Question About Golf Carts

[kerry34]

We are visiting FW in April 2005. We were originally staying at the Poly but have since changed our ressies to FW and are renting cabins. One question that I have is how many passengers do the golf carts hold? We have twins who will be five at the time of our trip and I know that walking all over FW will be too tough on them. We have a large family and I am wondering if I will need to rent a couple of them.

 

[Beachmom]

The golf carts have held six for our family, but it is a tight squeeze. We have teenagers. I know Disney doesn't like the kids sitting on laps, but we see that often anyway. How big is your family?

 

[We4mickey]

Technically it is 4 people per golf cart, unless you can secure one of the bigger 6 person carts. They only have a few of these. If you have small children I don't see a couple extra being a problem. It's when you see people with 6 or 7 adults piling on and the cart can hardly move then I think it's a problem. It's a few who spoil it for all.

 

[LMC]

We rent one for our fam. of 5. 3 kids ages 9, 6, 3

 

[kerry34]

Well we have 5 kids ages 12, 10, 9, 5,5, so it looks like we would probably need to rent two then, because with seven of us all together. Thanks for the info.

 

[duranfan]

they usually say 4-5 peeps.
These are electric golf carts built to haul a max load. WIth the obesity problem in America, trust me I have seen some golf carts over there that are hauling much more than what they are built, this puts stress on the motors.
FT probably doesn't want to say pounds, so they estimate people. These golf carts will seat 2 avg to extra large people people upfront with a "kid' in there too probably. Same thing in the back.
I wouldn't go over 5 if you wanna be comfortable.

Its against the rules and dangerous to have kids sitting on laps. I personally seen a kid who was sitting on someone's lap fall off a moving golf cart because of a jolt. Fortuntately it was just a bruise and he was OK.

 

[LMC]

As someone posted earlier they do have a larger cart (6 person?). Check to see if that is available. Don't know if they still offer it but it should work for you instead of two.

 

[duranfan]

usually the 6 seaters are not for guests.
I have seen private owned six seaters, but I seriously don't think they rent these larger types.

 

[blestmom]

Just a thought...I went in February with 5 kids...14, 12, 10, 7, 5. Due to $$$, I did not rent a cart. We slowed down, and the walks at Fort Wilderness were our favorite memories...stopping at playgrounds, visiting with campers, chasing the little lizards, playing hopscotch by the Trading Post...

I do think the golf carts seem like a lot of fun if you want to spend the $$$, but if you don't, I still think it is possible to enjoy the trip.

You'll love the cabins! They are great for a family. Have a wonderful trip!

 

[tim5055]

Another option to keep in mind is an off-site cart rental company. There used to be a big business in cart companies delivering to FW, but Disney will no longer allow companies to bring carts to your site.

A company I have talked to is CUSTOM CARRIAGES, INC.. According to their Regional Sales Manager (they have 5 locations around Florida) they have 2 passenger, 4 passenger and 6 passenger golf cars available for rental. Additionally, they offer gas and electric vehicles, although electric is preferable due to less noise and pollution.

Rental rates are $225 per week for any of these vehicles, or a long term rental is $450 per month for these types of vehicles. Pickup and delivery is $50 roundtrip. They will deliver the vehicle to FW (the outer parking lot), coordinated in advance. Apparently they use private looking vehicles so as not to uspet the Disney folks.

A rental agreement must be signed and faxed to them before delivery can be made. Payment by check or cash due upon delivery of vehicles .

It is not a huge savings at the one week rate unless you need a 6 seater.

 

[kerry34]

Thanks to all for your helpful info!!!!

 

[Minnie's Mate]

Another option to keep in mind is an off-site cart rental company. There used to be a big business in cart companies delivering to FW, but Disney will no longer allow companies to bring carts to your site.

I'm confused. If Disney will no longer allow companies to bring carts to your site, how can you use this option?

 

[campingcorgi]

You have to go pick it up at their place of business. I've read about drop-off's starting up again (probably on the sly) but I've never had any experience with it.

 

[tim5055]

Originally posted by Minnie's Mate
I'm confused. If Disney will no longer allow companies to bring carts to your site, how can you use this option?

Hidden in one of my paragraphs...

"They will deliver the vehicle to FW (the outer parking lot), coordinated in advance. Apparently they use private looking vehicles so as not to uspet the Disney folks. "

 

[Minnie's Mate]

Got a new question. Apparently you can bring your own cart. My parents live an hour and a half north of WDW and since my Dad entered a nursing home, my Mom doesn't use their's all that often so I could probably borrow it for a week. It would fit in the back of my pick up we use to tow with. It has head lights and tail lights. I think it has brake lights, but I've never been behind it to see if it does and never asked.

What are the rules in general? I know it would have to be operated by a licensed driver (no kids, at least none as young as my kids).

Can you drive it from your site to the boat dock or bus stop and park it all day while at the parks and have it waiting when you return at the end of the day? Wouldn't that be heaven if your site is the farthest from either one?

Any other use for the golf carts?

As you can tell, we have never stayed at Ft. Wilderness.

 

[campingcorgi]

There are parking areas at the marina and all the main bus stops. You can also park at the pools and campfire area and the playgrounds and trading posts. The golf carts are lots of fun and a great help!

If you have lights you should be set to go!!