One resort at Walt Disney World is extra taste-specific than some other, and inside that love-it-or-hate-it place, there’s one sort of lodging which have at all times been polarizing amongst planners. Now they’re downright controversial due to reimagined replacements which can be an evening and day distinction. We’re speaking in regards to the Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, in fact. This critiques the brand new Disney Trip Membership lodging, sharing room pictures & movies, protecting professionals & cons, format strengths & weaknesses, and why we disagree with the detractors.
For individuals who are unfamiliar with it, Fort Wilderness gives roughly 800 campsites and over 400 cabins together with a variety of leisure choices. The campground is simply a brief boat journey from Magic Kingdom (behind Disney’s Modern Resort and “subsequent door” to the Disney Lakeshore Lodge building web site and Wilderness Lodge). But it surely feels worlds away. The sprawling ‘resort’ is located on 750 acres of pine and cypress forest, giving the campground a giant buffer between it and the remainder of Walt Disney World.
Fort Wilderness is a Walt Disney World unique, opening again in 1971 somewhat over a month after Magic Kingdom. Just like how Modern was as an extension of Tomorrowland and Polynesian of Adventureland, Fort Wilderness was a counterpart to Frontierland–a method to keep within the American frontier. Fort Wilderness has not modified a lot since then. It does have many extra campsites, cabins, and one fewer railroad and adjoining water park–however the vibe is basically unchanged since I began staying at Fort Wilderness within the Eighties.
The preface above is the extent to which we’re protecting the property as a complete–this isn’t going to be a “resort” evaluation of Fort Wilderness Campground. For one factor, we’ve already carried out that in a number of different posts and the resort itself isn’t essentially completely different than earlier than the outdated cabins had been swapped out for the Disney Trip Membership ones. For an additional factor, it could make this evaluation significantly longer and show to be a troublesome process. To that finish, in case you’re on the fence about Fort Wilderness as a complete, take into account studying:
What I’ll say is that there’s probability you already know whether or not Fort Wilderness is an effective match for you earlier than studying critiques. It’s simply such a taste-specific resort that’s both a superb choice or an terrible one with out a lot center floor. We like it, however can completely see why it’s not for lots of people. When you’re on the fence, possibly Fort Wilderness is for you…however truthfully, in all probability not.
Anyway, on with the evaluation of the brand new DVC Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort…
Let’s begin on the surface, with the largest unfavourable and most controversial part of the cabins: the outside.
The phrase we’ve heard most from readers to explain these is “she-shed.” I don’t take that to be reward. Admittedly, these cabins do seem like the design frankenstein of an HGTV character and a Gensler designer. Shabby stylish meets trendy in a bizarre approach.
The outside is just too on-trend, and missing the attraction of the outdated log cabin type. It’s at-odds with the country type and ambiance of Fort Wilderness as a complete. These complaints are well-taken and arguably correct. I’d agree with them.
After I have a look at one thing like this record of contemporary cabins (or the numerous others prefer it), I’m drawn to those that use pure supplies and have extra muted exterior appearances. It doesn’t must be Lincoln Log type just like the outdated Cabins at Fort Wilderness, however I do want issues which can be rather less stylish.
With that stated, I’m a fan of the fashionable cabin type. I like structure with clear strains, woods and rockwork, and different pure supplies. Ground to ceiling home windows that carry the surface in, offering pure gentle and nice views whereas working nicely with a extra minimalist and trendy design additionally enchantment to me.
Don’t get me unsuitable–much more than all of that I like the look of Arts & Crafts, U.S. Nationwide Parks Rustic, or Frank Lloyd Wright’s twist on Prairie Type. The issue is that it could be prohibitively costly to make cabins in these extra architecturally-ambitious kinds. We’re speaking small prefabricated models, not one thing the scale, scale or funds of Wilderness Lodge or Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Suffice to say, even when I agree with the critiques in regards to the exteriors of the DVC Cabins at Fort Wilderness, I frankly don’t care that a lot.
For me, it comes right down to proportionality. The outrage is overblown relative to its significance. I’ve been criticizing the Polynesian’s Island Tower or Reflections Lakeshore Lodge and even Disney’s Riviera Resort since they had been all introduced. The underwhelming exterior structure issues in all of these circumstances as a result of it’s extremely seen from round Walt Disney World.
These cabins are usually not. They’re seen from the loops the place the cabins are positioned. The first individuals impacted are these staying on the cabins, and solely whereas they’re outdoors the cabins. For essentially the most half, these quick constructions are in any other case hid by woods. From a distance, all you actually discover is inexperienced and pink exteriors punctuating the forest.
Past that, I don’t suppose the exteriors of the brand new DVC Cabins at Fort Wilderness look that unhealthy.
Certain, this wouldn’t have been my first alternative for his or her design, however within the grand scheme of issues, this feels extra like a minor quibble than a significant misstep. If it weren’t for thus many different followers pointing it out, I in all probability wouldn’t have thought a lot of the exteriors. (I definitely wouldn’t have devoted this many phrases to the subject.) Not my supreme alternative, however definitely not atrocities.
Maybe after all of the towers, which I feel are actually horrible, I’m desensitized to ugly exteriors and am extra inclined to provide this a cross. I don’t suppose so, although. I feel the anger is extreme, and a response to the totality of design traits somewhat than this in isolation. I additionally suppose ‘Fort Fiends’ are very protecting of Fort Wilderness and delicate about any modifications. And rightfully so, as many have been unhealthy! To every their very own on all of that, although.
Transferring inside, one change I completely wouldn’t make to the outside is eradicating the floor-to-ceiling home windows that span the lounge and kitchen. For me, these home windows are an enormous asset to the inside of the cabins, and it’d be very troublesome to have whereas sustaining an exterior design in keeping with Pioneer Corridor or the buildings within the Settlement.
If pressured to decide on, I’m choosing thematically-inconsistent exteriors with giant home windows that permit in pure gentle and ‘carry’ the wilderness inside.
We’ve stayed within the outdated Cabins at Fort Wilderness a number of occasions, by a few completely different iterations, and one of many complaints we at all times had was that they had been darkish and dreary. Between being positioned within the woods and never having a lot in the way in which of home windows, the outdated cabins simply drab. The interiors had been completely wonderful and on-theme, however there was this inescapable feeling you had been in a darkish trailer.
To make certain, the brand new DVC Cabins at Fort Wilderness are nonetheless kind of trailers.
The home windows are game-changers, although. I want I’d’ve gotten pictures with all the blinds open, however for some dumb purpose, I felt the necessity to shut that one to hide our baggage on the deck. (Why? I don’t know. Not prefer it’s some unsavory secret that vacationers carry baggage!)
The home windows are the focus of the interiors, and are an effective way to benefit from the wilderness whilst you’re consuming, sitting on the sofa studying a guide, and even about to fall asleep. At one level, we noticed some rustling within the bushes, so we jumped out and headed outdoors to find an armadillo foraging round. Actually made Sarah’s day.
I appreciated watching the dawn whereas preparing and consuming breakfast. It was good to have the morning solar bathe the whole front room and kitchen in heat gentle. These home windows are my favourite characteristic of the brand new cabins, and what makes them nice.
It’s not possible to convey this through pictures, and I can not overstate how a lot of an enchancment that is over the ‘ambiance’ of the outdated cabins. It’s one factor to take a look at pictures and decide the arguably ‘blah’ this or that of the design, however as somebody who has skilled each, I’d the ambiance of the brand new cabins over the outdated straight away.
I additionally suppose the floor-to-ceiling home windows are good as a result of they draw consideration away from some in any other case curious format selections.
The obvious of those is that the tv is true subsequent to the sofa and pull-down mattress in the lounge.
On account of its placement, you may’t actually watch TV from the sofa except you’re trying to do some critical neck craning. The simple “answer” to this may’ve been eliminating the home windows reverse the sofa. I’m glad Disney opted in opposition to this, and as a substitute put the TV in a poor place.
These are models the place format compromises must be made. There isn’t any 100% excellent answer. To every their very own, however I’d somewhat have huge views of the wilderness and pure gentle than excellent tv placement. This jogs my memory of 1-star critiques for Nationwide Park Lodges resulting from their lack of TV. If we’re critical about thematic integrity, the theme of this resort is wilderness–not tv.
Different selections with the format are equally puzzling–and arguably extra problematic.
The bed room is on the opposite facet of the tv, which means that all the sleeping house is ‘stacked’ on one facet of the cabin. Extra considerably, it means anybody staying within the bed room has to cross by this space and the kitchen en path to the lavatory.
From a usability perspective, this was our greatest subject with the DVC Cabins at Fort Wilderness. We booked a keep right here with the grandparents, making us a celebration of 5. The visitors within the bed room utilizing the lavatory requires cautious tip-toeing to keep away from disruption. Neglect a few midnight snack or early morning pot of espresso–whoever sleeps in the lounge higher be the earliest riser and/or heaviest sleeper.
One other criticism I’ve seen from Disney Trip Membership members is the dearth of in-unit laundry. It is a truthful level and legitimate criticism, and we definitely would’ve liked to have a washer and dryer.
I’ve seen others complain in regards to the bunk beds being in the primary bed room, which means that mother and pa are probably sleeping proper subsequent to 2 youngsters. Not supreme for folks who need privateness for, ahem, no matter purpose.
On the similar time, the secret right here is format compromises. It’s essential to know this earlier than going right into a keep on the Cabins at Fort Wilderness. These retained the outdated concrete slabs, and I’d assume altering the utilities was a non-starter. The outdated cabins additionally had a little bit of funky format that was tweaked over time, however by no means to perfection or full satisfaction.
For us, these format compromises are ones we are able to make given the low price (in factors) of the DVC Cabins at Fort Wilderness.
Two of our favourite occasions to go to Walt Disney World would land within the least expensive level seasons, making our per-night price of the Cabins at Fort Wilderness 15 to 21 factors throughout the units of Halloween and Christmas dates we’d be more than likely to guide. And in reality, this vacation keep price us 18 factors per night time.
To place that into perspective, we’ve spent extra on studios at Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Bay Lake Tower, and Wilderness Lodge. The Cabins price far fewer factors than some other 1-bedroom lodging for a similar season, whereas sleeping 6 and having more room and privateness. For that matter, we may’ve rented Disney Trip Membership factors and paid precise {dollars} to remain right here and spent lower than we did on the next nights at Port Orleans French Quarter!
A budget price of the Cabins at Fort Wilderness is an effective segue into the opposite issues we liked in regards to the lodging.
The primary bed room incorporates a queen-size mattress, twin-size bunk beds, a 55-inch TV, closet and a nightstand.
The spotlight right here, with out query, is the bunkbeds.
The bunk beds characteristic frames that hug the vaulted ceiling, with art work of tenting underneath an evening sky.
These frames are well-designed and detailed, with the character-inspired canoe paddles offering pops of colour. There’s drawers for storage beneath, and every degree of the bunk beds additionally options lanterns that function studying lights.
That is far and away my favourite characteristic of the cabin, and I’d’ve liked sleeping within the high bunk as a child. Our daughter, Megatron, is a tad too younger to sleep in right here, however is already enamored with climbing up and down from the underside bunk. I’m certain she’s going to like these beds as she grows into them.
Along with the aforementioned pull-down mattress and sofa combo (a typical fixture of latest DVC rooms), the spacious residing space additionally options what Disney describes as a eating nook.
This features a totally geared up kitchen—together with a fridge, dishwasher, convection/microwave oven, and full-size oven & range. There’s a kitchen desk that sits 4 comfortably…or 6 uncomfortably.
This kitchen was excellent for our functions, particularly since we had been a celebration of 4 adults and one toddler. We love to do grocery supply and put together meals for Megatron, together with espresso for everybody else, so this labored nicely for that. On a future, we’ll in all probability put the kitchen to larger use, however we “had” to dine on the reimagined eating places at Fort Wilderness for future evaluation functions this time.
Off the kitchen you’ll discover a vainness space outdoors the doorway to the lavatory, which has a bathe and a further vainness inside.
I’ve no robust opinions in regards to the lavatory. I like that there’s a window in the direction of the ceiling permitting in some pure gentle.
I’d be wonderful with the lavatory being a bit smaller to supply more room to the residing space (or accommodate a washer and dryer), however I’m in all probability alone in that. Individuals like huge loos.
I like that there’s a separate vainness outdoors the lavatory, permitting multiple particular person to prepare concurrently.
I’m additionally a fan of the backlit mirror and Fort Wilderness archery poster.
The artwork all through the cabin is incredible. Disney Trip Membership lastly acquired the memo that its members are regulars and longtime followers, and has actually leaned into Walt Disney World historical past and Easter eggs with among the newer rooms. The redone Boulder Ridge rooms are an analogous story.
Fan suggestions has been combined on these cabins, no less than amongst on-line commentators who haven’t stayed in them. However like a number of different current room designs, these strike us as marriage of type and performance, and seem like main upgrades when it comes to usability.
For a greater thought of the format, take a look at our walk-through video of the brand new Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort – A Disney Trip Membership Resort:
To make certain, there are some points of the inside design that I don’t love–that appears blah as in comparison with the outdated cabins.
The kitchen, specifically, is boring. There are nice particulars and artwork that tie the house collectively, but it surely’s all a tad too trendy and muted. I feel the pendulum swung too far within the different path after complaints in regards to the outdated cabins being darkish and dreary.
That’s a criticism that alone would’ve been remedied by the home windows. The darker woods would’ve been wonderful right here given the quantity of pure gentle the home windows permit in. Nonetheless, these are trendy and really feel higher-end, and I’d somewhat keep in these cabins than the outdated ones.
In the end, that’s actually what it comes right down to for us–these new Disney Trip Membership Cabins at Fort Wilderness are nicer lodging than what was right here earlier than. Walt Disney World followers might quibble with sure stylistic or format selections, however I’d hazard a guess that, if push got here to shove, most would choose these cabins over their predecessors if they’d the choice to remain in one of many two.
For our multigenerational occasion of 5, this cabin was virtually excellent even with our quibbles in thoughts. When contemplating the fee in factors, the lodging and expertise had been glorious–we’ll be returning to those cabins once more. I’d undoubtedly take this over (the price of) two rooms at a Average Resort and even different household suites, for that matter.
We foresee much more Walt Disney World journeys like this sooner or later, with the grandparents becoming a member of to allow them to expertise the parks by Megatron’s eyes. Studios are going to be out of the query for these stays, and even among the one-bedroom lodging may be pushing it.
The Cabins at Fort Wilderness supply a “adequate” format, giving us and the infant one room and grandparents the opposite.
Fort Wilderness is a good choice for multi-generational journeys the place not everyone seems to be as into the parks or will spend full days at them. All of Megatron’s grandparents benefit from the slower tempo of Fort Wilderness, and having the ability to take pleasure in a non-Disney expertise even in the course of Walt Disney World. I doubt they’d be as obsessed with Gran Destino Tower or Artwork of Animation. These cabins are extra like a discount basement model of the wonderful Treehouse Villas at Saratoga Springs Resort, and from that perspective, they’re incredible.
Even when it’s simply the three of us, we just like the format of the Cabins at Fort Wilderness nicely sufficient. In some unspecified time in the future down the highway, we’ll in all probability let Megatron sleep within the precise bed room, and we’ll take the flex house of the lounge. This could give us the power to have a special bedtime (and wake-up), whereas even have entry to the kitchen, lavatory, and bathe. It’s not flawless–and we are able to see why a number of DVC members aren’t eager on this setup–however we’re good with it.
Truthfully, “good with it” might be an understatement. We liked our keep within the DVC Cabins at Fort Wilderness that we as soon as once more debated whether or not to purchase right here after beforehand ruling it out resulting from upkeep charges. We love Fort Wilderness at Christmas-time, and I’d think about it could be enjoyable to carry our personal inflatables, adorn a golf cart, and many others., throughout the vacation season as Megatron will get older.
We dominated it out once more for now, with the thought course of being that these will in all probability turn into simpler to guide as different DVC members tire of them. However we’d undoubtedly rethink if these someway do find yourself being rolled into Disney Lakeshore Lodge. These cabins look like they’ll serve our household completely for the following decade-plus, providing nice bang for buck within the course of.
In the event that they turn into a part of one thing larger that provides lodging sorts and dilutes upkeep charges, that might actually sweeten the deal! As soon as building is completed on Disney Lakeshore Lodge and it’s potential to stroll from Fort Wilderness to there to Wilderness Lodge, that appears like our household’s excellent place throughout Christmas at Walt Disney World!
When you’re contemplating becoming a member of DVC and need extra steering, make sure you learn our Final Information to Disney Trip Membership. That information covers the professionals & cons, resale v. direct, how a lot cash you’ll save, and different essential issues to know earlier than taking the plunge. When you nonetheless can’t resolve whether or not membership is best for you, “strive before you purchase” with the suggestions in Tips on how to Save BIG on Deluxe Disney Lodging Renting DVC Factors.
YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you consider the brand new Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort – A Disney Trip Membership Resort? Comfortable that DVC is increasing to cabins on the campground, or want they’d construct a brand new stand-alone property? When you’re a Fort Fiend, are you upset by this or detached to it? Do you agree or disagree with our evaluation? Any questions we will help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even if you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
