Tents VS. Campers

[34Angels]

Okay, I'm really wanting to stay in the FW campgrounds this Oct, only problem: we don't have a camper. My roommate said we might be able to borrow his parent's 5th wheel, but we'd either have to put a 5th wheel hitch in his truck or borrow his mom's truck (highly unlikely) and although I'm currently looking for a pop-up there's a chance I won't get one in time.....so, for those of you that have use tents, how is it? I would think sleeping in a tent and getting ready in a tent every day would be tiresome.

[bradisgoofy]

"I would think sleeping in a tent and getting ready in a tent every day would be tiresome"

Duck...you're about to get bombarded! :duck:

[djblu883]

tenting isn't so bad, although I have moved up to a TT I don't think you would have a problem at all . I've camped in a tent in Oct. at FW and it was great. Getting ready was no different than any other place except that you needed to go shower away from the tent....grab a robe, take your clothes with you and you are done in a few min.....go enjoy it!

[SunshineCamper]

A great place to look for used and sometimes new pop-ups, TT etc. is the craigslist.org in your area. I know here in orlando there are LOTS of them listed. Very reasonable prices!

We started in a tent, then a pop-up and now a TT. Love it! Oct. is a good time of yr. to go to FTW. Anyway you camp at the fort-is great!

[FloridaTeacher]

I highly recommend an rv. I'm just not a tent camper!:confused3

[tacoma]

If you can get a pop-up before hand, use that. If not, the tent will be fine. Using the fifth wheel would require too much training and preparation, and you would be worried the whole time about breaking something.

Enjoy yourtime at the Fort!

[Sinclare]

Don't be fooled, tent camping is GREAT especially if your staying a week or more. We take air mattresses (walmart has some nice double high with built in pumps for $50 right now, I got one and it's going to make a nice upgrade from my older single high). They are really comfortable, as a matter of fact I blew ours up in the living room and my son fixed it up and has been sleeping on it for the last week...going to have to eventually make him take it down).

I use a small artificial carpet outside the tent door to wipe feet on, and a portable hand sweeper to keep the tent clean inside. I also like to put a knit blanket over the sheet on the mattress to lay on. It allows any sand/dirt that gets in the bed to fall through to the sheet so you never feel like there is sand in the bed. Get on of the little net fold out clothes hampers from walmart. They squish down into a thin flat circle and pop right back up when needed (easy to pack and handy in the tent). I also keep a fold out chair for putting on shoes/clothes. I use a small portable propane heater (yes even in June) to knock off any dampness at night.

We even take a small fridge and put it on the picnic table (we put up one of those small 10x10 rain things with a cover around). They have those on sale at walmart now for $93, I just got a new one of those as well though I haven't had the chance to test this new one. Be careful of cheap versions of these though. Last year I bought what I thought was a nice new one and the first big rain it collapsed. It was made with plastic poles and didn't run the rain off right, the rain caught in the top and just broke the poles in half.

While a camper is nice and I've often been tempted to get one, it's not needed. Once you get used to tent camping it's a really great way to go.

Oh, if you do to tenting, just remember to stop and get a couple cans of rain sealant for the each tent, 3-4 if it's a new tent so that you can have 1 spare when your done. Florida rain will leak test any tent but if your prepared and seal it up good beforehand then you've not got much to worry about.

Also take bikes, if you can. FW is a big place and riding bikes there is fun.
Here we were packing to leave, hence everything thrown on the bed but you can imagine how comfy that mattress is.
http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/348/dscn4173rm1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Here is a shot of our whole camp last year (and the cheap made rain cover that collapsed over the picnic table.
http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/6956/dscn4498xu2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Rhonda]

We've been tent camping at FW for many many years and we love it! It's definitely not "roughing it" like other campgrounds! The "comfort stations" (shower/restroom/laundry buildings) are squeaky clean, and the campsites are all very nice.

I have "bathroom bags" packed for each of us beforehand, so we each have our own shower essentials. In the mornings we just grab our clothes and towels and bags and walk the short distance to the comfort station. It's quick and easy!

We also set up a screen tent over the picnic table area - which helps a lot with bugs and rain. It makes things much easier and more comfortable. Air mattresses in the tent also help immensely!!

You'll have a great time, whether you're in a tent or an RV! :banana:

[ftwildernessguy]

I guess you can see where the board is leaning on this one. In addition, you should realize not every truck can pull a 5th wheel, hitches for 5th wheels are expensive not only to purchase but also to install, and unless you are experienced towing, I would not advise borrowing a trailer or a trailer/tow vehicle combo. This could turn a good vacation into a very bad one. I agree with the other posters supporting tent camping - many of us started this way, and it is not a bad way to go. It takes some adapting, but can be a great experience.

[lucy_love]

I don't tent camp, but I would be willing to try it. Another tip I read on here a while ago is to put a window AC unit in the tent to cool it down. October can be very hot here, it all depends. FL weather changes every second!

Have fun!:goodvibes

[Tent Camping Mom]

I don't tent camp, but I would be willing to try it. Another tip I read on here a while ago is to put a window AC unit in the tent to cool it down. October can be very hot here, it all depends. FL weather changes every second!

Have fun!:goodvibes

Nah, no need for an AC...just a small fan will suffice in October. We've camped many times in October and only once was the temp in the low nineties in the day but the nights cool off quickly and can be quite comfy :thumbsup2. We also take a small heater, had to use it a few times in October because the nights can get quite chilly.

[CNDKangaroo]

Until last year I'd never tent camped (well, maybe once with Brownies). Last year our family (Dh, and kids 6,4,2) took a road trip from our home in B.C. to Disneyland and we camped all the way down and back and I loved it. With the kids it was fabulous. We are flying to Walt Disney World next May and we are going to tent camp for two weeks at FW. I'm so excited....not only is it affordable for our family of five but I really love being in the outdoors, sitting out under the stars etc. Not for everyone I suppose but from someone who grew up vacationing in five star resorts I think I prefer camping in a tent -- something wonderfully back to the basics about it!

[clkelley]

I tent camp at Ft. Wilderness every year. Here are pictures of my setup. I've also got the double high air mattress, but without the built in pump. I use a rechargeable pump because I still camp a lot with Scouts and we usually have no electricity. I run a fan in my tent all day long with the windows open. I don't use a heater, but do have an electric blanket and electric mattress pad. I turn those on while I'm in my shower for the evening, then turn way low. They keep me plenty warm in December.

Definitely waterproof the tent very well. Also, I agree on the EZ Up shelters. They withstand the rain very well. Just make sure they are staked down good. Those also need waterproofing on the seams as they do drip a bit at places where things are sewed into them. I also had a cheap shelter over the fridge collapse on me last December.

Dick's Sporting Goods ofen has their Quest 10x10 shelters on sale for $50.

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l169/clkelley564/100_3826.jpg

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l169/clkelley564/100_3823.jpg

[loriandmatt]

Nah, no need for an AC...just a small fan will suffice in October.

agreed. it being so hot at night in FW in October would be a fluke thing. you would be quite comfortable with the temps in a tent in Oct. like others stated, bring one of the $10 clip on fans to get some air moving and it would be more than enough.

by the way.....some of those multi-room tents are the bomb. camping in one of those wouldn't be a drag at all.

we stepped up to a pop up a while ago. (and will be dragging it to the fort in Aug - when we will most certainly need the AC) if you really really REALLY don't think you would enjoy camping at WDW in a tent, take the advise others have mentioned and look into a pop up. a wonderful investment. worth every cent we spent on it.

[CANEDOGS06]

tent camping is a blast. 8 man tent,a double rise air bed a fan and 10x10 E-Z up and you are set. I could get a tt or a 5th wheel but why spend the money when I only camping 3 or 4 weeks out of the year( Disney and at the rolex 24 hours of daytona). Have a great time

[34Angels]

LOL well, my rommie and I are tent campers, we just didn't know how well it would work while hitting up the parks everyday for almost a week! I do have one air matteress, and we could always borrow his parents, or just get a second one (we'll probably end up needing it anyways!). We have a 6 man tent and it's only the two of us and my dog, most of the time anyways! We have had my little brother in there with us and 2 dogs (my boxer and my friends chihuhua I was pet sitting) and had plenty of room. As for the rain sealant, well, I camped in WA state, and it rained all the time there and so far my tent hasn't leaked, but I will definitely grab a can or two of that if we have to use a tent. I'm all for camping in a tent, well, I'm all for going to WDW anyway I can! Now I just have to show my roomie this tread and convince him that it won't be so bad! LOL

Now, someone mentioned a small fridge, no one messes with it? I've never had problems with people taking my stuff from campgrounds but we always make sure we put it all up but the fridge would be a little difficult to "put up" every day! What about grills? Do they have some at each campsite or should we bring our little portable one?

Thanks! Ya'll are being sooo helpful!

[Tent Camping Mom]

Never had anyone go through our fridge....well, at least they've never taken anything if they did. :) We just camped during spring break and I figured our fridge may get raided by teens looking for beer but they didn't raid ours. :thumbsup2 Now if it was a state park, it may be a different story.

[Rhonda]

Now, someone mentioned a small fridge, no one messes with it? I've never had problems with people taking my stuff from campgrounds but we always make sure we put it all up but the fridge would be a little difficult to "put up" every day! What about grills? Do they have some at each campsite or should we bring our little portable one?

We always leave our fridge out in the screen tent, and nobody touches it.

They have charcoal grills at every site! :)

[clkelley]

LOL well, my rommie and I are tent campers, we just didn't know how well it would work while hitting up the parks everyday for almost a week! I do have one air matteress, and we could always borrow his parents, or just get a second one (we'll probably end up needing it anyways!). We have a 6 man tent and it's only the two of us and my dog, most of the time anyways! We have had my little brother in there with us and 2 dogs (my boxer and my friends chihuhua I was pet sitting) and had plenty of room. As for the rain sealant, well, I camped in WA state, and it rained all the time there and so far my tent hasn't leaked, but I will definitely grab a can or two of that if we have to use a tent. I'm all for camping in a tent, well, I'm all for going to WDW anyway I can! Now I just have to show my roomie this tread and convince him that it won't be so bad! LOL

Now, someone mentioned a small fridge, no one messes with it? I've never had problems with people taking my stuff from campgrounds but we always make sure we put it all up but the fridge would be a little difficult to "put up" every day! What about grills? Do they have some at each campsite or should we bring our little portable one?

Thanks! Ya'll are being sooo helpful!

If you bring the dogs you'll have to get a pet loop and kennel it while you are at the parks during the day.

[34Angels]

Oh good, I really didn't want to have to drag down our little propane grill, the less we take down the more room I have to bring stuff back! lol

[ilovejack02]

WE love love love to tent camp. We can afford to stay in hotels but enjoy camping so much more as I think it is the case with lots and lots of folks.
We spend so much more time as a family when we camping.

[34Angels]

If you bring the dogs you'll have to get a pet loop and kennel it while you are at the parks during the day.

Nah, we're not bringing my dog with us on this trip. Well, I don't think we are anyways! As of right now the plan is to leave her with a pet sitter.

[mom-2-3]

I haven't been camping since I was 10, I was brought up staying in Holiday Inns. I'd love to try this, but I didn't realize you could tent camp at Disney. I've gleaned lots of good info from this thread, but no one had mentioned the "locals" ie snakes, gators and the like! Everyone is always talking about how they are all over Disney, and if this is true I'd expect them to be at FW. So whats the scoop on critters????

[djblu883]

so far I haven't seen a critter I felt I need to run from...i have heard of an occassional snake, coon or gator....the only critters I saw of note were 2 chipmunks....they were making smores and watching a movie...

[Gatordad]

I saw a few snakes when I was there in March, although they might not have been out for the year yet. I'm sure Disney tries to keep them out of the fort. If that doesn't work, bring Ralphie's Peacemaker, and that'll protect you.

[34Angels]

LOL I love camping but hate snakes....which is why my roomie is the one who will "test" the area for snakes! :rotfl:

[ftwildernessguy]

I saw a few snakes when I was there in March, although they might not have been out for the year yet. I'm sure Disney tries to keep them out of the fort. If that doesn't work, bring Ralphie's Peacemaker, and that'll protect you.

Actually, Disney doesn't try to keep anything out of FW except the mosquitoes. They have a very positive environmental policy. They will relocate nuisance animals, so if there is a snake/gator/squirrel/other camper bothering you, call the front desk. Often they will send a cast member over just to observe the critter and keep people away until it crawls away on it's own. Pretty much leave the wildlife alone and it will leave you alone. Florida is home to many native species of poisonous snake, but the most common snake I have seen is the black snake, which can reach some impressive lengths but is harmless. I have seen quite a few people go off screaming that they have seen a cotton mouth when all they have seen is a black snake. Most of the potentially harmful wildlife avoids the populated areas of the campground if at all possible.

[Tuffcookie]

I don't know about the weather in Oct. but one year when youngest DS and I went tent camping for Spring Break it was COLD a couple of the nights! I was very lucky, in that I had packed an electric blanket! I placed the electric blanket on top of our beadspread covering the airmattress. It felt sooo good to climb under warm sheets when we hit the sack at night!:goodvibes

TC:cool1: