The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness have long been some of the most beloved accommodations at Walt Disney World. We toured their recent transformation and put the new Disney Vacation Club cabins to the test during a three-night stay.

Let’s get this out of the way: I like to think of myself as “outsidey,” not “outdoorsy.” Iced coffee on a scenic patio? Yes! Roughing it in the woods like a possum? No!

But when I had the chance to check out the new Cabins at Fort Wilderness this summer, I was excited to see if Disney could win me over once again. In the past, Disney vacations have introduced me to snorkeling, golf, and even the delightfully coconutty holiday drink coquito. Would the Fort finally unlock my inner outdoorsy side? Keep reading to find out.

The Cabins’ Glamping Glow-Up

The elephant in the room is that the previous Fort Wilderness log cabins had been around since 1986 before receiving a major glow-up in 2024. Even I liked the old cabins—they had a sort of Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas charm. The new cabins look more like they came from Architectural Digest than Muppet Studios, and some guests don’t think that’s a good thing. I respectfully disagree.

Photo by CJ Ayd

The new cabins are bright and filled with natural light, with floor-to-ceiling windows that create an indoor-outdoor feel. You can appreciate the trees and birds from your patio—or even from the couch. The space is so smartly designed that it’s practically an IKEA showroom, with plenty of room for luggage, clothing, food, and toiletries.

A few features particularly stood out to me. The Murphy bed folds down into a queen-size bed, allowing the cabin to accommodate up to six guests, but it takes just one adult to set it up—a blessing for solo parents. The second sink and vanity outside the bathroom provide extra space for multiple people to get ready at once. And the coffee maker can brew either a full pot or a single cup, a brilliant upgrade for the wide variety of families who will call these cabins home.

Photo by CJ Ayd

I was also impressed by the well-stocked kitchen, which had everything I would need to whip up a simple sandwich or a full family meal. An extra-nice touch? Even the mason jar mugs were on theme.

One thing I did wish for was an in-cabin washer and dryer. However, a comfort station is never far away at the Fort if you need to do a load of laundry. Even a drying rack would be helpful for swimsuits, towels, and sweaty park clothes.

The Golf Cart of My Dreams

If you’ve been reading our site for the past dozen years, you may have picked up on my preference for smaller resorts where you don’t have to walk through the blazing sun or pouring rain to reach your room. Fort Wilderness is the exception for me, and let’s be honest: It’s because the golf carts are a game changer.

Photo by Stephanie Shuster

You do have to rent one—or bring your own—but it’s worth every penny. If you opt not to, you can use the internal buses, ride a bike, or rely on good old-fashioned foot power.

I can’t believe I’m saying this as someone who rope drops and closes out the parks, but Fort Wilderness is a massive, magical place that presents a fun challenge to navigate. You actually have to pay attention, or you’ll get lost among its seemingly endless loops of cabins and campsites. Truth be told, as the navigator, I sometimes pointed my husband in the wrong direction so he’d keep driving and I could remain a passenger princess a little while longer.

Why do I love golf-carting around the Fort so much? I couldn’t tell you. But if you ever find me singing along at the Snuggly Duckling, my verse will probably be about my dream of driving a golf cart around Fort Wilderness all day.

10/10. No notes.

Welcome to the Family

Disney’s Fort Wilderness is all about family. There’s plenty of space to bring your entire crew, but it’s the guests who make the experience feel like the best community you could ever hope to join.

At Movies Under the Stars, I felt like I was walking through my local park to watch a film with my neighbors. People wave and call out greetings to one another from bikes and golf carts. During the Electrical Water Pageant, guests actively made room so others could enjoy a great view.

Photo by Danny Shuster

It’s not just the guests, either. One night, as we left the Settlement Depot golf cart parking area, Cast Members lined up with glowing lights, bubble wands, and Mickey gloves to wave and give us high-fives as we paraded through the gate.

The menus at Trail’s End Restaurant are also designed with families in mind, featuring comfort-food classics and family meals that include a whole fried or smoked chicken, two pounds of sides, and cornbread for under $30. It’s easily one of the best dining deals on Disney World property.

There are only two pools, but even on a midsummer afternoon, I had no trouble finding a chair. I especially loved the newly expanded Meadow Swimmin’ Pool, with its zero-entry area and raised deck that offers seating for a poolside picnic.

While I’ll never be as outdoorsy as our editor Tim—who is planning to camp in an actual tent at Fort Wilderness soon—the Fort fit this outsidey girl just right, especially with a Gold Rush Latte from Trail’s End in hand.

Thank you to Disney for hosting us during a three-night Disney Vacation Club Membership Magic stay.