Resort(ish) enough?

[4littleones]

This is my family's 1st trip to WDW. I am SO exicted and I think the cabins are a perfect choice for my family of 6. However one of the more common reactions I get is:

"FW just doesn't have that resort feel"

Why do people feel this way? What they heck do they want that FW doesn't offer?

 

[John VN]

"FW just doesn't have that resort feel" IS exactly why we prefer to stay at FW.

Much slower, quieter, relaxed, family oriented.....and I still enjoy doing the cooking while there.

 

[dudelydude]

If you have talked to people that tell you that FW doesn't have that resortish feel, they are absolutely correct....but that's because its not supposed to have a resortish feel. These are people that go on vacation to stay in hotels and like their lobby, pool, etc right down the hallway...and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. They crave a resort style vacation.

FW offers you the same amenties as a resort, but its more spread out. Staying in a cabin allows you flexibility you don't have at other resorts. You choose your own level of privacy. In a cabin, you don't share walls, corridors and common entrances. You walk out your door and you get to enjoy peace and nature. Then, when you choose to be among the hustle of the crowds, you have that option.

From what I understand, it's a truly unique experience at Disney World.

 

[gillenkl]

I agree that it doesn't have a resort feel. Remember you aren't in a hotel with a lobby, etc.....FW is totally different. It's more "outdoorsy" for lack of a better word - and everything is spaced out differently than a resort hotel would be. You can't take a 3 minute ride down an elevator or stroll down to the lobby to lay on comfy cushioned sofas or order room service or get a chocolate mint placed on your pillow. I'm not knocking any of those things and there are times when I like that style of vacationing. But, that's sort of the whole point of staying at the Fort - it's a little more toned down. Frankly, I like both types of resorts - but, yes, they are totally different. Does your family like a more relaxed, woodsy, camping-feeling type of vacation?

 

[FloridaTeacher]

It doesn't feel like a resort. It feels like a really fantastic campground!

 

[4littleones]

I agree that it doesn't have a resort feel. Remember you aren't in a hotel with a lobby, etc.....FW is totally different. It's more "outdoorsy" for lack of a better word - and everything is spaced out differently than a resort hotel would be. You can't take a 3 minute ride down an elevator or stroll down to the lobby to lay on comfy cushioned sofas or order room service or get a chocolate mint placed on your pillow. I'm not knocking any of those things and there are times when I like that style of vacationing. But, that's sort of the whole point of staying at the Fort - it's a little more toned down. Frankly, I like both types of resorts - but, yes, they are totally different. Does your family like a more relaxed, woodsy, camping-feeling type of vacation?

To me the Fort seems like so much fun for little kids. I'm actually uncomfortable in upscale places. I feel like our family can spend a day (or two) at FW having a blast w/o even setting foot in a park.

I am just shocked, I guess I thought people would be saying "That sounds like a great choice for you" Rather than "You realize it's lacking that resort feel"

Why burst my bubble?

 

[MICKEYLOVINMOMOF5]

To me the Fort seems like so much fun for little kids. I'm actually uncomfortable in upscale places. I feel like our family can spend a day (or two) at FW having a blast w/o even setting foot in a park.

I am just shocked, I guess I thought people would be saying "That sounds like a great choice for you" Rather than "You realize it's lacking that resort feel"

Why burst my bubble?

The world is full of bubble busters, but dont' fret, your kids are gonna love the fort and your right, you can spend days just hanging out, looping, playing at the pool not the mention the scheduled activites, you guys are gonna have a great time!

 

[Born 2 Fish]

If you like over crowded, over bearing and not as nice people, then you would prob enjoy one of the other resorts better than the Fort.
With the Fort, you get less people, much nicer people, more nature, better views, etc. So if thats not to your liking, better not go to the Fort.

 

[cruising spud]

That's what is so nice about Disney. There is a place to stay for everyone. Some people love Fort Wilderness. Others...not so much.

Pick what you like, and you will be happy.

If I listened to my friends and family I would never again stay at Fort Wilderness. No one else "gets it." But that's okay. That means more space for us.

 

[OziJo]

I picked FW Cabins for our family of 5 for that exact reason- not too "Resortish". We are there for 11 nights so wanted somewhere to stay that was away from it all but still Disney. Can't wait!!

 

[luckycharm19335]

You can relax at the end of a long day.
Or skip a long day and play at the Fort for the day.
You can be outside on the deck of your cabin or at your RV campsite. Not stuck inside a room, in a hallway with a lot of other rooms.
It just depends on what you enjoy.
The WDW resort has something for everyone.

 

[Nature Mom]

This is my family's 1st trip to WDW. I am SO exicted and I think the cabins are a perfect choice for my family of 6. However one of the more common reactions I get is:

"FW just doesn't have that resort feel"

Why do people feel this way? What they heck do they want that FW doesn't offer?

Last year was our first trip to WDW as well, and we stayed at FW, too. The entire time of my planning stage, I heard over and over "CAMPING?! At Walt Disney World?! Why would you do that? That's not a vacation! " My SIL was the worse, because she 'only' stays at the GF and that's where we should have been too, according to her.

I didn't understand what everyone had against FW and now that I have been there (and LOVED it), I think these people

A. Have never been to The Fort;
B. Wouldn't know the idea of a relaxing vacation if it hit them in the face;
C. Are not nature people; and
D. Are idiots.

The Fort is GREAT!!! No slamming doors, loud people, kids running up and down the hallways. Instead of looking out a window and wishing I was outside, I can actually be outside! I get to wake up to birds, not babies crying in the room above me. I can ride my bikes (or the golf cart) around FW all day if I want and just chill. My kids don't have the rushed feeling that you seem to always have in a hotel in the morning (you know, the 'gotta hurry and get out of here before housekeeping comes' feeling) and if they want to get away from each other, there is much more space to spread out then there would be in a room. And for me, quite honestly, hundreds and hundreds of people packed into a value doesn't really scream 'resort' to me. I'm not a sardine, and don't care to be packed in like one.

I am so glad that they have FW at WDW....it is the PERFECT place for me and my family. I am sure you will love it too.

 

[puggy2008]

We are going for our first time this Christmas our girls are 7 & 8 and we are in our 40's. We were going to stay in a cabin but it really is expensive to us. We are very excited about staying at the Fort and we are not big campers but we really want to get away from the hustle and the bustle. Maybe you should show them the area and all that is has to offer. My husband wasn't really excited about going now he can't wait to go. You might want to consider renting a camper with a golf cart we did and it saved us almost $ 3000.00 dollars. Good luck and ya know what it there is always going to be someone who is not happy to many people.

 

[lync]

I picked the cabins when we went with our 4 month old. I needed a dishwasher for bottles and pacifiers. We are going back this sept (2 years later) and we are staying at the cabins again b/c we CHOSE to! We drive to WDW and we love walking right out to our car. We drive to all of the parks.

I also like that you are not overwhelmed with "Disney". After a long day at the parks, it is kind of nice to come back to your cabin and get a little break from it all!!

You will have a great trip!

 

[Bearikens]

To me FW is a fully realized resort and the only difference is guests either bring their own rooms (and have at least 10 times more separation from their neighbors) or they rent a cabin. In fact, if you add all the other amenities (basketball, archery, wagon rides, segway, petting zoo, etc) then FW is the only fully equipped resort in all of Walt Disney World.

Those who choose to only stay in the hotels aren't getting all the amenities that they are paying a premium price for.