Reluctant about FW, WHY?

[MotherOf2Princesses]

I have a vacation booked for next year in May. First time at FW.
Why is it I'm not sure if I made the right choice. I have read several reviews about other folks being reluctant about their first time at FW but had a great time. So why do folks feel this way about FW prior to their trip? Disney doesn't seem to advertise it as much as the others. Camping might be cheap but the cabins aren't. And if that were the case they sure do advertise the Value of the Value resorts alot.
And have you seen FW on this years DVD planning guide it's not too impressive, last years was much better.
I decided to go with the cabins because I wanted extra space. And I thought there would be lots of stuff for my two girls to enjoy, 5 and 2 1/2. I also rented a golf cart, they'll love that.
Isn't FW just as nice as POR or WL. There's nothing special about a hotel room at the end of a long day at the parks.
Got any must do tips for toddlers. Thank You.

 

[ugadog99]

The Fort is the BEST!!!!!!!!!!! If I hadn't been late on deciding my November trip, I would have the cabins booked with the BRP. Unfortunately, I waited too long and the best I could do was POR. Anyway, Ft. Wilderness is wonderful and the cabins are super. I like the quiet of the Fort, the activities offered for all ages, Trail's End, the launch to MK, golf carts, and the feeling of being alone in your own self contained cabin. I love the Fort and we will be back at the cabins for December 2006!

 

[stillh2o]

I feel Disney don’t advertise FW as much is because they make more money in their Hotels. Last New Year we paid $96 a night for a site about the same as a Value resorts, But if you look at a family staying in a Value resorts they need a place to eat all meals and drink. We just paid for the site, we eat and drink in your motorhome. I figure we save about $200 a day by doing that. You will have a great time. We go to FW about 8 times a year it is a great place to go just to get away.

 

[wildernessfamily]

the campfire, sing a long, I think they'll like that.

 

[MMLong3996]

I have stayed in a WDW resort twice and Ft. Wilderness once, with 3 more trips planned by year's end. I don't know if I'll ever stay in a resort again. I LOVE FW and have a hard time staying at any other campground without comparing it to FW. It's tops!!

 

[plutospup]

Check out the pony rides. My DD8 loves them, and knows the ponies by name!! Also you might want to try the hayride, or carriage rides. Check out the activities at the Meadows pool. They have craft time that toddlers will enjoy. There are several playgrounds for toddlers to enjoy. Of course the campfire singalong is great. You can roast marsmellows, meet Chip n Dale, and watch a Disney movie "under the stars"! Something not listed on the official activity sheet...chase the geckos/small lizards! DD has enjoyed doing this for years, and I watched other children do this as well! Your family will have a great time at FW!

 

[mrsgus06]

As I was leaving in Aug, they were replacing the playground at the marina and the one at the beginning of the 1300 loop. The sing a long is a must do. You will also appreciate that the kids can be kids at the cabins and you don't have to worry about the noise they make. I camp most of the time, but still go once a year and stay in the cabins. The cedar smell.....oh, the smell.

 

[psiprez]

WE LOVE FW!!!

The only reason we are not staying there next trip is that we are going for a wedding, and we were asked to stay with the wedding party.

Anyone who camps would certainly be comfortable staying in a site. The cabins are really more like free-standing hotel rooms. It is wonderful having a kitchen, and of course most of the food you would want is available at the camp store. At the end of a hectic day in the Parks, your cabin is like a little sanctuary.

The cabins are a pricey alternative to a single Value or Moderate room, but usually a savings over two rooms. If you are travelling with six people, it is the way to go! Our group was two kids, two parent, two grandparents, and we were very comfy.

I do not feel that the FW transportation is any different than any other resort. In fact, the availability of the shuttle boat to MK more than makes up for it! The cabins at the back of the loops can be pretty far from the bus stop, so be sure to request a close cabin. Golf carts are available to rent for one day or the entire week, and people use them to get around the resort and to the shuttle boat (but they can be pricey!)

There is a lot of added value at FW - Campfire Movie, Hoop-De-Doo, Backyard B-B-Q, pony rides, Electrical Parade, Shuttle boat. But...there is no theme pool.

 

[Anewman]

So why do folks feel this way about FW prior to their trip?

Well the reason I felt reluctant and actually ended up switching to WL was the AUG heat. I just felt there was too much addtional walking involved at FW. WL was actually cheaper(than a cabin) but that was not an issue at all. Taking an internal bus to get to the park busses was a big reason we switched out.