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Disney World Fort Wilderness Cabins

August 30, 2010 By Alison 2 Comments

Disney World Fort Wilderness Cabins and Campground offers guests a unique place to stay right in the heart of the theme parks. Offering 748 camp sites, RV hook ups and 409 cozy wood cabins Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort is spread over 740 acres of mainly pine forest, within easy reach of all the magic of Disney World. You will feel as though you are living in the wilderness but you are never far from any of the Disney parks.

Disney World Fort Wilderness is a car free zone. When you arrive you will leave your car in the parking lot and go to the Reception Outpost to check in if you are in a cabin, or pull your car up in front of a drive through check in if staying on one of the campsites. The resort is laid out in loops with 3 access roads. There are 28 loops where you will find the campsites and log cabins.

Disney World Fort Wilderness Cabins

Photo by Darren Whittko

Disney World Fort Wilderness peaceful landcaping

There are 407 spacious and comfortable air conditioned wood cabins available at Fort Wilderness each sleeping up to 6 people in 504 square feet of space. They are an ideal choice for larger parties and of course those who want to do some of their own cooking as the provide a kitchen with stove, microwave and refrigerator. There is a separate bedroom with a double bed and bunk bed. There is a living area with television, a dining area which seats 6. A nice touch is a kid sized table. Additional sleeping space is on the pull down Murphy bed. There is a full kitchen,bathroom, and an outdoor grill on the deck.

Photo by cdharrison

The cabins are located near the front of Fort Wilderness Resort. Each has a daily housekeeping service. There are some accessible cabins available which should be requested at the time of booking.

Prices vary by season but range from $279 to $435 for a cabin which will sleep up to 6 people.

Camping at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Photo by cdharrison

There are 788 campsites at Fort Wilderness each of which fit into one of a combination of 4 categories:Premium, Preferred, Full Hook Up and Partial Hook Up.

If you have a large RV over 45 feet then you will need a Premium Site. These sites are the largest on the resort and in the best locations. They have every amenity available including electricity,water and sewer and cable. They also have access to the internet which is available at an additional fee.

A preferred site has the upgraded amenities and electricity,water,sewer, cable and internet access. They are called preferred because of their location closer to either The Trading Post,the marina and Pioneer Hall.

Partial hook up sites have water and electricity. You can have a partial hook up in either a preferred or non preferred location.

Photo by projecttracker

There are comfort stations located close to all the sites. Here you will find clean, well maintained bathrooms, showers, laundry facilities,phones and ice machines. If you don’t want to do your own laundry then housekeeping provides a laundry service for everyone on the resort including those on the camp sites.

Prices of course depend on location and category. The range is between $44 and $74 a night in value season for a site sleeping up to 10 guests. For Holiday Season the range is between $89 to $121 per night.

Fort Wilderness is Disney World’s only pet friendly resort. There is a $5 daily charge and you have to request a pet friendly site. There is also a pet boarding facility at the entrance to Fort Wilderness. Dogs, cats and small animals are welcome, and you can book overnight or day care.

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort Transportation

Fort Wilderness is a large resort at over 700 acres. There are 3 resort buses – Orange, Purple and Yellow which run around the resort and between the Outpost Depot at the front of the resort near the Disney bus transportation, and the Settlement Depot which is near the marina which has boat access to Magic Kingdom.

You can also walk or bike around the resort. A popular option, but pricey at $59 a day,is to rent a golf cart. These can be reserved up to one year in advance at The Outpost by calling 407 824 2742.

Photo by joeshlabotnik

The transportation to the Disney parks and resorts from Fort Wilderness has the reputation of being the worst of all the places you can stay in Disney World. Really the best advice if you are staying at Fort Wilderness is to bring a car! Whilst transport to Magic Kingdom is good because you can catch a resort boat at the marina, the rest of the transport system is far from convenient. Transport around the resort can be slow with 10 to 15 minute waits. Then you have to catch a bus to all the other parks and resorts which again can involve a long wait. Guests love Fort Wilderness Resort but do consistently say that the transport provision is the only let down!

Disney World Fort Wilderness Recreation

Photo by joeshlabotnik

The recreation facilities at Disney’s Fort Wilderness are arguably the very best of any Disney resort. Not only do you have the great outdoors on your door step but you have plenty of recreational activities to choose from.

There are 2 heated swimming pools. The meadow Swimmin’ Pool is the most popular. Located near the center of the resort it has a children’s play area, a slide and a hot tub.

Bay Lake is a center of activity for Fort Wilderness with lots of opportunities to have some fun! The sandy beach at the side of Bay Lake near the marina is also a popular spot (although you are not permitted to swim in the lake). If you enjoy fishing you can fish for free or take an excursion. If you are looking for something a little adventurous then parasailing, wake boarding and water skiing are available.

You can rent a range of water craft from Fort Wilderness Marina.

There are tennis courts, basketball and volleyball courts. You will also find shuffleboard and horseshoes to play around the resort.

A unique feature of Fort Wilderness is the free to visit petting zoo. It is a pleasant way to spend some family time with the kids.

Tri-Circle-D Ranch and Stables is a popular place which offers pony rides every day. It also houses Cinderella’s ponies and the Main Street horses. 45 minute trail rides cost $42 and can be booked up to 30 days in advance by calling 407 WDW PLAY. You pick up the tickets at The Kennel at Fort Wilderness. Same day rides are often available but it is always best to call in advance if you are traveling from outside the resort.

You can also take a Wagon Ride around the resort. The 45 minute Wagon ride cannot be booked in advance and is on a first come first served basis. The rides are at 7.30 and 9.30. There is also a 9.00 ride for the Magic Kingdom fireworks. If you want a more exclusive experience Carriage Rides are also available. Each carriage holds up to 4 guests and leaves Crockett’s Tavern at Pioneer Hall each night between 6pm and 9.3pm. The 25 minute ride costs $35. You can get a ticket from the driver or book in advance at 407 WDW PLAY.

Photo by elemscibone

Want a very special experience for the Holidays? Book a Sleigh Ride at Fort Wilderness! Starting at the end of November and going to December 30th each year you can ride around the resort on a special sleigh. Each sleigh will fit 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 children – the cost is $60 for each party and the sliegh ride lasts around 25 minutes. Book in advance by calling 407 WDW PLAY.

Always wanted to try a segway? Well you can on the Wilderness Back Trail Adventure. The cost is $85 per person and each tour takes a party of up to 10 guests. They are available at either 8.30 or 10.30 each moring except Sunday or Monday. Call 407 WDW TOUR to book. No experience is necessary as you will be fully briefed as to how to ride a segway. You must be over 18 or if 16 and over accompanied by an adult.

If you aren’t quite ready for a segway then you can always rent a bike! Bicycles of all sizes are available. If you want to ride with all the family then Surrey bikes are a lot of fun too!

Are you ready for a new experience? Then why not try archery? A 90 minute experience including equipment and instruction costs $25 and is open to ages 6 and up.

So one thing you will never be at Disney’s Fort Wilderness is bored! There is something to do for every age.

Disney World Fort Wilderness Resort Dining

Photo by joeshlabotnik

There are some great choices for dining at Fort Wilderness with two restaurants, two dinner shows and a snack bar. Or of course you could eat in your cabin or camp site.

Crockett’s Tavern and Trails End Restaurant are both in Pioneer Hall. Crockett’s Tavern serves pizza, chicken wings and nachos. It also serves beer and wine. Trails End Restaurant serves a buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

If you want entertaining whilst you eat then try Mickey’s Backyard BBQ Dinner Show. This all you care to eat buffet is held on Thursdays and Saturday from 6.30pm to 8pm at the Outdoor Pavillion. Enjoy a wild west themed event with country music,line dancing and Disney characters. The price is $50.99 for adults and $20.99 for children aged 3 to 9. Selections include hot dogs, hamburgers, corn on the cob and cole slaw.

One of the most popular dinner shows in Disney World The Hoop De Du Musical Revue is held at Pioneer Hall at Fort Wilderness. It is held every night with 3 shows at 5pm, 7.30pm and 9pm. The Hoop De Du Musical Review is very popular so Advance Dining Reservations are essential. It is a family style buffet brought to your table which you eat whilst being entertained by singers, dancers and comedians. Guest satisfaction is usually very high at this high energy revue. The food is western style fare includes fried chicken,pork ribs, mashed potatoes and western style baked beans with strawberry shortcake for dessert.

As the Hoop De Du Musical Revue is a seated dinner show the prices are in one of 3 categories which range from $52.99 to $61.99 for adults and $26.99 to $31.99 for children aged 3 to 9. There is no charge for the under 3s. Category 1 is the closest to the stage. It is part of the Disney Dining Plan but you will need 2 full dining credits.

Disney World Fort Wilderness Cabins and Camp Sites really do offer something different to a guest looking for a resort on Disney property. It is one of the least known places to stay and it is often overlooked.

Filed Under: Disney Parks, Disney World Hotels Tagged With: , ,

Polynesian Resort Disney World Florida

August 27, 2010 By Alison 3 Comments

Are you considering staying at the Polynesian Resort in Disney World Florida?  The Polynesian is a deluxe Walt Disney World resort hotel which is conveniently located on the Seven Seas Lagoon just minutes from Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Travel on the monorail or by boat and you can be in the Happiest Place on Earth in just minutes.

This luxury hotel not only has a great location but also offers some of the largest hotel rooms in Disney World, a relaxed  South Seas theme with a welcoming tropical atmosphere, a sandy beach, excotic waterfalls, excellent restaurants and recreation facilities.  But is this the right choice of Disney hotel for your vacation? Browse through this guide to find out more of what the Polynesian Resort Disney World has to offer.

Photo by expressmonorail

Polynesian Resort Hotel Over View

Disney Polynesian Resort tropical theme

The Polynesian was one of the original Disney hotels and opened in 1971.  The hotel has been extensively refurbished in recent years.  The rooms were all updated in 2006 and the pool area in 2001.  The Polynesian was part of Walt Disney’s original vision for the ultimate theme park.

As soon as you step into the lobby you are in a different world.  Leave the chaos of the theme parks behind and be transported to a tropical paradise.  You will find lush landscaping both inside and outside the resort.  The lobby is a tropical rain forest with a relaxing water fountain as a center piece.  The lobby is a great place to sit and people watch when your feet are tired from a day in the parks!

The Great Ceremonial House is four stories high and houses the lobby, restaurants, shops and some hotel rooms.  Most of the Polynesian’s rooms are in one of the eleven ‘longhouses’ located around the resort. Each longhouse has either 2 or 3 floors.

Photo by mrkathika

Polynesian Resort Hotel Rooms

Photo by troybthompson

The Polynesian Resort has some of the largest hotel rooms in Walt Disney World.  So if you are looking for space this is a good choice with standard rooms being around 410 square feet, with he 476 square feet rooms are located in the Tokelau, Rapa Nui and Tahita longhouse buildings.

Each room can sleep up to 5 with 2 Queen beds and a daybed.  A child up to the age of 3 can also be accommodated in a crib.

Suites are also available in the Hawaii longhouse. Concierge rooms are in the Tonga and Hawaii buildings.

One disadvantage of the Polynesian is that not all of the rooms have balconies. If you have your heart set on a balcony then make sure that you request one at the time that you make your booking.   What most of the rooms do have is good views.  The location of the Polynesian Resort Hotel is of course one of the very best in the whole of Disney World , and many rooms overlook the Seven Seas Lagoon and some even have unobstructed views over Magic Kingdom.

Garden view rooms are sometimes misnamed!  They can have a view over the gardens, the pool, the marina or the parking lot.  So be sure to specify exactly which view you want and are expecting.  The better views are of course at a higher price, but it is confusing that you book a Garden View and end up looking at a parking lot, so be sure to be clear with your request.  As with all room requests they are not guaranteed but you do increase your chances of getting what you want if you request at time of booking and follow up with a fax to the Polynesian Resort on 407-824-3174 to specify the room view you want.

Which are the best rooms at the  Walt Disney Polynesian Resort?

A view of the beach and longhouses at Disney's Polynesian Resort

Rooms and the Polynesian Resort Hotel rack rates range from $365 to over $900 a night depending on room type and season.  Suites at the Polynesian start at around $630 and go to over $3000 per night.

The first thing to remember is that not all of the rooms have balconies so if this is important then you must request one to increase your chances of getting one!

There are 11 longhouses with different pros and cons.  For families who want to be close to the resort pool then Samoa is a good choice.  If you like to be nearer to the Grand Ceremonial House building with restaurants, shops and the monorail stop then Fiji, Tonga, Rarotonga, Niue and Samoa are your best bets.

Are there any rooms to avoid at Disney’s Polynesian? It is best to avoid rooms in the Rarotonga longhouse which are on the monorail side and the parking lot view rooms in Rapa Nui.

Photo by chslaw

Disney Polynesian Resort Concierge Rooms

Disney Polynesian Resort Hotel Lobby

Guest of the Polynesian speak highly of the concierge service.  Although the rooms are essentially the same you will enjoy free breakfast, afternoon snacks, evening hors d’oeuvres, hot appetizers and wine.  There is a dessert service from 8pm to 10pm every evening and this gets particularly good reviews!   Some may say of course that the extra perks of the food and concierge service are not worth the premium price but it really depends on how prepared you are to pay for that bit extra.

There is an additional reason to choose concierge rooms at the Polynesian. The location of the second floor lounge has a fabulous view of Magic Kingdom Castle. This is the perfect place to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks and concierge guests are the only ones who have access to this lounge so this is an excellent perk.

Polynesian Hotel Transport to Walt Disney World

Disney Polynesian Resort Hotel Boat Dock

The location of the Polynesian Resort is one of the best in Walt Disney World as you have a choice of monorail and boat to get to the Magic Kingdom.  It is possible to walk to Magic Kingdom from the Polynesian but it is a long way as you have to walk almost completely around the Seven Seas Lagoon.  You may want to save your energy for walking around the parks instead!

Guests can also take the boat across the Seven Seas Lagoon to Magic Kingdom from the Polynesian Resort.  This is one of my favorite ways to arrive at the Magic Kingdom!

Disney Polynesian Resort Monorail

Photo by expressmonorail

The monorail will also transport you from the Polynesian hotel to the Transport and Ticket Center which is the hub of the monorail and bus transportation for Disney World. You can easily get to Epcot on the other monorail line from the TTC. Buses to all the theme parks, water parks, Downtown Disney and the other resort hotels leave from the TTC.

There are also Disney buses from the Polynesian Resort bus stop outside the Grand Ceremonial House which will take you to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney.  These buses may also pick up guests at the Grand Floridian and Wilderness Lodge Resorts.  Unfortunately these buses can sometimes be crowded and take a while to reach their destination so you may find that at busy times in particular you want to get the monorail to the TTC and then a bus onwards from there.

Photo by mrkathika

Polynesian Resort Disney World Recreation Facilities

Disney's Polynesian Resort Swimming Pool

The landscaping both inside and outside of the Polynesian has a relaxing tropical feel. There are 2 swimming pools.  The Nanea Volcano Pool is one of the nicest of any of the Disney World resort hotel pools.  It has a waterfall, a slide and even a volcano! This is also a very popular pool and it is not exactly very large so it does get crowded sometimes. If you want some peace and quiet there is another pool at the resort.

If you want to visit a fitness center the Polynesian does not have it’s own but you can go to the one at the Grand Floridian Resort. There is also a 1.5 mile jogging trail which goes around the resort longhouses and passes Shades of Green Resort.

Photo my mrkathika

Disney Polynesian Resort Restaurants

The Polynesian Resort has a good choice of restaurants and of course is home to the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show.

The Kona Cafe is a full service restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner which is located in the lobby of the hotel. Breakfast here is around $10 and upwards for an entree with American cuisine.  You will find the usual favorites of pancakes,steak and eggs and omelet.  A popular choice is Tonga Toast a variation of French Toast with sourdough stuffed with banana served with strawberry compote. Lunch entrees are around the $15 range with dinner entrees starting at $20. Fish and steak with an Asian influence is the specialty.

Ohana offers a family style breakfast with Lilo and Stitch. Food is brought to your table and includes scrambled eggs, fried potatoes and Mickey Waffles.  Prices are $24.99 for adults and $13.99 for children aged 3 to 9.  Dinner is also family style but without characters. The specialty is food on skewers with dips which are brought to you by your server. There is a fire pit right in the center of the restaurant, and you will be entertained with hula hoop contests and coconut races.
If you want a quick snack then visit Captain Cook’s Snack Company. It serves scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes,Tonga Toast and Mickey Waffles. The Barefoot Pool Bar serves drinks by the pool.

Disney Polynesian Luau Dinner Show

Photo by joanna8555

A very popular dinner show is the Polynesian Luau. This how energy dinner show features Polynesian music and dancing. Food is served family style and brought to your table. The food includes pineapple coconut bread,barbecued pork ribs,roasted chicken and Polynesian rice.  Dessert is Kilauea Volcano Delight. The price of the Polynesian Luau also covers drinks including Bud and Bud Lite beer, house wine and a selection of non alcoholic beverages.

The cost of the Polynesian Luau is based upon one of 3 seating categories with Category 1 being the closest to the show. The rate for adults ranges from $52.99 to $61.99 and for children aged 3 to 9 from $256.99 to $31.99. This includes tax and gratuity.

The Disney dining plan can be used for Category 2 and 3 seating only. It will use 2 Disney dining credits per guest. If you want to have Category 1 seating you will have to pay separately even if you are on the Disney Dining Plan. Shows do sell out so you must make Advance Dining Reservations.  Remember that if you want to cancel you must do so at least 48 hours in advance or your credit card will be charged.

Filed Under: Disney Parks, Disney World Hotels Tagged With: , ,

Disney Mexican Riviera Cruise

August 11, 2010 By Alison 2 Comments

Are you wanting to know more about a Disney Mexican Riviera cruise? In 2011 Disney will offer cruises to Mexico from it’s new home port of Los Angeles. Disney cruise line is well known for offering the highest quality ships and guest satisfaction rates are amongst the highest in the industry. But what can you expect from a Disney Cruise to the Mexican Riviera?

Photo by MPR529

The Disney Wonder

The Disney Wonder will be your cruise ship for your Mexican Riviera adventure. The Disney Wonder is an 83,000 tonne 964 feet long cruise ship which can carry around 2,400 passengers. It has 10 decks, 3 swimming pools, 4 hot tubs, 2 theaters, and a whole lot of Disney fun!

Staterooms are all beautifully appointed with that attention to detail which you know you can expect from Disney. You have a choice of 12 categories of stateroom ranging from an inside cabin to a luxurious suite. Disney cruise staterooms are larger than the average industry standard so you will find plenty of room to make yourself at home. One of the most popular staterooms is the Deluxe Family Stateroom with Verandah which sleeps up to 5 guests so is a great choice for a family.

Mexican Riviera Cruises 2011

Photo by MPR529

The Disney Wonder sails for her first Mexican Cruise of 2011 on January 23rd. The last sailing of the early 2011 season will sail on April 17th when the Wonder will sail to Alaska.

Sail dates for the early season 7 night cruises are 23rd Januray, 30th January, 6th February, 13th February, 20th February, 27th February, 6th March, 13th March, 20th March, 27th March, 3rd April and 10th April. There is then a 10 night Mexican cruise on 17th April 2011.

The Disney Wonder will then sail to Vancouver for it’s Alaskan cruise itineraries.

The Disney Wonder will return to Los Angeles and sail the same Mexican 7 night cruise itinerary starting on 25th September and sailing on 2nd October, 9th October, 16th October, 23rd October, 30th October, 6th November, 13th November, 20th November, 27th November, 4th December, and 11th December 2011.

These are the ports of call for the Disney Mexican Riviera 7 night cruise:

•Sunday Los Angeles
•Monday At Sea
•Tuesday At Sea
•Wednesday Puerto Vallerta
•Thursday Mazatlan
•Friday Cabo San Lucas
•Saturday At Sea
•Sunday Los Angeles

Although most of the cruises will be for 7 nights there are also special itineraries offering 8, 10 and 11 night cruises.

10 Night Mexican Riviera Cruise

Photo by sanctumsolitude

The Wonder will sail a special 10 night itinerary to Mexico on 17th April 2011 with these port stops

Sunday Los Angeles
Monday At Sea
Tuesday At Sea
Wednesday Puerta Vallarta
Thursday At Sea
Friday Manzanillo
Saturday At Sea
Sunday Mazatlan
Monday Cabo San Lucas
Tuesday At Sea
Wednesday Los Angeles

Disney Mexican Riviera Holiday Cruises 2011

The Disney Wonder will set sail on 18th December and 26th December 2011 for Holiday Cruises to Mexico.

Set sail on a Disney Wonder Christmas cruise on 18th December 2011

Sunday Los Angeles California
Monday At Sea
Tuesday At Sea
Wednesday Mazanillo Mexico
Thursday Puerto Vallarta Mexico
Friday Mazatlan Mexico
Saturday Cabo San Lucas Mexico
Sunday At Sea on Christmas Day
Monday Los Angeles California

Photo by Peter E. Lee

7 Night Disney Wonder Mexican New Year Cruise

The Disney Wonder sails on 26th December 2011
Monday Los Angeles California
Tuesday At Sea
Wednesday At Sea
Thursday Puerto Vallarta Mexico
Friday Mazatlan Mexico
Saturday Cabo San Lucas Mexico
Sunday Los Angeles California

Disney Mexican Riviera Ports of Call

The Disney Wonder makes port stops at Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Peurto Vallarta on her 7 night cruises.

Cabo San Lucas

Disney Ship In Cabo San Lucas

Photo By santctumsolitude

Sailing into Cabo San Lucas on a cruise is a very special experience. The bay is just breathtakingly beautiful. Once a small fishing village, now experiencing a tourist boom (mainly from the increasing number of cruise ships arriving in port) Cabo still retains it’s considerable beauty and charm. Located on the Southern Tip of the Baja Peninsula Cabo offers a huge choice of things to do – ranging from sportfishing to snorkeling, kayaking to relaxing on one of the white sandy beaches.

Mazatlan

The port of Mazatlan with it’s 14 miles of sandy beaches, Golden Zone Shopping and Old Town are known as The Pearl of the Pacific. Mazatlan is a busy commercial port and this is where the cruise ships dock – you will be taken on a free tram ride away from the port and towards the town. Here you can either take a taxi to the interesting and authentic Old Town or pick up an excursion bus.

Make sure you stop by and watch the Cliff Divers They are always happy to dive into the waters below – for a fee of course!

Other excursions include sportfishing, brewery tours, visits to Old Town or just realxing on one of the many beautiful beaches.

Peurto Vallarta

Peurto Vallarta is perhaps my favorite Mexican Riviera Port. The charming donwtown area is well worth a visit. Excursions include swimming with dolphins, snorkeling, whale watching, sailing,zip lining, and horseback riding.

What is So Special About A Disney Cruise?

Photo by Rennett Stowe

A Disney cruise usually costs just a little more than other cruise lines with similar itineraries so is it really worth paying the extra? Most guests would agree that it is. There is something for everyone on a Disney cruise. Of course when most people think of Disney cruises they imagine that it is aimed a families with young children. They would be right as Disney has one of the very best kids porgrams at sea and is designed to make it very easy for families to enjoy their time on the ship. But Disney cruise line also thinks of the adults – it really goes out of it’s way to provide for the grown ups too. They adult only areas are really well designed and are (unlike some other cruise lines) kept child free.

The Staterooms are large than average and are particularly well designed. The restaurants are innovative and most guests enjoy the fact that you ‘rotate’ around 3 different restaurants but keep your wait staff each day so they are familiar with your party and their dining requests. Whether you want a gluten free bread roll or a chilled glass of water with lemon waiting at your table every evening your server will have it there for you.

Photo by Peter E Lee

The entertainment on a Disney cruise is of course of very high quality. Having sailed on many cruise lines I can say that no other cruise line really comes close to being as good as Disney.

And of course you just have that Disney experience. That little bit of Pixie Dust which once you have experienced it just keeps calling you back to find that magical vacation once again.

Filed Under: Cruises, Disney Wonder Tagged With: , , ,

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