Straight Talk for first time cabin vistor

[Porphyro]

I'm looking for a little "straight talk" regarding the cabins. I see some conflicting information and I'm having a hard time straightening it out. Some people say that the cabins are nice and quiet, and others are complaining that the frogs are so loud they can't sleep. Some folks say that Disney sprays for bugs and that mosquitoes aren't that bad, other people are saying they've never seen bugs that bad in their life. I even saw where one person claimed to see a copperhead. What are the cabins really like?

I've been tent camping and I like doing it, so a little bit of "roughing it" (when compared to the other resorts) doesn't bother me at all. But if the negatives I listed are all true, then I may try to change my booking to another resort. We'll be there 8/9-8/15. I'm prepared for it to be really hot, and again, that doesn't bother me.

 

[donac]

I have camped at FW several times. When it is very wet the frogs come out and will croak the entire night long. I spent a couple of sleepless nights with frogs. BUT we were in a tent.

 

[becky1960]

We have never been bother by bugs at FW over many, many years and havent seen a snake but we did see a snake at WL and a gator at CSR. We have also stayed in the cabins several times. I believe you will overall, have a Great expirence. As for frogs, we live in Texas and after a rain you can hear them here also.

 

[Porphyro]

So, are a lot of the negatives that I'm hearing due to the recent rain?

 

[Tri-circle-D]

Here's some straight talk for you:

The cabins are great.

Period.

Seriously, they are.

Yes, there is a bit of excess water in the Fort at present, but that is a temporary thing (I hope) caused by an unusual amount of rain in a short time period.

Try it.

You'll like it.

TCD

Oh yeah, I almost forgot.

Welcome to the Disboards!

 

[nikkipowell1]

Just got back from the cabins on 6/3. First visit and I loved it, will go back. Yes, the mosquitos were bad only because of all the rain they had the past week or so. I didn't hear any frogs unless I was outside, and I slept inside so that wasn't a problem. They even supply coffee for the coffee maker, which was stated previously that they don't. If my DH wants to go back, everyone will love the cabins.

Nikki

 

[mickeyluvr004]

we have been for the past 3 years and I have to tell you GO GO GO you will love it we go in Sept and so far NO snakes some misquitos but bring bug spray and if the loudness of frogs bother you do you have a small semi fan to pack and drown out the noise? In my opinion usually at the end of the day your soooooo tired that when you hit the bed your out and don't hear the frogs they are loud but do not stop us from going every year frogs and all Have a great time

 

[Born 2 Fish]

Straight up,,man , you sure ask a lot,,but here goes.
I totally agree with TCD, , try it, you'll like it.
And as far as frogs, bugs, snakes, and critters, well, I have NEVER been anyplace that didn't have some of or a share of these things,,I mean, after all it is camping and the great outdoors. And pretty much thats part of what it's all about.

And WELCOME to the boards !

 

[Born 2 Fish]

That being said,, What you REALLY need to worry about are the beer thieving otters at the Fort.

 

[campingdawgs]

We just got back and the mosquitos are bad now, because of all the standing water. Usually they aren't too bad. There are plenty of frogs, but you have that anywhere you are near water. This trip was the first time we saw a snake; it was a water moccasin at the beach next to the seating area. Just use the usual precautions when you are outdoors.

 

[Porphyro]

Thanks for the reassurance. There are a few other sites where the recent reviews have been less than stellar. I just wanted to make certain that I had made a good choice.

Thanks again - this board has been really helpful in planning this trip.

 

[Born 2 Fish]

You might wanna pack a fish'n pole,,,if you have spare time, there's fish in them there waters,

 

[bigdisneydaddy]

I think that some folks come into the cabins thinking the experience will be similar to a stay at one of the other WDW resorts, Fort wilderness is very unique in that its not like the other resorts, it has more of a secluded feel whereas the other resorts feel like you are always in the middle of the action the Fort feels like a getaway. It is a much more natural setting and does have some critters. Disney goes to great lengths to minimize them but mother nature wins in every contest with humans. The only problem I ever had with bugs was my legs getting bitten in the summer if I sat around wearing shorts in the evening, I tend to be sensitive to that even here at home.

 

[Skyw]

Straight talk huh?... I have been to the cabins 4 times during the past 5 years. Most recent was this past May. Yep, there are bugs there!! But you are in the woods. I would rather have a few mosquitos then cancer from DEET. But honestly, they weren't bad for us. We use bug and sun in the evenings if we are out. My SIL got bit by a deer fly and welted up. But she had a reaction to the bite. I know since there is standing water, there probably are more bugs. It goes without saying. As the names says....it is Fort "wilderness".

Copperheads and other nature. Once again Disney can't totally control nature. I have seen a copperhead in Florida before but not at the fort. It was on my parents driveway. I just about stepped on it. SO yes, there are copperheads in Florida, no I haven't seen one yet to FW.

The cabins are great. They are rustic but Disney styled. There is a full kitchen. There is a wonderful deck to enjoy. There is a BBQ for yummy steaks and burgers. If you want granite counter tops, room service, and a spa, this might not be the place for you. It you want family fun, quiet, peace, nature this is the place for you.

Honestly, if you aren't that into nature, then you might not like the Fort. It seems that the negative reports are from people having a different expectation from what the Fort really is. I can give you a hundred reasons why we love staying there. For us it met and exceeding our expectations.

Do you have kids?

 

[justkeepswimmin]

The cabins are fantastic! My girls are still talking about them. They are remote and I did miss a food court a few times but they are a unique experience that worked out like a dream for my family of 5.

My favorite things were:

The Deck and Picnic table. WAY better than a hotel balcony. So peaceful to wake up and go outside and have my coffee out there.

The separate rooms. The cabins are not quite as big as I was expecting (520 sq feet) but the separate rooms for the kiddos can really make a vacation.

Parking RIGHT next to your unit. We rent a car and it is so nice at the end of the day to not have to deal with a walk through coridors and taking an elevator.

The movie at night/ fireworks on the beach- Truly one of my best memories was after a long day at the parks, taking my 2 oldest girls down to the campfire and roasting marshmallows, laying underneath the open sky and watching 'Bolt". Watching the fireworks from the beach area is another thing I really enjoyed.

We were there mid March when it was CRAZY crowded but the Fort was like a retreat to us. I saw no bugs (even when we left our snack crumbed covered double stroller out on the deck one night overnight) and had no mosquito issues at all.

We also requested (and received) the 2100 loop which made it seem less remote as the campfire movie was reasonable walking distance from this loop as was the meadows trading post (little store) and the main pool. The pool was being refurbished when we stayed but I have seen pics posted here and it looks amazing. We also rented a golf cart for the first 2 days of our stay and then again for the last 3 days. We originally returned it early thinking we wouldn't miss it but we did!

I am sure you will have a great stay!

 

[Tri-circle-D]

Thanks for the reassurance. There are a few other sites where the recent reviews have been less than stellar. I just wanted to make certain that I had made a good choice.

Thanks again - this board has been really helpful in planning this trip.

Where are these negative reports? I haven't seen one. In fact, the reports I typically see are more along the lines of the reporter being pleasantly surprised by the charms of Fort Wilderness.

TCD

 

[big kahuna1]

Where are these negative reports? I haven't seen one. In fact, the reports I typically see are more along the lines of the reporter being pleasantly surprised by the charms of Fort Wilderness.

TCD

Probably the regualr community board. You do have to remember that us campers are just a bunch of red necks and don't stay in the "Luxury Resorts" because we cannot afford them...at least that's what they have said before. Of course, we did kind of give em' a few facts about us campers and have not heard a word since. that

 

[RocklandRVers]

Probably the regualr community board. You do have to remember that us campers are just a bunch of red necks and don't stay in the "Luxury Resorts" because we cannot afford them...at least that's what they have said before. Of course, we did kind of give em' a few facts about us campers and have not heard a word since. that

I know you are kidding about campers being a bunch of rednecks. I probably am one (or a wannabe redneck) but I could also probably afford luxury resorts but choose not to. Thats why I bought my own take along luxury resort (aka motorhome).

I have never stayed in the cabins but toured one and have heard enough about them to know they are great places to stay. What other cabin can you stay in with maid service that even cleans your dirty dishes for you? Thats the kind of luxury I like.