Why did I think Fort Wilderness cabins were a Home Away from Home resort?

[disneycrazed139]

I think I've seen Ft. Wilderness cabins classified in the Home Away From Home category, and I'm wondering if anyone can say why you can't stay there on regular points -- why they aren't included in the DVC collection.
I know someone who would LOVE this option.

So why is Ft. Wilderness, a "Home Away from Home," not DVC? I'm just assuming it was built before the DVC concept.

 

[Beca]

You're right...Ft. Wilderness "cabins" (trailers, back then) were one of the "Original" three resorts (along with the Poly, and the Contemporary). We stayed in them back in 1980, and they had been around for a while then!!!

No, you can't stay in them with "regular" points, but I don't think the "points" are bad, considering they sleep 6 (during value season, 215pts. vs. 200pts at BWV, BCV, or WVL). Of course, you only have one bathroom, and no W/D....but, you get maid service everyday. And, you can get two more people in the cabin!! I think that makes Ft. Wilderness cabins quite a bargain!! I'm SURE we will be using our points there quite a bit!!!

Beca

 

[Crissup]

Not all "Home Away From Home" resorts are DVC. The old Disney Institute Tree Houses were/are "Home Away From Home" resorts, and they are not DVC property either.

 

[John VN]

Enjoyed staying in Tree Houses many times and wish they were available now. Totally different experience.

john

 

[lenshanem]

I also think the cabins are a great point deal.

I thought about booking one for our July trip cause I have my parents and brother coming along, but I ended up going with two studios instead.

What stopped me? There is no cool pool now that River Country is gone and I've heard using the transportation to get anywhere takes FOREVER. Do they even have a slide? I think it is just a plain ole' pool. I wonder why they don't spice it up a tad?

(Was River Country included in your stay there or was that extra?)

 

[PamOKW]

They are categorized as Home Away From Home but they are not part of the DVC program. You can use points to stay there through the Disney Collection. Depending on season, weekdays run 25-37 points and weekends 45-67 points.

 

[SSRex]

Once you have stayed in a two bedroom DVC villa there is no going back to a Ft. Wilderness cabin. I have previously stayed in 2 bedroom DVC villa at Hilton Head. The cabins at Ft. Wilderness were fine 2 years ago and the rest of my family of 6 thought so too, but after their first stay at BCV this summer, I can't see them wanting to go back to the very small, one bathroom, wall bed and bunk beds in the cabins.

The did recently recommend the cabins to another poster, but they had not yet stayed at a DVC resort and their kids were all 3 boys and much longer than our 4 who are 14, 14, 11, and 11.

About River Country, it was a separate charge, not included in the cabin rental price, but well worth it. I missed it in 2002 and wisah that there was some way to wall it off completely from the lake and reopen it. I have not yet been to SAB, going this summer, and will be curious to see how it compares to the Old Swimming Hole fka River Country. Anyone want to compare?

 

[lenshanem]

I thought River Country was a little more fun than SAB. It had tube slide rides. It is a shame that they closed it. Was it due to snakes or the water not staying sanitary?

Is it just sitting there or has it been ripped up?

 

[JudyS]

Originally posted by lenshanem
I thought River Country was a little more fun than SAB. It had tube slide rides. It is a shame that they closed it. Was it due to snakes or the water not staying sanitary?

I don't know why River Country was closed. I can remember being shocked that it was on a lake, though. In fact, after we paid our admission and found out that it was connected to a lake, I asked for our money back. (Disney said OK.) Small, shallow lakes in warm areas are risky for swimming; they often have parasites in them. Having lots of different people swimming in one has got to make it worse.

 

[helenabear]

It's been years since I had been to River Country but I remember it well and thought it was a wonderful time!! SAB can't even beging to compare to it in my book. It would be like comparing apples to oranges... totally different levels. I wish they could find a way to reopen it. It is still there last I saw (in December) but looked a little over grown around the fences. Just like the old Treausre/Discovery Island still has some visible pathways there, but very over grown.

 

[TiggerFreak]

See this discussion over on the News & Rumors Boards:
River Country

Same board, thread about the infamous "Brain Eating Amoeba":
Brain Eating Amoebas

 

[lenshanem]

Oh, yuck!!!

What was that reference to River Country being saved for a DVC property?!? That seems odd.

 

[BCV23]

Like DVC properties and the old villas, FW cabins are called Home away from Home because they offer amenities like a stove and refrigerator....things you have at home but not in a hotel room.

 

[Pa@okw95]

Beca--You forgot the Disney Inn which was there with the Poly and Contemp. It had the largest rooms and was also known as the golf resort. That is why I stayed there so much, it was never crowded because everyone thought it was for golfers only. The campgrounds was the only none deluxe area at WDW. The cabins there are a excellent improvement, I might consider staying there for an extended time to get through the whole winter down there at WDW or should I say Florida. They are home away from home because they have cooking facilities in them like someone has said.

 

[Beca]

Originally posted by Pa@okw95
Beca--You forgot the Disney Inn which was there with the Poly and Contemp. It had the largest rooms and was also known as the golf resort. That is why I stayed there so much, it was never crowded because everyone thought it was for golfers only. The campgrounds was the only none deluxe area at WDW. The cabins there are a excellent improvement, I might consider staying there for an extended time to get through the whole winter down there at WDW or should I say Florida. They are home away from home because they have cooking facilities in them like someone has said.

Actually, I didn't forget...I just never knew the "Disney Inn" existed!!! I learn something new every day.

What happened to it, and when did it go "bye bye"?

Beca

 

[DVCGirl49]

The "Disney Inn" became "Shades of Green" (in the mid 90's?). It is a hotel for armed forces personel and their families.