Tell me about the Cabins at FW...

[SwanVT2]

I really like how spacious these are and for our next trip, I think DD would really enjoy the setting. How much of a hassle is it to get from the cabin to transportation to the parks? Also, besides pony rides, what other activities are fun for kids? Finally, how far is the walk from the cabins to WL? Thank you!

 

[Hopefully]

I really like how spacious these are and for our next trip, I think DD would really enjoy the setting. How much of a hassle is it to get from the cabin to transportation to the parks? Also, besides pony rides, what other activities are fun for kids? Finally, how far is the walk from the cabins to WL? Thank you!

You should ask these questions on the Camping Forum where the experts reside
https://www.disboards.com/forums/camping-at-disney-world.24/

 

[Teamubr]

I'll take a run at this, but I would also suggest dropping into the Camping Forum. That's where I normally hang out.

Transportation is about the same as other resorts. There is an internal bus system that connects you to the Settlement, where you can catch a boat to MK, or the Outpost at the other end of the Fort, where you can catch buses to the other parks and DS. In between is the Meadows with the large pool, trading post, nightly campfire sing along, golf cart, bike and canoe rentals. The internal system is pretty good and the Park buses are the same as the rest of the resorts. To get to WL, there is a paved road and walking trail from the Settlement bus depot. I think it is about 3/4 mile from the depot to WL. From the cabins, I would think it was about 1.5 miles. The Fort is huge (about a mile from the Outpost to the Settlement) and the cabins are towards the Outpost end.

As for what is there for you kids to do? SO much more than any other resort on property. Besides the horse back rides, you can visit the stables and see the horses, take a carriage ride, canoe, kayak and bicycle rentals, archery, fishing, campfire sing along with Chip and Dale every night followed by a movie, 2 pools- large pool with a slide at the Meadows and a smaller pool by the cabins. At the Settlement, there are boat rentals, arcade (also one at the Meadows by the pool), HoopDeeDo Revue dinner show and Mickey's Backyard BBQ. And then there's the hiking/running trails, playgrounds and basketball courts.

The Fort, including the cabins, is one of the Premier campgrounds in the country. Many people will book a week at the Fort and never go to the parks. There is that much to do and the atmosphere is amazing.

j

 

[MartDM]

We have stayed at several deluxe level resorts and far prefer FW to them! It is so peaceful and an amazing escape from the sensory overload everywhere else on property!

If you can swing it, I would highly recommend arranging for a golf cart. It not only makes transport so easy because you can drive yourself to either the bus stop or the boat landing, but it' s also a great form of entertainment to cruise around the campground and check it all out. Alternately, you can walk to one of the internal bus stops, that are sporadically placed along the main roads and not to bad a stroll from the cabins (although if you are at the very back of the loop, it could make for a long walk at the end of a tired day of park touring). You cannot walk to WL from the cabins, but you can grab a transport boat and get there in just a few minutes.

There is a ton to do for kids, from swimming to fishing to boating. The movies and campfire are always entertaining, and there is fun to be had just exploring around the campsites. It is a fantastic resort and we were so sorry we didn't try it sooner!! As mentioned, check out the Camping forum for tons of info!

 

[avalovesminnie]

I thought I saw a trail to WL but more like biking or running distance, check on a map. I personally think the bus transportation is a hassle but it's a hassle from any of the 3 resorts we've stayed at. I think we will rent a car next time to get ourselves around. The boat to MK was great tho, felt like the first ride! I'd get a golf cart if I go again just to feel more in control of getting around. The internal buses came very frequently tho. I loved the cabin. I thought the sofa bed was comfy. I made a hot breakfast each morning- tasty and faster than a restaurant. It felt very quiet and calm there. I want to go back.

 

[amylevan]

You cannot walk to WL from the cabins, but you can grab a transport boat and get there in just a few minutes.

Actually, you can walk to WL. There's a trail connecting the two - we've usually used our bikes, but always passed joggers.

I always see a lot of complaints about the busing at FW, but I am a Type A personality who gets a little uptight when things don't go to plan, and I have no problem with the buses. The internal buses are frequent and take you to either end of the resort. The boat to MK is at the one end, and is a great way to travel! The buses to the other parks and Disney Springs are at the other end of the resort and are no different than buses at any other resort. And if you rent a golf cart (we don't, but lots do), you can drive it right up to the bus stops and reduce your transportation time even more.

 

[MartDM]

Yes, I stand corrected. It is *possible* to walk, but it's a distance. I assumed, given OPs concern about the walking distance to internal transport, that they had an incorrect assumption that they are very close, so I was responding in that vein.

 

[snowmedic]

I agree with Teamubr, that the distance from the cabins to WL is about 1.5 mile. The nature trail that runs along the lake is closed, so you would have to use the jogging / bike path (paved) to get there, you can't take a golf cart to WL, just saying. There is lots of wildlife to see, especially if you walk over in the morning for breakfast.

 

[Yarbogash]

I’m at the Cabins now and am kinda torn about the place. Cabin is nice but it is not very big inside. You got a bedroom, bathroom, small kitchen/dining/living room space. 504 sq ft. Nicely built but small
By comparison a 1 br at Boardwalk is over 800 sq ft.

The buses are efficient but if you are relying on them they are still a pain. Today I had the worst of it; Fort Wilderness to Typhoon Lagoon. Internal bus to bus stop, bus to Disney Springs, transfer to bus to TL. By car this would be 10 mins. Trip took me 1 hr 15 mins. So I’d say bring a car.

Golf carts are fun (wife was using it today) but $60 a day is extortionate. I can rent a newish car for $25 a day. $60 for an older little golf cart is a joke.

Meadow and Settlement recreation areas are sublime. Pool, beach, food, recreation, all just excellent.

Other campers are mostly very nice. We’ve seen some bad behaviour; kids out of control, ‘block parties’ that showed no respect for neighbors, people blocking lanes. But majority of campers have been great and incredibly friendly. There is definitely a unique community vibe going on here that is unlike any other Disney resort.

 

[IndianaRRT]

We love everything about the cabins. I could go on ad nauseum, but our favorite part was privacy. We slept well without hearing toilets flushing, folks walking outside, etc. Legit-on-vacation-relaxed-sleep. Delightful.

**Pro tip** rent a golf cart (or bring one with you if you have one). The number to rent one is on the main WDW resort page on the Disney website. Reserve it when you reserve your room--they will be sold out when you get there if you don't.

 

[Bob Dolewhip]

The other posters covered all the info so I will just chime in to say I love staying in the cabins and the kids love it too.

 

[RustManFan]

We used our tent for camping at FW twice and had no problems using the internal bus system to get to the buses to the parks. Just be sure someone isn't riding the internal bus that just came from a pool and left their seat very wet!! You may want to skip that seat.... I would love to stay at the cabins myself but most of my trips recently have only involved 2 people and it didn't seem financially worth it. SOMEDAY!!

 

[Q-man]

We love the cabins for the peace and quiet at night after a day of over stimulation.

Allow a little more time for transportation. You may want to mix in a cab/uber here and there. Golf carts are nice to have but the internal transportation is good enough that they are not a necessity.

The cabins aren't the most efficient layout. There is no place to store your luggage. We request a loop that backs up to a camper loop so anyone that needs to can walk over to use the bathroom/shower facilities while the cabin one is in use.

Having breakfast in the room before hitting RD and some space to spread out at the end of the day are heavenly. We use a grocery delivery service.