TA mentioned Fort Wilderness as a great

[JJ&JSMOM]

option for our family of 5? It would be me, DH, DS9, DD6 & DD3 - I've read & researched a little bit. But I do have some questions. We want to try the YC/BC but I've always liked the idea of cabins at disney.

I noticed a lot of posts mentioned to definitely rent a golf cart. Where do you do that and when can you? Can you "book" a golf cart prior to your trip?
Also - I've read people drive the carts to the bus depot area - do they have parking for the golf carts? Its ok to leave them while we're in the parks - the cart will still be there when we return?

I noticed no parking w/in FW. If we rent a car, can we drive to our cabin or do we park in a parking lot and then take the golf cart or internal buses to our car?

I know lots of questions. We've always stayed in a room so I'm new to the cabin idea at disney but love it. We have a log cabin for our camp here in Maine - its wonderful. I would love to read your personal experiences w/the cabins and what you feel are the pros and cons. The biggest con I've read is the transportation but we would rent a vehicle if we stayed here. The pools don't have a water slide and aren't zero entry but I think my kids would love any pool ! I am also concerned w/the sleeping arrangements - I've read they can be uncomfortable for tall folks. We're tall folks so I need to consider this. The kids would absolutely love the bunk beds and the third one could sleep on the couch or the double bed and DH and I could split up - one in the murphy bed and one on the couch. Perhaps we could rent a cot?

Sorry so long. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[drafthorsecrazy]

Welcome to the camping forum! You can rent golf carts up to a yr in advance. They are located at the bike barn which is in the Meadows complex (basically in the middle of FW) There is plenty of cart parking at the marina and Pioneer Hall and at the Outpost bus station.

You may drive your car to your cabin and drive to any park if you wish. You simply cannot use your car as a means of transportation within the campground. I have not stayed in the cabins.....someone else can help you there.

 

[PolynesianPixie]

Maybe I can help a little. I'm sure some other with better info will chime in as well:

option for our family of 5? It would be me, DH, DS9, DD6 & DD3 - I've read & researched a little bit. But I do have some questions. We want to try the YC/BC but I've always liked the idea of cabins at disney.

I noticed a lot of posts mentioned to definitely rent a golf cart. Where do you do that and when can you? Can you "book" a golf cart prior to your trip?
Also - I've read people drive the carts to the bus depot area - do they have parking for the golf carts? Its ok to leave them while we're in the parks - the cart will still be there when we return?

For my family, the way to get around is on bikes. If that is not an option, then you can reserve a golf cart up to a year in advance, I believe. They are at the bike barn. There is golf cart parking at the bus depots and it is fine to leave them. Just make sure you come back to the same depot at the end of your day!

I noticed no parking w/in FW. If we rent a car, can we drive to our cabin or do we park in a parking lot and then take the golf cart or internal buses to our car?

There is parking at each cabin

I know lots of questions. We've always stayed in a room so I'm new to the cabin idea at disney but love it. We have a log cabin for our camp here in Maine - its wonderful. I would love to read your personal experiences w/the cabins and what you feel are the pros and cons. The biggest con I've read is the transportation but we would rent a vehicle if we stayed here. The pools don't have a water slide and aren't zero entry but I think my kids would love any pool ! I am also concerned w/the sleeping arrangements - I've read they can be uncomfortable for tall folks. We're tall folks so I need to consider this. The kids would absolutely love the bunk beds and the third one could sleep on the couch or the double bed and DH and I could split up - one in the murphy bed and one on the couch. Perhaps we could rent a cot?

I can't tell you a thing about being too tall for beds~I'm 5'1" on a good day and DH isn't exactly a giant either. Maybe another poster could help you out on that one. I, too, have wondered about the pools. The one at FtW is wet~that's really all my kiddos care about, however, I wonder if campers are allowed to use WL pool? All the other ameneties at the fort more than make up for the lack of the water slide

Sorry so long. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help.

Hope this helps!

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

Thanks for your replies. The more I read about FW the better it sounds - yes definitely the other things to do at FW make up for not having a slide at the pool! I think the kids would like the laid back atmosphere & the petting zoo/horse barns, chip n' dale campfire, movies... sounds very nice.

About the bikes - the kids would love that. Are there different size bikes for different ages of the kids? Our then 3 year old will need something w/training wheels probably. I found the phone number to the Bike Barn so I can call them up and ask them as well.

I've printed off allears.net section on FW - so I guess I'll go read some more. Thanks again.

 

[Shannone1]

option for our family of 5? It would be me, DH, DS9, DD6 & DD3 - I've read & researched a little bit. But I do have some questions. We want to try the YC/BC but I've always liked the idea of cabins at disney.

I noticed a lot of posts mentioned to definitely rent a golf cart. Where do you do that and when can you? Can you "book" a golf cart prior to your trip?
Also - I've read people drive the carts to the bus depot area - do they have parking for the golf carts? Its ok to leave them while we're in the parks - the cart will still be there when we return?

You can rent them up to a year ahead of time. They are about $50 a day. There is golf cart parking all over the place, the main golf cart parking areas have outlets so the golf cart can charge while you are gone. I would recommend renting it ahead of time unless you are going in one of the slower times. The cabins are the farthest from the marina, Trail's End Restaurant and Settlement area so you would either have a long walk (probably not good for the 3 yr old), could ride bikes, or use the bus system. Golf carts aren't necessary...but they sure are convienant !!

I noticed no parking w/in FW. If we rent a car, can we drive to our cabin or do we park in a parking lot and then take the golf cart or internal buses to our car?

You can park your car at your cabin. They also have a few parking spots at the Meadows Store (I think it is 15 minute parking).

I know lots of questions. We've always stayed in a room so I'm new to the cabin idea at disney but love it. We have a log cabin for our camp here in Maine - its wonderful. I would love to read your personal experiences w/the cabins and what you feel are the pros and cons. The biggest con I've read is the transportation but we would rent a vehicle if we stayed here. The pools don't have a water slide and aren't zero entry but I think my kids would love any pool !

The pools are just basic pools but my kids loved them. People complain about them alot, but I think they are fine. If you added more features they would just get more crowded The only thing that really surprised me about the pool is that there are no showers available. The meadows pool has a snack bar with drinks, salads and munchies. It is also near the areas where most of the daily activities take place.

I am also concerned w/the sleeping arrangements - I've read they can be uncomfortable for tall folks. We're tall folks so I need to consider this. The kids would absolutely love the bunk beds and the third one could sleep on the couch or the double bed and DH and I could split up - one in the murphy bed and one on the couch. Perhaps we could rent a cot?

I've read a lot of reviews about the cabins and I think you will just have to accept that they beds are smallish and not too comfortable. They will be fine for the kids...but probably not great for you and hubby. I have heard that the murphy bed is the better of the beds. I'm not sure, but from the pictures I've seen, I don't think an adult will be able to sleep on the coach...it looks more like a loveseat to me. Maybe one of the kids could take the couch ?? You could bring an airbed, but I don't know if there would be room for it once the murphy bed is down. Depsite the bed drawbacks....I think you would have a blast at FW. Your kids will love it.
Sorry so long. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[drafthorsecrazy]

I"m not sure if renting bikes for an entire family is a good idea. I cant recall the exact prices, but I do remember thinking that it was VERY expensive. It would be close or perhaps even more than the cost of a golf cart per day.

 

[HappyDznyCamper]

The beds in the cabin are double beds, the same size you would find at one of the moderate or values. The last time I stayed in one(5 or so years ago) the murphy bed was very comfy. If you think a double is too small, and have a good queen size inflatable bed, I think that would fit in the family room where the murphy bed would be pulled down. In the bedroom there is a set of bunks and a double bed. The bedroom also has its own TV, so the kids can watch what they want and you can watch the other TV in the livingroom.

 

[PolynesianPixie]

I"m not sure if renting bikes for an entire family is a good idea. I cant recall the exact prices, but I do remember thinking that it was VERY expensive. It would be close or perhaps even more than the cost of a golf cart per day.

We bring our bikes, so I've never looked into renting. Not an option if you are flying in!

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

Thanks again for the info and advice. FW is definitely on our list of resorts for our next trip. Still concerned w/the size of FW and getting around the resort but I think its something I could deal with - not sure about DH. The extras for the kids I think makes up for any inconvenience of the transportation. So much to do we'd definitely have to have a resort day or days. Thanks again!

 

[maestro]

We stayed in oct and our cabin had just been refurbished, new matresses are very comfy, as is the Murphy bed. We had a car and didn't rent a golf cart, although one would be handy it is not a necessity.
Ceri x

 

[PiperG]

Prior to staying at FW we stayed at the Poly. I didn't think I would like the cabins, but now I can't imagine staying anywhere else.

We actually rent a car at the airport upon arrival, drive to FW and check-in, get our golf cart and then head off-property to the grocery store (the car can be returned to the Alamo return center that is near the Poly; a shuttle will take you back to FW). We stock up on breakfast, lunch and dinner items which are easy to make in the cabin. Although we don't eat every meal in the cabin, it is wonderful to have our favorites readily availabe at a fraction of the cost. Especially with breakfast. It is easier to eat as we get ready to hit the parks rather than go to a restaurant. It is also much healthier. For dinner we have simple things like spagetti and boboli pizzas.

We do rent a golf cart each time. Although that adds $ to the trip, we have a lot of fun driving it around. We play golf-cart scavenger hunt where we look for the lowest numbered cart, the highest numbered carts and the carts with numbers adjacent to ours.

Have fun and use these boards to ask lots of questions!

 

[rjan67]

I would just like to add that biking around FW with a 3 yr old could be difficult, depending on his skill at biking. We brought our trailgator (which attaches my son's bike to my husbands) and that's how we made it around. Especially if we biked to the boat or up to the busses....and then had to bike back to our site at the end of a long day. Bikes worked well for us (my other kids are 9 and 7) otherwise.

 

[Skyw]

I highly recomment staying at the cabins with a 3 year old. We stayed there Jan 07 and Nov 07 with our son now 4. The cabins were great for naps and getting him to bed at night. It was very quiet and cozy. Also, it is so easy to get everyone breakfast. We could keep out morning routine of cartoons and cereral and were still at all the parks at rope drop. My son also loved the beach, the boats, the golf cart, the pool (heated), searching for animals ( we saw deer, lizards, amidillos, and rabbits). The deck is nice to eat ice cream and popsicles. In other words, the parks can be so busy and stimulating for a little one, the cabins are a nice contrast to that. The first time there, we spent more time at FW then the parks. This last time, we spent half of the time at the cabins.

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

Prior to staying at FW we stayed at the Poly. I didn't think I would like the cabins, but now I can't imagine staying anywhere else.

We actually rent a car at the airport upon arrival, drive to FW and check-in, get our golf cart and then head off-property to the grocery store (the car can be returned to the Alamo return center that is near the Poly; a shuttle will take you back to FW). We stock up on breakfast, lunch and dinner items which are easy to make in the cabin. Although we don't eat every meal in the cabin, it is wonderful to have our favorites readily availabe at a fraction of the cost. Especially with breakfast. It is easier to eat as we get ready to hit the parks rather than go to a restaurant. It is also much healthier. For dinner we have simple things like spagetti and boboli pizzas.

We do rent a golf cart each time. Although that adds $ to the trip, we have a lot of fun driving it around. We play golf-cart scavenger hunt where we look for the lowest numbered cart, the highest numbered carts and the carts with numbers adjacent to ours.

Have fun and use these boards to ask lots of questions!

Good to know. We just stayed at the Poly in October and we enjoyed it very much. We loved the monorail - it was convenient - plus it is just so cool. I must say as much as I liked the Poly it it wasn't a "I'm never going to stay anywhere else" for me. I'm still looking for that resort. I would stay there again but it just didn't click for me - its lovely and the landscaping is beautiful though.

I think we'd probably do as you did - rent a vehicle at the airport, get groceries, etc. And the golf cart as well - sounds like fun and it gives a sense of flexibility to come and go.

Thanks!

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

I highly recomment staying at the cabins with a 3 year old. We stayed there Jan 07 and Nov 07 with our son now 4. The cabins were great for naps and getting him to bed at night. It was very quiet and cozy. Also, it is so easy to get everyone breakfast. We could keep out morning routine of cartoons and cereral and were still at all the parks at rope drop. My son also loved the beach, the boats, the golf cart, the pool (heated), searching for animals ( we saw deer, lizards, amidillos, and rabbits). The deck is nice to eat ice cream and popsicles. In other words, the parks can be so busy and stimulating for a little one, the cabins are a nice contrast to that. The first time there, we spent more time at FW then the parks. This last time, we spent half of the time at the cabins.

Sounds very nice. We just got back from a trip in October and during our vacay DD2 had difficulty settling down for a nap. We rented her a crib from ABBF and she loved it but I'm not sure if she was over stimulated or just being a 2 yr old not wanting to slow down. Shes still doing that today - she just doesn't want to nap but she NEEDS to if you know what I mean. Thanks for the advice.

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

I forgot to ask if you feel renting a car and driving to the parks (w/the exception of MK) take the "disney-ness" out of the vacation? We usually have a few ADRs at resorts and would probably book them again. I don't know I just love disney transportation or I guess the feel of disney transportation. I just really know I'm at disney when I'm on the bus/monorail. Weird I know.

Are ADRs necessary for Trail's End Buffet? Food sounds great!

 

[drafthorsecrazy]

We always use Disney transportation. For us, its part of being on vacation. If you have a tight schedule only then would I consider driving to the parks.

If you know you want to try Trails End...go ahead and make an ADR. However, if you are going at a slow time, you could probably walk up and get seated without too much wait.

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

Thanks drafthorsecrazy - I think thats what I'll do. The night we arrive would be my DH's bday so I bet he'd like to eat there. It sounds like food he'd love - well all of us really - we're not into fancy food just good food.

I showed my DS8 pics this morning of FW before he left for school and he really liked the look of FW. Hes excited about renting bikes and walking the trails. It looks like a lot of fun.

Thanks again.