Tell me about NOT using a golf cart or bike

[Unearned Happiness]

We just booked our first stay at Ft Wilderness for next August, 8 days, 7 nights. We'll be flying in and renting an RV.

A few weeks ago we visited the grounds for the sing-along and we saw bikes and carts EVERYWHERE. And from the boards, I get the impression that nearly everyone is using a bikes or golf carts. Is this really the case?

I'm interested in hearing from anyone who only walks or uses the buses to get around. How does it work out for you? If we can make it work without the added expense, I'd rather go without the extras.

 

[John VN]

We just booked our first stay at Ft Wilderness for next August, 8 days, 7 nights. We'll be flying in and renting an RV.

A few weeks ago we visited the grounds for the sing-along and we saw bikes and carts EVERYWHERE. And from the boards, I get the impression that nearly everyone is using a bikes or golf carts. Is this really the case?

I'm interested in hearing from anyone who only walks or uses the buses to get around. How does it work out for you? If we can make it work without the added expense, I'd rather go without the extras.

30+ years with never a cart rental. DW and I have managed to survive with only bringing the bikes a few times.

 

[PEC]

First let me say we took our bikes and it was great. That said you can easily get around by using the Bus/walk transportation. If you plan to do the parks for much of the day then the bus system will work quite well for you. If you plan on spending a decent amount of time at the Fort and not much at the parks then the pace for the day is generally slower anyway. Most of the RV Loops are a comfortable walking stroll from the Meadow or Settlement Areas.

 

[bama_ed]

Like PEC, we are bikers but the Fort is easily navigated either on foot or with busses.

What type of site did you reserve? To make it easy I would request a loop between the Meadow Trading Post/Pool/Campfire area and the beach/Trails End area. Those are the two areas that you'll be walking/bussing to the most.

The Outpost/Check-in area is where you get off the internal bus system and transfer to external busses for Downtown Disney and the non-MK parks (although we take the boat to the Contemporary and monorail over to EPCOT). The internal busses can get you to/from there.

This last trip back in March we didn't bring the bikes but were in loop 400 and it was no problem. The only caveat I will add is since you will be there in August, even a short walk might get you hot and bothered.

Bama Ed

 

[campingqueen]

We always end up renting a cart, the reason is one of my favorite past times is ridding around the loops looking at decorations and rigs. With that said I have been going to the fort since Disney opened and as a young child there was nothing better then ridding my bike at Fort Wilderness....well other then the train and the trams but that is no longer an option LOL. But it makes no sense to pay 60 dollars a day if you are going to spend most of the day in a park and it is just going to be parked. I would suggest using the busses and walking and if you decide to hangout in the campground for a day rent the cart for that day.

 

[Cousin Ed C]

There is no way you need a cart or bikes to have a great stay at the Fort. We have stayed many whole winters without either. Carts are fun but never a necessity!

 

[Teamubr]

We have never rented a cart. I'm too cheap! I do take my bike, but that is just for me to get some exercise in and the bike is a road/race bike and not that comfortable for just "looping".

We also always book a preferred site (loops 100, 200, 300) We request loop 100 due to it being right next to the settlement trading post and a very short walk to the marina, HDDR and the bus depot to WL and the Outpost.

We don't get into much of a hurry at the Fort.

 

[North of Mouse]

We just booked our first stay at Ft Wilderness for next August, 8 days, 7 nights. We'll be flying in and renting an RV.

A few weeks ago we visited the grounds for the sing-along and we saw bikes and carts EVERYWHERE. And from the boards, I get the impression that nearly everyone is using a bikes or golf carts. Is this really the case?

I'm interested in hearing from anyone who only walks or uses the buses to get around. How does it work out for you? If we can make it work without the added expense, I'd rather go without the extras.

We've been FW guests since they opened, and have never rented a cart or do we take our bikes. We prefer walking and riding the buses.

Folks that rent carts and ride bicycles are doing it mostly for their own pleasure, and it's something they enjoy. Everyone has the option, but it's not necessary as far as not being able to get around without them.

Just do whatever makes you happy!!

 

[KristinU]

We bus, walk or ride bikes, but like others have said the biking is often for pleasure or running to the trading post for a snack or something. We've ridden them a few times to the Outpost or to the boat landing to catch park transportation, but the bus is almost the same amount of time. Totally doable without bikes or a cart! Have fun!

 

[lindsey]

We have never rented a cart, and only had bikes one time. Still enjoyed all stays.

 

[2goofycampers]

For years we walked it or took the bus. We decided to rent a cart and that got us hooked. You don't miss what you never had.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . Lots of people like to walk The Fort.
. . . Lots of people like to bike The Fort.
. . . Lots of people like to cart The Fort.

1) We prefer either bike or cart.
2) Sure, you can walk it, but it does get tiring.
. . . the buses will people-move you to pool, Settlement, Outpost
. . . but, you can't really explore/see sights & sites
3) The Fort IS BIG (example: 1-mile from Outpost to Settlement, as crow flies).
4) Use a bike or cart for exploring and the buses to go to parks or marina.

 

[Unearned Happiness]

Lots of good info, thanks all!

 

[loislane]

We stayed for 11 nights last August without bikes or a cart. We were in the 500 loop - site 555. It was very convenient to the internal buses, which we really only used to get to the Outpost.

We found it was a quick and easy walk to the Settlement/marina and not too much longer of a walk to the Meadows/pool. DH and I are in our 40s (I work out regularly, he does not) and our kids were 17, 13 and 9 at the time. None of us had a problem walking around the Fort, even after full days walking around the park.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

We have been many times and never rent a good cart or bring the bikes. As much as I covet the convenience of the carts, our enjoyment was not lessened by not having it. I have camped at FW as a kid, as a teen, as an adult before kids, as an adult with kids and walking or riding the busses has always suited us fine. The very few times we had access to bikes was for entertainment and not a means to transport ourselves around FW.

I have stayed in site 100, on cabin loops and on the far away need the cabin tent loops. It's all good!
Cannot wait to get back for the Fort which will hopefully be sooner rather than later.

 

[RVMH]

Sure, it's a matter of preference, but we stayed for 3 weeks earlier this year and never moved the car, had no cart and no bike (although we have used bikes in the past) You must be prepared to spend a little more time; take it easy and you'll be fine. We're a couple of reasonably active seniors, so you don't have to be a super fit marathoner to enjoy yourself without cart or bike ! Do take the time to figure out the bus routes to take best advantage of using them.