TCD + DC Games + FW = FUN!

[Tri-circle-D]

The TCD gang is back from a quick visit to the Fort this past weekend (Wednesday April 30th through Sunday May 4th). The purpose of our visit was to attend the Disney Channel Games during the week, and the Concert at the Wide World of Sports on Saturday night May 3rd.

We succeeded in meeting a ton of the Disney Channel stars. If you have any young ones in the family, check back later, and I will post some photos of the Disney Channel celebrities that we got to meet.

But, since this is the Camping Board, I must start with my traditional reporting on new developments at the Fort. For those of you familiar with my work, you will recall that the TCD gang just returned from a spring break trip at the beginning of April. So, I did not expect to find anything new to report on this trip, which was just a few weeks later. But, as often happens, I was wrong! It seems lately that the Fort is in a constant state of change.

It was not even a full month ago that I snapped this photo of the path next to the 1500 loop bus stop that goes back to the 1500/1600 loop comfort station. At the time I commented that for some reason, this area had not been cleared like almost everywhere else in the Fort:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/FortWildernessSpringBreak08113.jpg

Well, here is the same area now (use the little utility pole in both photos as a reference point):

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez035.jpg

No big deal you say?

Well, over by the Meadows pool, a new building has suddenly appeared:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez029.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez030.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez031.jpg

That building was there on April 30th, but was not there earlier in the month.
What gives?

It is a Disney Vacation Club station. The one down by Pioneer Hall is still there.

See that little white bag hanging on the new building. Do you wonder what is in there? So did I. It held the permits for the building. Here is what they looked like:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez032-1.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez033-1.jpg

So, at first I think this is an odd location to put a DVC stand. But, when you think about it, there is a ton of foot traffic at this location. The stand was manned (well, in this case actually womaned) on Friday, and the agent there was engaging a lot of folks in conversation:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez068.jpg

And, that is not all . . .

Check back later for some more news and photos. :thumbsup2

TCD

[PolynesianPixie]

As usual, I am anxious for the next installment!

[beccaewert]

me too, I am curious about what new stuff I might encounter in 3 weeks....:woohoo:

[VACAMPER]

Always enjoy your reports.

[BigDaddyRog]

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/FortWildernessSpringBreak08113.jpg

Well, here is the same area now (use the little utility pole in both photos as a reference point):

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez035.jpg



OMG!!!!!! Fort Wilderness is becoming Fort NOT-SO Wilderness!!!

popcorn:: Hangin on the edge of my seat, as ususal....waiting for the next installment!!!:surfweb:

[3gr8kids]

WOW - the difference in the two photos is unbelievable!! I like the landscape of the first one better. Hopefully by the time we get there next April it will be all filled in again.

Can't wait for more report/pics!! :thumbsup2

[Tri-circle-D]

OMG!!!!!! Fort Wilderness is becoming Fort NOT-SO Wilderness!!!

popcorn:: Hangin on the edge of my seat, as ususal....waiting for the next installment!!!:surfweb:

WOW - the difference in the two photos is unbelievable!! I like the landscape of the first one better. Hopefully by the time we get there next April it will be all filled in again.

Can't wait for more report/pics!! :thumbsup2

I really don't like the extent of the clearing that they are doing, but in a lot of areas, they have planted new plants, and have even installed irrigation lines. I have faith that the final result is going to be nice. And, as much as I don't like these changes, seeing all the time and expense being invested in the Fort bodes well for the future.

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

There were crews of workers installing new roofs on the Meadows Trading Post and the 900/1000 comfort station last week:


http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez069.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez071.jpg

I don't know if you can make it out in the photo, but instead of using tar paper as the base of the roof, which is what I commonly see in Florida, the bottom layer of the roof is copper sheeting. This has to be a big expense for Disney- another good sign that the Fort will be around for a long, long, time.

TCD

[beccaewert]

is all the changes necessary? Just curious if it was to "fix" or just make it easier to see? I mean a simple sign would let them know a comfort station was there...

I hate to see stuff (trees) disappear!:guilty:

[Tri-circle-D]

is all the changes necessary? Just curious if it was to "fix" or just make it easier to see? I mean a simple sign would let them know a comfort station was there...

I hate to see stuff (trees) disappear!:guilty:

I don't like seeing the brush go, either, but the stuff that they have been removing is non-native, nuisance vegetation. They are leaving the large trees, but they are trimming those back too. I posted this flyer that I received back in November, 2007 on another trip report thread, but it kind of explains where management is going with all of this:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/update.jpg

So, some day, this is all going to look better than what was removed. For now, though, it makes things too open and bare.

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

For Clkelley and the other tear-drop fans out there- here is an interesting set-up on the 1500 loop. There is a custom tent attached to the trailer that provides a neat extra space:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez037.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez036.jpg

TCD

[Colson39]

Woohoo, love the new report, looking forward to more!

[PanFanAL]

WOW! That must be a heavy teardrop to need an Excursion as a TV.:lmao: I jest, but anyway, your TR is awesome. I loved the last one, and I am enjoying this one as well.

[Tri-circle-D]

Wait, there's more!

Beginning this month, the traditional movie calendar (which has been just a monthly calendar printed on the back of the resort map) has been replaced by a new publication that includes all of the recreational activities available at the Fort. The other WDW resorts have similar publications. I found the sheet to be a little difficult to use at first, but I think I like how this one document lists all of the recreational choices. The original is on 8 1/2" by 11" glossy paper. Hopefully this isn't reduced too much for you all to read:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/FWMAY.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/FWMAYp2.jpg

Also, take note of the "fancy" names that some of the old favorites now have. E.g. dodge ball is now called "Chip N' Dale's Acorn Toss." Someone is getting a little carried away in the creativity department, don't you think?

TCD

[BigDaddyRog]

Wow...I really like the movie/activities schedule. I wish we could get ahold of that on a regular basis to post here in a sticky. I call the bike barn and they are usually nice enough to email me the movie schedule if I cant find it already posted on other sites...but I wouldnt even have the nerve to ask them to type up all the activities. I wonder if we could talk MsSundee into posting a scan of that here for us once a month. We would need someone with HIGHLY INFLUENCUAL FRIENDS AT THE FORT to ask her to do this...hmmmm...I wonder who might have friends like that.

[RvUsa]

Rog, I thought I "heard" on here that she transferred somewhere else? :(

TCD I am going to take up a collection to send you to the fort every 6 weeks, just so we can all read your reports, you are the ABSOLUTE BEST!!!

Keep it up.:thumbsup2

[stacktester]

Wow...I really like the movie/activities schedule. I wish we could get ahold of that on a regular basis to post here in a sticky. I call the bike barn and they are usually nice enough to email me the movie schedule if I cant find it already posted on other sites...but I wouldnt even have the nerve to ask them to type up all the activities. I wonder if we could talk MsSundee into posting a scan of that here for us once a month. We would need someone with HIGHLY INFLUENCUAL FRIENDS AT THE FORT to ask her to do this...hmmmm...I wonder who might have friends like that.

Hmmmmmmmmmmm, without his posse I wonder just how powerful he'll be on future visits.

[BigDaddyRog]

Rog, I thought I "heard" on here that she transferred somewhere else? :(

TCD I am going to take up a collection to send you to the fort every 6 weeks, just so we can all read your reports, you are the ABSOLUTE BEST!!!

Keep it up.:thumbsup2

No way???? Was she????? I missed that post. I was looking forward to introducing myself to her this trip....dagnabbit!!!!

I guess I'll have to use my own lack of charm to intimidate, er, I mean sweet talk someone at the fort to consider doing this for us....unless anyone else here has any connections in this area.:confused3

[the5coops]

For Clkelley and the other tear-drop fans out there- here is an interesting set-up on the 1500 loop. There is a custom tent attached to the trailer that provides a neat extra space:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez037.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez036.jpg

TCD

I took a picture of this too to post! I was so excited I made DH turn the golf cart around and we drove the wrong way in the loop to get the picture. Now if I only knew how to get the pics off my camera!

They were repairing the roof on the Meadows on Thursday.

Edited: Oops you mentioned the Meadows in a later post.

Shelley

[HappyCamper87]

Thanks for the Fort Update!

[OK GRUMPY]

TCD Enjoying your report. I think I read this once but your reports are AWESOME DUDE!! Keep it coming! This is a nice surprise!:thumbsup2

[LONE-STAR]

Great Trip Report TCD :thumbsup2 . You should be a on the Travel Channel.
(Tonight on the travel channel Top 10 things to do at WDW's Fort Wilderness hosted by TCD followed by Disney on a Dime.)

[Tri-circle-D]

Well, I have to get around to this at some point, so might as well do it now.

As stated above, the express purpose of this trip was to attend the Disney Channel Games, and the DC Games Concert on Saturday night. During the week, our mission was to meet Disney Channel Stars, and, hopefully, the Jonas Brothers!

Well, all I can say is . . . .Mission Accomplished!

If you have any pre-teens or teens in the family, especially young ladies, have them look at these photos with you. Trust me, this is a big deal.

So, who did we meet . . . .?

From the popular show Hannah Montana, I present:

Rico (Moises Arias):

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez001-2.jpg

That is Rico/Moises there between by DD's. He is an amazingly small young man, but super, super, nice. The girls saw him and his brother quite a few times during our visit.

Jackson (Jason Earles);

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez017.jpg

Also, a really nice and polite young man.

We also saw Smokin' Oken (Mitchell Muso) around quite a bit, but did not get a photo. The girls also met Mitchell's brother, who was hanging out with Miley Cyrus' brother outside the stadium right before the concert.

I spotted Miley Cyrus in a disguise one evening, but did not take a photo, as the girls were off with all of the cameras stalking other stars at the time.

We also saw Cody Linley around quite a bit. He played a character called Jake Ryan on Hannah Montana, and also had a big role in the movie Hoot.
He was one of the co-hosts of the DC Games, and he will be on the Disney Channel a lot this summer as those programs air.

Next show . . . The Wizards of Waverly Place.

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

So, have you heard of the Disney Channel show The Wizards of Waverly Place? I'll bet that you kids have . . .

Here are photos of most of the cast:

Alex (Selena Gomez):

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez014.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez009.jpg

Justin (David Henrie):

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez008-1.jpg

Max (Jake T. Austin):

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez032-2.jpg

Harper (Jennifer Stone):

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez005-1.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez019.jpg

This actress does a thing on the TV show called something along the lines of the "Funky Chunky Hat Dance" (ask your kids). Well, she asks my DD's if they would like to do the dance with her, and make a video. Which they did. Very loud and fun!

Next show . . . Cory in the House!

TCD

[clkelley]

WOW! That must be a heavy teardrop to need an Excursion as a TV.:lmao: I jest, but anyway, your TR is awesome. I loved the last one, and I am enjoying this one as well.

Actually, that is a T@B, a similar model to mine, but with an inside kitchen. No, it doesn't "need" an Excursion as a Tow Vehicle. That tent they have on there is an option that is over $1000, no thanks.

Thanks for the picture. I love seeing other T@B pictures.

[Tri-circle-D]

Does anybody like these photos?

I hope so, because I have more.

From the show Cory in the House:

Cory (Kyle Massey):

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez023.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez022.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez002-1.jpg

As you might be able to tell from the photos, Kyle is quite a character. In the first two photos above, you will see him signing my DD's Smokin' Oken doll. He saw her waving it around- she was using him to take photos with some of the stars (like a Flat Stanley type thing), and he offered to sign the doll. He signed it on the "tighty whiteys.! :scared1: That led to some one-upmanship from some of the other stars, and the Smokin' Oken doll became a bit of a celebrity himself. You will see him again in some photos that I will post later.

So, Kyle has a brother, Christopher, who was with him. Christopher stars in a program on Nickelodeon called Zoey 101 (with Jamie Lynne Spears), he was just part of Kyle's posse for the DC Games.

Here is a photo of Christopher Massey with Jason Dolley (who plays Newt on Cory in the House):

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez003-2.jpg

Next up . . .we meet the Jonas Brothers!!!

TCD

[BigDaddyRog]

LOL......this is like American Idol..."So whos going home this week...and who's going to remain on the show for one more week?...............................We'll let you know right after these commercials!!!!"

My kids cant wait to get home from school, hoping the Jonas Bros are posted by then!!!!

That Corey In The House guy is a trip...I bet he gets alotta laughs wherever he is.

TCD, I dont know what you do for a living..but if your not a reporter....you sure as shootin should be!!!!

[auntie]

LOVE the report:love: Thanks so much for posting it. Especially the photos of the campground. For those of us who live so far away from it..it's great to get a first hand look at what's going on.
Looks as if you're kids had a GREAT time. :thumbsup2

[Tri-circle-D]

OK- we're back.

On to the Jonas Brothers story.

As you might have heard, these kids are like the Beatles to the modern generation. Just in the past month, they have appeared on Ellen, Oprah, the Kid's Choice Awards, etc. It seems like they have a photo in People magazine every week.

The TCD DD's want to meet them.

Badly.

So, that is what we set out to do.

The DC Games were filmed last week. The filming was open to the public on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. We visited on Thursday. No cameras are allowed in the stadium. It is really crowded, and a lot is going on. The stars are being interviewed, and are being called out of their tents at various times to film certain sequences. When one of the Jo Bros comes out in public, the crowd of girls scream, and push to try to get to the railing to try to get an autograph. Kind of chaotic.

I accidentally forgot to take my camera out of my pocket, and when I found it, I accidentally took a photo in the stadium. This is for the Jo Bro fans out there:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez011.jpg

So, we saw the Jo Bros, and they waived at the DD's at the stadium, but we did not meet them. Yet.

During our visit to WDW, the DD's met up with and made friends with many like-minded girls who were looking for a chance to meet the boys. Information was shared, and we eventually found out where they were staying.

We visited the hotel, and the girls met the man that the Jo Bro fans call Papa J. He is the Jo Bro's father. From what I understand his is a Pastor, and a heck of a nice guy. They meet the youngest Jo Bro, Frankie, and get their photo taken with him (with Papa J's permission):

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez031-1.jpg

The girls also see Mrs. Jonas, and stalk her while she shops in the hotel gift shop. Still no Kevin, Joe and Nick.

But we are getting warmer.

Anyway, one evening we visit the hotel, and the girls sit outside by the pool, near a hot tub that the word on the street tells us has been frequented by the Jo Bros. Sure enough, Kevin and Joe walk by. Joe even has his shirt off! They look at the girls and say "hello." The girls are too awestruck to take a photo, but they met Kevin and Joe. In the flesh. They had a conversation. Superficial, but it still counts. They could not have been happier!

So, that is as close as we got to the Jo Bros this time around. But, it was enough.

Next up . . . we meet the entire cast of Camp Rock!

TCD

P.S.- I have more Fort stuff coming- got to get through the DC Games Stuff First. So, show these photos to your kids, and we will back to the camping stuff soon!

[Us3]

TCD-Thanks for sharing!! As a mom of 3 girls, I can definitely appreciate your time, patience and persistence to help your girls meet all of these Disney Channel Stars! I have a feeling we'll be there next year during this time! :rolleyes1 DD9 will totally enjoy these pics! If you don't mind sharing tips, I'd love to find out more in a pm! :goodvibes

Looking forward to more updates from the Fort...wow, things have changes just since our visit a few weeks ago!! I LOVE the new activities calendar! :thumbsup2

[Us3]

OK- we're back.


Anyway, one evening we visit the hotel, and the girls sit outside by the pool, near a hot tub that the word on the street tells us has been frequented by the Jo Bros. Sure enough, Kevin and Joe walk by. Joe even has his shirt off! They look at the girls and say "hello." The girls are too awestruck to take a photo, but they met Kevin and Joe. In the flesh. They had a conversation. Superficial, but it still counts. They could not have been happier!

So, that is as close as we got to the Jo Bros this time around. But, it was enough.



How cool! What a great memory for them...and one that will last a lifetime. Sound's like the girls have great parents who go that extra mile to bring joy to them! :thumbsup2

[Tri-circle-D]

TCD-Thanks for sharing!! As a mom of 3 girls, I can definitely appreciate your time, patience and persistence to help your girls meet all of these Disney Channel Stars! I have a feeling we'll be there next year during this time! :rolleyes1 DD9 will totally enjoy these pics! If you don't mind sharing tips, I'd love to find out more in a pm! :goodvibes

Looking forward to more updates from the Fort...wow, things have changes just since our visit a few weeks ago!! I LOVE the new activities calendar! :thumbsup2


Actually, it did not require a whole lot of time, patience and persistence. I pretty much just provided the transportation, and the girls did the sleuthing work. A lot of times, I was sitting someplace comfortable, keeping an eye on things, and talking to other parents doing the same thing. It was fun seeing who we were going to meet. I didn't know the names of most of these "stars," but as I said, it was a BIG DEAL to the DD's.

I do have tips on what I learned, but I suspect that things will be done differently next year. They probably could have used a little more security, and I suspect that they will beef things up next year.

Not that it will stop us! ;)

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

How cool! What a great memory for them...and one that will last a lifetime. Sound's like the girls have great parents who go that extra mile to bring joy to them! :thumbsup2

I haven't even gotten to the memorable part yet. I have a long story to tell about our quest to be in the front row of 3500+ fans who were lucky enough to receive general admission tickets to the "lawn" area of the field for the concert on Saturday night.

Do you think TCD was able to pull it off?

And, things did not end up the way we thought they would.

It is quite a story.

I will share more later.

TCD

[happy_redhead]

OMGOSH TCD....you're driving me nuts! I love the way you tell a story! You definately need to do some writing for somebody!

[We4mickey]

Actually, it did not require a whole lot of time, patience and persistence. I pretty much just provided the transportation, and the girls did the sleuthing work. A lot of times, I was sitting someplace comfortable, keeping an eye on things, and talking to other parents doing the same thing. It was fun seeing who we were going to meet. I didn't know the names of most of these "stars," but as I said, it was a BIG DEAL to the DD's.

I do have tips on what I learned, but I suspect that things will be done differently next year. They probably could have used a little more security, and I suspect that they will beef things up next year.

Not that it will stop us! ;)

TCD

I wonder where they got so good at sleuthing? Great pictures and comments as usual. We're patiently waiting for the rest, don't keep us hanging!

[Tri-circle-D]

So, have you heard about the new Disney Channel movie, Camp Rock?

It is this summer's answer to High School Musical.

It premiers on June 20th (only 44 more days!)

Here is a link to the official web site for the uninformed:

http://tv.disney.go.com/disneychannel/originalmovies/camprock/index.html

While waiting to enter the Disney Channel Games concert on Saturday night, I turned around to find a man with a press badge. It was Hal Boedeker, who writes for the Orlando Sentinel. Ironically, I had been reading Hal's blog to get information on the Disney Channel Games. I said hello to Hal, and he struck up a conversation with my DD's. He was a great guy. He wanted to know their opinions about the Miley Cyrus "scandal." While we were waiting there, the sound checks were going on, and he kept asking the girls to tell him who was singing each song. He also told them that he had already seen Camp Rock, and while, in his opinion, it is not as good as High School Musical, he expects it to be a big hit.

Here is a photo of the cast of Camp Rock:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/378px-Camp_Rock_Cast.jpg

Can you believe that they were all sitting there by the little lake in front of the Bike Barn like that?

JK- I swiped this photo from another site.

But, I posted it to show you the main characters in the movie. We met them all, and have photos of most of them:

First up- Demi Lovato. She plays the lead female in the movie. She also sang at the concert on Saturday night. She can really sing. Rumor is that she is the next Miley Cyrus. I think she will be a household name by this summer:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez007.jpg

Next, is Meaghan Jett Martin. Hal Boedeker says she has a huge part in the movie. She plays the villain/mean girl. Ironically, she was one of the nicest people the DD's met all week:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez004-1.jpg

She will be a big name this year, too. She was the co-host of the concert, and will be all over the Disney Channel soon.

Next up is Alyson Stoner. You may recognize her as the little sister, Sally, from Mike's Super Short Show, which used to play on the Disney Channel. She also had a role in Cheaper by the Dozen:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez007-2.jpg

She, also, was very sweet. She spent a lot of time speaking to her fans.

This next young lady is Anna Maria Perez de Tagle. She has a small role on Hannah Montana (she is Ashley of Amber and Ashley). A very shy and quiet girl:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez006-1.jpg

We do not have photos of the other cast members, but the DD's met each of them during the week.

We are looking forward to the premier of Camp Rock.

Next up- another DC star.

TCD

[PolynesianPixie]

That is all so cool! I've been sharing these pics with my DDs and they are trying like mad to get us to take them next year!!!!!:goodvibes

[Shannone1]

That is all so cool! I've been sharing these pics with my DDs and they are trying like mad to get us to take them next year!!!!!:goodvibes

Mine are too. Thanks ALOT TCD!! :eek:

[Tri-circle-D]

That is all so cool! I've been sharing these pics with my DDs and they are trying like mad to get us to take them next year!!!!!:goodvibes

Mine are too. Thanks ALOT TCD!! :eek:


I've got to tell you- it actually was a lot of fun. According to Hal Boedeker, the Orlando Sentinel reporter, they are already planning for next year.

TCD

[PolynesianPixie]

I've got to tell you- it actually was a lot of fun. According to Hal Boedeker, the Orlando Sentinel reporter, they are already planning for next year.

TCD

Well when Hal fills you in, you fill us in, ok?:laughing:

[Tri-circle-D]

While I do have more Disney Channel Games stuff to report, including the long Concert saga story (a.k.a. why I am now Dad of the Century), let's go back to some Fort stuff, and come back to the D.C. Games in a while.

On my last visit, I noticed that the cast members at the front desk had a new map that they were using. There is only one at each station, and it is laminated. I asked if I could have one, and the cast member said they are for front desk use only.

On this visit, I asked if I could take a photo of the map. The cast member said, sure, why not . . .

So, here it is:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez046.jpg

I like this map. It has the various loops colored: Orange is preferred, Green full, Purple partial, and Red cabins. It also clearly designates the pet loops. Makes things pretty simple, doesn't it?

TCD

[OK GRUMPY]

I like that map too!:thumbsup2

[Colson39]

You mean you don't like this one from 1978??? lol ;)

http://www.title-3.com/images/1978FWResortGuideMapTop.gif

[Colson39]

BTW, if you're wondering where I got that from, I found a website that a guy scanned a bunch of old Fort Wilderness documentation....

http://www.title-3.com/FWScans.htm

you can see lots of brochures, maps, and pamphlets from the mid to late 70's there, pretty cool flash back ;) Well, I was only a youngster at the time, but still cool. Gotta love the Marshmallow Marsh!!

[Tri-circle-D]

BTW, if you're wondering where I got that from, I found a website that a guy scanned a bunch of old Fort Wilderness documentation....

http://www.title-3.com/FWScans.htm

you can see lots of brochures, maps, and pamphlets from the mid to late 70's there, pretty cool flash back ;) Well, I was only a youngster at the time, but still cool. Gotta love the Marshmallow Marsh!!


I was wondering where that map came from. I love that 70's style artwork! Groovy!

BTW- that website is the site of disboard member Tim5055.

Now, back to the TR.

Here is a photo of the roof replacement going on at the Meadows Trading Post:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez044.jpg

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

And here are some photos of the equipment you see all over the Fort these days:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez049.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez048.jpg

You would think from the looks of things that there isn't much clearing left to do, but they are keeping at it!

TCD

[the5coops]

TCD, Did you notice that purple bus line now goes on the same street as the orange and then turns towards the cabins? Maybe I missed someone posting this change. We decided to take the bus from the Settlement to the Outpost to get our internet box and jumped on a purple bus. I was surprised when it turned to go down toward the Meadows.

Shelley

[Tri-circle-D]

TCD, Did you notice that purple bus line now goes on the same street as the orange and then turns towards the cabins? Maybe I missed someone posting this change. We decided to take the bus from the Settlement to the Outpost to get our internet box and jumped on a purple bus. I was surprised when it turned to go down toward the Meadows.

Shelley

No. We had a golf cart the whole time, so we never rode the internal buses this trip. I think the Purple bus going down the main drag was something that changed around January of this year. I do think I saw a bus with a sign printed off of a computer that said "Orange Cabins." It looked like maybe it was a test or something. As you know, the Fort was relatively empty during the week, and it looked like the buses were spread out a lot more than at busy times.

TCD

[Goingtoseethemouse]

I am just havin a ball reading your posts! Ok...now some questions...... How did you get into the games? Did they sell tickets...when? Where?? My kids would love to go next year!!!!! I wonder if passholders can get in using their passes?...How did you get all of the pics? WOW!!! Did you see any of the new loops?

Keep up the posts!

Leyla

[Tri-circle-D]

I am just havin a ball reading your posts! Ok...now some questions...... How did you get into the games? Did they sell tickets...when? Where?? My kids would love to go next year!!!!! I wonder if passholders can get in using their passes?...How did you get all of the pics? WOW!!! Did you see any of the new loops?

Keep up the posts!

Leyla

The games were free and open to anyone. They were at the Wide World of Sports Complex. Here is a link to the official site- there was not much more information provided than this. http://www.dcgames2008.com/

The concert required tickets. Sometime in March, there was an announcement on the Passholder section of the Disney Website that said passholders could e-mail ticket requests. I sent an e-mail, and got a reply back telling me that we could claim six tickets, which is what we did. I know that after the passholder offer expired, the general public could request tickets, too. These went fast. From what I hear, this is different than how it was done last year, so it could change again.

We got the pictures by doing a lot of stalking. The girls networked with other girls, and we tried to be in the right place at the right time. Being a resort guest helped a lot. With a parking pass, and resort ID, you can go just about anywhere you want on property with no questions asked.

There aren't any "new loops" yet. There was still survey work being done, and I did see a crew putting new cable lines in the 1400 loop (which already has cable), but no work on new sites yet.

TCD

[tim5055]

BTW, if you're wondering where I got that from, I found a website that a guy scanned a bunch of old Fort Wilderness documentation....

http://www.title-3.com/FWScans.htm

you can see lots of brochures, maps, and pamphlets from the mid to late 70's there, pretty cool flash back ;) Well, I was only a youngster at the time, but still cool. Gotta love the Marshmallow Marsh!!Wow, I must not post enough.... Colson dosn't know who I am:sad2:

[OK GRUMPY]

Colson & Tim Loved those pictures. That was really Cool!:cheer2:

[Colson39]

Wow, I must not post enough.... Colson dosn't know who I am:sad2:

lol, I know who you are, I didn't know that was your website!! To be honest, I just found it in a random search, I didn't even really pay attention to who's site it was :goodvibes

[Tri-circle-D]

Let me clear out a few other photos of the Disney Channel Stars.

There was a Disney Channel Movie on earlier this year called Minutemen.

The female lead was played by Chelsea Staub.

She also will have the lead female role in the new series J.O.N.A.S., which stars the Jonas Brothers as a group of spies. Sounds good.

Here is Chelsea:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez030-1.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez024.jpg

Chelsea loved the Smokin' Oken doll:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez025.jpg

Probably not a lot of you know her now, but she will be big once J.O.N.A.S. premiers.

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

Here's a nice Fort photo for balance:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez001.jpg

I always enjoy having to stop for the horses!

TCD

[ynottony99]

Wow, as ususal great report!!! I want to go to FW with you sometime!!!!

Man I would love to get a copy of that map. I don't know what I would do with it. Maybe I could check off the sites I have been in, or use it to plan where I want to go next.

I love maps. I love FW. I want a copy of this map!!!!

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez033-1.jpg

[Tri-circle-D]

Wow, as ususal great report!!! I want to go to FW with you sometime!!!!

Man I would love to get a copy of that map. I don't know what I would do with it. Maybe I could check off the sites I have been in, or use it to plan where I want to go next.

I love maps. I love FW. I want a copy of this map!!!!

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez033-1.jpg

Tony- This is part of the permit for the new DVC kiosk. The papers were just sitting there in a little bag attached to the building. I took them out to inspect them (had to make sure everything was being built to code and see what the heck this was all about), snapped a quick photo, and put them back. It is a pretty cool document. It has all of the sites marked, as well as the footprints for all the buildings.

Chances are that you and I will be at the Fort together sometime, and we can compare notes over a cold one at Crockett's! :thumbsup2

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

On my trip in early April, I observed and reported on some work that was being done at the far end of the pet walk area along the canal that is accessed trough the 1500, 1600 and 1800 loops. The workers were clearing out a pathway with a tractor and wood chipper.

This is a link to the area that I am talking about (I still can't figure out how to get the image off of that website):
http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=28.40248~-81.553584&style=h&lvl=17&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=27657487&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1

On this trip, I re-visited the area, to find that the banks of the little canal are cleared out:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez038-1.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez039.jpg


Why in the world would they go to the trouble of cleaning this area out like this? This area is far from the closest loops (1700 and 1900 loops).

Well, I didn't realize it, but this canal actually starts somewhere close to the 1900 loop. While conducting my normal surveillance, I saw a big piece of equipment back in the woods behind the 1900 loop:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez008.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez006.jpg

You can kind of see the tractor through the woods from the actual camp sites. You can see the concrete slab of one of the sites in this photo:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez007-1.jpg

Here's a look at the work being done:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez005.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez004.jpg

As I have already mentioned, it is amazing to me that so much work is being done at the Fort. For years, it seemed like the Fort was being ignored, and was slowly rotting away. Now, work is going on everywhere! I don't know why they would go to the trouble of cleaning out this canal to the extent that they are. But, if you click on the link above, you will see that there is easily enough room between the 1800 and 1900 loops and this canal for another two loops. This area is SWAMPY (capital letters are for emphasis), but maybe if they get it drained out with a good canal system, who knows? Why else go to the effort of cleaning out the canal like they are?

TCD

[BigDaddyRog]

This is a link to the area that I am talking about (I still can't figure out how to get the image off of that website):
http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=28.40248~-81.553584&style=h&lvl=17&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=27657487&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1


TCD...Use your "print screen" key...then open up your paint program, go to edit..and hit paste, then crop accordingly....

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t296/dj_bigdaddyrog/tcd.jpg

[Colson39]

Good find Rog!! I never even thought to put the street names on it

[Tri-circle-D]

Thank you, Rog and Chris- I think that I have this figured out now, although I will need to work on my technique. Anyhow, here is an annotated map that shows the 1600-1900 loops. I drew the possible location of new loops in red, and I marked the two places where the photos in my post above were taken with yellow squares. There is definitely room there for a couple of loops- isn't there?:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/FWmap.jpg

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

Man, it is taking a long time for me to finish this TR- let me post some more photos, so we can start to get things wrapped up.

First, the obligatory wildlife photos:

This photo was taken early in the morning down by the dock where they keep the boats for the fishing excursions:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez019-1.jpg

Here is a woodpecker:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez052.jpg

No deer photos on this trip. It used to be a rare thing for me to see a deer, now I think that I have seen at least one on every trip. Same thing with the turkeys.

TCD

[3gr8kids]

Thank you, Rog and Chris- I think that I have this figured out now, although I will need to work on my technique. Anyhow, here is an annotated map that shows the 1600-1900 loops. I drew the possible location of new loops in red, and I marked the two places where the photos in my post above were taken with yellow squares. There is definitely room there for a couple of loops- isn't there?:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/FWmap.jpg

TCD


TCD ~ there certainly looks like plenty of room for a couple of loops. Do you think instead of 2 new loops, they are thinking of maybe a new themed Ft. Wilderness pool area/water park (a la River Country)??? That would be kind of cool, too. In your opinion, is there enough land in that area for something like that? Just wondering/dreaming.

[Tri-circle-D]

How many cast members does it take to move a picnic table from one site to another?

Just one . . .

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez003.jpg

I'm not sure what this was all about-but this fellow was using this big fork lift to carry a picnic table from one site to another on the 1900 loop.

TCD

[3gr8kids]

How many cast members does it take to move a picnic table from one site to another?

Just one . . .

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez003.jpg

I'm not sure what this was all about-but this fellow was using this big fork lift to carry a picnic table from one site to another on the 1900 loop.

TCD

He's a guest staying in site 1508 and that big yellow thing is his "golf cart" :lmao:

[Tri-circle-D]

TCD ~ there certainly looks like plenty of room for a couple of loops. Do you think instead of 2 new loops, they are thinking of maybe a new themed Ft. Wilderness pool area/water park (a la River Country)??? That would be kind of cool, too. In your opinion, is there enough land in that area for something like that? Just wondering/dreaming.

Sure- there is plenty of room, but I can't imagine a water park being put back there, when the River Country location is still in place and undeveloped. As I already mentioned, it is really swampy back there, and it would take some serious drainage infrastructure to put anything back there. I think one of the problems with River Country was that it was hard to get to- i.e. no parking lot. This area would be even worse, IMHO.

Also, I don't really expect that they would be putting in new loops, just yet, but this is a possible location for expansion.

I am just wondering why the work is being done in this area now. It could just be deferred maintenance on the existing drainage system to try to remedy all of the standing water that is so obvious now that most of the brush and undergrowth has been cleared.

TCD

[RvUsa]

Ever tried to pick one of those suckers up, you need a fork lift. LOL

In all the stuff I have read about the fort, I haven't seen anything about new loops, just updating existing loops. They aren't doing anything to the 1600-1900 loops because of the wetlands, So I wonder if they are allowed to do anything where you have the new loops marked?

Great TR as always TCD. You make my day when I see these.

[Tri-circle-D]

In all the stuff I have read about the fort, I haven't seen anything about new loops, just updating existing loops. They aren't doing anything to the 1600-1900 loops because of the wetlands, So I wonder if they are allowed to do anything where you have the new loops marked?



Yes, you are right about that. This area is wetlands. I have not heard anything about adding loops, but it would make sense for them to do so at some point-more revenue to help recoup all of the money being laid out on the improvements.

TCD

[PanFanAL]

I would imagine with all of the clearing, they will be dealing with more rain runoff. The underbrush before would have stopped some of this. So they are probably going to increase the size of the drainage canals. Or at least clear out around them to allow the runoff water to reach the canals.

[TxTink :)]

He's a guest staying in site 1508 and that big yellow thing is his "golf cart" :lmao:

Love it! :laughing:

[ynottony99]

Thank you, Rog and Chris- I think that I have this figured out now, although I will need to work on my technique. Anyhow, here is an annotated map that shows the 1600-1900 loops. I drew the possible location of new loops in red, and I marked the two places where the photos in my post above were taken with yellow squares. There is definitely room there for a couple of loops- isn't there?:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/FWmap.jpg

TCD

I don't know if I missed it or not, but what path did you take to get back there to get those photos???? If you can tell us........

[Tri-circle-D]

I don't know if I missed it or not, but what path did you take to get back there to get those photos???? If you can tell us........

Tony- You can get out to this area from the 1500, 1600 or 1800 loops. There is access to the grass walkway area by the canal from all of these loops. This is the pet walk area for the 1600 and 1800 loops. Once you get out to the canal, you will see the Osprey Ridge golf course off in the distance (I think that is south, or to your right, as you face the canal)- just walk along the canal. A ways past the 1800 loop, you will see a gate. There is a sign on the gate that says "No Pets Beyond This Point." It doesn't say anything about people ;) . When you are at the gate, you will see a concrete drive, and the canal in this photo will be on your right:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez038-1.jpg

I never had been back to this area much, but it is a very pleasant and peaceful place in the Fort.

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

For those of you still following along, I still have a few more photos from my most recent trip.

This one falls in the category of What the Heck?

This photo was taken around noon on Friday, May 2.

We were at the campsite, getting ready to head out for another adventure, when this fellow came soaring by:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez054.jpg

Yes, that is a Loyal Order of Water Buffaloes hat. Also, be sure to notice the tights and cape. This guy just came by once. I guess he was on his way to fight crime somewhere else in the Fort. Goes to show you, you never know what is going to be coming around the loop next.

You will note the empty camp sites. This photo was taken from our site, 1427. The sites across from us and next to us all emptied out on Friday morning. There were a lot of open spaces at the Fort. So, if you are looking for a less crowded time, the last week of April, first week of May (before Mother's Day weekend), is an excellent time to visit.

TCD

[BigDaddyRog]

Yes, that is a Loyal Order of Water Buffaloes hat.
TCD
Yaba Daba Dooooooooo!!!!http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t296/dj_bigdaddyrog/fred.jpg

[ynottony99]

Yaba Daba Dooooooooo!!!!http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t296/dj_bigdaddyrog/fred.jpg

So that was Rog on the skate board??!!

[BigDaddyRog]

LOL....I'd never wear my blue tights with my red cape AND my LodgeHat!!!! Thats just fashion suicide!!!

[VACAMPER]

That's to funny. You must have your camera on you 24/7. You should really write a book on your fort experiences.

[des1954]

TCD-

You really put together the very BEST reports!! I think I speak for all when I say that no one knows FtW like you do! I've been going there since the early 70's, and you alway surprise me with new things!!:thumbsup2

Keep up the great work, and thank you!:worship:

[Tri-circle-D]

TCD-

You really put together the very BEST reports!! I think I speak for all when I say that no one knows FtW like you do! I've been going there since the early 70's, and you alway surprise me with new things!!:thumbsup2

Keep up the great work, and thank you!:worship:

Debbie- That is very kind of you to say. Thank you. I have learned a thing or two about the Fort over the past few years, but my experiences only date back to the mid 90's, so I don't even know what I don't know.

And, I still have never seen an otter at the Fort!

For those of you still following along, stay tuned. I am working on my longest post to date!

TCD

[Eeyore'sthebest]

Thanks for the report but did I miss the concert story??
I have to show these to my DD8. She will flip out over all the Disney Channel stars your girls got to meet.

Oh and tell your DD's that the JoBros are really nice according to my niece. She went to a small concert with them and got to hug all 3 of them. It was a hot, humid day and the concert was outside. She won't let my Dsis wash her shirt. It was almost a year ago now and thing is kinda stinky!!:rotfl2:

[des1954]

And, I still have never seen an otter at the Fort! TCD

We were at FtW on 5/10 just long enough to sit on the porch, enjoy a soda, and then hop the boat to the MK. I saw an otter pop its head out of the water just off the point of Discovery Island (the CR end)!! (Not an "otter pop" - the frozen treat.... an otter's head pop out of the water- just wanted to clear that up before it went south! :rotfl2: )

[Tri-circle-D]

Well, I guess I have put this off long enough. Some tales need to be told. So it is with the longest 24 hours of my life. This is the story of the adventures of the TCD gang at the Disney Channel Games Concert on Saturday, May 3, 2008.

For those of you following along, the Disney Channel Games are events which have been taped for the past two years, for broadcast on the Disney Channel during the summer. The events are taped at the Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World. The teams are composed of the “stars” from the Disney Channel TV shows, such as Hannah Montana, Cory in the House, Suite Life with Zach and Cody, Wizards of Waverly Place, etc. The games are filmed during the week, and then a concert is held on Saturday night to close things out.

This year, the talent line up for the concert included the Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, The Cheetah Girls, Demi Lovato, and Jordan Pruitt. The concert is FREE! Tickets must be applied for in advance. This year, tickets were offered to WDW annual passholders. Passholders were required to send a request via e-mail, and e-mails were then sent back confirming ticket availability. We applied early, and received an e-mail telling us that we would have to pick our tickets up in person at the Wide World of Sports Complex during the week of April 27th. We could choose between field seats (opportunity to be close to stage, but standing and general admission) or assigned seats in the stands. The TCD girls chose field tickets, and that is what we got. The ticket pick-up process was painless.

Since the Jonas Brothers would be performing at this concert, it was imperative to the TCD DD’s to be as close to the stage as possible. Thus, when we picked up our tickets, the DD’s interrogated the ticket agent about when ticket holders would be allowed to begin lining up. A letter was included in the envelope with the tickets telling us that the parking lot to the Wide World of Sports Complex would not open until 4 pm, and that the doors would not open until 7 pm for the concert. The concert was scheduled to begin at 8 pm. That sounded reasonable to me. There had been talk amongst the girls of arriving at 6 am to line up for the concert. I was glad to hear that was not going to be necessary.

But, all was not as it appeared. The DD’s networked during the week with other members of “Team Jonas.” There were girls planning to line up in cars to get into the parking lot, sleeping in cars if necessary. There was another rumor that WDW Resort Guests would be allowed into the complex early to line up. There was more information still that suggested that he Wide World of Sports Complex was going to be open for business as usual all day on Saturday, and that the parking lot would not be closed at all. What to do?
We went back to the Wide World of Sports ticket window. There was a castmember there who seemed knowledgeable. He said that people with their own transportation could be dropped off at the complex to begin lining up for the concert before 4 pm. How much before? He was cagey about that answer, but he said that the previous year, girls were lined up by 6 am. He did mention that they were contemplating giving out color coded wrist bands to people arriving for the concert, so they would not have to wait in line all day. He wasn’t sure about that, though. So, the girls did more networking, and heard that some girls were planning to arrive as early as 5 am.

This all sounded kind of sketchy to me. Why line up at 5 am for an 8 pm concert? It had been hot and sunny all week. The place where the girls were going to wait was right out in the elements. How could they sit out in the sun all day? But, the girls insisted that this is what they wanted to do. This was their chance to see the Jonas Brothers up close! They could be in the front row. But, someone had to be the parent here. I said I didn’t think it was a good idea. They insisted. They were persistent. They were relentless. They wore me down. I agreed- we would go early to get in line. But, let’s be reasonable. We talked about it. They wanted to be there by 4 am. I said no way. Same routine. I caved.

So, at 3:15, on May 3 the alarm on my watch went off. I had not slept well, because I was afraid that I would sleep through the alarm. I announce that it is time to go. The girls get ready in record time, and we are in the car and heading out of the Fort by 3:30. It is pretty quiet around the Fort at 3:30. As we drove out, we saw lots of deer, armadillos, and rabbits. No other people were up. It was dead quiet.

We started driving in to the Wide World of Sports Complex at about 3:45. There were portable signs installed which said “Sports Complex Closed”! There was a Security truck parked next to one of the signs. I was on a mission. I kept driving. The security truck began to follow. He did not put on his lights or anything. He just followed. I kept going. We made it all the way to the drop of area at the sports complex. The guard pulled up next to me, and motioned for me to roll down my window. I contemplated telling the girls to jump out and make a run for it, but I resisted that urge. The guard asks what I’m doing there (as if he didn’t already know). I tell him that we want to get in line for the concert. He says sorry, but the complex is closed until 6 am, and we must leave. Bummer. We got up at 3:15 for nothing! So we drive away. As we traverse the complex’s big parking lot, we see some cars parked. The guard is nowhere to be seen. We pull in next to those cars, and kill the lights. Maybe we can be the first ones here when the complex opens? We sit for a few minutes. It seems like a good plan (although it is now 4 am, and we are looking at maybe waiting 2 hours in the car).

Then we see him. Another guard is patrolling the parking lot. He is heading toward us. I yell “duck!” and we all crouch down. The guard drives by. We all decide that we need to stay down. This is not real comfortable. After about 10 minutes, the complaining starts. Some DD’s want to leave. Others insist that we must stay. I have to make a decision. I say that we need to go back to the Fort and try to go back to sleep. We will come back at 6 am. This is not a popular decision, but there was no way we were going to make it for two hours in the car. So we head out.

When we are almost back to the Fort, my oldest DD’s phone rings. It is not quite 5 am! One of her new-found peeps is calling with the 411. They had just left the Wide World of Sports Complex, and had been issued wristbands! Impossible! I said. How could that possibly be true-we had just left there? These girls must be playing some cruel prank. I made the girls go back to the camper, and told them that we would go back to sleep until 6 am. We all lay down. Then I heard it. One DD was softly crying. She was so disappointed. She thought other girls were getting wristbands, and that we were missing out. So, I caved again.

It is a little after 5 am. Back in the car. Back to the Wide World of Sports Complex. Same signs. No Guards! We drive up to the same spot. The girls get out, and walk up the sidewalk a little. There are people seated at a table off in the distance. They run! At the table, we find two friendly castmembers with a pile of wristbands. They say that they have been here since 4 am. They don’t know why the guards were turning folks away, but that they heard they were. So, they saved us some wristbands to be in the front of the line. These were the red wristbands. You also needed a gold wristband to be on the field. Right next to the table, there were areas roped off with signs indicating the color wristband needed to wait in that area. Red was first, then yellow, purple, and so on. The red area was the smallest. Only 100 red wristbands would be distributed. Each successive group would be bigger. There were going to be about 3700 people on the field. We were going to be in the group of the first 100 admitted!

So, yours truly was now a hero! The girls were beyond ecstatic! And, the best part was that we didn’t have to start waiting on line. We could arrive any time before 7, and enter the red waiting area!
It couldn’t be that easy, could it?

No, of course not. Even at that early hour. (It wasn’t even 6 yet), there were girls beginning to line up in the red wristband area. They were going to wait there all day, so they could be the first into the stadium, and be on the rail to see the Jo Bros! My DD’s wanted to do that to. I said, no way. Why wait for 13 hours when you are already going to be in the first 100 admitted? The girls agreed that maybe it would be a little boring sitting there all day, so we headed back to the Fort. The sun was just coming up.
We couldn’t go back to bed now. It was morning Extra Magic Hours at Hollywood Studios. Should we? Of course, we did. That was a bit unexpected, because it is pretty much impossible to get teenage girls to an Extra Magic Hour. We made it by 8, rode RNR a few times, and then tried to hit TOT. It was temporarily closed. The park was starting to get busy. So, we headed back to the Fort.

We hung out at the Fort for most of the day. I suggested that the girls nap, but that didn’t go over so well. They wanted to go get in line. I said wait. By 2 pm, I couldn’t hold them off any longer, so we headed out to the Wide World of Sports Complex. Got a great parking space. I packed a cooler full of water, and we brought a blanket and a couple big umbrellas. The girls got in the red waiting area. It was about 3 pm when we got situated. Four hours to go! The girls from 6 am were not looking so good. They were sunburned. They didn’t look so happy or full of life. But they were on the front of the line. The minutes passed by slowly. It was hot. It was sunny. But, you never heard so much chit chat. The girls in the red area were all pumped! They were the top dogs, and they were loving it!

The time passed real slowly. The girls went and grabbed a bite to eat in shifts. By about 6, the red area was getting crowded. Girls were not respecting each other’s personal space. The blanket and umbrellas had to go back to the car. There was a lot of speculation about when and how this group would be let in. There was definitely going to be an extensive bag search. No cameras or recording devices of any kind allowed. The girls decided to send all of their purses to the car. Now, they would not have to stop for a bag search. Maybe they could get in sooner.

We waited. All the way up until 7 pm. The crowd behind us was huge! We were in the front of the line, baby. Some security types came out, and started walking small groups from the red area up to the stadium. There was a little pushing, and a lot of jostling. We ended up in the third of fourth group of about 10 to go up through security and into the stadium. We were placed in two separate areas (stage right and stage left) to wait a little more. The excitement was palpable.

And then it was time! A little before 8, the line began to move. No running! Yeah, right. It was a stampede! Move or get stomped. We moved. We had to walk down stairs to get to the field. A castmember passed out glow sticks. We grabbed them and went. . . . . to . . . the front rail! Two DD’s grabbed the rail at the left corner of the stage. There were already folks on the rail up to that point (with black wristbands-where did they come from?). My older DD, and her friend, and I went to center stage. There was a row of young children up front, and then their parents, and then us. These black wristband folks were obviously Disney executives, and they got in before us lowlifes. But, we were three people back from the rail, and maybe 15 feet from the stage. We had arrived! We held our ground as throngs of people packed in beside and behind us. It was bedlam. There were no security guards to be seen. There was more pushing and jostling, but we held our ground.

The concert was about to begin!

But, did anyone notice that huge black cloud? The one directly overhead? Are you kidding me? It hadn’t rained all week. No rain was forecast today. But there it was, big, black and ominous. Directly above the stage!
The festivities began. The show began with the actor Brian Stepanek as the M.C. He plays Arwin on the Suite Life of Zach and Cody. No sooner did he come out and start talking, that the rain started. Slow at first, and then harder. Crew members were scrambling up on stage to cover equipment. We started to get wet. What if it began to lightning? Would we have to evacuate? There was no way that we would get our places back. Then it slowed down and stopped. They mopped the stage, and the show went on. Phew, that was close.

This whole production was being recorded for broadcast. So, the first thing they did was record each of the four teams accepting the fan’s choice trophy. I guess there will be a fan’s choice contest over the summer, and one team will be awarded the fan’s choice award. No one knows who that will be yet, so all four teams got filmed accepting it. Interesting.
As stated, cameras were not allowed. They announced this many times. But, for some reason camera phones were OK, and they did not stop people from using them. Here is a photo of Brian Stepanek that my DD took with her iphone. You can see the teams behind him. This is how close we were.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/m_7178f48dad8a27d6c6e0d3736f866dbe.jpg

There were four teams. The teams were identified with a color, and a team name. Blue was the Lightning, Red the Inferno, Yellow the Comets and Green the Cyclones. Blue was the only team without a Jonas. Poor blue team.
After the filming of the award acceptances, the concert is about to begin. Brian tells the crowd who will be performing. When he announces the JB’s, there is screaming like you have never heard before. Deafening! I have three DD’s, and I have heard a lot of screaming. But, not like this. I have never heard anything so loud. Anywhere. Anyplace.

And there was pushing! We kept getting pushed. A lot. Girls were being pulled over the front rail by security. My DD’s friend started to not look so good. She said she felt like she was going to faint. No. Not now. She started to shake a little. I told her to calm down and breathe. She said she was going to pass out. If it was my DD I might have told her to suck it up, but I didn’t want to have this girl pass out on me. So, I raised my hand. A guy the size of a small tank came over to the rail and asked what the problem was. I told him that this young lady felt like she was going to faint. Before I knew what happened, he pulled her over the rail. My DD went with her. He started to grab me. I told him that I would come around to where they were going to bring the girls.

Did you ever wonder where they take people who get pulled out of the front of a concert? Maybe to a nice back stage area to sit with the performers and eat the buffet? No, not quite. After wading through a sea of people, I found the girls on metal folding chairs off to the side of the field. There was one paramedic there. About 30 girls had been pulled from the audience already, and the concert had not yet really begun. Luckily, my DD’s friend felt better right away. What now? The seats in the stands were full, and we were at the back of the field.

I asked a castmember what we should do. She said, we could stay standing on the field, in the back of the crowd, or go to the upper deck where we might find some seats.

We went to the upper deck. We found some seats. We also found a concession stand. They were selling beer! Not so bad after all. The older girls ended up enjoying the concert from afar. They texted back and forth with the younger girls, who held their ground on the rail, and enjoyed the concert. Especially when Kevin Jonas jumped right in front of them, and gave them the thumbs-up.

Had we remained in place, I would have some good photos to share. But, since we were evacuated, I have nothing but this story.
Here are some photos someone else took:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/dcconcert.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/cgconcert.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/jbdemi.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/demijoe.jpg

So, what we learned is that sitting in the stands wasn’t so bad, and that there is a high price to pay to be in the front of a Jonas Broth
ers concert.
The concert itself was great. What a talented bunch of kids.

We got back to the campsite around midnight. No one had trouble sleeping that night.

And by caving in for about 24 hours, I am now the best dad in the universe. Just ask my girls.

TCD

[Eeyore'sthebest]

Very cool story TCD. I can't believe you got up at 3:15 in the morning!! You deserve a really cool Father's Day present! :thumbsup2

[Us3]

And by caving in for about 24 hours, I am now the best dad in the universe. Just ask my girls.

TCD

Wow, what a great story...thanks for sharing. And you said your trip didn't require a lot of patience! ;)

I can see my dh doing this with dd10 next year. However I think he'll start the show up in the top section closer to the concession stand w/ beer! :rotfl:

[TxTink :)]

WOW. Now that's an awesome story that you and your DD's will have forever. :thumbsup2 :banana: :hug: :grouphug:

[Tri-circle-D]

Very cool story TCD. I can't believe you got up at 3:15 in the morning!! You deserve a really cool Father's Day present! :thumbsup2

Wow, what a great story...thanks for sharing. And you said your trip didn't require a lot of patience! ;)

I can see my dh doing this with dd10 next year. However I think he'll start the show up in the top section closer to the concession stand w/ beer! :rotfl:

WOW. Now that's an awesome story that you and your DD's will have forever. :thumbsup2 :banana: :hug: :grouphug:


Wow! I can't believe that anyone read that long story.

Yes, we have the memories, but they are already planning for next year!

I'll bet Disney will change everything now that we have it semi-figured out.

I recommend the top section next to the concession stand (although the beers are 6 bucks a pop there).

Oh, and I have a few more photos to post, and this TR will be done!


TCD

[Marek 4]

What an amazing thing to do for your girls! BRAVO DAD!!!

[Goingtoseethemouse]

OK! I'm saving some vacation days for next year. We are passholders too and excited to be a part of this next year. I am just sad we missed it! Sounds like a blast! My kids would love it! CRazy but FUN!!!! GREAT STORY!!!!!!!!!
Leyla

[PolynesianPixie]

You ARE a hero!!!!!!:cheer2:

[clkelley]

Although it looks like fun, it makes me glad I had boys!!!

[LONE-STAR]

WOW I don't thank I could do that. But I don't have kids yet so it may be to soon to say never. TCD you must have some good girls to do all that for them. I guess the fainting friend became a good thing since you got a seat and a beer.

[des1954]

pixiedust: pixiedust: TCD...YOU DA MAN!!pixiedust: pixiedust:

[Tri-circle-D]

Although it looks like fun, it makes me glad I had boys!!!


LOL Carol!

You know, I always thought that I wanted a son.

A few years back, my girls were in a youth group at church. When we went to minature golf or whatever, the girls would go in one van, and the boys in another. Another dad had three sons. One time he drove the girls van, and I drove the boys. He said he could not believe the screaming! He didn't know how I did it. I said- what did you say? J/K. But seriously, no one has ever heard screaming like the girls scream at a JB concert- whoa!:scared1:

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

I guess the fainting friend became a good thing since you got a seat and a beer.

Good point. It all worked out in the end! :thumbsup2

TCD

[RvUsa]

Even though I wouldn't know a Jonas brother if he walked up to me and slapped me, I got to say, You are one cool Dad!!! And one Heck of a writer, I know myself and many others have said it, but you should write professionally!!!

[Tri-circle-D]

I remember there was a thread a while back that got pretty heated. The subject was whether or not there were speakers out behind the 300 loop that played music in sync to the MK fireworks. Several posters stated that they had watched the fireworks from this vantage point, and that they remember being able to hear the accompanying sound track.

I myself, recall watching the fireworks from this area, and hearing the narration and music to Wishes. It was coming from speakers somewhere in the area. This was back when Wishes first premiered, and we were on a hayride at the time. Based upon my recent inspection, I must conclude that these were portable speakers, or that they have been removed, because there are no speakers to be found.

First, let's review where I inspected:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/FWmap2.jpg

On this map, the red box in the lower right of the photo is the area where you can exit the 300 loop to walk toward the beach area. The next red box above it is the approximate area where I recall hearing music, and the next red box shows the far boundary of the area where I inspected.

I will tell you one thing- there is a lot of space in this area. Enough to put in some waterfront campsites. Wouldn't that be something.

This is what the area looks like from the ground. In the immediate foreground, you can see the FW marina, and off in the distance, Space Mountain:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez021.jpg

While I was enjoying my walk, a Segway tour snuck up on me! :

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez023-1.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez024-1.jpg

Although you can't see it in the photo, you can see the MK castle from here. The guide was telling this tour group (of two) about forced perspective. In the past, when I have seen one of these tours, it seemed like the guide was using in-helmet speakers to communicate. On this tour, the guide was using some type of a speaker that amplified his voice for everyone to hear. Kind of loud. Maybe they use both methods, depending on where they are on the tour?

One last photo of this group:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez067.jpg

The bottom line:

I looked very carefully. There are no speakers installed anywhere in this area.

TCD

[Colson39]

I remember when we used to hear them on the docks, that was the best :) Too bad they got rid of that, it used to be nice to sit and listen to the music while enjoying a drink from Crockett's...lol

Since people haven't heard the music for a while, they probably have removed them now, but according to cast members, at one time they were there. Too bad really :(

[ftwildernessguy]

Okay, I gotta confess. Whenever I am at the Fort, I hide in the bushes and narrate in my best Jiminy Cricket voice.

[Tri-circle-D]

Okay, I gotta confess. Whenever I am at the Fort, I hide in the bushes and narrate in my best Jiminy Cricket voice.


Ah ha!

Mystery solved!

I guess maybe I was getting a little close to blowing your cover, and you had to 'fess up.

TCD solves another Ft. Wilderness mystery! :thumbsup2

I am glad you cracked, because I was about to turn this case over to Water Buffalo Man. :rotfl2:

TCD

[2goofycampers]

Thanks for a great report, pics and the investigating work. I have some cool things to check out next time we are there.

[auntie]

Okay, I gotta confess. Whenever I am at the Fort, I hide in the bushes and narrate in my best Jiminy Cricket voice.

:rotfl2:

[Tri-circle-D]

Well, it's time to wrap this one up.

So, two final photos.

Clementine's Beach at sunrise:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez018.jpg

I love to visit the beach early in the morning. It is hard to believe that within a very short time, this place will explode with activity all day long.

The Settlement playground at sunrise:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/arodnite/Dcgamez020.jpg

That's it for this TR!

Right now, it looks like we won't be back to the Fort until September, and maybe not until October. :(

But, the good news is that there will be a lot of changes to report on by then. I just hope that there are some trees left!

Until next time . . . .

TCD

[BigDaddyRog]

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_1_75.gif

[TxTink :)]

Awesome- until next time... :thumbsup2

[goofymania101]

awesome trip report!
i auctually printed off the disney channel stars pages as a reference for next year!
:)

i am assuming you met most of them in the AKL lobby?

let me know if you have any more info about your encounters!
thanks!

[des1954]

TCD... you win the FtW Trip Report Pulitzer Award!!! I enjoy every TR that you do.

Can't wait for the next one!

[Gatordad]

I'm pissed at myself for not reading this sooner, way to go!

[IDoBelieveInFairies2]

TCD, I have a 13 year old DD and I fully appreciate all you did to make a wonderful memory for your girls! Outstanding report!!!:thumbsup2