New to boards, DW and FW and SOOO excited, but I have a question!

[blisschaser]

Hi Everyone!

I am soooo excited for our first trip to WDW! We have been to Disneyland in Cali numerous times as we are formerly inhabitants of the west coast, but we are now east coasters and I just booked our first trip! I called the reservation line and asked really really sweetly if there was a AAA discount for our 10 nights in April and she gave it to me! Yay.

Here is my question: when starting this little booking journey I called FW directly and asked how many tents could be up at the site, she said 2. I asked including a screen tent for your kitchen? (A bit incrediously perhaps, but I wanted to be clear). She said yes, your main tent and then one more, be it a screen or otherwise. Then when I called the reservation line she specifically asked how many tents I would be having because more than 2 requires 2 sites. I said........2! LOL! In reality, I think we are looking at 3 PLUS a screen tent for our fridge, stove, etc. We have 3 adults and 3 kids total. Are there some kind of tent police that come by and say take your extra tents down? Or should we be fine?

We are super excited. I only booked the site because I think I can save $60 by booking tickets thru an online discounter. I figured they don't give a AAA discount on the passes anyway, so worst case scenario, I go back to the WDW website and buy them later. It isn't much, but when you are paying almost $1900 for tickets, I figure save where you can and $60 is $60! I'm a camper....I like to save money! I asked the reservationist if she had a site assignment and she said no. If we wanted to request a place could we? I don't know that I really care all that much having never been there, I don't really know what I'd prefer. But I think I'd prefer the more private, serene areas than to be closer to the hustle and bustle, can I request that? My mother is joining us and she will have an ECV, and the rest of us can hoof it with no problem.

Anyway, now I'm just babbling because I am mega excited! Any thoughts on the tent limit would be awesome.

Thanks!

[Shannone1]

Anyway, now I'm just babbling because I am mega excited! Any thoughts on the tent limit would be awesome.

Thanks!

Hi, welcome to the board :wave2:
I have seen lots of sites with two tents and a screen tent between them, or two tents and a canopy style tent between them. I think 3 tents plus a screen room might be pushing it a little. I guess my advice would be to make sure you can make it work with only 2 tents (plus screen room) and then if you are able to leave a 3rd one up it would be a bonus.

[blisschaser]

Thanks for your response. When you say 3 is pushing it, do you mean pushing the rules too much, as in someone will come yell at me, or do you mean pushing it space wise? Two of the tents are very small 2 person, more like 1 person, tents. And the other is a little larger. Could we put the screen tent/cover up on the driveway? I think space wise we can do it. And I suppose if we had to we could go to Wal-mart and buy a little larger 2nd tent, it was just a privacy factor. My mom is coming with us and she has a little porta potty she uses at night since her bladder ain't what it used to be.....:rolleyes1 so we kinda wanted to let her have her own space. LOL. I just don't want to break the rules too blatantly and be yelled at.

Thanks!

[Shannone1]

When you say 3 is pushing it, do you mean pushing the rules too much, as in someone will come yell at me, or do you mean pushing it space wise? I just don't want to break the rules too blatantly and be yelled at.

Thanks!

Well, I am not a tent camper...I can only tell you what I've read on the board. There have been people who have been told to take down one of their tents. Could've just been a grouchy security guy on duty :confused3 I have no idea. The sites are not that big but I would think that one large tent, two small ones and a screen room would fit. I believe you have to be within the boundaries of the concrete and shell/sand pad. There is a thread here "show me pictures of tent camping" or something like that...you can check it out and get a better idea of how other people set up camp.

[blisschaser]

Hey Shannone,

Thanks again for your reply. Actually I looked at the pictures thread and there are a couple of pics with 3/4 tents and 2 covers. So, I think we'll fit. But rules are rules, so if they do come 'round and tell us to take it down, I suppose off to Wal-Mart we'll go. I think it is time to upgrade to a trailer...I just don't have a tow hitch, so I'd have to get one of those first. But my mom lives with us now, so she'll always be coming along, it may be time to look into an upgrade from tents.

Thanks again!
Melissa

[Shannone1]

Hey Shannone,

Thanks again for your reply. Actually I looked at the pictures thread and there are a couple of pics with 3/4 tents and 2 covers. So, I think we'll fit. But rules are rules, so if they do come 'round and tell us to take it down, I suppose off to Wal-Mart we'll go. I think it is time to upgrade to a trailer...I just don't have a tow hitch, so I'd have to get one of those first. But my mom lives with us now, so she'll always be coming along, it may be time to look into an upgrade from tents.

Thanks again!
Melissa

You're welcome Melissa. You will LOVE Fort Wilderness !! We were there last April and it is a great month to visit. Just make sure you take sweats/hoodies as well as shorts/t-shirts, lol ;) The pools are open 24 hours too and my kids thought that was the coolest thing. We stayed at the pool until after midnight one night and I think they were as impressed by that as they were The Magic Kingdom :goodvibes

[PolynesianPixie]

Welcome!!!!!

I think as long as you fit on the sand area you should be fine; but a two room tent may not be a bad option :confused3

The tent loops are 1500 and 2000. 1500 is closer to "stuff" and 2000 is a little more away from the hustle & bustle. You can absolutely request certain loops!

Getting a "room only" ressie tends to be the way to go unless you just get a smokin' deal on a package. AAA usually has discounts on tix, but undercover tourist discounts are typically better.

You're gonna love it!!!!!!

[clkelley]

I've had 3 tents and two shelters up on a site, I've had 1 small camper, 1 large tent, and four shelters up on a site. (This was in Loop 2000 where there are mostly tent campers and small popups and travel trailers.)
No one has ever said anything to me. There has been 1 instance where a guest on these boards was asked to take an extra tent down and that was in a full hookup loop with a large travel trailer. As Shannone stated, it sounds like a grumpy security guard in that 1 instance.

FYI, when I've had multiple tents and shelters on a site, I've always faxed Ft. Wilderness 4 days ahead and told them exactly what I was planning to set up to request my site and still, noone said anything to me.

Since you like to be away from it all, if you got a partial hookup reservation (water & electric only), then request Loop 2000. This loop has the largest sand areas for multiple tents and is in a quiet area.

Ft. Wilderness is really ECV friendly. I've used one all over the Fort just as a a personal scooter. (I don't take it to the parks, I just park it in the golf cart parking areas).

If you end up in Loop 2000, I would recommend taking the Purple bus with the ECV when you go to the Settlement/Marina. Using the sidewalks is a VERY roundabout way. If you are going to the Outpost, then riding the ECV/walking is not that far.

If you end up in Loop 1500, then walking to either end of the campground is equally close and ECV friendly.

[terri01p]

AAA 10 day park hopper adult tickets are 275.00 children are 236.00....:thumbsup2

[blisschaser]

Thank you guys so much! You are so helpful. I will take pictures and post them after our trip. I'm sure I'll be addicted. I thought I was addicted to Disneyland in Cali. But with so many different options here, and camping to boot, I may need to go to Disney rehab......or just get AP's! I appreciate the feedback on the loops. I would rather be away from the hustle and bustle. I just think that after a day at the parks, or in the middle of the afternoon, it is easier to put a cranky 6 year old down for a rest when it there is less distractions, even if just a few less. Plus, I really love camping(my family camped in tents for 4 months while looking for a house when we relocated to the east coast) and I like that we can have a fun camping vacation and a busy Disney vacation, so being in the more serene areas would give me that feel more. Do I just call the line and reference my confirmation number or call the campground directly?


Pools open 24 hours?!?!!?! Inconcievable!!! Good thing we are going for almost 2 weeks if they are going to provide me with 24 hour entertainment.

Thanks again!
Melissa

[blisschaser]

AAA 10 day park hopper adult tickets are 275.00 children are 236.00....:thumbsup2

Do I call AAA for that or the Disney reservation lines? I couldn't find it on the AAA website.

Thanks!

[2goofycampers]

we pick ours up at our local AAA office.

[blisschaser]

One more quick clarification. I see that you put it is the park hopper, which is good because we have two teenagers going so we need the "Ok, we've spent all day at MK and now the 6 year old and Grandma are back at camp for the night can we go back to the tower of terror" passes. However, is that rate also with the waterparks? The waterparks seem to be very high on the list of my 15 year old and his friend.

Thanks!
Melissa

[PolynesianPixie]

Check this out: New low prices on water parks & more~


http://www.undercovertourist.com/united-states/florida/orlando/attractions/tickets/?pid=1OO732

[terri01p]

The 275.00 I quoted you were the price for my 10 day park hopper tickets that I got from my local AAA store just like 2goofy mentioned. I don't know what the water parks would be sorry, I haven't priced those. :flower3:

[terri01p]

Check this out: New low prices on water parks & more~


http://www.undercovertourist.com/united-states/florida/orlando/attractions/tickets/?pid=1OO732


While these are pretty good prices I still think AAA you come out with a better price even though it might be just a few dollars...but hey a buck more for gas..:laughing:

[blisschaser]

Polynesian Pixie, you are a genius! That is the cheapest price I have seen for the water park and more ticket.

Thank you guys so much! If any of you are going to DW in April, stop by our "compound" and I owe you some sangria, mojito, beer, wine, coca-cola classic, tea, coffee......whatever it is you may want to imbibe. I'll even throw in some chips and guacomole! I really, really, appreciate your help and I promise to pay it forward as I become more Disney-versed.

Melissa

[blisschaser]

terri01p,

You are right that AAA is cheaper for the 10 day park hopper. Before booking thru the link from polynesian pixie I will call my local AAA office and see what they can give for the water parks and more option. A few bucks on 6 tickets adds up to a tank of gas. Well, ok, at gas prices not a tank, but a few gallons anyway.

If the AAA price is lower than the link provided I will post that. But right now I have to go to work..........SIGH! I only work 1 day a week, so I don't think I can call in and say I'm Disney planning. LOL. I'll call AAA 1st thing tomorrow.

Thanks again,
Melissa

[clkelley]

Thank you guys so much! You are so helpful. I will take pictures and post them after our trip. I'm sure I'll be addicted. I thought I was addicted to Disneyland in Cali. But with so many different options here, and camping to boot, I may need to go to Disney rehab......or just get AP's! I appreciate the feedback on the loops. I would rather be away from the hustle and bustle. I just think that after a day at the parks, or in the middle of the afternoon, it is easier to put a cranky 6 year old down for a rest when it there is less distractions, even if just a few less. Plus, I really love camping(my family camped in tents for 4 months while looking for a house when we relocated to the east coast) and I like that we can have a fun camping vacation and a busy Disney vacation, so being in the more serene areas would give me that feel more. Do I just call the line and reference my confirmation number or call the campground directly?


Pools open 24 hours?!?!!?! Inconcievable!!! Good thing we are going for almost 2 weeks if they are going to provide me with 24 hour entertainment.

Thanks again!
Melissa

As far as requesting a loop, just call central reservations and tell them you would like Loop 2000, and they will attach it to your reservation.

Then, about 4-5 days before your trip, fax Ft. Wilderness directly at 407-824-3508, with a letter with your dates and confirmation # on it and request a site with a large sand pad near the comfort station in loop 2000, or something to that affect.

You never did tell us if you did in fact get a partial hookup site. If you in fact, have a full or preferred full hook up, then that is an entirely different ballgame as far as loop location.

[clkelley]

I just thought of something. If you feel nervous about the amount of tents on the site, Wal-Mart has something called a "connection" tent. It is actually 3 tents with tunnels that connect one larger tent with two smaller tents on either side. All connected, technically, it is one unit, but will still give the privacy for everyone.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4664258

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l169/clkelley564/0072700112140_215X215.jpg

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l169/clkelley564/0072700112140_AV_500X500.jpg

[MadFF]

[QUOTE=PolynesianPixie;23609385]
The tent loops are 1500 and 2000. 1500 is closer to "stuff" and 2000 is a little more away from the hustle & bustle. You can absolutely request certain loops!
[QUOTE]


Is the 1500 loop tent only? When we made our reservations, we requested loop 1500 with our 21' trailer, and as far as we know it was okay.

Also, we reserved through AAA and it was great, and we got what I felt was a good discount (more than I thought). The AAA person seemed to know what she was doing, and everything went very smoothly. I think you are supposed to call AAA directly and talk to someone to get the best discounts, as their website doesn't really have a lot of info about discounts.

[clkelley]

[QUOTE=PolynesianPixie;23609385]
The tent loops are 1500 and 2000. 1500 is closer to "stuff" and 2000 is a little more away from the hustle & bustle. You can absolutely request certain loops!
[QUOTE]


Is the 1500 loop tent only? When we made our reservations, we requested loop 1500 with our 21' trailer, and as far as we know it was okay.

Also, we reserved through AAA and it was great, and we got what I felt was a good discount (more than I thought). The AAA person seemed to know what she was doing, and everything went very smoothly. I think you are supposed to call AAA directly and talk to someone to get the best discounts, as their website doesn't really have a lot of info about discounts.

Loop 1500 is water and electric only. Also the driveway is very short. You may not have room to keep your tow vehicle on the site in addition to your TT (unless you want to back up the TT onto the sand). Also no sewer on these sites. So, if they let you book a partial hookup and you are OK with that, then I guess it's OK, but with a larger TT, not having a place to dump balck or grey water may be a challenge. There are no dump stations at the Fort.

[2goofycampers]

[QUOTE=PolynesianPixie;23609385]
The tent loops are 1500 and 2000. 1500 is closer to "stuff" and 2000 is a little more away from the hustle & bustle. You can absolutely request certain loops!
[QUOTE]


Is the 1500 loop tent only? When we made our reservations, we requested loop 1500 with our 21' trailer, and as far as we know it was okay.

Also, we reserved through AAA and it was great, and we got what I felt was a good discount (more than I thought). The AAA person seemed to know what she was doing, and everything went very smoothly. I think you are supposed to call AAA directly and talk to someone to get the best discounts, as their website doesn't really have a lot of info about discounts.

I was thinking the 1500 & 2000 loop were for pop-ups and tents only.

[Shannone1]

I was thinking the 1500 & 2000 loop were for pop-ups and tents only.

I think you are right.

[MadFF]

Loop 1500 is water and electric only. Also the driveway is very short. You may not have room to keep your tow vehicle on the site in addition to your TT (unless you want to back up the TT onto the sand). Also no sewer on these sites. So, if they let you book a partial hookup and you are OK with that, then I guess it's OK, but with a larger TT, not having a place to dump balck or grey water may be a challenge. There are no dump stations at the Fort.

Okey Dokey, looks like I should call and change that! I'll probably ask for loop 1600, if I remember correctly that is the next loop.

Thanks for the responses!

[clkelley]

Okey Dokey, looks like I should call and change that! I'll probably ask for loop 1600, if I remember correctly that is the next loop.

Thanks for the responses!

Did you actually book a partial hookup?? If so, then it's not a matter of just changing loop request, you'll actually need to change your reservation to a full hookup. If you have already booked a full hookup, then you probably wouldn't be put in 1500 anyway, as that is a partial hookup, in that case just change your loop request to 1600.

[PolynesianPixie]

Thank you guys so much! If any of you are going to DW in April, stop by our "compound" and I owe you some sangria, mojito, beer, wine, coca-cola classic, tea, coffee......whatever it is you may want to imbibe. I'll even throw in some chips and guacomole! I really, really, appreciate your help and I promise to pay it forward as I become more Disney-versed.

Melissa

Wish I was going to there, Melissa!

Okey Dokey, looks like I should call and change that! I'll probably ask for loop 1600, if I remember correctly that is the next loop.

Thanks for the responses!

You're right!

[blisschaser]

I just thought of something. If you feel nervous about the amount of tents on the site, Wal-Mart has something called a "connection" tent. It is actually 3 tents with tunnels that connect one larger tent with two smaller tents on either side. All connected, technically, it is one unit, but will still give the privacy for everyone.


Ok, that is about the coolest thing ever! It would work perfect for privacy. I like it even without worrying about tent rules. We booked a preferred, just water and electric. We are only using tents so we don't need sewer. Thanks for the fax number to the campgrounds. I think we got a discount right around 15% by using the the DW reservations when comparing it to the internet price on the WDW site. I thought that was pretty decent, would calling AAA directly end up being a larger discount? And if so, if I cancel my current res, can I immediately rebook thru AAA? Also, silly question, but I paid for our site in full, in the event it is better to cancel and book directly with AAA do they refund your CC immediately or is it a big process?

Thanks again!
Melissa

[clkelley]

Ok, that is about the coolest thing ever! It would work perfect for privacy. I like it even without worrying about tent rules. We booked a preferred, just water and electric. We are only using tents so we don't need sewer. Thanks for the fax number to the campgrounds. I think we got a discount right around 15% by using the the DW reservations when comparing it to the internet price on the WDW site. I thought that was pretty decent, would calling AAA directly end up being a larger discount? And if so, if I cancel my current res, can I immediately rebook thru AAA? Also, silly question, but I paid for our site in full, in the event it is better to cancel and book directly with AAA do they refund your CC immediately or is it a big process?

Thanks again!
Melissa

You won't get any more discount by going through the AAA office. I would just keep your campground reservation as is, then look for the best price on tickets. Disney reservations gives the same AAA discount on room only reservations.

Did you say you booked preferred?? If so, that is water, electric, sewer, and cable. There is no such thing as water & electric only in the preferred loops. If there are no water and electric only sites available, then your loop choices would be 100 - 800 and loop 1400. If you can't get it switched to partial hookup, then you need to make sure you request a site with as much sand area as possible, as the preferred sites tend to have more driveway and less sand for RVs and campers.

[blisschaser]

You won't get any more discount by going through the AAA office. I would just keep your campground reservation as is, then look for the best price on tickets. Disney reservations gives the same AAA discount on room only reservations.

Did you say you booked preferred?? If so, that is water, electric, sewer, and cable. There is no such thing as water & electric only in the preferred loops. If there are no water and electric only sites available, then your loop choices would be 100 - 800 and loop 1400. If you can't get it switched to partial hookup, then you need to make sure you request a site with as much sand area as possible, as the preferred sites tend to have more driveway and less sand for RVs and campers.

Ok that is good to know because I told her I was only bringing tents and only wanted water and electric, she even said do you need sewer and I said no. However, what she said was I have a preferred site available. I wrote down preferred, so I know that is what she said. I just assumed that it was just water and electric. Plus the price I got off of the WDW websites booking, for a tent site for ten nights was $896. She gave me a price of $750. So it seemed to be in line with the price of the tent only site too. Should I just call them back and ask?

[blisschaser]

I just went back to WDW and realized that $896 is a preferred site. It looks like they don't have any tent only sites available. I have to say, I don't really like the idea of tenting amongst a bunch of big RV's. It seems there would be no privacy at all, let alone not enough space. Kinda bummed. Any thoughts?

[Shannone1]

I just went back to WDW and realized that $896 is a preferred site. It looks like they don't have any tent only sites available. I have to say, I don't really like the idea of tenting amongst a bunch of big RV's. It seems there would be no privacy at all, let alone not enough space. Kinda bummed. Any thoughts?

I wouldn't worry about it. When I was there we rarely even seen our neighbors. People are so busy at the parks or around the CG that they don't really spend that much time at their site :thumbsup2

[clkelley]

Ok that is good to know because I told her I was only bringing tents and only wanted water and electric, she even said do you need sewer and I said no. However, what she said was I have a preferred site available. I wrote down preferred, so I know that is what she said. I just assumed that it was just water and electric. Plus the price I got off of the WDW websites booking, for a tent site for ten nights was $896. She gave me a price of $750. So it seemed to be in line with the price of the tent only site too. Should I just call them back and ask?

Yes, I would call back and ask.

[blisschaser]

I wouldn't worry about it. When I was there we rarely even seen our neighbors. People are so busy at the parks or around the CG that they don't really spend that much time at their site :thumbsup2



Very true. How much will we really be there? I'm not actually that worried about it. I think it is all perspective. I mean if you can complain about being at Disneyworld then maybe it is time to get a little perspective in your life, right?

[Sinclare]

I think you are right.


Not completely true, they are just partial hook-up sites. Anything that can get in them can use them. In 2006 we were in 2000 loop and had one of those multi-million dollar RV's beside us for a week. Swing out plasma screen and everything. I've also seen the smaller RV's along 5th wheelers.

I wasn't there when they pulled that huge $$$$ RV in beside us but I would have liked to seen it. That thing was HUGE and took up all the blacktop/sand pad/+ hung out in the air off the back of it.

[2goofycampers]

blisschaser... people cancel everyday keep trying to get the site you want, 2weeks before people who have packages booked and do not come up with the full payment and 5 days before arrival people with room only ressies will cancel or drop off. NEVER GIVE UP right till the end.

[blisschaser]

blisschaser... people cancel everyday keep trying to get the site you want, 2weeks before people who have packages booked and do not come up with the full payment and 5 days before arrival people with room only ressies will cancel or drop off. NEVER GIVE UP right till the end.

So what do I do? Just keep calling the res. line every day and asking if any tent sites are open? Also, I assume the price will drop at that point, will they adjust it? And will they still honor the AAA discount on it? I don't mean to sound clueless but............well, I am.
Melissa

[2goofycampers]

call everyday, we have called a few times a day, best time is when they open 7am est . the price will drop to water and electric price . you may or may not get the AAA at the time , remind them you had it on the ressie you have now, might help, if not then you have to keep calling to get the AAA rate. NEVER GIVE UP we have all but once gotten what we wanted.

[DznyRulz]

So what do I do? Just keep calling the res. line every day and asking if any tent sites are open? Also, I assume the price will drop at that point, will they adjust it? And will they still honor the AAA discount on it? I don't mean to sound clueless but............well, I am.
Melissa

Yes, yes, and I'm not sure about that. I would think that if you already have the AAA discount it should carry over. The only hitch might be if they have to cancel the reservation and create a new one. I would think you would be able to just make a change in your reservation without having to start over. If you can't get the AAA discount but can get the tent site, make the reservation. You can keep calling back to see if a AAA discount becomes available then have it applied to your reservation. Disney will credit the difference.

For the kind of scratch you are being charged for a preferred site and given that you're tent camping, to me it's worth the hassle to save the bucks. That way you can apply it to the tickets, gas, meals at Trail's End.

And you're not clueless, just inexperienced. You will just have to visit The Fort more often! :thumbsup2

[clkelley]

To keep the calling down on yourself, why don't you have Rhonda (she is a moderator for this forum) take over your reservation at Dreams Unlimited. She will then contact Disney daily if necessary and do her best to get you that partial hookup site at AAA rate. If it's possible, she can handle it, if not possible, then it saved you calling every day. I think she's out of town this week, but find her name in one of the posts and send her a private message, and she will give you everything you need to do about transferring the reservation.

[clkelley]

If you decide to do the calling yourself, the key word to ask for at Disney Reservations is Partial Hookup.

Since tents are allowed on all sights, then saying "tent site" won't help. Folks at DRC are not really well versed on Ft. Wilderness.

[Kimbere]

Welcome to the boards!! This is a great place for lots of info...and some good laughs!!:goodvibes

[blisschaser]

And you're not clueless, just inexperienced. You will just have to visit The Fort more often! :thumbsup2


True Dat!


clkelley, great tip, thanks. I'll PM her, and until reaching her when I call I'll say partial. Thanks!

Melissa

[TxTink :)]

Welcome- how exciting- you'll have a blast!