Couple Moves Into Disney World Cabin, Renovates It for Full-Time Living

After years of adventure on the road, Grace and Jacob Kocher finally found a place to call home—and it’s one with a touch of Disney magic! The couple, who spent three years traveling across 25 states in an RV, recently decided to settle down and discovered the perfect tiny home: an old cabin from Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.

The discovery happened by chance. While looking for a permanent home base in Florida, Grace stumbled across a listing on Facebook Marketplace for cabins previously used at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort at Walt Disney World Resort. Fort Wilderness, known for its natural beauty and rustic charm, holds a special place in the hearts of Grace and Jacob, who have fond childhood memories of family vacations there. The chance to bring a piece of Disney magic into their everyday lives was too good to pass up.

The cabin they found was compact but packed with character—a cozy 500-square-foot, one-bedroom, one-bathroom getaway priced at $49,900. Knowing it needed some work and that they’d have to buy it sight unseen, Grace and Jacob took a leap of faith. They purchased the cabin for $53,375 after taxes and, within a few months, watched as their new home arrived by semi-truck, ready for its transformation.

A Magical DIY Transformation

The cabin required extensive renovations, but the couple was up for the challenge. Armed with online tutorials, they took on most of the work themselves, learning new skills as they went. From painting and plumbing to updating lighting fixtures, Grace and Jacob spent countless hours bringing their vision to life.

“We hired someone for the major things like plumbing and electrical,” Jacob told CNBC. “But it’s been pretty cool figuring out the rest on our own. Nowadays, you can look anything up on the internet and just go for it.”

As they tore down walls and cleared out old furnishings, they discovered some fun surprises left behind from Fort Wilderness, including a vintage Fort Wilderness hotel phone and a miniature Sven figurine from Frozen (2013). While the cabin came furnished, the couple decided to sell most of the original items, connecting with other Disney fans who loved the nostalgia of owning a piece of Fort Wilderness.

Making the Fort Wilderness Cabin Their Own

Grace and Jacob worked hard to make the cabin feel like home. Inspired by home design blogs and social media, they personalized their Disney cabin with cozy decor, warm colors, and updated appliances. Every inch of the small space is thoughtfully designed to reflect their style and the sense of adventure that led them to this unique home.

“It was so much fun choosing everything ourselves,” Grace said. “We really wanted it to feel like our own space, so we put a lot of thought into every detail.”

After months of work, Grace and Jacob moved into their renovated Walt Disney World Resort cabin in August, even though the project wasn’t completely finished. Despite the ongoing updates, Grace says the cabin immediately felt like “home.”

Looking Ahead

While they’re thrilled with their new home, the couple is already thinking about the future. Grace and Jacob hope to eventually turn the cabin into a rental property, sharing the unique Disney experience with other fans.

“It would be amazing if we could let other people enjoy this little piece of Disney, too,” Grace said. “Life changes, so maybe down the line it could be a rental. But for now, it’s our home, and we love it.”

If you could live at any Walt Disney World Resort hotel, which would you choose? Let Disney Tips know in the comments!