If you have glamping within a short boat ride to Magic Kingdom on your bucket list, you’re in luck! If you can dream it, you can do it – and that includes getting back to nature, all while vacationing at The Most Magical Place on Earth.
The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, nestled in the heart of Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom resort area, are currently undergoing exciting and totally transformational refurbishments. These updates will affect more than just the appearance, however. When complete, the cabins will also be moved from the Moderate-level resort category and become a part of Disney Vacation Club (Disney’s timeshare program).
From our experiences there, these cabins are ideal for those who adore camping (or even the idea of camping) but crave creature comforts – like real beds and air conditioning.
Let’s take a look at what the refurbishments entail, plus do a little bit of exploring across the entire resort. Here’s everything you need to know about the Cabins at Fort Wilderness.
Fort Wilderness Cabin Refurbishment
Disney Vacation Club has unveiled plans for new DVC Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, set to open July 1, 2024. Sales for the new cabins begin on February 1, 2024 for existing DVC members and open to the general public on February 27, 2024.
If you want to stay in a cabin, here’s when you can start booking:
- March 19 – Disney Vacation Club members can make rental reservations online or by contacting Member Services at (800) 800-9800.
- March 20 – Walt Disney World Annual Passholder (APs) can book by calling (407) 934-7639.
- March 21 – All guests can make reservations online or by contacting (407) 934-7639.
Unlike most refurbishments because these cabins are modular, the entire structures can be quickly swapped out, dramatically shortening the time frame needed to complete such a major overhaul.
Once finished, these private one-bedroom cabins, which can host up to six guests and include options for pets, are intended to immerse Walt Disney World visitors in nature while providing modern comforts.
For comparison, here’s a look at a current kitchen:
And here’s what the proposed update will look like:
You can see that the new design is a lot brighter, with less focus on the wood tones.
This is very apparent in the living space as well. Let’s compare those, next. Here’s the current design:
And here’s the new:
You still have the separate living area, but instead of a sofa bed, Disney will be incorporating one of the far superior (in our opinion) Murphy-style pull-down bed.
The bedroom will still house both a queen-sized bed and bunk beds, but the new version is just much brighter.
Here’s the old:
And the new, with a queen-size bed, twin-size bunk beds, and additional TV.
The brighter feel continues outside. Here’s the current design (note that there are just a few small windows:
And here’s the new, with floor-to-ceiling windows. Also included (like the original version) will be a personal patio deck with a charcoal grill:
Both the old and new versions still have just the 1 bathroom (one of the downsides to these cabins), and no in room laundry facilities, which is something you typically find in all other DVC rooms that are 1-bedroom or larger.
That’s about all we know for now. Additional details on the project, sales, and rental bookings are expected to be released later.
Fort Wilderness Cabins Pros and Cons
Overview
Resort category: Moderate (soon to be a part of Disney Vacation Club)
Resort area: Magic Kingdom
Address & Phone Number
4510 Ft. Wilderness Trl
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
(407) 938-3000
The Fort Wilderness Cabins are like camping, but a bit more luxurious. They’re located near the Fort Wilderness Campsites on 750 acres of pine and cypress forest.
From local wildlife, to rustic woods, to pools, to recreation and activities, to golf cart rentals, and so much more, the Cabins offer just as much as a hotel, but in a different way.
And what makes the cabins so enticing is they are fully-equipped with everything you’ll need during your stay, including a kitchen and a dishwasher.
Let’s talk about everything else you need to know about the Cabins.
Guest Rooms And Bathrooms
Note: The photos below reflect the old design. We will update with new pictures as soon as the refurbishment is complete.
There is one type of cabin to choose from that includes several types of amenities and views of the woods. The private cabins are fully furnished and have all the conveniences of home.
The Wilderness Cabin has 1 Queen Bed, 1 Bunk Bed, and 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa. The Cabins have a living room with a TV, a dining area to eat, a small kitchen, 1 bathroom with a split tub and bath, and much more, including:
- Toaster
- Kitchen with dishwasher and 2 counter-top burners
- Hairdryer
- Internet – Free WiFi Service
- Refrigerator
- Convection microwave oven
- Coffee Maker
- Telephone with voicemail
- In-Room Safe
- Iron & Ironing Board
Just an FYI: housekeeping (yes, Walt Disney World housekeeping clean your cabin if you wish) will even do your dirty dishes for you.
Storage isn’t an issue. There are plenty of drawers, closets, and dressers for you to store your belongings. Plus, space underneath the queen bed. There’s even a great patio attached with a charcoal grill that’s perfect to sit and relax. Each cabin sleeps up to six people.
There are also wheelchair and hearing accessible cabins with roll-in accessibility and visual alarms. There are room layouts below if you want to check those out.
Cabins at Fort Wilderness Room Options
| Room type(s) | Bed size | Max people per room | Floor plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilderness Cabin Views of Woods | 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa and 1 Bunk Bed | 6 |  |
PET-FRIENDLY POLICY
Yes, the Cabins are pet-friendly, but there are certain conditions that must be met. First, there’s a limit of 2 dogs per room. In order to bring your dog with you, you’ll need to call (407) 939-7539.
There’ also a day and overnight kennel care at Best Friends Pet Care located on property.
Checking In And Out
There are a few options for checking in and checking out when staying at the Cabins. First, upon arrival guests can visit the Reception Outpost and check-in at the front desk.
Those staying at the Cabin can also use online check-in through the official Walt Disney World website or via the My Disney Experience app. (Guests are encouraged to check in online or by using the app.)
When it comes to checking out, currently, guests will automatically be checked out. But, if you have unresolved charges to your hotel folio, you’ll need to visit the front desk in the Reception Outpost.
Note: Guests also have the option of to chat virtually with resort Cast Members via MDE for any assistance.
The pickup and dropoff location for Mears Connect (which is the replacement for Magical Express) and bus transportation are out front at the Outpost Depot near the Reception Outpost. Be sure to check with the resort to see if luggage storage services are available.
Note: Resort Airline Check-In and Magical Express are no longer available.
Package Delivery & Pick Up
You can have packages and groceries delivered to your Disney Resort hotel, along with shipping select items home.
Disney used to have a service where you were able to purchase items in the parks and then have them delivered to your resort’s gift shop. However, that service has been unavailable for several years now.
Parking
Parking is available at the Cabins, but it’s works a bit differently than a resort, because if you have a car you will park at your Cabin rather than in an actual parking lot.
Each Cabin has one parking space for one motorized vehicle. There is no parking fee for the Campsites or the Cabins.
Complimentary standard self-parking is available for non-resort guests exploring dining, shopping, entertainment, and other experiences during the day.
We have a complete Walt Disney World parking guide you can also check out.
Amenities And Shops
There are several amenities offered to guests at the Cabins, including on-site laundry services , grocery delivery, two gift shops, and more.
Important note: Some of the following amenities might not be available at all times.
- Groceries: You can pre-order a pantry of fresh groceries days or months before you arrive by choosing from a pre-selected list of items. All you have to do is select your items and send your grocery oder and cabin reservation details to the resort via email, fax at (407) 824-1221, or mail at Fort Wilderness Cabins, ATTN: Meadow Trading Post, 4510 North Fort Wilderness Trail, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830-1000.
- Laundry Services: Self-service laundry facilities are available at Comfort Stations.
- Dry Cleaning Services: For dry cleaning and valet laundry service, select “Housekeeping” on your Wilderness Cabin phone.
- Meadow Trading Post: Here you’ll find souvenirs, basic groceries, camping supplies, sundries, and also movie rentals.
- Settlement Trading Post: You can find groceries, supplies, and souvenirs here.
- Childcare Services: In-room babysitting for children 6 months to 12 years old.
Pools And Recreation
There are two pools available for guests, along with plenty of recreational activities to choose from.
Important note: Some of the pools and recreation options might not be available at all times.
The pools available are:
- Meadow Swimmin’ Pool: The pool has a 67-foot-long corkscrew waterslide. There are hangouts for both adults and children, including a whirlpool spa and a fort-themed water play area for the little ones. There’s also a snack and refreshment shop nearby.
- Wilderness Swimmin’ Pool: This is an all-ages leisure pool with a whirlpool spa.
As for activities, there are a lot of choices, including:
- Davy Crockett’s Wilderness Arcade (at Pioneer Hall)
- Daniel Boone’s Wilderness Arcade (near Meadow Swimmin’ Pool)
- Wagon Rides
- Pony Rides
- Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
- Fishing
- Motorized Boat Rentals
- Bike Rentals
- Canoe Rentals
- Kayak Rentals
- Basketball Courts
- Jogging Trails
- Volleyball
- Playgrounds
Some of the bigger activities are:
- Fort Wilderness Archery Experience: Those 7 years old and up will learn how to hold and fire a compound bow. The session is 75-minutes and costs $45.
- Tri-Circle-D Ranch: A full-blown ranch that offers several experiences (some cost extra), including wagon rides, pony rides, and horse-drawn carriage rides.
- Chip ‘N’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long: Roast marshmallows and sing around the campfire with Chip ‘n’ Dale.
- Wilderness Back Trail Adventure: You can explore the resort — on a Segway! This is for adults (16 years and older) and is priced at $90 per person.
How to get from the Cabins at Fort Wilderness to anywhere at Disney World
There are two main forms of transportation available at the Cabins: Walt Disney World buses and Disney Water Transportation. Regarding the latter, water transportation will take guests to Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
Depending on crowds and the time, the water taxi serves up great views of the Seven Seas Lagoon. Plus, at night, you might even pass by the Electrical Water Pageant on your way back to the campsites.
As for buses, the Outpost Depot is the main bus depot that will take guests to theme parks, water parks, Disney Resort hotels, and the Disney Springs area. There’s also a complimentary bus that will take guests from the cabins and campsites to the Settlement for dinner shows, groceries, and the beach, and to the Meadow Recreation Area for swimming, arcade games, and canoe and bike rentals.
You can see all of the different ways to get from the Cabins to anywhere at Disney World below.
| wdt_ID | Starting Point | Ending Point | How to get there |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | All-Star Movies | All-Star Music | Follow these steps:
Or have feedback about a route for us? |
| 2 | All-Star Movies | All-Star Sports | Follow these steps:
Or have feedback about a route for us? |
| 3 | All-Star Movies | Animal Kingdom | Follow these steps:
Want to get there faster? Or have feedback about a route for us? |
| 4 | All-Star Movies | Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jambo House (main bldg) | Follow these steps:
Or have feedback about a route for us? |
| 5 | All-Star Movies | Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village | Follow these steps:
Or have feedback about a route for us? |
| 6 | All-Star Movies | Art of Animation | Follow these steps:
|
| 7 | All-Star Movies | Bay Lake Tower | Follow these steps:
Or have feedback about a route for us? |
| 8 | All-Star Movies | Beach Club Villas | Follow these steps:
Or have feedback about a route for us? |
| 9 | All-Star Movies | Beach Club | Follow these steps:
Or have feedback about a route for us? |
| 10 | All-Star Movies | Blizzard Beach | Follow these steps:
Or have feedback about a route for us? |
Dining options at the Cabins at Fort Wilderness
There are several dining options, including both Quick and Table Service options available at Fort Wilderness. You can read more about the dining options below.
Quick Service
P & J’s Southern Takeout
This is a grab and go style restaurant with several stations that serve burgers, barbecue, Mickey waffles, fried chicken, salads, and more.
Location type: Food Court
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Seating Available: Indoor and outdoor
- On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 quick service credit
- Is Mobile Order available? Yes
- Pros: Tasty entrees and family meals available
- Cons: Limited seating, difficult to get to if you’re not staying at Fort Wilderness
The Chuck Wagon
This is a food truck style location that serves a limited dinner menu out of an RV.
Location type: Food Truck
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Dinner
Seating Available: Outdoor
- On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 quick service credit
- Is Mobile Order available? No
- Pros: Variety of menu options that appeal to many
- Cons: No indoor seating, limited operating hours
Trail’s End Restaurant
This is an Old West themed quick-service restaurant serving a homestyle breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu.
Location type: Quick Service
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Seating Available: Indoor
- On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 quick service credit
- Is Mobile Order available? Yes
- Pros: One of the most well-liked restaurants for its delicious food, affordable prices and friendly service
- Cons: Difficult to get to unless you’re staying at Ft. Wilderness
Table Service
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
An all-you-care-to-enjoy dinner and show featuring music and comedy and lots of crowd interaction.
Location type: Dinner Show
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Dinner
Seating Available: Indoor
- On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 2 table service credit
- Pros: 1 of the most popular things to do at Disney World, this restaurant combines a funny show with family-style down home food, drinks are unlimited (including beer, wine and sangria for people 21+)
- Cons: Expensive, usually books up pretty far in advance, somewhat difficult to get to (easiest way is by boat from Magic Kingdom), prices vary by category and time of year
Everything Else
If you want to grab a beverage to drink by the pool or while you’re hanging at the resort, you may want to try the outdoor bar.
Meadow Snack Bar
Location type: Pool Bar
Type of food: A pool bar that serves both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks
Seating Available: Outdoor
- On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 quick service credit
- Is Mobile Order available? No
- Pros: Good spot to grab a quick meal and drink
- Cons: Limited drink menu
Crockett’s Tavern
Location type: Outdoor Lounge
Type of food: An outdoor bar that serves both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks
Seating Available: Indoor and outdoor
- On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 quick service credit
- Is Mobile Order available? No
- Pros: Familiar bar food available here like nachos and wings, alcoholic drinks (including Yuengling) are an option, indoor and outdoor seating
- Cons: Limited menu
Fort Wilderness Trip Reports
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Polly
Tuesday 12th of March 2024
Hi do I need to bring sticks for my s’more I’m bringing my own food but don’t have sticks to put marshmallow on
Val Fox
Wednesday 17th of May 2023
Will some of the new DVC cabins at Fort Wilderness be dog friendly? Will there be an extra charge for pets at the DVC cabins? Will there still be non-DVC cabins too?