving in the fort.. but you cant park...not for more than 10 or 15 minutes anyway.