Pics from the 80s & questions

[LeagueCityMouse]

I'm beginning to wonder what a girl's got to do to get some attention around here! I posted several questions last week and got no response. So, I'm reposting with pictures....I know you guys love pictures!!! So while you are browsing my youth at the fort, can you help a gal out? See my questions. Mucho appreciated!

That's my Dad. He passsed away this past February. He loved WDW.

Is this where WL is now? Where's a google map when you need it?

Ahh...the obligitory trailer door picture. We have pictures of every family member by that door at nearly every campground. Notice Musket Mickey?


My family and I will be at the Fort Summer 2011...and I have some questions.

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Hi, all. I'll be at Fort Wilderness this coming summer to celebrate my 40th birthday! Last trip to FW was 1989, but I've had many trips since then at other resorts (most recent Feb. 2010). I grew up camping at the Fort with my parents and now I want my kids (DS8 and DD4) to experience it as I did. However, since it's been a while and lots has changed, I have a few questions:

1. How do I get my husband jazzed about Fort Wilderness Cabins? We don't have a trailer, so it has to be the cabins. He's a deluxe resort kind of guy.

2. Getting around the Fort. How much is golf cart rental per day, is there a weekly rate? What other options are there (ie, outside rental)? I see some postings about companies not being allowed to bring the carts on-site unless escorted by a guest. Wondering how that might work?

3. We will be there during Free Dining. Normally I wouldn't purchase the DP, but if it's the only promotion available while we are there, then I'll take it! Is having the dining plan inconvenient at FW with lack of Quick Service options? How is the Meadow Trading Post snack bar for Quick Service?

4. What has changed for the good or bad since 1989?

Any other tips would be appreciated!

TIA,

LeagueCityMouse

 

[becky1960]

I have stayed at the various Deluxe hotels, CL, AKL, WL Etc and a cabin is equal to most oif them in size and a kitchen. I bet your husband would like the Golf cart. Check out Kenny's Tee Time, they say he charges about have the price of FW, I think I remember something about $ 277.00 a week.

I have been going to FW since 73 and they have always upgraded it during that time and still maintains the same basic look. I believe once he gets there he will enjoy it, I have also stayed at the cabins.

Dont forget you can still enjoy the Deluxe hotels by going to Dinner and shop..

 

[SC DAD of 2]

TIA, First, I really enjoyed your pics. I'm sure they invoke great wonderful

memories for you. There are others who can best answer most of your

questions, esp. in regards to the cabins. I can suggest reading trip reports.

Search “KFK’s 1st TR” My favorite, it should fire up anyone for a fort visit.

Thanks again for sharing.

 

[DaveInTN]

Great pics!

To answer your #3 above, with the caveat that I have never gotten the dining plan (so value this advice for what you paid for it)...while there are limited QS options at the Fort you have relatively easy access to very good options at the WL. Roaring Forks there is one of my family's favorite counter service locations. You also are just a boat ride away from the CR and their QS options, and from there you can easily get to the Poly or GF which both also have good options.

 

[Magicbus]

I can't answer any of your questions, but here's what I think. It's great that you want your kids to experience the Fort as you did with your dad, but staying in a cabin will not accomplish that IMO. If you really want your kids to experience camping at the Fort, why not rent an RV locally. There are a number of companies that will set it up and take it away for you, and stay at a campsite? And if it's something that hubby can't or won't do, why not do what some other moms with kids have done recently, come anyways.

 

[des1954]

Um....the picture of your family with the CR in the background might be near the WL property.

 

[mgsmom]

1. How do I get my husband jazzed about Fort Wilderness Cabins? We don't have a trailer, so it has to be the cabins. He's a deluxe resort kind of guy.

2. Getting around the Fort. How much is golf cart rental per day, is there a weekly rate? What other options are there (ie, outside rental)? I see some postings about companies not being allowed to bring the carts on-site unless escorted by a guest. Wondering how that might work?

3. We will be there during Free Dining. Normally I wouldn't purchase the DP, but if it's the only promotion available while we are there, then I'll take it! Is having the dining plan inconvenient at FW with lack of Quick Service options? How is the Meadow Trading Post snack bar for Quick Service?

1. Tell him it's like having your own little house right in the middle of DisneyWorld! We also found the Fort to be very laid-back, a nice place to end a busy day in the parks! My DH is a deluxe kind-of-guy too and he loved it. You get way more privacy than in a deluxe resort too.

2. Golf carts are $60ish a day if you rent from Disney. If you're there a while, check with Kenny. Much cheaper.

3. The dining (plan) options at FW are limited. However, it is super-easy to take a boat to Contemporary or WL to eat if you want. Also, we found ourselves eating at the parks a lot anyways.

You guys will LOVE the cabins!!! We had a great time!!!

 

[stacktester]

I think you have the answers. Just wanted to say sorry about your dad. Going to the fort is my daughter and mine's favorite thing to do. I'm sure a trip there will spark up a tradition and bring back a few you might have forgotten.

ETA: There's a thread on here about post your pic on the porch at Trails End. The pic of dad has a place there no doubt.

 

[lklasing]

The cabins are a great place to stay. My DH was just like yours - was only willing to come to WDW if we stayed at the Poly (concierge, no less). But then we ended up at a cabin due to other family camping at FW and he was hooked. Having all the extra room to spread out in really did the trick. The cabins are so much roomier than even the deluxe rooms.

It's definitely not as good as the many great trip reports, but if you want to read another report about first-time cabin people deciding that the cabins are far better than a deluxe resort, feel free to check out my TR from May 2008 below.

Have a great trip!

(And yes, I would definitely get a golf cart - either one from FW or off site - they make getting around the Fort lots of fun!)

Leslie

 

[Tri-circle-D]

Is this where WL is now? Where's a google map when you need it?

I have something better that a Google map, here's a nice aerial shot for you:

I think y'all were standing directly across the canal from the Contemporary resort. You can see the monorail tracks are close to where you are standing.

Wilderness Lodge is further to the East, as you can see.

Back in the day, you could take a trail from the Fort all the way to where you are standing.

Thanks for sharing your photos.

They are great!

I don't have anything to add to the answers given, but no one has addressed your question about changes.

As with all things, there have been a lot of changes at the Fort.

The animals in the petting zoo are gone. The train is gone. River Country and Discovery Island are closed. The wooded areas in the camping and cabin loops have been cleared out to make the Fort more park-like and less Wildernessy. All American Indian memorabilia is gone (totem poles, tee pees, etc). Musket Mickey is gone. The peacocks are gone. All but one swing set is gone. I could go on.

But, even with all that is gone, the Fort remains.

Some good things- the old Wilderness Trailers have been replaced with Wilderness Cabins. They are much nicer. There is still a campfire program. There are still playgrounds. And basketball hoops. There are lots of free activities to do at the pool. Speaking of the pool, the Fort now has a great slide. And hot tubs. And a great splash zone for the kids. You can still rent a golf cart. You can still hop on a boat and head to the Magic Kingdom. Or the Contemporary Resort. You can still rent a canoe. Or kayak. Or now, even take a Segway tour. You can still take a few steps from your cabin, and hop on a bus that can take you to the Outpost bus stop where you can go anywhere on WDW property. For free.

Even with all of the changes, Fort Wilderness is still great.

Hope you have a wonderful trip.

And that you make a lot of great memories with your family.

TCD

 

[LeagueCityMouse]

Awwww...you guys are GREAT! Thanks so much for responding to my questions. I am so looking forward to our trip this summer.

 

[TheGreatGonzo]

Here's a link to the Golf Cart Thread.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2148754
Here you will find prices and contact information.
Hope you have a great time!

 

[mikeymouse1]

Grate Pics! Your Dads cut offs made me smile! I spent many a day in cut off jeans in those days! Good stuff! And your D/H will love the Fort! Tell him hes camping in the next best thing to a rock stars tour bus!

 

[Robert6401]

1. How do I get my husband jazzed about Fort Wilderness Cabins? We don't have a trailer, so it has to be the cabins. He's a deluxe resort kind of guy.

Insult his manhood? That's typically the approach my wife takes when she wants to do something more "rustic/adventurous/etc" and I am apprehensive. It works, too!

 

[WDW1979]

4. What has changed...since 1989?

Dogs. Lots and lots of dogs.

 

[kampfirekim]

Insult his manhood? That's typically the approach my wife takes when she wants to do something more "rustic/adventurous/etc" and I am apprehensive. It works, too!

Go wife!!!!


Great photos LCM! Hope you got all the answers you were looking for.