What is the fascination

[capecoddisneyfamily]

We will be heading down in April with friends. We are staying at VWL friends are staying at FW in their RV. Just wondering what is the fascination with camping? Seems like people who enjoy RV's would have it no other way? Just don't get it.:confused3

[drafthorsecrazy]

My own bed....couch, dishes, bathroom. Never any need for me to go into my RV while on vacation and disinfect it from top to bottom because any "germs" are our own....and I know the last person to clean ( me ) did an excellent job. I never hear someone else's toilet flush in the middle of the night. I can go out to my patio every morning and feed the wildlife or say good morning to my neighbor and have a 30 min. conversation with them because most "campers" are extremely friendly. When I stay in hotels and say good morning to someone, they act shocked someone spoke to them. Oh......MY OWN BED needs repeating.

[Tent Camping Mom]

For us, it's one word: Outdoors.

[ntsammy5]

For us, it's one word: Outdoors.

I agree with TCMom. I don't use a TT or RV (unless it's with my sister) but I love tent camping and back packing. After spending most of my adult life in the army it's hard to stop thinking in terms of doing stuff outdoors. Food tastes better, scenery is unbelievable (even at the Fort), people are interesting (well OK they're interesting everywhere) and my beer even tastes better, unless I'm backpacking then I can't carry enough so we take some wine instead.

It's been said before but camping is a whole life style!

[cyberdeb]

I have to agree with the other posters. There is nothing like knowing you are in your own bed, shower, bathroom with your own cooties. I also think at least where Fort Wilderness is concerned that there is more to do there, than any other resorts. You can spend an entire vacation just at the campground without ever going to any of the parks. You can enjoy the outdoors and sit outside. I also find that other campers are far more friendly than people you see elsewhere. It isnt unusual at all to see people just sitting around shooting the breeze with people they just met camping nearby. It is usually much quieter as well. I will stay in hotels when i have to, but given the choice, i would rather be in my rv at Fort Wilderness. :yay:

[BigDaddyRog]

I just like being able to pee in the woods.

[ntsammy5]

I just like being able to pee in the woods.

You can do that even when you're not camping. I've done it on Bourbon Street and I'm sure you have too.

[drafthorsecrazy]

I just like being able to pee in the woods.

I had the ahh....Pleasure:confused3 of watching some young man climb out of his tent and relieve himself right under my kitchen slide out one morning at FW. I did the only thing I could. I enjoyed the view:lmao:

[BigDaddyRog]

You can do that even when you're not camping. I've done it on Bourbon Street and I'm sure you have too.

I have to say that in all my life, I have never pee'd on Bourbon St....I always take a left on Iberville and duck into the alley!!!!http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/10/10_2_11.gif

[PolynesianPixie]

I just love to vacation! Believe me, I enjoy a luxury hotel as much as anybody, particularly the Poly! However, camping is such an incredible event! You get the greatest bonding experience with your kids! Let's face it, what kid wouldn't rather be in the great outdoors?! The friendliest people camp. Even if you just met them that very moment, campers will go out of their way to lend you a hand, share a beer, or just chat! Of course, the best place to camp is FW! There are so many ammenities and fun things to do there! Although, we have camped all over the country! By camping, we don't just go to a place.....we experience it!:goodvibes

[BigDaddyRog]

By camping, we don't just go to a place.....we experience it!:goodvibes

Well said.:goodvibes

[2goofycampers]

all of the above and we get to enjoy it all with our 4 legged furry family too. I have even see people take their birds.

[ntsammy5]

we get to enjoy it all with our 4 legged furry family too.

I'll drink to that.

[ftwildernessguy]

FW is the only place on property that hasn't banned me.

[PolynesianPixie]

FW is the only place on property that hasn't banned me.

Only because you're King Kungaloosh.

[ntsammy5]

FW is the only place on property that hasn't banned me.

I thought you stayed at Shades too! popcorn::

[ftwildernessguy]

I thought you stayed at Shades too! popcorn::

Not anymore. It's a long story, involves Kungaloosh, muddy water, and the Mickey shaped pool.

[ntsammy5]

Not anymore. It's a long story, involves Kungaloosh, muddy water, and the Mickey shaped pool.

I'd like to hear that sometime. Too bad. Evergreen has some great German beer on tap! :drinking1

[ftwildernessguy]

I'm still allowed to use the golf course, bathrooms, little PX and restaurants, but I need an escort at all times.

You do know I'm kidding, right?

[ntsammy5]

You do know I'm kidding, right?

I never would have figured that out. :lmao:

[des1954]

I'd like to hear that sometime. Too bad. Evergreen has some great German beer on tap! :drinking1

You guys really have to meet up with each other (FtWGuy & NTSammy5, that is). Sometimes I have to do a double-take to see which one of you has posted, and Jim, that touched up picture you posted that looked like Chef Boyardee.... do away with the touch-up's and (I'm really sorry to say this so forgive me in advance) you two even resemble each other!! Scary,,,,, very, very, scary!!!

[PolynesianPixie]

You do know I'm kidding, right?

Yeah! He needs 2 escorts! sheesh!

[ftwildernessguy]

You guys really have to meet up with each other (FtWGuy & NTSammy5, that is). Sometimes I have to do a double-take to see which one of you has posted, and Jim, that touched up picture you posted that looked like Chef Boyardee.... do away with the touch-up's and (I'm really sorry to say this so forgive me in advance) you two even resemble each other!! Scary,,,,, very, very, scary!!!

What do you mean, touched up picture?

[des1954]

Bringing this back OT before Roz "zings" us....

Camping...hmmmm. I love my own bedding, pillows, mattress. I love to be able to pack as much of anything I even think I will need.... just in case.

At FtW, I love to sit at the picnic table next to my coach and feed the squirrels, cardinals, blue jays and any other critter that may wander up.

It's nice to bring a grill with you (or use FtW's grill) and cook whatever you like to cook on the grill. You have your own "kitchen" so you bring whatever you want to eat, drink or snack on - and it's always at your disposal - so you don't have to rely on snack machines that host stale food & rob you of your money.

At FtW, you can explore on foot, on a bicycle, or a golf cart. If you're staying at FtW, you can always explore the other resorts - but still come back to your own comforts.

If you camp places other than FtW (are there any?), you can just chill out and relax, knowing you're probably not going to be disturbed by the noise of traffic, slamming doors, kids running up and down hallways, drunks rolling in the resort at 2 or 3 am, and any of the other annoyances of staying in a motel/hotel.

People who camp are typically more approachable and cordial than non-campers.

It's my story & I'm sticking with it!!:dance3:

[des1954]

What do you mean, touched up picture?

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

[tntina]

I agree, knowing it's "my dirt" is a big plus. I can't even bear the thought of staying in a hotel now, even if it is really nice. My DH and I even went on our first cruise this last fall, the stateroom was not near as "cozy" as my TT. I also agree with most people that "camp" are friendlier.:)

[terri01p]

I don't care how nice your hotel room is, you are still sleeping on a bed where thousands of people have slept, they wash the bedspread every what 1 or 2 months and that's a fact ( thanks 48 hours :rolleyes: ). Not to take away from anyones vacation but there has been bed bugs found at Poly, Pop, Movies, GF, and CBR, and POR, folks have gotten to where they pack sheets blankets to take along etc... most people go into a hotel room and disinfect the place before putting their clothes up, do a search and you will find that's a fact and not something I made up to make my point look better.

I like being able to have my bed exactly like I like it and my tt like I want it before getting to where I'm going.

I really can't say I'm an outdoors person per sa but I do love to sit out in the mornings under an awning and have a coffee or what not and just enjoy the day.

My doggie is part of my family, he enjoys going just as much as we do, he's very well behaved and loves to travel so this allows us to take all of our family.

I got to where it gives me the creeps to eat where other people have done only Gods know what so this gives me every option to cook if I want too and have cold food and drinks if I want.

I don't have to worry about the tub not being cleaned or the toliet being gross because I know who cleans mine :scared: .

Also whenever your ready to leave, shovel your awning in pick up stuff around the camper and go...no packing and then going home and having to do it all again.

I really could go on and on but won't...hehe

[loveDmouse]

As others have said we love having our own bed and bath. We love taking our dog (our only kid w/ four legs and fur who likes to travel, the others are home bodies) with us which is the main reason we started Rving in the first place.
We enjoy the outdoors. Just sitting by the campfire looking up at the stars. It is great. Those are just a few reasons we love it. :thumbsup2

[Disbuf]

We started camping 3 years ago just so we could bring our puppy with us on vacation. What started small with a T@b camper pulled by a Saturn Vue has gone gung ho with a 30 foot TT with a new Truck to pull it with. I love waking up on vacation with our pups with us. I totally agree with others that your own bed, bath and a touch of home makes it special.

I think if you have never camped, you might not get it but we have found that once you try it, many love it like us. I would have never have imagined my parents camping but now they too have a TT and love it.

[Elliott]

The bell hops at hotels were always breaking my Crown Royal bottles so I traded a suitcase for a TT! Now I can bring way more booze along.:drinking1

[kc5grw]

We will be heading down in April with friends. We are staying at VWL friends are staying at FW in their RV. Just wondering what is the fascination with camping? Seems like people who enjoy RV's would have it no other way? Just don't get it.:confused3

Ill have to echo the sentiments of all the others that have chimed in here and also say that I is great to be able to load everything in the RV and not have to worry about moving it again till you get home. Camping is one of those things that if you don't get it, you probably never will. It's akin to our love for Disney, a lot of folks get it, a lot don't.

[2goofycampers]

We will be heading down in April with friends. We are staying at VWL friends are staying at FW in their RV. Just wondering what is the fascination with camping? Seems like people who enjoy RV's would have it no other way? Just don't get it.:confused3

:goofy: ...Yea , Yea, all that stuff everybody already said but more importantly , the opportunity to do SO MUCH FISHING at so many places !!... It"s okay to Grumpy but it's great to be Goofy ! ..Mr.:goofy:

[dtum]

To continue the thought of not bursting someone's bubble. The one and only time we didn't camp in our whole married life (we stayed at FW cabin) someplace between home and there we got bed bugs. Not sure where because we stayed over night going down and coming home, but let me tell you they are the worst thing to get out of your house! Never, never again will i leave home without my, as my son says, rolling mansion. If i can't get there with my 5r, then i probably don't need to go there...just pick another place to vacation. And face it, some of these bigger rigs are soooo much better than the best 4-star hotel around. :lovestruc

[ORLCampers]

I would echo everyone elses comments and add another couple points for us. I travel on business about 40% of the time and have seen the inside of more aircraft and hotel rooms than I care to remember. Being able to come home, pack up the Travel Trailer and go is a joy. Once we're there we have nothing to lug around or unpack.

Campers are also an approachable bunch as others have stated. It's funny how whenever you are in a hotel and come out of your room and a person in a room around you steps out, some actually step back in like they don't want to be seen.:confused3 . No matter whether we're at a big campground or a small one, most folks are friendly and always willing to help out if needed.

Lastly, I think we spend alot more quality time as a family. My girls are young (6,4) and hanging around building puzzles or playing games is great family time. A couple years ago for Christmas we received a copy of Disney DVD Bingo and we setup the TV outside the camper and play. Kids and even adults from other sites have joined us to play as well. Not for everyone I understand, but works for us

And lastly, nothing beats seting up camp and popping a cold one in the great outdoors.

Michael

[AuburnJen92]

My own bed....couch, dishes, bathroom. Never any need for me to go into my RV while on vacation and disinfect it from top to bottom because any "germs" are our own....and I know the last person to clean ( me ) did an excellent job. I never hear someone else's toilet flush in the middle of the night. I can go out to my patio every morning and feed the wildlife or say good morning to my neighbor and have a 30 min. conversation with them because most "campers" are extremely friendly. When I stay in hotels and say good morning to someone, they act shocked someone spoke to them. Oh......MY OWN BED needs repeating.

Amen, I couldn't have said it better.

[Thumper_ehhhhh]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh camping a place to unwind let your hair down. It seems in the resorts everyone still prims themselves up. Camping the only people that gets all done up are teenagers. Everyone is there true selves. It seems that way to me anyway. Becides I cant be kicked out of my camper unless I eat to much beans and DW goes rabid on me hehehehe.

[Colson39]

For me it's just memories. Memories of the past, memories being made in the present, and dreams of memories in the future.

Grew up camping, still camp, and will always camp. Be it a tent, an RV, or a cabin. At Disney, in Colorado, in Canada, wherever, I absolutely love it.

It really boils down to either you like it or you don't. I don't think I've ever met anyone that said "Well, I kind of like camping". In the end, as long as you're having fun doing whatever you're doing, that's all that matters.

I was lucky enough to marry someone that loved camping as well (well, she didn't love it really until she met me...lol). She now loves going camping, although she's more of an RV person than a tent person...heh. Got lucky that way, because my brothers ex-wife HATED camping, and would never go with the family when we would go camping.

[jason_rving]

There is no fascination. Fort Wilderness is a dreadful place to go. You are much better off at one of the other resorts. There is nothing to see at Fort Wilderness. And it is so expensive too. You might as well stay at the cushy other resorts. Take my advise and don't even venture into one of Walt's original old decrepit resorts.


The preceding comment has nothing to do with the Fort generally being to capacity and me not being able to get reservations at desirable times.

[Colson39]

There is no fascination. Fort Wilderness is a dreadful place to go. You are much better off at one of the other resorts. There is nothing to see at Fort Wilderness. And it is so expensive too. You might as well stay at the cushy other resorts. Take my advise and don't even venture into one of Walt's original old decrepit resorts.


The preceding comment has nothing to do with the Fort generally being to capacity and me not being able to get reservations at desirable times.

:rotfl: :laughing: :cool1: :lmao: :thumbsup2 :rotfl2: :dance3:

[lovetomow]

I like the family time it affords us, I sleep in my own bed, crap on my own toilet etc... I filled the old dodge up yesterday as we as heading to Pigeon Forge, TN this afternoon and $83.00 later she was full. The guy next to me fueling up his KIA asked why do you drive that big vehicle. I said I only drive it whiletowing my camper. He said why you anyone want to camp and pay that just to get there. I said nevermind and went in to pay! :rotfl2:

[Duane]

I can remember when I first brought home our first TT. The DW walked in, took a look around and promptly said: "now that we have this thing, don't think that you won't be taking me to nice hotels with daily housekeeping and room service anymore..."

Fast forward to eight years later, she now says when we do visit the occasional hotel: "I wish we were in our camper, this place is really not that clean....who knows what has happened in this room..."

[surferrat]

It is also easier to stumble from your own chair to the door of your RV, TT, tent or pop up, instead of trying to Stumble from the bar in Old Key West and trying to find your room. Not that I have ever had any trouble finding it, it was the stumbling part...:thumbsup2 :thumbsup2

[Sinclare]

I agree with others here. I grew up camping with my family...though we had a TT. I prefer to tent camp, listening to the night sounds, the feel of the air at night, a place were the kids can bring/ride their bikes and explore, and the atmosphere of the campground, all the extra activities like campfire/movies. However, the main reason is the family bonding. Nothing brings a family together like camping. You all have to pitch in setting up/taking down camp, spending time together. Until you've done it, there is just no way to understand.

We've stayed in the other resorts/rooms and off site condo's but it just feels like a huge part of the vacation experience is missing when we do that. A hotel room is just a room to sleep/get ready in but camping is a family experience.:grouphug: pixiedust:

[chief19spixi]

I agree with others here. I grew up camping with my family...though we had a TT. I prefer to tent camp, listening to the night sounds, the feel of the air at night, a place were the kids can bring/ride their bikes and explore, and the atmosphere of the campground, all the extra activities like campfire/movies. However, the main reason is the family bonding. Nothing brings a family together like camping. You all have to pitch in setting up/taking down camp, spending time together. Until you've done it, there is just no way to understand.

We've stayed in the other resorts/rooms and off site condo's but it just feels like a huge part of the vacation experience is missing when we do that. A hotel room is just a room to sleep/get ready in but camping is a family experience.:grouphug: pixiedust:
:tink: Well said!! :cheer2:

[BigDaddyRog]

I enjoy taking the HERO role when camping......my family's all chicks...so I get to be the BRAVE HERO who chases off grizzlies, and cougars and escaped killers from the looney bin who have taken up residence in the woods "right over there"!!!! (even though the grizzlies are usually just bunnies, and cougars are really only armadillos and the crazed escaped killers are just the guy in the next site who drank to much and fell onto his tent instead of into his tent!!!)"Jeeez, ya'll, ya should seen the size of that wild buffalo I just chased of before he ate you guys!"

[Colson39]

Thankfully there are only otters and peacocks to deal with at the Fort. Well, otters at least ;)

[ntsammy5]

ya should seen the size of that wild buffalo I just chased of before he ate you guys!"

I shot a water buffalo once, well one of my guys did at any rate. I wasn't happy about it because it took us a little while to move the stupid thing out of the way. Never trust an idiot with a .50 cal!

[BigDaddyRog]

Thankfully there are only otters and peacocks to deal with at the Fort. Well, otters at least ;)

What you and I know is an otter, I will convince my kids in the middle of the night was a panda bear with rabies...makes me sound braver!!!

[AuburnJen92]

You can do that even when you're not camping. I've done it on Bourbon Street and I'm sure you have too.

Can't you get arrested for that?

[BigDaddyRog]

Can't you get arrested for that?

You can surely get arrested for it...but the cops can never decide which of the 20 guys who are all doing it at the same time(at any given time) they want to grab and handcuff first...considering where his hands currently were. not to mention getting a pant-leg full of someone elses warm lemonade!!! NOPD...tough job....REALLY tough job, but someones gotta screw it up!!!

[gillenkl]

For us, it's about saving money. Would I love to be at the Poly or GF, yes! When I can get 10 nights at either of those hotels for $1700 please let me know and I'll be right on it!:rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[Escape Artist]

What you and I know is an otter, I will convince my kids in the middle of the night was a panda bear with rabies...makes me sound braver!!!

Well, if you told the "chicks" in my popup that you shot a panda, you'd be DeadDaddyRog before you knew it! :rotfl2:

Sue in Texas
...mom to Animal Planet nuts...

[AuburnJen92]

You can surely get arrested for it...but the cops can never decide which of the 20 guys who are all doing it at the same time(at any given time) they want to grab and handcuff first...considering where his hands currently were. not to mention getting a pant-leg full of someone elses warm lemonade!!! NOPD...tough job....REALLY tough job, but someones gotta screw it up!!!

i only went to mardi gras once and that was the only time i ever got claustrophobic...dh is from new orleans, it didn't phase him a bit

[BigDaddyRog]

Well, if you told the "chicks" in my popup that you shot a panda, you'd be DeadDaddyRog before you knew it! :rotfl2:

Sue in Texas
...mom to Animal Planet nuts...

Oh...NO...Id never shoot an animal (not a mamal, anyway..I dont even own a real gun)I just scare them off with my alpha-manliness!!!:scared: :sad2:

I posted on here several months ago that I shot a snake that was in an area where my kids were playing with a bb gun and I felt like a murderer. I occasionally have to kill snakes at the house, but only if it's big and I dont recognize its breed.

[Rhonda]

Rog - is that a new avatar? It's very disturbing... :scared:

[BigDaddyRog]

Thanks? (not sure how to react to that!) Is it TOO disturbing?

[Rhonda]

Thanks? (not sure how to react to that!) Is it TOO disturbing?

For me it is!! It scares me!! I just won't look at it! :rolleyes1

[AuburnJen92]

For me it is!! It scares me!! I just won't look at it! :rolleyes1

uh oh, you are in trouble now.....;)

[BigDaddyRog]

LOL...its from the short "Runaway Brain"....very cute Disney Quickie that for some reason never got much publicity.

Check it out......Runaway Brain (http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZSJUh1m4DMg)

[4daubers]

I think campers are campers and then there's the "other people".

Camping has allowed us so many family memories...my kids first snowball fight in the Wyoming Snowy Range on June 28 one year...to eagles and moose in the Tetons...first experience going from Ouray to Silverton at 14,000 ft...a quick trip to a near by lake...all the wildlife.

Camping at FW...fellow campers...smell of campfires...quietness...being able to come together as the family after a full day in the parks allows us to reconnect...site decorations...golf cart trips at dusk...wine cooler at the marina while watching fireworks...I can go on and on.

If we weren't campers, I couldn't brag that I've camped in Tomsumba, Mississippi.

And that sense of accomplishment when one has actually backed in your site at the Fort without mowing down electric posts, trash cans or other campers' golf carts. Watching DH strut as he walks around counting what all he hasn't hit is well...a camping wife's turn on...that and hearing a diesel knock early in the morning... :laughing:

[RvUsa]

I have never seen that, I cant wait to show matt. The monster looked like Pete, I got a hat from toon town trip before last. "pete's garage. It is my favorite.

[Memph1s]

You get to live on your own schedule. You want to eat scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy at 9pm, no problem. You want a great steak just the way you like for lunch without taking out a loan, go right ahead. You want your favorite brew or drink made with the special brand you like. What a kawinkidink there just happens to be one in the cooler with your favorite clean glass to drink it from and you didn’t even have to make an ADR or explain how its made. You never have to worry if house keeping is going to show up at an inopportune time. You sleep when you want, get up when you want, take naps when you want. Its truly your vacation to do exactly what you want when you want.

[ntsammy5]

Check it out......Runaway Brain (http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZSJUh1m4DMg)

That's cute! Looks like Roid Rage!