Are the Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground for you?
Do you have a larger family? Families that wish to share accommodations and have 5+ members in their party will find some options On Property, but it can be a little trickier (or pricier) than a group of four.
I’m the eldest of 4 kids. We were, at minimum, a party of 6 when traveling to Walt Disney World. When I started bringing my own family, our first trip included an aunt, an uncle and Nana. Even when we go with just my nuclear family, my husband prefers a sleep space separate from our living space. Given all this, the Resort we end up most often as a family (then and now) is Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. More specifically, at The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. This category became part of Disney Vacation Club (DVC) in July of 2024. That means, the price went up, they got a refurbishment, and The Cabin became eligible for Deluxe Perks like Extended Evening Hours.
While The Fort is near and dear to my heart, the clientele typically drawn to the Deluxe Resort Category may disagree with its new classification. Of note, if you are tent camping or have an RV site at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground your stay doesn’t include Deluxe perks.
While not for everyone, you may consider The Cabins at Fort Wilderness if:
- Your travel party is 5-6 people
- You are a family of 4 (or less) and prefer separate sleep spaces, or a little more space
- You would like access to a Full Kitchen and fridge in your home away from home
Larger Party Offerings
There are alternatives for larger party sizes, aside from The Cabins. You can, of course, choose two standard hotel rooms and request an adjourning door. While not guaranteed, if the number of children outnumber the adults on the reservation you will almost always be accommodated .
You may have heard that some resorts offer 5th Sleepers. What is a 5th Sleeper? It’s a standard hotel style room with a pull down 5th sleeping space, often meant for a child or shorter adult. At time of publishing, and a change from how things used to be, for the Moderate Resort 5th Sleepers you need to actually have 5 people (not including a pack and play aged infant) to reserve these rooms.
The Moderates with this sleep set-up include Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. At some of the Deluxe Resorts, often on the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Villa sides, you can find “studio” rooms that have a 5th sleeping space.
If your party is greater than 5 people, and you don’t want to go the route of two rooms, there are some Resorts with Suites Available. These rooms have beds in the communal space, but also include a separate bedroom.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort has Family Suites themed after Finding Nemo, Cars, and the Lion King. They sleep 6 and have a Kitchenette with a mini-fridge, and two bathrooms. All Star Music Resort has Family Suites that sleep 6, and are the most economical. They offer a Kitchenette with Full Sized Fridge and two bathrooms. The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort often fall in between the other two in price, and also sleep 6. The Cabins have a deck with an outdoor grill, full kitchen with dishwasher and fridge, but only one bathroom. Other Deluxe Resorts have 2 or 3 bedroom offerings that can house 6 or more guests. They offer kitchens, in room laundry, multiple bathrooms, and typically have a patio or balcony space as well.
We Have Options, so why The Cabins
Cons
- Internal Bus Loop/Large Property/Spread Out (750 Acres)
- Added cost of a Golf Cart ($75-$100 a day)
- Limited Variety of Food Options (Hoop de Doo, Trails End, The Chuck Wagon, Crockett’s Tavern, and Meadow Snack Bar serve similar style fare.)
- Bus transportation to all but Magic Kingdom
- One bathroom for 6 people (most have shower only, no tub)
- Bunk Beds are located in the main bedroom (a complaint I don’t understand but comes up not infrequently.)
- Main Pool is a drive away from most Loops.
- No in unit Laundry (Laundry Located by quiet Pool and campground’s Comfort Stations)
- No Fitness Center
Pros
- Full Kitchen with Fridge and dishwasher, outdoor grill.
- Fits Larger Parties (6 People)
- Has outdoor space on the deck
- One of the more economical options for the amount of space you get (often even less expensive than Art of Animation Suites)
- Dog Friendly
- Disney Theming is there, but you are separated from the energy of the parks/more relaxing for rest days
- Main Pool has a Water Slide and is next to the Arcade, Splash Pad, Playground (currently undergoing a refurbishment to enhance the space)
- Quiet Pool is walking distance from some Loops.
- Lots of Recreation, and many offerings are unique to Fort Wilderness. You will find Archery, Boat & Bike Rentals, Fishing, Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Fireside Singalong, Gem Mining, Pony and Horseback Riding, Horse Drawn Carriages, Volleyball & Basketball Courts, Jogging trail, Movie Under the Stars, Crafts at the Bike Barn, Shuffle Board, Foosball, Arcade, and more.
- Qualifies for Deluxe Evening Hours
- Boat Ride to Magic Kingdom is pure magic (and you go through Magic Kingdom security when you disembark, so with a smaller group)
- Camping Loops (including the Cabins’ Loops) have lots of fun decorations for Holidays
- Can view Electrical Water Pageant from Beach
- Some Fireworks views are also available near Pioneer Hall and the beach area
Hope this gives you some insight as to whether or not the Cabins are the right fit for your family. We certainly love it there. Luckily, if something about The Fort (the expansive layout, the woodsy feel, the transportation options) doesn’t speak to you, you are still in luck. At Walt Disney World, there is something for everyone. Good luck with your research and…
Happy Planning,
Jody