The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort:  A Disney World Resort Review

Staying at the The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort was a great experience for my family and I.  We were very happy with the cabin itself, being a family of five, a typical hotel or resort room can get very tight, very quickly.

The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort is considered a moderate resort and is in the Magic Kingdom Resort Area.

Here is a little preview of the Fort Wilderness area!

Rooms

The cabin sizes are much larger than a typical moderate room and sleeps up to six people. The cabins themselves are very rustic and have a woodsy feel to them.

The cabin came equipped with a full kitchen, two bunk beds, a double bed and even a murphy bed. So we, for sure, had a lot of room and at least my boys had a hall to run up and down when we got back from the parks. They had room to play, unlike in other rooms we have stayed.

Getting Around Fort Wilderness Resort

The cabins are located furthest from the main building so, it’s almost impossible to walk from the cabins to the main building because of the great distance. There’s also no walkway, only roads that zigzag around the resort and through the other loops. Other resort amenities, like the pools, tennis courts, campfire pit, restaurants, petting zoo, and other locations of interest, are throughout the resort, making no cabin or campsite accessible to everything you might want to do or see by foot. Keeping that in mind, Fort Wilderness has an internal bus system that will take guests around the resort or to one of the three locations that receive external bus and boat service to the theme parks and Downtown Disney. You are more than welcome to rent golf carts or bicycles to get around the park, as well. Keep in mind if you drive or have a car you cannot get to these locations by vehicle. Vehicles can only be used to enter and leave the resort or visit the Meadows Trading Post. You will need a golf cart or bicycle.

Extra Fun Stuff

Although the theming of this resort may not appeal to the littles, this area will make up for it, for sure! The extras at Fort Wilderness are amazing, the recreational activities are hands down the best at this resort. They definitely have the most fun at this resort!

• Chip’n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-a-long: This nightly campfire, s’more roast, and movie, hosted by Chip ‘n Dale is an all time favorite! This awesome extra is at no extra cost. Make sure you check and see what movies are playing during your stay at check-in.
• Tours of the property on Segway.
• Pony, horseback, wagon, sleigh rides
• Archery lessons
• Fishing pole rentals
• Boat Rentals
• Pools: The pools aren’t as grand at this resort as other resorts, but guest can enjoy a good way to cool off in the pool area along with a nice area for the smaller guests too.

Dining

The dining options at Fort Wilderness is awesome! Although Fort Wilderness does not have a designated food court they make up for it with other dining options.

• Meadows Snack Bar located near the pool is a great option for snacks and quick lunch like hot dogs and pizza.
• Trail’s End Restaurant is a great option for anyone. It has many varieties of foods and is easily adapted to accommodate allergy sufferers. Great choice for anyone with a wide range pallet. You can sit down for buffet style or traditional style dining, depending on the time of day you visit. They also have take out.
• Geyser Point
• Hoop De Doo Musical Revue is a must-see. With its character and charm it will for sure dazzle you with the dining and of course the entertainment!

Extra Tips

Overall, the Fort Wilderness Cabins are roomy and will keep your larger family staying on Disney property on the cheap-er side. Fort Wilderness is the best choice for staying on Disney Property, especially if you plan to take advantage of the kitchen.

Just a few things to keep to remember, as I mentioned above, when staying at the Fort Wilderness Cabins:

• The resort is very spread out. Be prepared to rent a golf cart or bring your own.
• There is not a food court at this resort.
• There is no vehicle parking at the Dining Hall. Again, rent a golf cart, take a bus or ride a bike.

Fort Wilderness Cabins share resort areas with travel trailers and RVs and is very spread out, like I said before. The resort has bus transportation to all of the parks and has a ferry boat ride to the Magic Kingdom. We loved the location, it was very close to the Magic Kingdom, which is where my kids like to be at all times when we visit, as I’m sure yours do too! It was very close and made it convenient to come back to the room for extra clothes or maybe a little rest.

We really did like the Fort Wilderness Cabins and were very happy with the amenities. For the money we spent and the location it was well worth it for this stay!

How do you like Fort Wilderness? Did you take an RV or did you stay in the cabins?

Join the Disney Express Lane Facebook Group to discuss this and many other Disney related topics.

photo credit: Chip and Dale via photopin (license)

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During the early stages of planning a Walt Disney World trip, most people will consider a crucial question, “Should we stay on Walt Disney World property?”  Most families consider this question because they know that there are cheaper options in the Orlando area, and let’s face it…we are all looking for ways to save money and still have a magical vacation.  However, sometimes saving money isn’t the only thing we should consider, especially when booking a Walt Disney World vacation.  Walt Disney World is known for providing magical experiences to all guests, but the enchantment is extended when you choose to stay on property at one of the twenty-eight Disney owned resorts and villas.  Let’s explore the Top 10 Reasons YOU Should Stay On Property at Walt Disney World.

#10. The Magical Express

The moment Walt Disney World resort guests step off the plane, they are treated to some Disney magic.  At the Orlando International Airport, a motorcoach awaits to whisk guests to their hotel.  Resort guests don’t need to bother with baggage claim because Disney has thought of that too.  Bags are delivered to the resort rooms within a few hours so that guests can check in and get right to the fun at the parks or savor a delicious meal at one of the numerous locations on property.  Not only having a motorcoach pick you up at the airport convenient, it is also a big money saver.  Based on the taxi fare estimator tool on www.mearstransportation.com, Disney’s Magical Express can save you over $120 on taxi fares to and from the airport.

#9. Complimentary Magic Bands

Every guest that stays on property receives a free magic band that will work as their room key.  The complimentary magic band also works as your tickets into the theme parks, and the bands are linked to your FastPass+ selections.  If you stay on property, you also have the option of linking a credit or debit card to your Magic Band to make purchases and dining charges more convenient.  You can still purchase a Magic Band if you are not staying on property, but they come at a hefty price.  Each band will set your family back $12.95, which for a family of four can add up to well over $50.

#8. Package Delivery

All Walt Disney World guests can have their in-park purchases sent to the front gate for pick-up as they leave.  However, guests staying at Walt Disney World Resorts receive an additional perk; souvenir purchases can be sent directly to a guest’s hotel.  This perk can be a lifesaver when you are dragging tired, grouchy children (and adults) out of the parks at the end of a magical, yet long day of touring.

#7. Early Access to Fast Pass+

That’s right. If you are staying in a Disney World Resort, you will get early access to your fast pass planning. A full 30 days BEFORE guests staying off-site. 60 days before your vacation begins, you are able to make fast passes in advance. This is a HUGE perk!

#6. Disney Dining Plan

Walt Disney World offers several dining plans to meet any family’s needs, but you can only purchase this plan if you are staying at one of the Disney World resorts.  Some families don’t purchase the dining plan because even the smallest plan includes a lot of food, but most families really like it for the convenience of being able to prepay for meals.  There are numerous on-site options for dining and every hotel has a food court or quick service option.  On-site guests who add the dining plan also receive a resort refillable mug that can be refilled at the resort all day with soda, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.  If convenience is key to enjoying your vacation, then the dining plan is a perfect add-on to make resort stays even better.

#5. Proximity to the Parks

If you choose to drive to the parks, being close can be a huge benefit to your budget and sanity.  Most resorts are mere minutes away from the parks, whereas many of the off property locations will require at least a fifteen to twenty-minute commute.  Minimal travel time between your hotel and the theme parks is also helpful when you have young children or elderly family members who may need a mid-day nap to stay fresh and upbeat.  Even better, if you choose to stay in one of the deluxe resorts on property, you could walk to a theme park in the amount of time most off property guests spend just getting into the parking lot.

#4.  Complimentary Transportation

If you are like most adults, driving in a city you are not familiar with is not your idea of fun.  Luckily, Walt Disney World resort guests never have to worry about getting behind the wheel during their stay.  Transportation is offered to and from every resort and theme park on-site. Complimentary transportation can be a big time saver when visiting the Magic Kingdom; if you are staying off site you have to park at the Ticket and Transportation Center and then take the monorail or ferry over to the entrance.  Resort guests simply take a bus or monorail straight to the entrance, which can save upwards of thirty minutes on a busy day.

Walt Disney World resort drivers are all well-trained, and a lot of them are even entertaining.  It is not uncommon to hear stories of bus drivers making guests feel special on a birthday or other occasion.  One friend’s experience always comes to mind when I think about bus drivers making this service extraordinary.  My friend had planned a very special dinner at Cinderella’s Castle and her daughter was dressed in her favorite Cinderella costume and accessories.  As they boarded the bus, the bus driver made a huge deal over the young lady and even got over the bus intercom system and announced that they had a very special guest on board.  He asked that all guests be on their very best behavior as they were all in the presence of a true Disney princess.  Two years later, the child still gushes over how a bus driver thought she was a real princess and the mother tells that particular story to others with tears in her eyes.

#3.  No Hidden Resort Fees 

Many resorts and hotels in the Orlando area have hidden resort that are not disclosed in their advertised prices.  In contrast, Disney World includes all fees in their advertised resort prices, even taxes.  My husband and I once arrived in Orlando a day early, and instead of calling to see if Disney had any rooms available, we booked a four star resort for $60 on one of the name your own price websites.  We thought we were getting a steal, but after we paid the resort fee, the parking fee, and the taxes, that $60 turned into $103 for one night.  We could have stayed at a value resort for just a few dollars more and enjoyed extra magic hours and other insider perks. As of March 21, 2018, Disney World will begin charging parking fees.

#2.  Extra Magic Hours

One of the most well-known and well-loved perks that Walt Disney World provides to resort guests is Extra Magic Hours.  Guests who have magic bands linked to an on-site resort are treated to an additional hour before parks open or after they close.  Disney usually offers one early morning EMH at one of the parks and sometimes provides an evening EMH at a different park.  The evening extra magic hours are the real bonus for those families who can stay up late; instead of a single hour before the park opens to the public in the morning, Disney typically provides an additional two hours for park touring at night.  If you are going at a very busy time of the year, Extra Morning Hours can help your family see twice as much as they could without the bonus.

#1. Disney Magic

The #1 reason to stay on property is something you simply can’t put a price tag on.  Some people call it pixie dust, some call it Disney magic, but those who have worked in the service industry recognize it for what it truly is,  the best customer service you will likely ever encounter on a vacation.  Let’s face it, the reason most people come back to Walt Disney World is because of the way the cast members make visitors feel.  From greeting you like an old friend when you arrive at your resort, to keeping the parks spick and span, these cast members go above and beyond to ensure that each person who steps foot on Disney property is treated as though they are the only guest there.  When you stay at a Walt Disney World Resort, you don’t ever have to leave that magical bubble where happy thoughts and pixie dust keeps each day of your vacation magical and special.

So, those are my top 10 reasons for staying on property at Walt Disney World in Florida.  Do you agree that staying on-site is worth the money?  We at Walt Express would love to hear how your last trip to a Disney destination was magical, whether because of an on-site resort stay or some other experience.  Until next time, we hope that your days are filled with faith, trust and pixie dust.

Updated 4/16/2018

~Grace

If you would like a quote for your next magical Disney vacation go HERE

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Port Orleans French Quarter a Disney World Resort Review

If you can’t tell by the name, Port Orleans French Quarter is the sister Resort to Port Orleans Riverside. Where Riverside pays homage to the Old South, French Quarter pays homage to the Crescent City, New Orleans! If you’ve ever been to New Orleans during Mardi Gras, then you’ll feel right at home! Disney-fied of course, so no bead throwing please! And if you’ve never had the chance to visit New Orleans then this Resort gives you a good feel of one of the best cities in the world!

Port Orleans French Quarter is one of my favorite moderate Resorts! With its small size, you get a very intimate feel. The smallness of the Resort also helps if you are going to Disney on a budget. At the larger Resorts, it is very tempting to pay extra for a Preferred Room to cut down on your walking. Rest assured that a Standard View room at French Quarter is close enough to all of the Resort amenities, thus saving you money!

Another excellent advantage to the Port Orleans Resorts, at both Riverside and French Quarter, is it is very convenient to get a different experience by simply visiting the Resort you aren’t staying at. It’s a short walking distance between the two Resorts with a paved path that takes you along the banks of the Sassagoula River. Not up for the walk? Well these Resorts have you covered on that too! Head down to the boat launch and simply board the boat heading to the other Resort.

Rooms with a View

Port Orleans French Quarter is home to 1,008 rooms that are 314 square feet each. Each room is decorated with New Orleans flare boasting rich golds, deep purples and yellow color schemes.You can choose between five room types; Standard View, Garden View, River View, Pool View or King Bed. All of the rooms are the same square footage and layout just different views and price points. All rooms accommodate four people with the exception of the King Bed category, which accommodates two. I haven’t stayed in anything other than a Standard View or a Garden View but having walked the entire grounds, any room category is an excellent choice.

The Standard View rooms offer views of a parking or service area. A Garden View room will give you views of the gardens, which are beautiful and well-manicured. River View rooms come with a gorgeous view of the Sassagoula River. Pool View Rooms give you great vantage point of the resort pool, Doubloon Lagoon. A King Bed room will accommodate two people and offers views of the gardens or courtyard.

Room Amenities

You will find the typical amenities in the individual rooms; nightstand, phone, alarm clock and dresser with mini fridge and TV. In the bathrooms are a vanity with sink and a bar to hang clothing with a shelf above. This area is closed off from the room with a privacy curtain. Adjacent to the vanity area is a closed room with a tub and toilet.

Pool Party

The Resort is host to an amazing pool area, Doubloon Lagoon. King Neptune sits atop a giant sea serpent, “Scales”, as he watches over all of the fun being had. The 51-foot long water slide takes you slithering through “Scales” and finally sliding off of his tongue into the water. There is a Doubloon Lagoon Water Play Area that is suited just for the little ones in your party. Guests must be under 48″ to splash around in this area.

And of course, we won’t forget about the adults! Located in the Doubloon Lagoon area is a whirlpool spa and Mardi Grogs. Mardi Grogs is the pool bar that offers specialty drinks, wine, sangria and beer. You can sit around the bar enjoying your drink while watching TV or get your drink to go and take a stroll around the beautiful grounds.

Other Recreation

Besides the pool there are so many other activities you can do here! Much like Port Orleans Riverside you can rent bikes, surrey bikes and even take a horse-drawn carriage ride. You can also rent pedal boats, pontoon boats, canopy boats, and kayaks. Don’t forget the cane pole fishing too! There should be a kiosk where you can get rental information. If you don’t see a kiosk then just head to the front desk and they will be happy to help you!

For nighttime entertainment, your family can enjoy movies under the stars or even sit around a campfire. Movies under the stars is shown on the French Quarter green. With a huge screen and seats or towels provided, it’s a great ending to your busy day! If a campfire is more your family’s speed, then make sure you catch this fun activity around sundown to roast marshmallows!

Dining

Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory Food Court is your quick service option at Port Orleans French Quarter.

• For breakfast you will find a variety of pancakes, eggs, croissant sandwich, biscuits, breakfast meats and an assortment of danishes, muffins and beignets. Our tip is to get the beignets. You can’t find them anywhere else on property.
• For lunch, the food court has four stations; the Grill Shop offers a variety of burgers, the Pizza & Pasta Shop offers Create-Your-Own Pasta and pizzas, the Po’boy Shop offers po’boys, gumbo and salads.
• For Dinner, the Grill Shop, Pizza & Pasta Shop and Po’boy Shop offers the same menu as lunch. Added for dinner is the Carving Shop. Here you will find southern classics like Barbeque Ribs, Fried Chicken and Prime Rib.

Your meal wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Bakery for desserts! From gelato, cookies and mini-pies to bread pudding, pecan praline and Mardi Gras King Cake. Even though these all are spectacular, make sure you don’t leave without getting an order of beignets! The dining plans are accepted at the food court.

If you aren’t up to a full meal and want to go a little lighter, then head to Scat Cat’s Club. Here you have the options of fritters, flatbreads, chips & dip and wings. You can also have a specialty drink with your meal! All of this while enjoying some live music!Boat to Disney Springs

I just can’t leave out the boat ride to Disney Springs! Honestly, when my family stays at Riverside or French Quarter is the only time we go to Disney Springs. The boat ride is so nice, relaxing and just all around peaceful.

So have you stayed at this Resort before? I love how it can either be a quiet, romantic place if you’re just going with your honey or there is so much to do if you’re taking the family!

Join us at Disney Express Lane Facebook Group to discuss many Disney related topics.

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Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort: A Disney World Resort

If you are looking for a resort on Disney World property that is economical and great for a larger family, then Caribbean Beach Resort may just be the place for you! This resort is considered a moderate resort and it is located in the Epcot Resort area. It is very convenient to all of the magic and has plenty of things for your family to do right there on resort property. So why not take advantage and stay away from the parks for a day and relax in this Caribbean style beach resort. Your family can “island hop” right there on Disney Property!

Accommodations and Room Types

One of the great things about this resort is that it is one of the few economical rooms that will accommodate five people. Equipped with a murphy bed, the fifth person will be sleeping in style right under Mickey and Pluto. My son thought he was a rock-star and was wanting to come back to the room so he could slumber with two of his favorite characters! This resort has the options of standard and preferred rooms. Caribbean Beach Resort is most well known for their pirate rooms, which would make any pirate or princess happy.

One thing to keep in mind about this resort is that it does not have any elevators so make sure to ask for a preferred bottom floor room. This is especially important if you do not need to walk the flight of stairs every time you come back to your room. Also you will be walking a little to bring your bags to your room. Although there is an area for you to park when unloading and loading your car, you may still have to walk a bit.

This resort is very spacious and spread out, so you will be walking around a bit. Keep that in mind when booking this resort. You have the option of walking or driving to the commons area where you can find food and stores.

All rooms are equipped with a coffee maker, fridge and a hairdryer for convenience.

Transportation

This resort does have bus transportation. One thing to keep in mind when using the resort bus transportation is that it does make several stops inside of the resort property while picking up and dropping off. All buses goes straight to the park specified there after. You will not be sharing buses with any other resort.

Dining Options

This resort has a few places you can get beverages as well as sit-down and quick service meals. These are located in Centertown at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.

Quick Service

• Old Port Royale Food Court

• Banana Cabana Pool Bar

Table Service

• Shutters at Old Port Royale

And of course, when all else fails you always have good ole Pizza delivery, it never fails!

Recreation

This resort has so much to do you can save a a day’s worth of park tickets and hang out on this resort property for sure.

Let’s start with pools….

Caribbean Beach Resort has several pools you can choose from and they all deliver some amazing days of fun in the sun. Not to mention the many other activities they have, such as campfire activities, Movies Under the Stars, Pirate Adventure Cruises, Bike and Surrey Bike Rentals, Fishing, Volleyball, jogging trails and a playground. This place is equipped for fun!

Have you stayed at this resort? What did you think? Would you stay again? We would love for you to join the Disney Express Lane Facebook Group to discuss the Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort or any other Disney related topics!

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Port Orleans Riverside: A Disney World Resort Review

Everything moves at a slower pace and is more relaxed in the South; this resort is proof of that! This resort truly makes you feel as if you are on vacation. From relaxing walks to horse-drawn carriage rides to southern cuisine, Port Orleans Riverside will welcome you to sit a spell and relax!

Port Orleans Riverside is one of the largest resorts on Disney World property. Boasting large plantation style buildings in Magnolia Bend and tons of southern charm in Alligator Bayou, you will feel right at home! This resort is in the moderate category, meaning you will have queen size beds, a coffee maker and a few other amenities. All rooms will have queen size beds, unless a king is requested. The categories for most rooms are: standard, garden view, pool view, preferred room, river view and king. Accessible rooms are also available.

Accommodations

Alligator Bayou

This section houses all of the “preferred rooms” for Port Orleans Riverside.  Alligator Bayou buildings (the preferred locations) are located closest to the main building and the South Depot bus stop (buildings 14, 15, 18 and 27). Preferred simply means you are guaranteed a closer room to the main building and bus stop.

***Please note there are NO ELEVATORS in any of the preferred buildings, so if mobility is an issue, request a ground floor room. We paid extra for the preferred room and were very happy with it, but did NOT know there were no elevators. Lugging everything up and down a flight of stairs wasn’t fun.

Magnolia Bend

In the Magnolia Bend section, you will find large plantation style buildings with large columns and perfectly manicured lawns.

Magnolia Bend is where you will find the Royal Guest rooms. This is definitely where “royalty” needs to be! With rooms fit for princes or princesses, you will feel as if you are in a Disney movie!! These rooms boasts lots of “Disney movie” charm from greats such as “The Princess and the Frog“. There are four room categories in this section: standard view, river view, garden view and pool view.

Nice Surprises

One nice surprise is that most rooms will accommodate up to five people in one room, with a murphy style pull down bed! Please note that these are not available in the Royal Guest rooms. As you can see, we used ours for a luggage rack!

Sassagoula Steamboat Company (Main building)

Sassagoula Steamboat Company is where you will find everything you need while visiting Disney World. This is the main building of Port Orleans Riverside that houses the front desk (check-in), dining, shopping and tons of fun!

Supper

After spending a day in the parks, you will be ready to come “home” to Port Orleans Riverside and have some “supper”. You will find several tasty options available! Of course, Riverside Mill food court has your quick service dining options available with favorites such as a bakery, grilled items, pizza & pasta, specialties, salads and even a carving station! You will also find some tasty “cajun” dishes that can only be found here at Port Orleans Riverside! Grab a “Swamp Burger” or a “Shrimp Salad Po’ Boy”!

Maybe you want to slow things down even more. If that’s the case, then Boatwright’s Dining Hall is where you want to be. This sit down/table service restaurant has some great “fixin’s”. My personal favorite? Well, the Voodoo Chicken (Crispy-battered Chicken Breast and Fluffy Golden Waffles topped with Maple-Bacon Sauce), of course! How could you go wrong with that? Also available is the down home favorite of Shrimp N’ Grits. Reservations are available and are highly recommended, although we just walked right up and were seated.

Splashin’ Around

With six pools to splash around in, you will definitely stay cool! Come on down to the “swimmin’ hole” at Ol’ Man Island. This is where all of the action is! This is conveniently located in the middle of the resort, for all to enjoy. Also nearby is a whirlpool tub and Muddy Rivers pool bar, for even more relaxation and fun. One of the best things about this “swimmin’ hole” is the water slide!!

There are five more pools located around the resort. Three are in Alligator Bayou, while the other two are in Magnolia Bend. These are considered the “quiet pools“, so that means no jumping and no hollerin’, ya hear!

Laundry facilities are located at each of the “quiet pools” around the resort.  Find out more about laundry at Disney right here: LAUNDRY AT DISNEY.

Medicine Show Arcade

This super fun arcade area will keep your kiddos busy! With state of the art games, they will love spending some time (and your money) here!

Shopping

Fulton’s General Store has everything you need for your magical vacation! From souvenirs to snacks to things you forgot to bring!

Extra Fun

Port Orleans Riverside is one of the liveliest resorts around Disney World. If you are looking for some relaxing fun, you may want to check out the horse drawn carriage rides, rent a bicycle or just drift down to Disney Springs along the water. If you are needing more “adult” fun, then you won’t want to miss out on the happenings at the River Roost Lounge with “Yee-Ha” Bob!

Movies under the stars and a campfire is also available most evenings at Ol’ Man Island.

Transportation to Parks and Disney Springs

Since Port Orleans Riverside is such a large resort, there are several internal bus stops around the resort. These buses will take you to and from the parks. Also available is a great water taxi that will get you to and from Disney Springs with a scenic and relaxing view!

Did ‘ya Know?

Did you know that Port Orleans French Quarter is right next door. You are more than welcome to mosey over and hang out-Mardi Gras style! (No bead throwing required!).

Check out more fun at Port Orleans Riverside, right here: PORT ORLEANS RIVERSIDE RECREATION

Have you stayed at this resort before? Let us know what you thought about it!

Join the Disney Express Lane Facebook Group to discuss this and many other Disney related topics.

photo credit: Express Monorail Water Wheel via photopin (license)

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