Wilderness Lodge or Wilderness Cabin

[mgirlmboy]

Hi, I've enjoyed reading all the information on this board. Can you give me some advice for my upcoming trip to Disney (our first time)? We're trying to decide between the Wilderness Lodge and a Wilderness Cabin (both $169). We're going from April 28th - May 3th. We have 3 boys, ages 1, 4 and 5. We're concerned that the Cabin may be too isolated and it will be difficult to get around (e.g. to the pool and back), but we do love the outdoors as well! If we go with the Cabin, is there an area we should request?

If any of you have stayed at both, could you please give me some advice? Thanks so much. We can't wait until our big trip!!

Amy

 

[jwfla422]

I love both, but the one thing I must say is you have a fairly large family I'd highly recommend the cabins. You won't feel isolated, not anymore than when you're at the WL. The cabins are the best value around especially with the full kitchen, what a convenience and you won't feel so crammed. WL's rooms will feel very tight with your family of 5. There's a separate bedroom too.

Request to be at the front of a loop. We were in 2604, a quick walk to the pool and bus. Yes WL's pool is nicer and themed and FW's pools are kinda plain but that's not that important.

We did rent a golf cart which was fun and convenient but I honestly must say I was impressed with the internal bus system and with the regular buses as well. You share the boat to MK with guests at WL (you have to bus or golf cart to the boat marina from the cabins). And, you bus to everywhere else from WL as well.

I urge you to try the cabins, you'll love them, especially the conveniences of a home away from home (and the beautiful atomosphere). The WL has a beautiful atmosphere too, but the FW cabins seem like they'll be much more practical for your family. Please feel free to email me with any questions. We just stayed at the cabins last month and have stayed at WL 3 times in the past several years.

 

[TeresaNJ]

Hi Amy. I've stayed at WL, VWL and the cabins. With the ages of your boys, if you stayed at the cabins, the boys could sleep in the bedroom, as their is a full size bed and bunk beds in there. Then you and your hubby could sleep on the murphy bed in the living room, watch tv at night, and not disturb the kids. You also have the plus of the full kitchen, and the bathroom is bigger. FW Campground was much more beautiful than I expected. We also rented a golf cart while we were there, but I don't think I'd be comfortable taking kids your age in the golf cart, as you are driving on main roads, and the golf carts are very open. The bus system at the campground is also very easy to navigate. That being said, nothing beats the atmosphere of WL. Being able to walk to the boat to the MK is great, and the pool area is just beautiful, not to mention as is WL. You have a very hard decision to make. I think I would base it on whether or not your kids will be able to sleep with you all in one room, and be well rested the next day. If not, I'd go with the cabins. Also, it is much more inconvenient to get to the pool at FW than at WL. I posted pictures of the cabins on the DIS PHoto Page, just click on Fort Wilderness. Hope this helps.

 

[reneet]

Last year in May was the first trip to WDW for us. We had at that time a 1 , 3 and 5 year old -all boys also, and we stayed at the FW cabins. As a family 5, we loved it and would most likely stay there again. The things about it that made it wonderful for us were - the separate bedroom which was of course great for those who took a nap in the afternoon or went to sleep early in the evening- the kitchen which was ideal for breakfast, snacks, and we even cooked dinner a couple of times- the campfire/singalong which the kids loved to go to in the evening- the bus/boat transportation was fun for the kids and even the pinecones, bugs and other small wildlife found right outside your cabin door! The kids still talk about going back to the cabin at WDW. I found our vacation to WDW to be much more relaxing than I expected it to be and I think that alot of that relaxation was due to the fact that we were able to unwind after the parks and we had enough space to do it in. We were also considering staying at WL when we were planning our trip. We decided on the cabins and were very pleased with our accomodations.

 

[MELSMICE]

Another vote for the cabins. I can't say enough about them.

Let's see -

- Full kitchen
- separate bedroom
- outdoor deck
- outdoor grill
- nightly campfire & movie
- bike & boat rentals

& so much more.

We have 3 DD's (now 13, 10 & 10) & their favorite resort is FW. Even when we stayed at the Beach Club they said - we miss FW. We talk about it constantly & it is unanimously agreed upon by the family as being our favorite resort.

If you're 3 DS's love the outdoors then the FW cabins are definitely the place to stay - no doubt about it. As one poster said, the pool is nothing great - no theme - but it is just as fun as any other pool.

Having the kitchen is great - especially for breakfast, snacks & even lunch if you spend the afternoon at the pool. Not only is it convenient, but it is a money saver. You will have so much more room for your family than if you stayed at the WL. I have seen the rooms there - they are not large at all.

The bus transportation is quick & efficient. Ask for a cabin close to the beginning or end of a loop. To be close to the "small" pool ask for loop 2500 or 2600. There are no cabins near the main pool - it's all campers with their own units.

P.S. One more tip - ask for Isabelle to do your housekeeping. She's great!!!

 

[jwfla422]

Yes we were a quick walk to the small pool. (unfortunately we never got to use it). Either at the beginning or very end of loop 2600 would be ideal. Keep in mind it's a very large loop so being in the middle would make it a much longer walk.

All the loops are one way. We were close to the beginning in 2604 but far enough that we didn't hear the noise from the buses leaving at the bus stop.

But, true another factor is being able to save $$$ because you can grab meals at the cabin which is such a convenience. There is also a pack n play in the closet for your youngest if he'll sleep in one.

 

[ga9497]

The cabins are really nice. I wasn't too sure of them before I saw them.

Here are some pictures that I found that are about the nicest I have seen of the cabins
Fort Wilderness Cabins photos

 

[JuliaPooh]

You can't go wrong with either, but with your family the cabins will be wonderful! You can take a little trip over to WL to see the beautiful lobby and grab a meal at the Whispering Canyon.

 

[looneybin]

We will be going to WDW the end of Sept. and I was wondering if you could tell me how you got the rate at the cabins of $169/night? The cheapest I've found has been $229/night.
Thanks
Lynn

 

[lalapodip]

I saw the $169 on Mousesavers - it is only good for check-ins through July 3. Keep checking your dates as discounts will possibly be available in the coming weeks!!

 

[looneybin]

Thanks so much! We're on a tight budget but need the extra room of the cabin with 2 small kids. I'll keep a check on Mousesavers!
Lynn

 

[jwfla422]

looneybin
It is HIGHLY likely that you WILL be able to find a rate close to ($169) for the FW cabins during that time of the year. October rates tend to go up but September is one of the slowest months at WDW.

Sign up with mousesavers.com and you will receive almost all information on discounts as codes come out.