POR vs Wilderness Cabin

[taraaplin]

For roughly 230-450 (depending on room category at riverside) more we could change our reservation from POR to a cabin... which do you prefer? We have only ever done POR and POP. We are a family of 5 and only did POP when youngest was two. What are pros and cons?

 

[OneinThree]

Ft Wilderness occupies a special place in my heart, with the first of many trips there in 1984. That said, the beauty of the place is allocating the time to engaging in unique outdoor activities the campground has to offer. If it's just about accommodations, you may find Ft Wilderness a PITA due to its size and the subsequent transportation issues. You almost need to rent a golf cart to get around efficiently, IMO. It takes time to walk to the bus stops, wait for the buses, and then ride those buses while stopping at everyone else's loops. That's just to get to the external buses, lol. POR is probably the best moderate IMO, and it's tough to go wrong there. So, I guess it really depends on exactly what you plan on doing with your vacation and how.

 

[mydisneygirls]

We stayed at POR many years ago and at the cabins 2 years ago. Hands down, I would choose the cabins. The resort is a whole vacation on its own. We rented a golf cart from off-site and would never again. If we ever stay there again, I would just rent a cart only a few days. The bus system isn't that bad, especially compared to the buses that go to/from the All Stars (only from what I've heard - never stayed there). We just returned from POR French Quarters and all the while there was missing Wilderness Lodge. Of course, it now may be quite some time before we return to Disney due to the parking fees, cutting of staff (the bathrooms in the parks were dirty and smelled) and just the overall experience --- it was probably the worst trip we've had in the 20 plus years we've been going. Have you checked into renting DVC?

 

[StageTek]

Family of five; I would choose the Cabins. More space - not only inside but outside with the large patio.

We loved the boat to MK - really saved time after the fireworks. The internal busses were frequent but I was glad we had a car. On a four night trip we all wished we had more time to spend at the resort - so much to do there.

 

[GrandCalifornian]

Both are excellent choices, but I agree with @OneinThree that it really depends on what you want to do. Fort Wilderness is more of a vacation destination within itself, but its seclusion makes for a different experience than being in a more traditional hotel. By nature Fort Wilderness is more spread out and feels secluded. You will have a much bigger room, but a longer walk (or bus ride) to amenities. The difference between food options at the two resorts is significant. POR has one of the nicest QS food courts on property, while FW has fewer options. You can also walk across POR in a ten minutes or less, but Fort Wilderness is much bigger. At FW you have the option of getting a Golf Cart, which is a fun and unique transportation alternative, but adds additional cost. To get to other parks besides MK from FW you will likely ride an internal bus to wait for a park bus, resulting in generally longer transportation times than you will have at POR. For MK, you can take an internal bus to then take a boat, which is a nice fun option. POR has the advantage of offering boat transportation to Disney Springs.
Overall which resort will work best for you depends on your tastes and individual plans. If you want to spend more time experiencing the resort and hanging out outside of the parks, FW could be great. If you want to return to the room multiple times during the day you might prefer POR, although as you know its transportation isn't instant. If you want more amenities closer to your room, POR is nice. If you want your own cabin in the woods with more space, FW is neat. Happy planning and good luck with your choice.

 

[VAfamily1998]

I would choose the cabins. Don't underestimate how convenient/money saving it is be able to prepare a breakfast right in your room! If you won't have your own car, I'd suggesting taking uber to a local grocery store on the first day/night you are there to stock up--the grocery selection at the stores at the Fort aren't too extensive.

Also, just so much more space and opportunity for privacy. I don't know how old your kids are, but if they go to bed early and you and your spouse want to stay up later, you can stay in the living room, or go out on your own private front deck.

We didn't rent a golf cart, and didn't find it too inconvenient to get around. Our cabin was in the very back of 2800 loop and it was about a 10-15 minute walk to the Outpost where the buses to the parks (except MK) and Disney Springs are.)