Fort Wilderness Resort has been a bucket list stay for us for a while, especially the cabins. Growing up camping we were eager to see the Disney version in action. Thankfully we were able to snag a great deal at the last minute right before the holiday rush began. If you’re considering somewhere outdoorsy for the holidays, or anytime, and want to upgrade from a tent maybe the Cabins will be right for you. Check out everything we thought about the Fort Wilderness Cabins. From how much they cost, to transportation options at Fort Wilderness, and the NEW Disney Cabin Renovations.
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort is one of our favorite resorts for good reason. But it has been undergoing some changes. From the new menu at Trails End Restaurant, and the return of the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue to the newly renovated barn, there’s a lot of “NEW” happening. And that includes the cabins. In an effort to expand the DVC ( Disney Vacation Club) properties across the Walt Disney World resort, Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds is getting 350 new cabins. Opening for stays beginning July 1st, the general public can find the New Disney Fort Wilderness Cabins on the website now, available for stays starting September 27, 2024.
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New Fort Wilderness Resort Cabins – 1 Bedroom
At a significant upcharge from the originals, the new Fort Wilderness Cabins feature a modern look and style, as well as upgraded amenities. Like miniature modular homes, the new cabins no longer have that log cabin feel, they once did. Even the kitchen looks more upscale. While we appreciate the upgrade, we’ll miss the classic look of the Log Cabin, which truly transported you into the wilderness. Dare we say this new look feels like we just rented someone’s modular Airbnb. That said, you can still find many of the same outdoor features as the original Wilderness Cabins. An outdoor grill and picnic table, small deck area, parking pad and space to roam among the camping loops surrounded by trees is all still part of the experience.
Will Any of the Original Disney Cabins Be Available?
No. Eventually ALL Disney Fort Wilderness Cabins will be replaced by the New Disney Vacation Club Cabins. As such, only the new cabin models will be available for reservation. Disney has shared that there is not a timeline for when the transition will be complete. As such, you may be able to find the original Disney Cabins for reservation on the website intermittently until they have all been replaced. Check out the Cabins at Fort Wilderness Room Rates for availability.
1- Bedroom Cabin at Fort Wilderness Layout
The new Fort Wilderness Cabins sleep up to 6 adults. They features a Queen Bed and a Queen-Size Pull-Down Bed as well as a Bunk Bed that sleep two people. The cabins also feature a small kitchen area, complete with a full size fridge, stove, sink, and microwave. And loads of cabinet and counter space, perfect for preparing meals. The table seats four, but we imagine families to take full use of the space.
Gone are the cozy leather chairs to curl up in. Now, the seating area consists of a pull down sofa bed ( Queen), and one or two open arm chairs. Not great for cuddling, but functional just the same. As you can see from the initial design renderings of the cabins, a Wilderness feel featuring favorite characters, like Chip and Dale makes up the Disney Cabin decor. The decoration in the cabin is also inspired by the Fort Wilderness landscape, and features small nods to the original River Country water park.
New Fort Wilderness Resort Cabins Cost
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort Cabins have always been in the Moderate Resort category. However, now with the new DVC status, they most assuredly have been pushed into the Disney Deluxe Resort Category Level. Prices listed for dates beginning September 27, 2024, begin at $852 per night. This is the standard room rate, and well above the $300 range we often saw with the original cabins.
Are the Fort Wilderness Cabins worth the price?
Well there are a few things to consider when deciding this. First of all, will you be spending most of your time at the Parks? Or will you be able to build in some resort time during your trip? If you plan to be in the Parks most days, the Cabins at Fort Wilderness will likely be a waste of money. You can easily book a moderate or value resort for considerably less. However, if you’re looking for a more unique stay at Walt Disney World then settle in and enjoy what the resort has to offer. It’s the perfect accommodation for anyone who loves nature, is looking for a more upscale camping experience or anyone who wants to get away from the hustle of the Parks.
The Original Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort
At 504 square feet, the cabins are roomy and sleep 6 guests along with 1 child under three. The cabins come equipped with a kitchen, small living room area with a sleeper sofa and a separate bedroom with a queen bed and twin bunkbed. There is one bathroom with a shower, complete with built in toiletries. There is also a TV in the bedroom as well as the main living room. We loved the layout of the cabins because they felt cozy, but spacious. The décor of the cabins is rustic to perfectly match the theme of the campground. Perfect if you’re in the mood for some pacific northwest decor.
Outdoor Amenities at the Disney Cabins
One of the reasons many people stay here, including us, is to get some extra time in nature. As a result you can find a decent sized porch at the cabins, complete with picnic table and charcoal grill for dining outside when the weather is nice! Sitting on the porch with a homemade morning breakfast in the wilderness is one of our favorite ways to spend the morning at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds. It was great to have this all set up for us with the cabin. And be able to have both indoor and outdoor living space to enjoy.
Transportation at Fort Wilderness Resort
Let’s be clear here; Fort Wilderness Resort is huge. Don’t underestimate the size of this campground simply because it is located on Walt Disney World property. There’s a few things you’ll need to know about the Disney transportation to be successful at navigating this campground.
If you’re not driving, we highly recommend renting a golf cart. The bus system can get you most places that you want to go, but having a golf cart will be a lot more convenient. And we think it’s completely worth the cost, even if you only get one for part of your stay. Be sure to rent one ahead of time, as they can sometimes sell out. Even when the season is considered “low”! The current cost of renting a golf cart is $62/day + tax for a 4 seater and the golf cart is due by 11 am the day of return.
The Buses at Fort Wilderness Campgrounds and Resort
It’s important to know that there are two bus systems that run through the campground. There is an internal bus that will take you from stop to stop. This is helpful if you’re trying to get from one section of the Park to another. For example, if you’re visiting with other campers, seeing the Christmas displays at the holidays or if you’re trying to get to the main bus depot, general store or grabbing a bite to eat.
The internal bus runs on “lines” and there’s a map that will help you navigate which bus line you should be taking. And if the map is still confusing, just ask the bus drivers. All of our drivers were so helpful and they’ll make sure you get where you need to go. The second bus system that runs through the campground will take you out to the Parks. There is also a bus that runs solely to and from Wilderness Lodge. Along with bussing, you can take a boat from Fort Wilderness to Magic Kingdom, The Contemporary, and Wilderness Lodge. The transportation around Fort Wilderness can be confusing, but once you get used to it, it’s pretty easy to learn!
Fort Wilderness Resort Map and Camping Loops
Fort Wilderness Resort Amenities
Fort Wilderness is more than a resort; it’s a destination all its own! With recreational activities like archery, carriage rides, bicycle rentals, trails, boat rentals and much much more, Fort Wilderness should be experienced for all it has to offer. In fact we actually recommend planning some down time away from the Parks to enjoy some (or all!) of it.
Fort Wilderness has several restaurants on property including the Trails End Restaurant featuring a variety of comfort foods you’d expect in the wilderness. And the Hoop Dee Dee Musical Revue, which is dinner and a wild west variety show, that requires reservations. Gifts Shops, Pools, Beaches, a playground, and even a dog park are all offered here. Check out our Fort Wilderness Resort Review for all the details on what you can find here.
Disney Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort Review
Add in bike and golf cart rentals, and all of the amazing recreation opportunities and Fort Wilderness Resort really is a destination all its own. So if you’re able to experience even just some of what the resort has to offer, then we think it’s well worth the price. Not ready for a Cabin? Check out our post on Renting an RV at Fort Wilderness for a cheaper stay with all the great perks of being here. Overall, we loved the Cabins at Fort Wilderness and think they’re perfect for a staycation, a family looking to spread out or anyone who wants to add a bit of nature to their Walt Disney World experience. Check out our Fort Wilderness Resort Bucket List for all the things you can do at this resort.
Melanie Renee is a photographer, writer, designer and mom. Visiting Disney destinations since 2010, she is also an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. When she's not creating her next coffee recipe, or designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she's seeking beautiful sunsets and planning her next trip .
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