Please Help!!! A family undecided :(

[dennisbryce]

We are a family of 6 and are planning ourvery first Disney World visit in August. We have 2 adults, 15, 14, 8, and 3 year old. We have been looking and looking for something reasonable in the park and have narrowed it down to 2 places.
Fort Wilderness Cabins and Art of Animation Suites
But....I am not sure which to pick from. I have talked to our TA and she says no way for the Cabins but won't say why? Has anyone stayed in the cabins? Where would your advice or opinion be to stay? Are the cabins way out of the way?
Thank you from a family undecided.

 

[mkoerner]

The cabins are good for 6 people because they have a full kitchen and are separate buildings, so it's peaceful. There is also a lot for the kids to do at the campground where the cabins are located. Their transportation can be cumbersome at times. You have to take an internal bus to get to the stop where you transfer to a bus to take you out of the resort. This also applies to the boat to MK. You need to take a bus to get to where you walk to the boat. Of course if you have a car, then this is not an issue. I imagine the Animation resort will be very busy and loud, with crowded shops and food court. If you like being in the middle of the action, then AoA is a good choice. If you prefer a more quiet atmosphere, then the cabins are good. Hope this helps.

 

[BebopBaloo]

I think it ultimately depends on your preferences. Would you rather stay in a more natural environment, or a whimsical hotel environment? We have had family stay at the cabins and they really enjoyed it.

I think the only negative to the cabins would be the extra bus, but a lot of resorts share buses, so it really may not be much different time wise.

The only negative that I can think of for the new Art of Animation resort is that it will be the furthest from the parks.

Soo..it seems that the time issue may be the same...which may be a non-issue... I think they both have a lot to offer and it will really just depend on the atmosphere you prefer.

 

[disneynut11]

Have you thought about two rooms at a value resort? because of the kids they will guarantee you adjoining rooms. It will be much more economiacal. I have stayed at the family suites at all star music and felt that they were overpriced. You can rent a refrigerator for a daily rate.

 

[Mirax]

You get a full kitchen in the cabins which is a plus, and the bathroom is big, but there is only one. I think the bigger problem you will face with the cabins is the bed situation. You have a set of twin beds, full bed and a full pull down bed. I'm not sure that would work with your age group.

I loved the cabins because I never herd a door slam, or a bus load(tour group) of people arriving at the resort. It works for my family. However I can make a really good argument why you and I would want to stay at AoA. Is your TA a Disney trained TA?

 

[Dreamer2012]

Our family of 7 (seven) stayed at POP with two adjoining rooms and it was great! The cost was less and we loved being there -n the busses to and from were also great and this was Dec. 26th - Jan. 3rd - But where ever you stay I know you will have a great time!!

 

[dennisbryce]

First thank you to all that have shared your opinions and thoughts
Our TA has been to Disney World and on Disney cruises and has arranged for our last 2 cruises and did a wonderful job. However when approached with us going to the park she insists on the Port Orleans Riverside.
We looked at the Value resorts and the Port Orleans but not in favor of the idea of having 2 rooms.
For the cabins I have a question. On the Disney website pictures it shows a bunkbed. Would that be something we would have to request? My husband is leaning toward the cabins as he likes the idea of having our own little place
I am just curious why our TA is so against them. I didn't know if they are way out of the way or no transportation to the park.
For those who have stayed at the Cabins is there something you think we should do there if that is where we chose to stay?
This is tough because the AOA are new and no one has stayed there and we have never been to the park so we have no clue of the layout.
Is there somewhere on the boards you would recommend we check out as far as planning and where we should start out at the park?
Also not sure whether to use park hopper option?
Thank you again!!! All your information has been very helpful and appreciated

 

[BebopBaloo]

I have no idea why the cabins would be a problem for your TA, maybe she personally doesn't like staying in more 'rustic' atmospheres. I personally think they sound like fun. Here is a link to a map of WDW http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/maps/

It may help in viewing the location. AoA is basically where Pop Century is (#26 on the map).

The cabins may require you to get on one bus and then transfer to another bus before leaving Fort Wilderness Resort. I stayed w/ my grandparents in a camper at a FW campsite when I was a kid, but I don't remember much about the bus system. I do know that I had fun and got to see my first in the wild armadillo.

If your TA refuses to book the cabins for you, I'd suggest just booking them yourself. Don't let her dictate where you stay.


Fort Wilderness also offers a neat campfire/sing- a-long with Chip and Dale that involves roasting marshmallows for s'mores and a movie is shown after the sing-a-long. You can bring your own s'more supplies, or buy some at the site.

The charcoal grill outside the cabin could also be a nice perk, esp. if you're not on the dining plan.

Okay...I've about talked myself into staying at the cabins

No matter where you stay - have a great time!!!

 

[Rosanne]

I think it's odd that she would be pushing Port Orleans. That would not even cross my radar in your situation. Why pay that much money for two rooms and still not even have a fridge or kitchen?

I'd go with the cabins myself.

 

[fla4fun]

You don't have to request bunk beds at the cabin - they all have them.

I usually request to be close to transportation at FW, and I've always been at the front of a loop with a bus stop. I've never had a problem using the transportation provided at FW to get around, and although I drive to WDW (and love the little personal driveway at each cabin) I don't usually drive to the parks - especially with the price of gas getting so high!

My understanding of the AOA suites is that there will be one queen bed, one full size sofa bed and a full size Murphy bed for sleeping. So only three sleep surfaces instead of four. I'm guessing your teens will take the bunks, and the two young ones will share the full size bed in the cabin, right?

The big thing will be the two bathrooms at AOA. If you think having only one bathroom (with sink in the bathroom, not outside) in the cabin will be an issue, you can request to be in the 2100 loop, which backs up to an RV loop with a comfort station. But from that loop you do have to cross one of the main campground roads to get to the bus stop, which is located at the 2200 loop.

 

[I Love Pluto]

For THIS year - Why not give AoA a try?

It's not often that anyone can stay at a brand NEW resort - and become a part of history. We can't wait until August at AoA. Only the Nemo & Cars sections will be open. We'll always be able to state that we were there when it wasn't fully completed, etc.

The cabins would be a drawback due to ONE bathroom. I can't imagine 6 people with 1 bathroom!

 

[essom71]

Please note...I have never stayed at either of these properties..BUT...have travelled to Disney at least 10 times and stayed at POR and all star music in a family suite....as well we have gone to the camp ground property to the restaurant.

1) We very frequently travel with extra kids and therefore usually have more than our family so I always wanted to try the cabins until our visit last august and saw the location. I would only stay there if I had a car.Our whole point of going to disney is that everyone have fun and since I have teenagers we don't always go out together. I would think that it would be a pain transfering buses. I also think with a 3 year old it would be a pain to transfer if she/he was tired later at night.

2) POR is excellent....but..you still will need 2 rooms. We really liked the fact the kids could get the boat to dtd...they spend a fair amount of time at disney quest....as well the food court was better. The pool did have a water slide for your little ones....The other big plus would be if you were able to get free dining and wanted the regular plan with sit down meals is it is usually included in the moderate room rates...with teens we prefer the quick service and booking a few sitdown meals.

3) Our absolute favorite is the family suite..and will probably always stay there...It has the kitchenette and we find that good enough for breakfasts. It has 2 bathrooms, a queen rather than double bed in the bedroom, and it allows me to keep an eye on the teens as they are actually in the room with us. At all star music ( at i'm sure art of animation will be the same) there is pool games etc. on the deck for the little ones, and also a movie at night... For you my only concern would be that your teens will probably be out later some nights than your little ones and if you look at the set up, most of the kids would sleep in the living room area where the door is so it would be harder to keep them asleep when they came home. I believe the art of animation is to have a similar layout but you can check on allearsnet.com

 

[sharadoc]

I have stayed at the cabins and we really like them. We are planning our next trip to stay there.

The transportation is only an issue if you make it one. For me, it's a whole lot easier and less time consuming than, for instance, going from my room at Boardwalk Villas on the bus to MK. The distance to walk to the bus stop at BWV is further than the bus ride to the Settlement! (okay a little exagerration, I know). At BW you have to get on a bus, stop at the Swan, stop at the Dolphin then finally to to MK. At the Fort, I have to get on a bus with a couple quick stops, then walk to the marina for the boat to MK, which is about the same distance as you'd walk from a room at All-Star Music in Jazz or beyond to the bus.

Something I didn't think of during our last stay in a cabin - yes, there's only one sink in the bathroom but guess what, there's one in the kitchen too! We never thought of using that one for face washing, tooth brushing, etc. Same thing for storage. There's a TON of cabinets in the kitchen and you likely won't fill them with food, so there's lots of storage.

If you have different age kids, the Fort really gives the older ones something to do while the little ones nap, or rest in the room. Being able to put the young ones down and close the door, while the older ones and adults can sit in the living room or on the deck is wonderful. Or go to the pool, or canoeing, or cane pole fishing, or bike riding, or swimming, or shuffleboard, or tether ball on the beach, or mouse boat rentals, or.... Plus you won't hear a single door slam or toilet flush from anyone else's room!

From the marina, you can take a boat to MK or a smaller boat to the Contemporary and Wilderness Lodge. From the Contemporary, you can hop the monorail and go to Epcot. Staying at the Fort is so relaxing, you can take your time and enjoy the different transportation options from there.

Maybe your TA thinks a vacation should be more luxury than a cabin in the woods. We'd rather spread out, relax and enjoy our time together, rather than squishing on the edge of a bed and step over each other to get to the bathroom.

 

[Kimi313]

We stayed at the cabins last year and loved it. Yes you have to get on an internal bus before you get on the bus to the parks but once you do it you will realize it's not that big of a deal. The internal bus stopped right in front of our loop and, with us, we only shared a park bus with WL and I don't remember ever standing on the bus (we went middle may '11). I saw were the OP stated about the two sinks, well also in the bedroom with the double bed and bunk beds there is a mirror with outlet in the corner that me and DD used to get ready while the men were showering. We have always driven down but last year we flew but if you are driving there is soo much you could bring with you like drinks, hot dogs, charcoal for grilling, the fridge is big, there is lots of cabinets AND mousekeeping does the dishes when they come by to tidy. The bathroom is big with lots of cabinet space, counter space, and lots of towels. There is an oval kitchen table where we would play cards at during an afternoon wind down. Now we didn't get to check out the pool cause of renovations but I hear it is really nice. We are trying Beach Club this year but we are planning a trip with my sister-in-law and her children who are grown with kids of their own and we have told them all about the cabins. Have fun planning, no matter where you stay it will be lovely!

 

[jujube]

The cabins are a lot of fun! It's also very quiet and much more laid back than any of the other WDW resorts we've stayed in-all of the mods, the deluxe resorts, and the villas.
This is the floor plan:

 

[jujube]

The cabins are a lot of fun! It's also very quiet and much more laid back than any of the other WDW resorts we've stayed in-all of the mods, the deluxe resorts, and the villas. The cabins are also 504 sq ft while the POR rooms are 314 sq ft, so you have more space.
This is the floor plan:

Here are a couple of sites with more info:

Scroll down this page until you see Wilderness cabin floor plan and click on then link for activities.
http://www.ineedavacation.com/disneyworld/FortWilderness.html

This link has 360 degree video clips of the cabin interior. Again, you'll have to scroll down the page a bit:
http://www.ourlaughingplace.com/asp/costcalc.aspx?pageFunction=researcher&resId=FW

 

[fla4fun]

The cabins are a lot of fun! It's also very quiet and much more laid back than any of the other WDW resorts we've stayed in-all of the mods, the deluxe resorts, and the villas.
This is the floor plan:

The only thing misleading is that there is no sink in the bedroom - just a counter with a mirror and plug. That almost looks like the plan for the old trailers they had before the cabins . . . .

 

[Rylee]

I would pick AoA.

Have you looked at the plans and sketches? The theme and details look amazing... I think your children would love it. (With a family of 6, I think you would need 2 bathrooms for when trying to get everyone ready and out in the morning at the same time.) Plus, it's brand new!

We are campers and enjoy camping in the "real" world, but the idea does not appeal to us at WDW, and neither do the cabins. When at Disney, we want Disney, and we appreciate all that goes with it... the themes, the landscaping, the details, all that imagineering. As for the cabins and campground, we feel we can get that at any campground or camping cabin. We like the feel of being at an actual "resort." I also like that the kids can head down to the pool, food court, or arcade, on their own without fear of traffic (cars and lots of golf carts) roaming around inside the resort.

That said... I'm sure you'll enjoy wherever you choose.

 

[breeeza31]

I think the cabins would be a good choice for you and your family. It may be a bit pricey, but like one person said, it has the kitchen. Also one of the resorts has a tree house villa, so you should look into that as well

 

[Cynt]

I agree here. I could not imagine a family of 6 sharing one toilet on vacation.

But, I will also add, we really liked Bonnet Creek. It is very close to EPCOT. A two bedroom there will give you a kitchen. The transportation to the parks is superb and it is quite upscale compared to the on property Values.

Good luck with your trip planning.

I would recommend Bonnet Creek as well. Especially if you weren't planning on using the dining plan.