Info on FW please

[AUdisfan]

We are DVC members and have reservations in Dec at SSR. Because of a conflict that just came up, we need to change it. I wanted to book for the first weekend in Dec, but of course nothing available at any DVC resorts. We really like having the kitchen and the only other place I could think of that had them was FW cabins. We stayed there every yr when I was growing up, but haven't been in 20 yrs. My DH doesn't want to stay there b/c he thinks it's too hard to get around. My question is (finally) do you still have to take a bus to TTC to get anywhere other than MK? What's the general transportation set up there now? When we used to go you took a bus (or tram) from bus stops around FW to the main bus stop and then took another bus to TTC and then another one to your final destination. Is it still that complicated?

Also any other info ya'll think I might need on any changes in FW in the past 20 yrs would be great. I have great memories of our visits there in the past and would love to stay there if it's not too complicated. We'll be taking DD(4), DS(1), my Mom and Daddy(who really wants to stay there out of nostalgia), DH, and me.

Sorry for longwindedness (is that a word), I'm not very good at short posts!

Thanks!

 

[HappyDznyCamper]

FW still has internal transportation to get to the main bus stops(2). The Outpost stop is not a bad walk from some of the cabin loops, the Settlement stop would require the internal bus or perhapse renting a golf cart(about $50/day). Once you are at the main stops transportation is just like that at any other Disney resort, you board the bus to the park of your choice and go(sometimes the bus may share with other resorts). Just like other resorts, if you want to go to another resort you will need to transfer at a park, with a few exceptions. From the FW marina you can catch a boat to CR and WL as well as a boat to MK(the only direct route from FW).

 

[Skroops]

We liked the FW cabins. I like DVC properties better, but it was a good experience for us at FW. You do have to relax about the transportation, because it will take longer. It wasn't a big deal to switch buses with a stroller, but waiting for two was a little time consuming. We still preferred to take the bus vs. using our rental car. It is nice to have a rental car though, because you can park right infront of your cabin. We didn't rent a golf cart. The loop bus was very close by. We stayed in Feb, so we didn't use the pool but it is just a basic pool. The first cabin we were assigned had damage to the exterior from the previous guest (looked like they ran into it with a vehicle) and it wasn't very clean on the inside (beer bottle stickers half affixed to the artwork on the wall). They came right away and helped us to another cabin which was clean and un-damaged. (Good service recovery)
What I liked about the cabin was that it felt rustic and in the woods. Somehow, it felt a lot more secluded than it was. The cabins are fairly close together, but I never heard the other guests. Would we stay there again? If the price is right. First I'd choose the deluxe hotels and DVC properties.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

We stayed there last December. We really liked the cabins, with the exception of the buses. It probably wouldn't have been as bad if we didn't have to get around with an ECV, because anytime they are put on a bus they have to be tied down. There are 2 main bus stops, one at the front near check in and those buses went to Epcot, AK, DTD, and I believe MK. The one at the back goes to MGM. That doesn't include the internal buses, trying to remember which ones went to the front and which ones went to the back. We gave up and used the minivan we had rented. We did enjoy th ride from the MK to the resort and back, it also stops at WL. We only used the kitchen for keeping left overs and having dishes to warm them up in, or have a soda. The bathroom is very roomy. The bed was small, it was a full, but felt smaller than a standard full. It was nice feeling you had your own little house, though.

War Eagle!!

Suzanne

 

[Us3]

We love FW! With that being said, we have not stayed in the cabins, as we have a tt. I don't think the bus system is complicated, but it may take a bit longer. Renting a golf cart is a good idea so you dont have to rely on the inner transportation system. Also, you can ride around the loops exploring! I think a trip there for nostalgia reasons would be great!

Best of luck with your decision!

 

[AUdisfan]

War Eagle! right back at you Suzanne!


Thanks for the updates everybody! I'm thinking that staying at FW will probably help us slow down and enjoy just being together more. We can only stay 4 nights so I tend to try to cram everything in to every trip and we do lots of hurrying. My DH keeps reminding me that we have many years to go to WDW and we don't have to visit every park every time.

Anyway, thanks for the input. Any other thoughts on FW would be great. Also, any suggestions on getting room discounts since my parents would be paying cash for their cabin, but we would be using points for ours.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

We got a AAA discount on them last year $209.15/night, but that includes the extra $5 for an extra adult. There maybe something avail under the public discount code that is out now, I believe it is CCE. You know all of you can fit in one cabin. there is a full size bed and bunkbeds in the bedroom and a pull down full size murphy bed in the living room, as well as a pack and play in the hall closet.

Suzanne

 

[AUdisfan]

Thanks for the tip on the code. Unfortunately, when I called yesterday, they didn't have anything available anymore. I'm trying to regroup and decide what to do. I'm thinking about just moving the whole trip to Feb.

Yeah, I knew the cabins are big enough for all of us to fit in one, but that might be a bit too much family togetherness for us. My mom can barely stand to share a bathroom with just my daddy, so the thought of sharing with all of us freaks her out.

Thanks for the tips. Any ideas on going in Feb?