Reflecting on One Year of The Cabins at Fort Wilderness

Disney Vacation Club (DVC)’s Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort celebrated its one-year anniversary on July 1, 2025, marking a significant milestone for this unique addition to the DVC portfolio. As we reflect on its first year, there’s much to discuss, from sales trends to construction updates and the potential impact of Disney’s future developments.

A Slow Start for Sales

Sales for the Fort Wilderness Cabins began earlier last year, with existing DVC members gaining early access on February 2, 2024, followed by the general public on February 27, 2024. Despite the initial excitement surrounding the resort, sales have been progressing at a slower pace than anticipated. This has raised questions about the factors influencing buyer hesitation.

One notable observation is the absence of resale contracts on the market. Historically, new DVC resorts have seen resale activity relatively quickly. For example, Disney’s Riviera Resort had resale contracts listed as early as August 2019, months before its December 2019 opening. Similarly, the Disneyland Hotel DVC saw its first resale contract hit the market on October 24, 2023, less than a month after its September 28, 2023 opening. In contrast, DVC Resale Market saw it’s first resale for the Fort Wilderness Cabins on July 12, 2025. Because of lack of supply, it sold quickly (within hours of being listed).

Construction Progress

On the construction front, the Fort Wilderness Cabins are nearing completion. Guests attending the DVC Fan Summerfest in August will have the opportunity to see the progress firsthand. Reports suggest that construction is wrapping up on the remaining cabins, signaling that the resort is almost fully operational. Additionally, Disney recently announced the addition of a new zero-entry pool, a welcome enhancement that will undoubtedly elevate the guest experience.

The Lakeshore Lodge Question

One of the most intriguing developments on the horizon is the potential impact of Disney Lakeshore Lodge, a future DVC property. Speculation is swirling about whether Lakeshore Lodge will be incorporated into the Palmetto Trust, the same trust that governs the Fort Wilderness Cabins. If this happens, it could address one of the primary concerns for prospective buyers: the high annual dues. Currently, dues for the Fort Wilderness Cabins stand at $11.8769 per point, a slight reduction from the original $12.1542 when sales began. The inclusion of Lakeshore Lodge in the trust could help distribute costs more evenly, making the Fort Wilderness Cabins a more attractive option for potential owners.

Looking Ahead

As the Fort Wilderness Cabins enter their second year, several questions remain. Will sales pick up as construction concludes and the resort becomes fully operational? How will the addition of the zero-entry pool and other amenities impact guest satisfaction and demand? And perhaps most importantly, what role will Disney Lakeshore Lodge play in shaping the future of this resort?

For now, the Fort Wilderness Cabins stand as a unique and charming addition to the DVC lineup, offering a rustic retreat with modern comforts. As we await further developments, one thing is certain: the story of the Fort Wilderness Cabins is far from over.

We’d love to know your opinions on which of these Wilderness Lodge DVC resorts is your favorite! Join us on DVCFan.com for news and information on all things Disney Vacation Club, and join in the conversation in the DVC Fan Facebook Group.