VWL vs. Cabins at Fort Wilderness

[KyleRayner]

I was wondering if there was anyone who as stayed at both the Villas at Wilderness Lodge and the cabins at Fort Wilderness Campground.

If so, I was wondering which one people liked better and why.

Also I was curious what the views from the cabins at Fort Wilderness Campground were vs. the views from VWL.

I'm taking my 16 year old nephew to WDW in October 2007 and I couldn't decide between these 2 places.

If anyone has any opinions on these 2 places, please share.

Thank you.

 

[juliehry]

I have only stayed at VWL not Fort Wilderness. I have been to FW for the HDR. From what I saw they are two VERY different resorts. VWL are much more upscale than FW. I believe it is reflected in the pricing as well. FW is way off the beaten path. VWL have easy access to MK (5 min). Hope this helps.

 

[mamatojon]

We stayed in the cabins our first two trips to WDW and our first DVC trip (third trip to WDW) was at VWL and SSR. The cabins are nice, they are very quiet and private. They sleep 6, double bed/bunkbeds in bedroom and murphy bed in living room. I'm not sure what size room you are looking at at VWL, but if you are just thinking of getting a studio I would consider the cabins as a great choice. The views from the cabins are mostly other cabins and woods, the pictures on allearsnet.com are really a good place to start. The interiors of the rooms at VWL and the cabins are somewhat similar, the cabins have a bit more of a rustic feeling to them though. Although you still have the comforts of home, AC/dishwasher, etc. The cabins come with full housekeeping daily, and if you are not reserving directly through Disney and renting pts instead then the Villas won't unless you pay extra. I didn't like the transportation at Ft Wilderness, we rented a car both times.

If you are looking at getting a 1BR or above, then I would definitely say go to VWL. The resort is absolutely spectacular. It is amazing, the lobby alone is a place I could spend hours in. The convenience of having the busses/boat so close is worth a lot, there's no transferring from internal to external busses. The views can be eh-so-so to beautiful, we lucked out and got a lakeside view room and we could make out the water parade through the trees. You can try and request pool view or lakeside view or something, but you may not get it. If you are getting a studio, I'd still probably go with VWL, but if you need more space for the same amount of $$ then I would choose the cabins.

Having done both, I really can honestly say that I would choose VWL over Ft Wilderness in a heartbeat. And that's saying a lot because I really loved Ft Wilderness! Really, either will be great, look at the pictures and see which one seems to make you feel the best. The camping board here has a bunch of really great people who love Ft Wilderness so much, they would be good to talk to as well.

Edited - DUH! I just saw you are a DVC member, I don't know why I was thinking you were renting! Sorry! In that case I would for sure go with VWL, the Cabins are way to point pricey, and IMO not worth the hassle of renting and paying rack rate for.

 

[melk]

I agree with mamatojon, we've stayed at both and really prefer VWL over Fort Wilderness (even though we did love our visits there). While the cabins are very nice, clean, have housekeeping service, and bunk beds (a major draw for our kids, probably not so much for a sixteen year old, lol!!), VWL is a deluxe resort and shows it. Point wise,also, you're better off at VWL.

If you're concerned about views, ask for a VWL view of the quiet pool. That way you also get a glimpse of the lake. It's a very nice view. At the cabins all you will get a view of is the woods. Also, the cabins are up at the front of the campground, closer to where you check in, so there are no cabins reserved near the marina or beach.

Hope this helps!

 

[KyleRayner]

Thanks everybody. Your thoughts and opinions really helped. I appreciate it.

 

[Inkmahm]

I've also stayed at both and would pick VWL over the cabins in a heart beat. The transportation issues alone at FW cabins would make me choose the villas. You have to take "internal buses" to get to the "external buses" to get anywhere. And you may have to walk quite a distance to get to the first bus if your cabin is way in the back of a loop.

The kids we took to the cabins loved them, but they would have loved anything that was Disney.

 

[Boston5602]

I haven't stayed at VWL but have stayed at BWV and Cabins in Fort Wilderness and the view is nothing in the cabins area and like other posters said the transportaion issue is hugh in my opinion . I vote on VWL over the cabins. If i was paying cash ,going for two weeks, and had a car . I might stay in the cabins.


Have fun

 

[TLinden16]

I would not stay at the cabins at Wilderness Lodge unless you are going to have a car. To get anywhere on Disney transporation from the cabins, it requires a transfer, and that can add a lot of time to your travels.

 

[bicker]

Another thread is pointing out one of the big differences between the two: Wilderness Lodge has a themed pool, while Ft. Wilderness does not. If you want the full Disney deluxe experience, you really will want to stay at a deluxe resort instead of the campgrounds.

 

[KyleRayner]

Thanks everybody for sharing your thoughts, opinions, and tips. It has really helped with my decision. We're not going to be renting a car, so we'll definitely choose VWL. Thanks again!!!