Why the Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Are 100% Worth It (Especially with Kids!)

We just stayed there for Sydney’s second birthday weekend, and we had SO much fun! It’s hands-down one of my favorite accommodations we’ve ever experienced on Disney property—and I’m convinced more people need to know about it. It’s the perfect mix of cozy and spacious, quiet and connected, rustic and still close to all parks. If you’re looking for something that works with your family instead of against you, this is it.

Here’s the full scoop:

1. The Cabins Are Completely Redesigned and SO Family-Friendly

Let’s start with the obvious: these aren’t the older-style cabins you may have seen years ago. The new Fort Wilderness cabins are fresh, updated, and honestly designed like someone with kids actually thought through the layout.

You get:

• A full bedroom with a queen bed and bunk beds (aka—privacy AND built-in toddler excitement)

• A pull-down Murphy bed in the living room that’s super comfy

• A kitchen and dining area that let you keep all toddler snacks fresh

• And here’s my favorite part: the bathroom is on the opposite side of the cabin from the bedroom. That means you can shower, blow dry your hair, and do a full glam session while the kids sleep—without fear of waking them up. They even added a second vanity and mirror outside the bathroom, which is huge when you’re trying to get ready at the same time.

• Oh, and the porch? A dream. Full dining table, fresh air, and the kind of peaceful setup that makes it feel like an actual vacation in the mountains.

2. You’re Getting a Real Home Base at a Surprisingly Reasonable Price

This isn’t just a hotel room—it’s a full-blown one-bedroom house with outdoor space, a real kitchen, and room for everyone to spread out. If you’ve ever tried to put a toddler to bed in a standard hotel room and then sat in the dark whispering or hiding in the bathroom with snacks... you know how huge this is. The value for what you get at Fort Wilderness is incredible compared to many other Disney resort options if you're looking for the comfort of a one bedroom suite.

3. The Vibe is Calm, Natural, and Honestly... a Little Magical

Fort Wilderness doesn’t feel like you’re staying in the middle of a theme park. It feels like you're tucked away in a little nature retreat with deer outside your window, trails to explore, and a sense of calm that’s rare on Disney property. I kept saying, “this feels like we’re in the North Carolina,” even though we were just a boat ride away from Magic Kingdom. It’s the best of both worlds—Disney magic when you want it, nature and stillness when you need it.

4. There’s So Much to Do On Property Without Leaving

I could have easily filled two full days just doing things at Fort Wilderness. There are:

• Horse and Pony rides (Sydney’s highlight!)

• Playgrounds and splash pads

• Archery, canoeing, fishing, bike rentals

• Horseback riding for older kids

• A big pool with a water slide

• Evening s’mores and movie nights under the stars

  
  

It’s like summer camp meets family resort—and perfect for breaking up long park days or building in a slower-paced stay for little ones who need downtime.

5. Access to the Parks is Surprisingly Simple (and Fun!)

Getting to Magic Kingdom is a breeze thanks to the direct boat from Fort Wilderness. No long ferry lines or monorail waits—you just hop on and cruise over. Buses run to the other parks, and there’s even a boat that takes you to Wilderness Lodge and the Contemporary.

One important tip: Rent a golf cart.The property is huge, and regular cars can’t drive through many of the streets. The golf cart was a lifesaver—especially with all the things you end up carrying with a toddler . Plus, it’s honestly half the fun.

The Bottom Line?

If you’re planning a Disney trip with kids and want a stay that actually works with your family’s rhythms—not against them—the Fort Wilderness cabins are worth every penny and bit of attention they don’t often get. They give you room to stretch out, peace when you need it, fun just steps from your door, and the flexibility to do Disney your way. We’ll 100% be back—and next time, we’re staying longer.