Walt Disney World has two resorts that don’t actually match the present tiers: Artwork of Animation Household Suites and Fort Wilderness Campground Cabins. This head-to-head smackdown between the “island of misfit resorts” weighs the professionals & cons of every, choosing a “winner” in theme, eating, transportation, swimming pools, and different classes. (Up to date Could 30, 2025.)
This continues our Walt Disney World Lodge Comparability Sequence, which incorporates a number of different tough dilemmas you may face when attempting to choose a lodge. Different versus posts embrace the Polynesian vs. Grand Floridian, Animal Kingdom Lodge vs. Wilderness Lodge, BoardWalk vs. Seashore Membership, Port Orleans Riverside vs. French Quarter, and even Caribbean Seashore vs. the Poly.
To be completely sincere, that is an unlikely match-up when judging based mostly upon normal vibe and theme, to not point out location and certain visitor demographics. It’s a comparability that solely is sensible when you’re judging by worth and room sort. We first did this WDW resort versus put up in response to reader questions, which led to reader responses about it being an odd comparability. And so they’re not mistaken! It’s solely gotten extra awkward since…
The latest improvement is that Walt Disney World has principally changed the previous Cabins at Fort Wilderness, that are/have been categorized as Average Resorts, with greater than 350 new cabins, turning the resort aspect of the campground right into a DVC property. That is occurring loop by loop and is fairly near completed. The brand new cabins are often called the Cabins at Fort Wilderness – A Disney Trip Membership Resort.
That is being achieved forward of the addition of Disney Lakeshore Lodge, which is at present underneath development adjoining to Fort Wilderness on the previous River Nation water park. Many of the new DVC Cabins at Fort Wilderness at the moment are open. They’ve confirmed controversial amongst Disney followers, however we love the brand new DVC Cabins at Fort Wilderness.
You may assume that that is the tip of the comparability. If the brand new cabins are Disney Trip Membership, they’re now not an possibility for normal visitors on a finances. Not so quick! For one factor, there’s at all times the choice of Renting Disney Trip Membership Factors to Save Cash on Walt Disney World Resorts. That truly makes the brand new cabins cheaper than the previous ones in some instances. For one more factor, as famous above, these cabins are controversial. That’s not simply within the sense of complaints–they’re pretty straightforward to ebook by DVC requirements!
The plot thickens even additional, because the Artwork of Animation Household Suites have additionally turn out to be in-demand in the previous few years, which we attribute to skyrocketing costs and visitors buying and selling down for two customary rooms consequently. Nonetheless, the Summer season 2025 Disney+ Subscriber Low cost providing the Automobiles Household Suites for $229/evening means that perhaps costs are beginning to come down on these, too.
Simply mentioning all of this up entrance as quite a bit has modified or is altering with the Cabins at Fort Wilderness and Artwork of Animation Household Suites, and we might proceed to see this comparability ‘evolve’ within the years to return, particularly as soon as Disney Lakeshore Lodge opens. (That might additionally transfer the needle on demand, as entry to that large resort’s facilities might be a giant enhance for visitors staying at Fort Wilderness.
Whereas we’ll draw our personal conclusions as to which is best, alongside the best way we’ll clarify our reasoning, so you’ll be able to kind your personal conclusions. We’ll additionally embrace a reader ballot on the finish, so you’ll be able to vote in your favourite (and see whether or not the consensus agrees or disagrees with us). Since Fort Wilderness and Artwork of Animation are so totally different from each other, a giant a part of the choice right here goes to return down to private choice.
That’s the place we’ll begin this face-off, with our showdown by way of theme, decor, and ambiance…
Theme/Ambiance: Push – You haven’t any concept how badly I wish to give the victory to Fort Wilderness right here, responding with a Calvin’s dad “it builds character” cartoon to anybody who disagrees. I may additionally shake my fist about how “youngsters today” want one thing like Fort Wilderness. I’ll spare you that.
Whereas I do consider Fort Wilderness is one thing particular, a vestige of the Trip Kingdom that largely now not exists. However I additionally perceive and respect that lots of people are going to desire Artwork of Animation. The actual fact is, they’re just about polar opposites of each other. Artwork of Animation includes a plethora of iconic characters from Disney movies, whereas Fort Wilderness is rustic by design and far more delicate.
We’ve expanded this class to incorporate ambiance as a result of it’s an essential consideration for individuals who is perhaps debating between the 2 resorts. When it comes to ambiance, Artwork of Animation is each bit as vibrant and high-energy as its colourful decor and outsized icons recommend. It’s an assault on the senses, which is an effective or unhealthy factor relying upon your perspective.
Once you enter Fort Wilderness property, life abruptly slows down. You’re inside spitting distance of Magic Kingdom, however you’re a world away. It’s a spot to decompress and unwind after a frantic day within the parks, and the ambiance is decidedly mellow. That is old skool “Walt Disney World” at its best–a spot that immerses you in one other time and place and makes you overlook how shut you might be to the hustle and bustle of Magic Kingdom.
The issue with that, for some visitors, is that Fort Wilderness is completely in contrast to new faculty Disney (which Artwork of Animation mainly epitomizes). There are few overt references to characters, and there’s nothing that screams “DISNEY!” For first-timers studying this who’re taking their households, Artwork of Animation is probably going going to extra carefully align along with your expectations of what a “Disney” resort would provide.
For many visitors, theme and ambiance–and the way these match private preferences–are going to be a giant issue on this debate. These resorts are so totally different in tone that nothing else could possibly overcome that. Though preferences with the respective room layouts, transportation, and pricing could also be equally important components.
Rooms: Fort Wilderness Cabins (Barely) – Given the best way we punted on the problem of theme, you may’ve anticipated one thing comparable right here. In any case, the thematic parallels monitor inside with the rooms. Nonetheless, we really feel there’s a high quality distinction. The brand new Fort Wilderness Cabins really feel high-quality, with good element work and an upscale sensibility.
In contrast, the Artwork of Animation rooms strike us as plastic-y and extra on par with a Worth Resort. To make certain, there are enjoyable particulars and the design most definitely will enchantment to many youngsters and loads of adults. By Worth Resort requirements, we expect the Artwork of Animation Household Suites are distinctive–particularly the Automobiles Suites, however the high quality is just not on the identical degree.
That is considerably ironic, as many Disney Trip Membership members contend that the Cabins at Fort Wilderness are less than regular DVC requirements. However a variety of this comes right down to the clunky structure versus the match and ending, that are fairly good.
With that stated, the Artwork of Animation Household Suites do rating factors in just a few regards. First, they’re barely bigger (round 565 sq. toes versus 504 sq. toes). Second, they’ve two bogs, one in the primary dwelling space and one other hooked up to the primary bed room.
In contrast, the Cabins at Fort Wilderness have one lavatory on the far aspect of the unit, which means it’s a must to move by means of the dwelling space (and second sleeping space at evening) to entry the toilet. On a associated notice, the structure is a bit awkward, each with this lavatory setup and having bunkbeds in the primary bed room and the pull-down couch sleeper proper exterior the door.
The Artwork of Animation Household Suites have an inarguably superior and extra intuitive structure, so this is perhaps sufficient to push the W into their column for you. If we’re being goal, this could in all probability be a push given the most important variations between these items, however we’re large followers of the Cabins at Fort Wilderness. We’d additionally add that they’ve an enormous deck for lounging, grilling, and so forth–we’ll name that the tiebreaker!
Eating: Fort Wilderness – Fort Wilderness scores a straightforward win right here as a result of it gives extra selection, even when it’s restaurant lineup is arguably a bit on the weak aspect. Choices embrace the Chuck Wagon (meals truck), Path’s Finish Restaurant (counter service/market), Crockett’s Tavern (quasi-lounge and desk service), and Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue (dinner present).
Though we’re biased as followers of the previous Path’s Finish buffet (RIP), we’ve got to confess that the reimagined restaurant together with the linked Crockett’s Tavern are extra practical. They’re spots at which we’ll dine at repeatedly throughout our Fort Wilderness stays, even when we don’t love them as a lot because the bygone buffet. Then there’s Hoop-Dee-Doo, which is a ‘vacation spot’ expertise that everybody ought to make the trek to Fort Wilderness to get pleasure from not less than as soon as.
Panorama of Flavors is without doubt one of the higher counter service meals courts at Walt Disney World, nevertheless it can not compete with all that. Even when we expanded this to incorporate The whole lot POP subsequent door, it’s a straightforward win for Fort Wilderness. (Now, it is a unique story if we embrace the whole lot that’s simply accessible on the Skyliner, however that’s not a good comparability.)
Transportation: Artwork of Animation – This may come as a shock on condition that Fort Wilderness is a Bay Lake resort with boat transportation to Magic Kingdom. That’s a giant promoting level, particularly for us since we expect boat transportation is extremely underrated, and nearly an attraction unto itself.
Nonetheless, Artwork of Animation prevails right here as a result of it’s environment friendly and simpler. Like Fort Wilderness, it additionally gives a novel type of transportation: the Skyliner gondolas. Following a fast flight to Caribbean Seashore, now you can get to and from EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in a breeze by way of one of many two stations on the central hub.
As a result of Skyliner, bus transportation from Artwork of Animation is just mandatory for Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs. The Skyliner is a game-changer, and our favourite type of transportation at Walt Disney World. It’s particularly nice for Early Entry and twine drop at DHS and EPCOT, which means you’ll be able to beat the crowds to Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Slinky Canine Sprint, Remy’s Ratatouille Journey, Frozen Ever After, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind–these are 5 of the highest 10 highest wait occasions at Walt Disney World, on common.
With regards to the bus, Artwork of the Animation can also be a winner as a result of it has a single cease and no shared buses.
Throughout our latest keep on the Fort Wilderness Cabins, we have been reminded of how intimidating its transportation could be. There are 3 inner bus routes that ship visitors to the back and front of the the resort, with buses departing from the entrance to take visitors to the parks, and boats departing from the again (Settlement) to take visitors to Magic Kingdom (and different Bay Lake resorts).
This won’t appear unhealthy as a twice-per-day factor, however the resort is so unfold out {that a} bus can also be mandatory if you wish to eat, store, or swim. The inner bus route is about as environment friendly as it may be, and though it may be a bit quirky and initially complicated, it will get the job achieved. Over the course of a week-long journey, although, the quantity of additional time you’re spending on transit actually provides up, and grows tiresome.
The inner transportation is the worth visitors pay for the seclusion Fort Wilderness gives, and it’s a mandatory evil. Whether or not you’re prepared to simply accept it is a matter of private choice, however I don’t actually assume there’s any means round it whereas sustaining Fort Wilderness’ distinctive vibe. It’s why so many Fort Wilderness visitors lease golf carts (which itself is a enjoyable “factor” that additionally makes Fort Wilderness so distinctive).
Swimming pools: Artwork of Animation – On our listing of the Prime 10 Swimming pools at Walt Disney World, we commented that the Large Blue Pool at Artwork of Animation is overrated. Folks get caught up in its gimmicks (just like the underwater music) and flashy decor and overlook the fact that it’s a reasonably uninspired, however massive and crowded, pool.
Regardless of this, the collective swimming pools of Artwork of Animation nonetheless rating a victory over these at Fort Wilderness. In-built an period when Walt Disney World was far much less bold with its swimming pools, Fort Wilderness initially had River Nation water nation to additional lean on as its de facto pool.
For the reason that closure of River Nation, the subpar swimming pools at Fort Wilderness have turn out to be a extra evident challenge. It’s to not say these swimming pools are too small or there isn’t sufficient capability; the issue is that Fort Wilderness’ swimming pools have zero wow-factor or distinctive promoting factors.
Pricing: Push – In the event you’re going by rack charges, the brand new DVC Cabins at Fort Wilderness are going to price greater than the Household Suites at Artwork of Animation. Nonetheless, this overlooks the big selection of reductions which are repeatedly out there at each or saving cash by renting DVC factors.
The underside line is that, for discount hunters, each of those resorts have a variety of deal potential. Sadly, particular gives aren’t at all times out there and also you is perhaps caught paying full worth (or near it) relying upon when and the way you’re reserving. That makes this comparability actually sophisticated and difficult.
Possibly the Cabins at Fort Wilderness will probably be $100 per evening cheaper; maybe the Artwork of Animation Household Suites will price $75 much less; it’s additionally potential they’ll price about the identical. Regardless, no straightforward conclusions right here.
Verdict: It Relies upon – It will be straightforward to let my biases present by means of and substitute my private preferences for an goal conclusion right here. The truth is, these resorts every have their respective strengths and weaknesses. A few of these might make one a must-stay and the opposite a non-starter for various visitors.
Some visitors are going to like the laid again really feel of Fort Wilderness as a quiet reprieve from the parks, whereas others are going to seek out that very same ambiance boring and “un-Disney.” Some households are going to like the colour and vitality of Artwork of Animation, and different visitors are going to wish to gouge out their eyes upon seeing it.
Few different resorts will provoke such dramatically totally different reactions from visitors. This makes evaluating them particularly tough–if not downright not possible–as a result of every resort is so divisive that it renders the tip end result right here so reliant on subjectivity.
As an grownup, I just like the laid again ambiance and slower tempo supplied by Fort Wilderness, which is a pleasant foil to the chaos of being within the parks. As a baby, I recall having a blast with the entire leisure actions at Fort Wilderness, and being within the nice outside. Moreover, as a non-parent, I’ve sure ill-informed, preconceived notions about parenting. The open-ended nature of Fort Wilderness permits youngsters to think about, discover, and create their very own adventures. That is essential to, ahem, construct character.
With that stated, we additionally get pleasure from Artwork of Animation. It wouldn’t be my first alternative, but when we had youngsters who have been obsessive about these motion pictures, it’d be arduous to withstand (after an satisfactory character-building session at Fort Wilderness, in fact!). I additionally assume that the Radiator Springs space is very well achieved, and we’ve loved our stays within the Automobiles Household Suites at the same time as a pair!
We’re seemingly the odd geese who get pleasure from each of those very totally different Walt Disney World resorts!
The above was written after we have been childless Disney Adults, and oddly sufficient, I nonetheless really feel that means now that we’ve got a daughter. Our first keep together with her on the Cabins at Fort Wilderness was pure magic. She’s solely a toddler, however she already loves nature about as a lot as she loves Disney characters–and I don’t assume Simba or Mater may maintain a candle to her seeing a actual horse at Tri-Circle-D Ranch at Fort Wilderness.
Our daughter continues to be younger and it goes with out saying that her preferences will change over time. If Artwork of Animation had Frozen Household Suites, this comparability may already play out in another way. However not less than for now, I can’t assist however assume that each Artwork of Animation and Fort Wilderness will probably be in our household’s common rotation. Two very totally different totally different resorts, certain, however each journey is totally different and selection is what retains coming again to Walt Disney World so attention-grabbing!
That’s simply us, although. When evaluating any two resorts, different components will clearly come into play. Different key facilities, recreation (which we didn’t even get into–however Fort Wilderness gives quite a bit on this regard), and different variables are going to matter and weigh in another way for various events.
Our aim is for this put up to be useful in providing a head-to-head comparability of essentially the most essential parts of every Walt Disney World resort expertise, however we advise supplementing this with our full evaluate of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground and our Disney’s Artwork of Animation Resort Overview.
In the event you’re nonetheless having bother selecting between the 2, figuring out which resort or room sort is best for you, or if some other facet of Walt Disney World trip planning is just too overwhelming and also you want one-on-one assist, we advocate contacting a no payment “Approved Disney Trip Planner” or journey agent to get a quote and that can assist you plan. They get their fee from Disney, so not one of the licensed (key phrase) planners will cost you for reserving their journey and serving to. Right here’s one such Approved Disney Trip Planner that we advocate!
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Find out about resorts on our Walt Disney World Inns Opinions web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Opinions. To save cash on tickets or decide which kind to purchase, learn our Suggestions for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets put up. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys put up takes a novel have a look at intelligent gadgets to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Journey Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the perfect place to begin is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for the whole lot you should know!
Your Ideas
Do you agree or disagree with our verdict on this Artwork of Animation vs. Fort Wilderness head-to-head? What about our conclusions in every class? Is there one thing we missed or obtained mistaken? Any questions we will help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even whenever you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
