Trip Reports - Comment Thread

[jhnsnfamily]

We are HOPEFULLY (I really really really want to) going to plan a trip to the Fort soon (2009 or 2010 maybe). We plan on visiting the Fort for a quick-see when we are there this summer. This is exactly what I was looking for! Thanks for taking the time to post your trip reports! :cheer2:

[auntie]

sounds like you had a nice relaxing trip..after a blustery start.;)

[LONE-STAR]

Just got back from Disney two weeks ago. We planned our trip last minute so we stayed at Polynesian for four nights and had a FW cabin reserved for our final two nights. When we checked in to FW Thursday at noon, they told us that we wouldn't have a room for our second night, despite having physical confirmation evidence. We obviously were quite upset and those emotions were further compounded when we were told that there were no rooms anywhere on Disney property and there was nothing they could do to accomodate us. They wouldn't even call other hotels.

Parallel to our experience, there was a large family there for a magical gathering that were being told there group (several cabins) would not be located near each other despite what their coordinator had promised them. The manager at FW told them that they shouldn't have been promised that and that they would speak to the people at magical gatherings. They had nothing to offer the large family and weren't even apologetic about the situation.

I'm in no way a Disney basher, I love the resorts and have no interest in ever staying off Disney property, I just found this experience to be terrible and disappointing and I hope it never happens again.

Man that stinks. That sure aint the Disney I grew up with. But it sounds like these problems are becoming more frequent. I hope they did something for you.

[terri01p]

Just got back from Disney two weeks ago. We planned our trip last minute so we stayed at Polynesian for four nights and had a FW cabin reserved for our final two nights. When we checked in to FW Thursday at noon, they told us that we wouldn't have a room for our second night, despite having physical confirmation evidence. We obviously were quite upset and those emotions were further compounded when we were told that there were no rooms anywhere on Disney property and there was nothing they could do to accomodate us. They wouldn't even call other hotels.

Parallel to our experience, there was a large family there for a magical gathering that were being told there group (several cabins) would not be located near each other despite what their coordinator had promised them. The manager at FW told them that they shouldn't have been promised that and that they would speak to the people at magical gatherings. They had nothing to offer the large family and weren't even apologetic about the situation.

I'm in no way a Disney basher, I love the resorts and have no interest in ever staying off Disney property, I just found this experience to be terrible and disappointing and I hope it never happens again.


So what ended up happening ? Where did you go , where did you stay ?

[HappyCamper87]

Sorry you had a bad experience. It happens everywhere but somehow when it happens at Disney it hurts a lot more. I hope they learn from the experience and make things better in the future.

Did you enjoy the Poly portion of the trip at least?

DH and I visited the resort last time we were there and it seemed to be a pretty relaxing place too.

Oops looks like I shouldn't have posted this here. Maybe moderator can delete. So sorry.

[Boomer1]

Just got back from Disney two weeks ago. We planned our trip last minute so we stayed at Polynesian for four nights and had a FW cabin reserved for our final two nights. When we checked in to FW Thursday at noon, they told us that we wouldn't have a room for our second night, despite having physical confirmation evidence. We obviously were quite upset and those emotions were further compounded when we were told that there were no rooms anywhere on Disney property and there was nothing they could do to accomodate us. They wouldn't even call other hotels.

Parallel to our experience, there was a large family there for a magical gathering that were being told there group (several cabins) would not be located near each other despite what their coordinator had promised them. The manager at FW told them that they shouldn't have been promised that and that they would speak to the people at magical gatherings. They had nothing to offer the large family and weren't even apologetic about the situation.

I'm in no way a Disney basher, I love the resorts and have no interest in ever staying off Disney property, I just found this experience to be terrible and disappointing and I hope it never happens again.

Having also had a negative Disney experience (not at FW) and having run my own business for several years I would recommend that you write a letter to Guest Services. They were very accommodating to us and turned a negative experience into a positive one. I believe the old saying in business is if you are happy tell others, if you are not please tell the business.

[Kimbere]

I've become addicted to reading trip reports...especially ones with the pics in them! :cool1:

I will be taking TONS Of pics on our trip and will do my TR when we return. Not going to have net access at the Fort. :sad2: I have my little notebook packed in our "parks" backpack and will be a documenting dork I'm sure! :lmao:

[carissanboys]

I've become addicted to reading trip reports...especially ones with the pics in them! :cool1:

I will be taking TONS Of pics on our trip and will do my TR when we return. Not going to have net access at the Fort. :sad2: I have my little notebook packed in our "parks" backpack and will be a documenting dork I'm sure! :lmao:

Having a notebook along is essential :thumbsup2 You forget details so quickly. Taking notes at the end of each day really helped me with writing my last TR.

[LONE-STAR]

Nice trip report other then being sick. If I ever write a trip report it will read like this.

Good trip wish I was still there. Yes that covers every trip we have ever made to WDW.

[BigDaddyRog]

Man...why is it that people are so high risk for illness at Disney...its crazy. Id LOVE to bribe a CM to take me to Property Controll...that sounds GREAT!!!
Great Report John.....oh, and I couldnt find the note you left for me in some thread...my eyes are crossing though, I may have skimmed right past it.

[bennythepug]

Well, I'll have a go at this--tho I'm backing up to our first trip in July, '06.

We left Central KY on a Sunday 7-9-06, (we being me, DH, DD, and DNeice) driving our Jeep towing our 96 Jayco pop-up. First big trip with the camper. No problems other than our Jeep only got about 10mpg! Drove thru to Lake City, FL and stayed overnight at motel. We like Lake City as a stopover *** you can kind of sleep late (10ish) in the a.m., and still make it to WDW by 1 or 2--much easier driving on day 2.

We got up and went and got groceries at a store I can't remember--I thought it was too expensive though and won't go back there. It was a chain store.

Arrived at FW about 1:30--we were so excited. Check in was an absolute breeze. We had requested loop 1500 which we got--site 1503 to be exact. It was way easy to get into--very roomy. Our camper has 2 awnings-one of which is a screen room. Plenty of room for both, plus room for the site's picnic table, grill etc.

Took a long time to set up.(It took way longer than I thought it would.) About a hour into it we went over to the bike barn and got our golf cart--which I highly recommend! Oh SO MUCH fun!
Kids checked out the pool and arcade while me and DH finished. I had planned to cook a big meal--steaks and fixins--which I did about 9 p.m. I learned my lesson tho. Too much work on set up day. We will eat at Trails End on day 1 from now on.

Tues-7/10--up EARLY for way cool boat ride to MK. Had reservations at Cinderellas Royal Table. Very nice. Park was great as usual--not very crowded--hot but not too hot. Rain of course in the afternoon. At supper had res. at Chef Mickey's. Character meals great--but this next trip not gonna do again--takes up a lot of your time (and money). Kids getting older now anyway. Closed down the park after fireworks. Took boat back to FW and fell into bed.
(Note--the comfort station was right next door to us--no noise or odor--very clean, never had to wait one single time for toilet, sink, or shower. Also did laundry a couple of times. Bring your own stuff and some quarters. Had one machine that didn't work and ate our quarters. Drove cart to guest services and they nicely refunded us.)

Wed--we slept late and then went to Epcot World showcase. Very nice day in spite of lots of rain. Back to camp late again.

Thurs--Slept a little late and then went to AK. VERY hot this day. Waited in stand-by for Everest. Worth it of course--DH and I decided that they could take you to the TOP of Everest and drop you to the ground and after waiting for so long, we wouldn't care.

Went back to camp about 5--went to Trails End and got a pizza and enjoyed their air conditioning. (Do not camp in Florida in July without an AC on your camper.) After supper, did some laundry, tidied up, showered, read, relaxed. NOW we're having MY kind of vacation.

Friday went to MGM--best day we had. No big crowds, weather perfect. Went back to camp after Fantasmic (which is NOT to be missed BTW).

Sat, 7/15 was my favorite day. Campground Day! We let the girls sleep in and we drove our cart (did I say this was SO MUCH FREAKIN FUN) down to Trails End and had a quiet b-fast--just the 2 of us. Goofed around. Went swimming. (Must buy souvenir refillable mug--can be filled w/coffee, tea, soda at Trails End and pool bar.) Refilled mug often. After swim--dad stayed in camper to watch a movie (aka napping) while me and girls hopped a bus for DD. It was pretty but after I bought some stuff and came back, I realized that everything I bought there was available at the 2 trading post stores at FW--which are really fun and nice, BTW. Next time I will not waste any on my time going to DD.

If you are bird watchers/critter lovers like we are then you will love the Fort. I saw so many birds, herons,ibis, bunnies, lizzrards, armadillos..can't even remember all the critters. Loved it! Take you camera and your binoculars!

Had supper at Trails End about 6. Girls went to playground. We walked around the Marina area. All went to beach for sunset which was stunning. Electic light parade thing was way fun too. Just fun to people watch and boat watch. We then took in the MK fireworks, the back for showers and bed. What a great day.

Sunday 7/16--went back for other end of Epcot. This day was just too hot to be imagined. No fast passes available for anything we wanted to see such as Soarin'. Ended up leaving about 3 or 4.

Kids went swimming again. We went to the campfire sing-a-long. Girls didn't want to watch the movie so they went to the arcade while the old folks began prepping to leave.:(

Would have gotten a lot more done if we could have stopped looping around in the cart! I swear--that was so fun--have I mentioned that??

Got up about 8 and finished loading and stowing--pulled out of 1503 by 10:30. We had a great week but wished we could have stayed longer.

We are going back again this July. 22 y.o. daughter going back with us too. Other DD is now 14 so won't have to be so closely watched.

My goals? WAY more campground time. What you read on this forum and in the guide books is 100% true. You could go to FW and never leave it and have a great time. There is a lot to see and do here.

1503--will definately request again. Great site.
No character meals.
I will not rush anywhere.
Gonna skip downtown Disney.
Not cooking the first night there.
Gonna sit more.
Gotta get a cart again!
Gonna ride said cart on every single loop and scope out other future great sites.
Gonna walk around FW more.
If its not too hot, would like to rent a canoe.
Thats about it. If this thread is still active when we get back, I will bore you with another report. I haven't figured out yet how to put pics on here but my daughter probably knows, so maybe I'll get her to do it.

Hope someone reads and enjoys this. We had a blast! See ya at the Fort!

we were there in July '06 also...in a pop up with no air conditioning too :thumbsup2 :rotfl: see, your not the only crazy ones.
enjoyed your report

[Shan-man]

Deleted to re-post with pictures.

[Shan-man]

Really enjoyed the report disney4dan! It was nice to commiserate about dump station trials, of which I've had plenty, and even dump station arguments with DW! I thought we were the only ones to wrangle over such petty things! Also love the fact that you too hit the Earl upon arrival and last thing before departure... that is exactly my plan! Arrive to WDW before check-in and enjoy a little DTD and the Earl. Then, not wanting to leave after check-out we look for some last minute souvenirs at DTD and one last Earl for the road. Priceless!

[Shannone1]

A little late, but wanted to get a trip report down for our stay at the Fort in early August 08.

Hope you all enjoyed the post. Please take small children by the hand and check for your belongings before exiting the ride :thumbsup2 .

Sounds like a great trip :thumbsup2 I have Earl of Sandwich on my list because of all of the great reviews from the posters here. I also have a picky eater and it's nice when they can accomodate them.


Thought I'd throw in my TR to the fun reminiscing going on around here. I am planning our trip for this Christmas so I thought what better way than to recollect last year!


Great pictures...thanks for sharing :)

[GoSox50]

LOVED your pictures..I feel like I'm living through your pics. Earl of Sandwich is always on our list to eat at. Wish there was on in MA.

[Shan-man]

Sure glad to hear you enjoyed your first FW trip! You'll have to add some pics to your report. ;)

[WeCampDisney]

Shan man, thanks for sharing your great pictures! I need to learn how to post pics too. Its just 10 weeks from friday night we leave east Texas for the Fort! I think we determined in an earlier post that we will be there at the same time, Dec 6-13 for us. We will probably be in the 1800 loop. Hope to see you there!

[chief19spixi]

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e147/wendyricker/Thanks_for_Sharing.jpg

[clkelley]

We just got home from our first trip to the Fort, we were so impressed we want to go back and just stay a few days in the Fort. We were pressed for time, but we enjoyed it the same. We can't wait to go back. We saw a few of the Mickey lamppost, my girlfriend now wants one for our trips there. We stayed at site 409, in our little Apache popup, and had plenty of room and too much fun.

You've got the bug now!! Welcome to our circus!!!!

[Born 2 Fish]

I LOVE yor pics Shan,,Really good stuff ! Only thing better than reminiscing with last seasons pics are making pics for the new memories.:thumbsup2

[2goofycampers]

popcorn::

[Tri-circle-D]

Ooooooooookay, a “trip report”. Hopefully some of this may help people thinking of taking the long drive down, and for people who are new to Disney or, like me, haven’t been there in decades. Also, I am not sure how long this trip report will turn out to be, so bear with me. I tried to include some different pictures than “standard” trip pictures.


I guess that’s it for now. Turned out to be a great trip. We are already planning (and saving for) next year!

Well Done!

I like to think that I know a thing or two about a good trip report.

This one gets the TCD seal of approval !!! (with three exclamation points).

Glad you had a great time.

And after reading about your journey, it makes me thankful that I live a mere 80 miles from the WDW exit on I-4.

TCD

[2goofycampers]

Great TR :thumbsup2 I loved it.

[VACAMPER]

great report shan

[Cindy F]

Thanks Shan-Man!!

We had a wonderful Christmas eve with family (and lots of fattening food~grin~). After everyone had gone home (except for us and the girls of course), we were all getting ready to go to bed when I pulled up your trip report on the laptop and we all laid on the bed and spent time together reading, laughing, and looking at the pictures. A wonderful end to a wonderful evening, thanks to you and your family! :grouphug:

Off to sleep now.......Oh yeah, we put your cookies and milk on the mantle Shanta! :santa:

[MadFF]

GREAT report, Shan man!

"And for those of you wondering, yes, I practice all year to be able to close my eyes in every single shot! LOL"

This had me laughing out loud!

[Shan-man]

After everyone had gone home (except for us and the girls of course), we were all getting ready to go to bed when I pulled up your trip report on the laptop and we all laid on the bed and spent time together reading, laughing, and looking at the pictures. A wonderful end to a wonderful evening, thanks to you and your family! :grouphug:

Off to sleep now.......Oh yeah, we put your cookies and milk on the mantle Shanta! :santa:

I just finished up deliveries with the Aleutian Islands a few minutes ago and am checking in on my laptop on the way home.

Thanks for all the appreciation everyone, but I have to say I am blown away by Cindy's feedback! I am so honored to be a small part of your family's Christmas eve! BTW - the cookies were very good, but eggnog would be a great compliment to them next year (everybody does milk!) :goodvibes

[Cindy F]

I just finished up deliveries with the Aleutian Islands a few minutes ago and am checking in on my laptop on the way home.

Thanks for all the appreciation everyone, but I have to say I am blown away by Cindy's feedback! I am so honored to be a small part of your family's Christmas eve! BTW - the cookies were very good, but eggnog would be a great compliment to them next year (everybody does milk!) :goodvibes

Awww, you're welcome, and we're glad you could be a part of our Christmas Eve too! I wish you could have seen the girls laughing and pointing and remembering their own happy times at WDW. It really was priceless. :)

Do you want that eggnog with or without a shot? ~grin~ You know down here Jim or Jack is usually invited to any egg nog gatherings! I guess if Rudolph is driving it would be ok to have a bit of a belly warner on your trip. ;)

[Shan-man]

My normal answer is that "any way you like it, so long as it is left with love, will be an absolute treat to me!" But yes, I am old friends with Jim, Jack and some others exhibiting Southern Comfort ;) There's a dear gal named Brandy that I am fond of too! Happy Christmas and a Cheery New Year!

[LuckyinGa]

Shan-man,

Wow, is all I can say. What an absolutely wonderful trip report and great pictures. :flower3: This is definitely going to be a hard TR to follow!!

:santa: Merry Christmas