The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Nestled in the wilderness of Walt Disney World Resort and located in the Magic Kingdom Resort area, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground has long been a favorite destination for guests seeking a unique blend of outdoor adventure and Disney comfort. In 2024, the resort entered an exciting new chapter as the cabins were completely reimagined and became part of the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) portfolio, marking the 17th DVC resort at Disney properties. The new DVC cabins are similar to the old style, just updated in every way imaginable and include all the comforts of home.

The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Summary

• Completely rebuilt in 2024 as Disney Vacation Club’s 17th property, offering approximately 350 standalone cabins within the 750-acre Fort Wilderness Resort
• Each 500-square-foot cabin sleeps up to 6 guests with a private bedroom (queen bed + bunk beds) and a queen-size Inova wall bed in the living room
• Features modern amenities including two TVs (65-inch in living room, 55-inch in bedroom), full kitchen with convection/microwave oven and two-burner cooktop, full-size refrigerator, and dishwasher
• Private outdoor space includes a deck with picnic table and charcoal grill, plus dedicated parking space in front of each cabin
• Select cabins are dog-friendly, and all cabins include floor-to-ceiling windows, split bathroom design with dual vanities, and daily housekeeping service
• While primarily for DVC members, cabins are also available to the general public through cash reservations or DVC point rentals, though availability may be limited
• Located minutes from Magic Kingdom via water taxi, with access to extensive resort amenities including pools, horseback riding, archery, and the popular Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue

The Evolution of Fort Wilderness

When Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground opened in 1971 alongside Walt Disney World, it embodied Walt Disney’s vision of bringing families closer to nature while maintaining the comfort and quality standards Disney is known for. The original Wilderness Homes were added in 1978, providing a more substantial accommodation option for guests who wanted to experience the resort’s rustic charm without sacrificing modern amenities.

The most significant transformation came in 2024 with the complete replacement of the existing cabins with brand new cabins were added to replace the old ones. This change represented not just a refresh of the facilities but a reimagining of the entire cabin experience. With the update. the Cabins at Disney’ Fort Wilderness Resort are no longer part of the Walt Disney World moderate resorts, but are now included with the Walt Disney World Deluxe Villa resorts.

Your Private Woodland Retreat: A Detailed Look Inside

The reimagined cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort offer an elevated take on woodland living, with each standalone unit providing approximately 500 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. These private retreats accommodate up to six guests comfortably, and select cabins are designated as dog-friendly, allowing families to bring their four-legged companions along for the adventure.

Arrival and Exterior

As you arrive at your own private cabin, you’ll immediately appreciate the convenience of a dedicated parking space directly in front of your accommodation. The cabin’s exterior embraces a modern rustic aesthetic, featuring natural materials and colors that complement the surrounding pine and cypress forest. A covered entrance protects you from the elements, with elegant sconce lighting flanking the front doors to welcome you home after evening adventures.

Living and Dining Space

Stepping inside, you’ll discover a bright, open-concept living area where floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light and provide stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. The living room features a comfortable sofa for daytime relaxation, positioned opposite the kitchen area. A state-of-the-art 65-inch flat-panel TV provides entertainment, while the innovative queen-size pull-down bed (Murphy Bed) can be easily folded down from the wall at bedtime, transforming this living space into a comfortable sleeping area. This efficient design allows the space to serve double duty – as a gathering place during the day and additional sleeping quarters at night, all without compromising comfort or convenience.

Kitchen and Dining

The fully-equipped kitchen stands ready for everything from quick snacks to full family meals. Unlike many vacation accommodations, these cabins feature full-size appliances throughout, including:

• A standard-size refrigerator/freezer for ample food storage
• A convection/microwave oven combination for versatile cooking options
• A full-size dishwasher for easy cleanup
• A microwave for quick heating and cooking
• Extensive counter space for meal prep
• Multiple storage cabinets for groceries and supplies
• A complete set of cookware, dishes, and utensils

The dining area accommodates the full cabin capacity of six guests, with a table perfectly positioned for family meals. The thoughtful layout allows for easy conversation between those cooking and those relaxing in the living area.

Primary Sleeping Area

The private bedroom offers a peaceful retreat with a queen bed dressed in crisp linens. Twin-size bunk beds provide additional sleeping space, making this room perfect for families. The bedroom includes a 55-inch TV, a spacious closet for storage, and a nightstand with convenient lighting for bedtime reading. The room’s design considers both comfort and functionality, with space for luggage storage and room to move about freely.

Bathroom Amenities

The cabin’s bathroom arrangement maximizes efficiency with a split design. The main bathroom features a full shower, toilet, and vanity with storage. An additional vanity area located outside the bathroom provides a separate space for grooming and preparation, helping families get ready more quickly in the mornings. Both vanity areas offer ample counter space, good lighting, and storage for personal items.

Outdoor Living

One of the cabin’s most distinctive features is its private outdoor living space. A generous deck extends your living area into nature, complete with both a rustic picnic table for casual outdoor dining and a full-size charcoal grill for outdoor cooking. This thoughtfully designed space provides the perfect setting for everything from morning coffee to evening barbecues. The deck includes lighting for evening enjoyment and offers peaceful views of the surrounding woodland. The inclusion of the classic picnic table maintains the cherished outdoor dining tradition that Fort Wilderness has been known for since its opening, while adding modern comfort with the expanded deck space.

Special Features and Amenities

The cabins include several thoughtful touches that enhance the vacation experience:

• Individual climate control for year-round comfort
• USB charging ports and electrical outlets throughout
• Enhanced soundproofing for privacy
• Daily housekeeping service
• High-speed wireless internet access
• Convenient hooks and storage for outdoor gear
• Pet amenities in dog-friendly units

Location and Setting

Each cabin is positioned to maximize privacy while maintaining accessibility. The spacing between cabins and strategic landscaping creates a sense of seclusion, though you’re never far from resort amenities. Walking paths connect each cabin to the resort’s main features, and the clever layout makes navigation intuitive while preserving the natural environment.

The cabins’ placement within the 750-acre resort property varies, with some closer to amenities like swimming pools and dining, while others offer more secluded locations deeper in the woods. When booking, guests can request specific areas based on their preferences for either convenience or privacy.

Recreation and Entertainment

The resort’s recreational offerings create endless opportunities for outdoor fun and relaxation. The Meadow Swimmin’ Pool serves as a central gathering place, featuring an exhilarating 67-foot-long corkscrew waterslide and a serene whirlpool spa. Families with young children will appreciate the fort-themed water play area, complete with tot-friendly slides. For a more tranquil swimming experience, the Wilderness Swimming Pool offers a peaceful alternative with its own whirlpool spa. Guests should note that pool towels aren’t provided, so remember to bring your cabin towels for swimming adventures.

Equestrian Activities at Tri-Circle-D Ranch

The Tri-Circle-D Ranch is a centerpiece of Fort Wilderness’s recreational offerings, continuing Walt Disney’s legacy of incorporating horses into the Disney experience. The recently updated ranch facilities offer several equestrian activities for guests of all ages:

Trail Rides (Ages 9+): Experienced wranglers guide guests on 45-minute horseback rides through the resort’s scenic woodland trails. Riders must be at least 9 years old and 48 inches tall, weighing under 250 pounds. These rides are available by reservation and require closed-toe shoes.

Pony Rides (Ages 2+): Younger guests can experience their first horseback adventure with child-friendly pony rides. Available for children ages 2 and up who are under 80 pounds, these controlled rides provide a perfect introduction to horsemanship.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides: Families can enjoy a peaceful evening carriage ride through the resort’s trails, offering a romantic and relaxing way to experience Fort Wilderness’s natural beauty.

Wagon Rides: Group wagon rides provide a fun, social activity perfect for families or larger groups wanting to explore the resort together.

The ranch also houses Cinderella’s Ponies and the horses that work on Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom. Guests are welcome to visit the stables to see these magnificent animals, including the iconic white ponies that pull Cinderella’s Coach.

Most equestrian activities require advance reservations, which can be made through Disney’s reservation system or the Fort Wilderness front desk. Weather conditions may affect availability, and seasonal schedules may vary.

Beyond the swiming pools, Fort Wilderness offers a wealth of outdoor activities. Guests can try their hand at archery, embark on catch-and-release fishing excursions, or explore the resort’s natural beauty through miles of tree-lined trails perfect for walking, jogging, or biking.

As evening approaches, the entertainment continues with beloved traditions. The Campground Theater hosts the popular Chip ‘n’ Dale Campfire Sing-Alongs, where families gather for marshmallow roasting and musical fun. Clementine Beach provides a perfect vantage point for viewing the Magic Kingdom fireworks as they light up the night sky over Bay Lake, followed by the charming Electrical Water Pageant floating past in all its illuminated glory.

Dining Experiences

The dining options at Fort Wilderness cater to every taste and occasion. The legendary Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue offers an unforgettable dinner show experience, combining spirited performances by the Pioneer Hall Players with hearty frontier fare including fried chicken and barbecued pork ribs. The newly reimagined Trail’s End Restaurant serves as a convenient quick-service location, offering delectable dishes, custom coffees, and grab-and-go options perfect for busy park days.

For casual dining and refreshments, Crockett’s Tavern welcomes guests with a full-service bar and satisfying bites like sliders and chicken wings. The Chuck Wagon near Settlement Trading Post provides classic American favorites, while the Meadow Snack Bar offers light fare perfect for poolside dining.

Transportation and Resort Navigation

Given Fort Wilderness’s expansive 750-acre size, the resort offers multiple transportation options both within the resort and to other destinations.

Private Vehicle Services

Minnie Van Service: Disney’s Minnie Van service, operated through the Lyft app, provides convenient point-to-point transportation throughout Walt Disney World Resort. At Fort Wilderness, Minnie Vans can pick up and drop off guests directly at their cabin, making them particularly useful for those with groceries, luggage, or who simply prefer door-to-door service. Each Minnie Van can accommodate up to six guests and includes two complimentary car seats if needed. They operate daily from early morning until late night.

Ride Share Services: Standard Lyft and Uber services can also access Fort Wilderness, though drivers may be less familiar with the resort’s layout. When using these services, it’s helpful to provide your cabin number and loop location in the app’s notes section.

Private Car Services: Traditional car services and town cars can pick up and drop off at the resort’s main entrance (The Outpost), where guests can connect with the internal bus system or arrange for bell services assistance to their cabin.

Magical Express: While Disney’s Magical Express service ended in 2022, various third-party shuttle services now operate between Orlando International Airport and Disney resorts, including Fort Wilderness. These typically require advance reservations.

Resort Transportation

The internal bus system operates on distinct color-coded routes that serve different areas of the resort:

• The Yellow Line connects the Outpost Depot (resort entrance) to the Settlement Depot near Pioneer Hall
• The Purple Line services the cabin loops and comfort stations
• The Orange Line runs to the campground areas

Each bus stop is clearly marked and features covered waiting areas with posted schedules. The internal buses begin running early in the morning (typically around 6:30 AM) and continue until about two hours after the theme parks close, ensuring guests can get around the resort at nearly any hour.

For trips beyond Fort Wilderness, the resort’s external transportation options depart from two main locations. The Settlement Depot offers water taxi service directly to Magic Kingdom park, providing a scenic 15-minute journey across Bay Lake. At the Outpost Depot, guests can catch Disney buses to other Walt Disney World destinations including Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, Disney Springs, and the water parks.

Many guests choose to supplement the bus system with personal golf cart rentals, which can be arranged through the resort (advance reservations highly recommended). Golf carts provide added flexibility for exploring the resort and are especially convenient for families with young children or those staying for extended periods. The resort also offers bike rentals for those who prefer to explore the miles of scenic trails under their own power.

As an additional benefit, guests of The Cabins enjoy access to extended evening hours in select Disney parks on select nights, with dedicated transportation provided during these special access periods.

Booking and Availability

Disney Vacation Club Members

As Walt Disney World’s 17th DVC property, The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort operates primarily as a points-based destination for DVC members. A Disney Vacation Club member can book their stay using vacation points, with booking windows opening based on membership status:

• Home Resort owners can book 11 months in advance
• Other DVC members can book 7 months before arrival

As with other DVC resorts, point requirements vary by season, cabin type (standard or dog-friendly), and length of stay. Members should consult their DVC point charts for specific requirements, though the Cabins are expected to require fewer points per night compared to deluxe DVC properties like the Polynesian Villas or Riviera Resort.

General Public Bookings

While The Cabins primarily serve DVC members, they remain available to the general public through several booking methods:

Cash Reservations: Walt Disney World retains a small portion of cabins in their standard hotel inventory. These can be booked directly through Disney’s website, phone reservations, or authorized travel agents. However, availability may be limited, especially during peak seasons.

DVC Point Rentals: Non-members can rent DVC points from members or authorized point rental companies, often securing stays at lower rates than direct Disney bookings. This option requires advance planning but can provide significant savings.

Availability Considerations

Several factors affect cabin availability:

• Most inventory is allocated to DVC members
• Peak seasons see higher demand from both members and cash guests
• Dog-friendly units are a subset of total inventory
• Holiday periods often book up far in advance
• Weekends typically see higher occupancy than weekdays

For the best chance of securing a cabin:

• Book as early as your window allows
• Be flexible with dates if possible
• Consider off-peak seasons
• Sign up for cancellation alerts
• Work with an authorized Disney travel advisor

Rate Information

Cash rates for the cabins vary significantly by season. While specific pricing fluctuates, guests should expect rates comparable to Deluxe Villa properties rather than Moderate Resorts, despite Fort Wilderness’s traditional categorization as a Moderate Resort.

For DVC members, point requirements reflect the cabins’ unique position in the DVC portfolio – typically requiring fewer points than luxury properties like the Grand Floridian or Polynesian Villas, making them an attractive option for longer stays or larger families seeking more space than a traditional villa.

Making the Most of Your Stay

To fully enjoy your Fort Wilderness cabin experience, consider starting your mornings early to appreciate the peaceful woodland setting. The fully equipped kitchen allows for leisurely breakfasts on your private deck before heading out for the day’s adventures. For longer stays, consider having groceries delivered to stock your full kitchen with favorites for easy meal preparation.

The resort’s expansive grounds invite exploration, so take time to wander the trails, discover hidden gems, and embrace the natural beauty that surrounds you. Whether you’re seeking adventure on horseback, relaxation by the pool, or magical evenings under the stars, The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort offer a unique blend of comfort, convenience, and outdoor charm that creates the perfect setting for unforgettable family memories.