Some questions about the cabins!

[twinspluscade]

We're going to WDW Sept 8-16. We currently have POR booked, but we're thinking about possibly switching when free dining comes out. I'm considering the FW cabins and have some questions:

1) Obviously the most important question --are the cabins included for free dining (can't afford it otherwise).

2). I've read that golf carts are a MUST here. How much are they to rent? Do you have to return them each night, or can you park them outside your cabin? Do you rent them by the day, or entire week?

3)If we decide NOT to rent a golf cart--is it possible to WALK from any of the cabins to the main bus area? Or is it just too far? I know they have internal busses, but have heard they take forever. I would rather just walk if that's doable with three small children (ages 5,5 almost 4--and we won't have a stroller at FW).

4) How long does it take to ride the boat from FW to MK? How long do the busses take from FW to Epcot, MGM, and AK?

5)Chip and Dale's Campfire looks like fun--but is it very crowded (keep in mind we're going Sept 8-16). If we would bring marshmallows to roast, could we even get to the campfire to roast them ? Or is it so packed you have to wait in line to roast?

6)Can you watch Wishes from the beach? Can you see it from anywhere else at FW?

7) For those of you who have stayed at both the cabins AND another on-site resort--how do they compare? Is the extra cost worth it, for a cabin (it's quite a bit cheaper for us to stay at POR or the values).

8) Dh and I are not crowd people. Is FW quite crowded (pools, busses, Trails End buffet, the beach,etc.)? Is it a peaceful place to stay, or more hectic? Is it noisy, especially at night?

Any other advice/ thoughts for me?

Thanks!

Kelly

 

[bama_ed]

Kelley, with 3 small children, you will LOVE the cabins. The kids can sleep in the back bedroom while you and DH can have some "quiet" time in the living room, watch a little tv, and sleep on the murphy bed. Sometimes on vacation everybody needs a little space....

To your questions:

1. Cabins are usually included in dining promos

2. Carts are not a MUST IMO but FW rents a lot of them at about $45/day. If you are going to spend a whole day relaxing at FW it might be worth it but I never did it when my 3 kids were your ages. You can keep them overnight for however many days you rented them. There are plugs outside the cabins for you to keep them charged up.

3. Main places we walked to was the Meadow trading post where the big pool is, the campfire, bike barn, playground and from the 2100, 2200, or 2300 loop entrances (cabin loops nearest the TP) it's about a 10 minute shaded walk. Very walkable. If you are going down to Pioneer Hall area for Trail's End buffet, the boat to MK, HDDR, or the pony rides, you might want to catch a bus. The wait isn't really too bad.

4. We drive to all the parks except MK (catch the boat) from FW. From the FW dock to MK is about a 10 minutes boat ride and boats run pretty frequently. It's very pleasant...

5. The campfires at the C&D sing-along are set up to either side of the stage/screen at the front. We just got back from a trip during the busy peak season and we could get to the campfire no prob so during the off time of September you will have no problemo!

6. You can see most of it, not all but it is still worth going down to the beach to see it. The beach is the only place you can see it (although you can hear it anywhere in the Fort).

7. The cabins are nice because you can, as I said earlier, have a little room to spread out. You or DH can go outside on the deck and listen to the birds sing while enjoying the morning cup of coffee. The free dining (if available) negates the main reason I liked the cabins in that we could cook and eat most of our meals in and save a ton of money. My kids are the age where I can't take them out of school now plus they eat like three horses after a workout! But the kids will enjoy seeing the ducks, bunnies, and being outdoors. Do the pony rides, watch them shoe the horses, rent some bikes, etc.

8. FW is very peaceful. I am not a crowd person either. Campfires and down around Pioneer Hall in the evenings (TE, HDDR) can be crowded some. But there is a little pool in the cabin area that is very lightly used which is quiet. Early mornings and evenings on your deck are quiet. I go to the TP when it opens at 8 a.m., buy a USA Today, and sit outside the TP and read it in a rocking chair and it is very quiet...

IMHO FW is the best place to stay at WDW with kids. The Fort also has activities for children throughout the day usually based at the big pool. 11 am might be bingo, 2 pm might be a kickball game, 4 pm might be a scavenger hunt, etc. (only cost is for bingo). Rent some bikes (or bring them) and that solves the golf cart question. People ride their bikes to the dock, catch the boat to MK, and leave them there all day no prob. Rent a canoe for an hour and paddle thru the canals like we did - it is an excellant opportunity for beginners. Take the golf cart money and rent a pontoon boat (I think I spent $72 for an hour with my AAA discount last year) and cruise over by the MK, Poly, GF, and Contemp.

I'm a big Fort Wilderness fan and it's a great family place! Once you stay there you'll always come back.

Bama ED

 

[auntie]

With kids that young I'd advise the golf cart. It isn't necessary...but honestly in my opinion it will make the trip MUCH more enjoyable. Especially if you aren't going to have a stroller. We stayed in cabins when my younger two were 5 and 1..and we also had a 12 year old at the time. You CAN walk anywhere..but be prepared....it is a walk. I found the golf carts a great way to zip around..and not have to take a bus to the pool. There is a pool in one of the cabin loops, but it is small and is not attended by a lifeguard. The main pool is located near the Meadow Trading Post..where the bike barn is also located...that's where you would pick up a golf cart.
I do believe when they run free dining that the cabins are included in that. I guess it would depend on whether you book a package or a just a "room only" reservation. Dining is a package.