questions about cabins

[BabyRN]

Hi everyone I just have a few questions about the cabins at Fort Wildnerness. We just had our 4th baby in February and our other kids are 11 8 and 6. We can still cram into POR but are thinking about the cabins instead. We also looked into the family suites at ASM, but my husband likes the privacy a bit more. I've been looking into some stuff but it's hard to tell...how many pools do they have and are there any slides? Also, can you take the boat to DTD or MK? Is it near the Wilderness Lodge and do you have access to their pools and recreation? I thought I read that somewhere awhile back but can't find it. Sorry if it's a no-no...I just don't know and want clarification! Thanks so much for your help!!

 

[fla4fun]

There are two pools. The main feature pool has a slide, but the smaller pool close the cabins does not. There is a paved walkway, about 3/4 mile, between Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge, but you are not allowed to use their pools (you may see some old posts from the time when the feature pool at FW was being remodeled - during that time FW guests were allowed to use WL pools, but that was discontinued again when the FW pool was completed).

You do take a boat to MK, but buses to all other destinations. There is an internal bus system at the Fort that will either take you to the Settlement, where the boat is, or the Outpost, where the bus depot to the parks is located. Some people complain about having to take two forms of transport to go anywhere, but I prefer having one spot to get on theme park transportation instead of having the theme park buses stopping multiple times. I've stayed at POR more than once near the last stop and had packed buses not even stop. At least at FW, everyone has the same chance of getting a seat, or even getting on a bus/boat.

The cabins themselves are very nice. There is only one bathroom (you would have two in a All Star Family Suite), but with the bunk beds and full size bed in the bedroom, the kids can sleep back there, and you two can have the bed in the living room for a little privacy. It's nice to have the full kitchen (especially the full size fridge) for snacks, even if you don't plan to fix full meals. It's also nice to have a parking spot right outside the cabin if you are driving - no hunting for a parking place at the end of a long day.

 

[BabyRN]

(you may see some old posts from the time when the feature pool at FW was being remodeled - during that time FW guests were allowed to use WL pools, but that was discontinued again when the FW pool was completed).

Yes, I might have seen some old posts but never really read it completely because I never thought I would be able to stay there! And, I might have been thinking it was somewhat like POR and POFQ where you could use all the pools. Thanks so much for your information!! I'm excited to try somewhere new!

 

[BradyBz12]

It might help to check out the FW map HERE

It shows you where the pools are and the location of the cabins in relation to the rest of the resort. (bottom left-ish loops marked 2100-2800) The main pool is in the center near the 1300 loop.

The boat to MK leaves from the marina (top of map) and buses to all other parks and DTD leave from the reception/outpost area (bottom of map). There are 2 trading posts that stock souvenirs and an assortment of supplies similar to most resort shops. There is a buffet restaurant at Trails End where you can also get takeout in the evening. There is also a snack bar at the main pool that serves sandwiches, hot dogs, etc during the day.

Boat to MK is about a 12 minute ride. From the marina you can also catch a boat to WL or Contemporary if you wish. As PP noted, no pool hopping is allowed at this time.

If you run a search on this forum you'll find lots of pics of the newly renovated pool. They added a slide, splash zone and hot tub.

Any other questions - ask away! Someone here will know the answer

 

[BabyRN]

I saw some pics of the new pool but I didn't really see any of the splash zone...My baby will be one on 2/25 so this would be perfect to let him play in! Thanks so much!

 

[indimom3]

We had friends stay in family suite at one of the values, I forget now which one it was, at the same time we stayed in a FW cabin last Feb. There's really no comparison. Unless you really enjoy staying at ASM for some reason, the cabins are much better for families. For one thing, the family suites have a microwave and small fridge, but the cabins have a full kitchen. The dining table in the suite has 4 chairs, and the table itself is pretty small. Not exactly a space that lends itself to cooking an actual meal that you all eat at the same time.
It's the equivalent size of 2 value rooms, so it is not a big area. With 4 kids, you wil definitely fill that space.
When we stay at the cabins, we put our kids in the bedroom (we have 3, and haven't lost one yet), and DH and I sleep on the murphy bed in the outer area. The cabins have their own Pack N Play, which actually fits nicely into the open closet space in the bedroom.
It's also so nice to be able to open your door, and walk outside. Sitting on the deck of your cabin and unwinding at the end of the day, while the kids are asleep or whatever - that is what makes it a true vacation.

Plus, the cabins are FORT WILDERNESS! The best place ever!

No contest.
Sorry for the novel, we leave tomorrow, so I am the teensiest bit excited.

 

[EcbLovesMickey]

The cabins are really a great choice for a large family. Not only do you have more privacy, but if you are driving you can park right in front of your cabin, not have to trek half a mile to a hotel room, like in the other resorts.

 

[BradyBz12]

You can check out pics of the cabins HERE

 

[29apr00]

we just got back from the cabins and LOVED them!! the full kitchen was wonderful and it was nice to come back from the parks and relax on a couch and chair rather than the bed! it was just so roomy and homelike....we loved it!

 

[CampingBandit]

Go with the cabin.

While there would be plenty of room for you in the ASM suite, with a pack n play crib in the master bedroom (King size bed too) - the kitchen isn't sufficient. I only recall two chairs for the table....and we had to move the furniture around to make it work. The second bathroom is nice, but honestly the Fort's list of pro's still outweighs the loss of the bathroom and anything else that ASM has to offer - and having a full kitchen will be a benefit.

The pool/kid zone and hottub at the Fort alone are worth it over ASM that only has a plain pool and nothing else. Plus you have the boat to MK as opposed to a bunch of overcrowded busses at ASM.

 

[sunburnin]

We loved the cabins last week!

Best part is that you don't share a wall with anyone. Other people in a "room next door" won't disturb you, and its OK if your family is loud and crazy (like my 5 and 7 year old can be) and not worry about bugging your neighbors.

There could be mild noise (talking) if anyone is walking down the street at night coming back from a bus, but that was rare.