Camping and NOT visiting parks

[JMomx4]

How far would you drive to camp at the Fort if you were not going to the parks?
I have gone around in circles with planning. We have never been to disneyworld, and have never camped at the Fort. I had planned to do both, but it honestly seems like such a hassle with the number and ages of my children (5 kids, little baby up to 10 years old when we go).
We all enjoy camping, and I am sure we would all enjoy the parks, but I am thinking we may enjoy separate trips. One year for camping (we would use a tent), and do all the fort has to offer, plus maybe the MNSSHP. Then, another year, we could do a park-visiting vacation, staying at a condo or something for ease (laundry, kitchen, etc.)
This would probably be the camping year.
I think we are about a 12 hour drive. Is it worth it for the Fort?

[dtum]

driving 12 hours just to stay in the fort? I wouldn't do it. There are lots of campground closer to you (and much cheaper) if all you want to do is camp. State parks offer tons to do. Just to camp, i'd stay closer to home. When we just want to camp, we have a favorite place only an hour from home, but it's a great place for kids to ride bikes, tons to see and do in the area, etc. JMHO :goodvibes

[Born 2 Fish]

We've been to the Fort several times,,JUST to do the Fort, no parks. And it's a 12 hour drive for us to get there pulling our TT.

What it boils down to is "each to his own". I'm sure to some folk it's not worth it, and to some it is. (We fall into the second group)

It's my opinion that there is no other campground that offers so much to do at one place. For the type of things we like to do, there is enough there to keep us busy the vacation.

Now if all I was gonna do is cozy up with a good book the whole trip (and nothing else) then no, I wouldn't take that drive,,but otherwise,
I'M THERE BABY !!:thumbsup2

[DaveInTN]

We too have gone to the Fort and not done parks. Takes us 14 hours. For us it is worth the drive just to do all the Fort has to offer, and soak up some of that Disney atmosphere. On our last trip before that, we went to the Fort and just did one park day at the MK. With the ages of your kids I think that's a worthwhile park to do. Nice thing is you can be there when the gates open, push until lunch time, and take the boat back to the camper for lunch and naps. Then hit the park again for the evening. That works for us, and the kids don't get competely wiped out.

But even on our recent trip with no parks, we did DTD, we checked out some of the other resorts, we took the boat to the Contemporary and rode the Monorail, and did a couple of non-park Character meals (I recommend the Ohana breakfast with Lilo, Stitch and Mickey, and the HDDR is great). It was probably our best FW trip and we never entered a park.

[We4mickey]

For us it is over a 20 hour drive. We plan on a minimum 10 days to 2 weeks at the fort. Would we drive and just camp? In a heartbeat! We do the parks while we are there, but we are usually in the campground way more than the parks. There is no other campground like FW.

[2goofycampers]

We've been to the Fort several times,,JUST to do the Fort, no parks. And it's a 12 hour drive for us to get there pulling our TT.

What it boils down to is "each to his own". I'm sure to some folk it's not worth it, and to some it is. (We fall into the second group)

It's my opinion that there is no other campground that offers so much to do at one place. For the type of things we like to do, there is enough there to keep us busy the vacation.

Now if all I was gonna do is cozy up with a good book the whole trip (and nothing else) then no, I wouldn't take that drive,,but otherwise,
I'M THERE BABY !!:thumbsup2

We (Born 2 Fish and I) make our camping only trips during the winter. So the warmth and the sunshine plus The Fort is definitely worth the trip. Last time we did The P&PP, it was a blast.

[merryweather20]

How far would you drive to camp at the Fort if you were not going to the parks?
I have gone around in circles with planning. We have never been to disneyworld, and have never camped at the Fort. I had planned to do both, but it honestly seems like such a hassle with the number and ages of my children (5 kids, little baby up to 10 years old when we go).
We all enjoy camping, and I am sure we would all enjoy the parks, but I am thinking we may enjoy separate trips. One year for camping (we would use a tent), and do all the fort has to offer, plus maybe the MNSSHP. Then, another year, we could do a park-visiting vacation, staying at a condo or something for ease (laundry, kitchen, etc.)
This would probably be the camping year.
I think we are about a 12 hour drive. Is it worth it for the Fort?

I wish you luck convincing your ten year-old that you don't need to go to the parks :upsidedow

There are laundry facilities at the fort.

I would tend to think you'd want to do it the other way around honestly. Take advantage of the morning boat rides to the MK while you are at the fort and when you do the condo, just enjoy Florida. There are also perks to staying on site such as free parking at the parks (if you prefer not to use Disney transport) and EMH.

[FlaFortCampster]

Why don't you want to do both? Coming that far and not doing both is such a shame. How long are you coming for?
What a lot of folks do is plan a park day, then relax at the Fort the next day. So if you trip is at least 3 days.....it shouldn't be a problem at all. If you need to do laundry, each Comfort Station has washers and dryers, very convenient.
If you have never been to WDW, with so many little ones the Magic Kingdom is a must do. All you have to do from your campsite is walk to the bus stop, board a bus that says SETTLEMENT. It will take you to the area by the same name. Get off walk towards the marina, or just follow the crowd, which will take you by the Hoop Dee Doo, Trails End resturant, the Settlement Trading Post and right to the marina pier. It's about a 5 minute walk. You catch a boat right to the Magic Kingdom. It's a beautiful ride.
What many folks do is get T shirts, all the same color and usually a very bright color with either a code name or family name on them. You can instantly tell it's a group and who belongs with them. Helps to keep little ones together. Kinda adds to the excitement too. pixiedust:
Also, a great plan of attack and many folks do it is head to the parks early in the morning until just about lunch time, head back to the Fort for a break and or nap, then head back over to a park for the evening activities. It REALLY helps to refresh and renew.
You are probably trying to plan too much in one trip. Just shoot for one park per day or per trip and you'll do just fine.
Need detail info on places to eat? Go to Mousesavers.com and Allears.com for a wealth of info.
It's always great to hear about 'first timers". WDW is one of the most unique places in the world. You can do both, no problem. I think when you see all the other folks with lots of little ones, you'll be much more at ease. If you need anything or assistance, the castmembers, CM's, aka Disney employees are awesome at helping out, ESPECIALLY when you have kids.
Let us know if you need any more info. This forum is the best I've ever found with so many ideas, different points of view, suggestions and just down right great folks.:thumbsup2 :thumbsup2

[Brer Bear]

I would (660 miles), but the rest of my family? Nah..:angel:

[TheFlame]

The Fort is great, but NO WAY would I take my kids all the way to WDW(8+ hours) and not take them to the parks. If money is an issue, then I understand but if not then I would go to the parks as well as enjoy the campground. With all that opinion said:rolleyes2 ....I only have 2 kids so I don't totally understand your dilemma! If you have a good plan, then you could definitely do at least MK and AK and your kids would have a ball! AK closes early anyway and MK is a park you could go early, return for a nap and then go late for the parade and fireworks. There is so much to do at the Fort, but not go to a park............:faint:

Have fun whatever you decide!:flower3:

[Shan-man]

I'm about 11 hours away and would gladly do it for the Fort and other non-ticketed entertainment (ticketed being parks, water parks, DisneyQuest, shows). Dining is a big part of our vacation, and the Fort doesn't really offer much in that department so being able to enjoy the other resorts would be a major part of such a vacation. If we were limited to just the Fort, as great as it is, I might not do it... too much gas cost. Maybe for the Fort and Hoop Dee Doo. Fort and Hoop only, at Christmas, yeah, I'd do that! As John said, it all comes down to what is important to you. Heck, I would suffer the drive just to spend an afternoon sitting in a rocker at Crockett's. (but then again, I've driven 13 hours to watch a baseball game then turned around and did it again, and I used to drive 2 hours each way to get to the nearest Chik-fil-a!)

[JMomx4]

Thank you for all of your replies.
Originally, we had planned to do it all, but schedule-wise, I just don't know that we can.
It does seem a little crazy to drive all of the way down there and NOT go to the parks. But, we could go in October, and go to the Halloween party at the Magic Kingdom, so that would be 8 hours (4-12) in that park.
We would have 5 days (not counting driving). The kids really want to fish at the fort, ride bikes all around, and rent a golf cart for the day. Also, I know they would swim alot, we would do the campfire sing-a-longs, outdoor movies at night, ride the monorail to visit other resorts (probably eat a character meal at one), and visit downtown disney. We may visit the zoo (Melbourne Zoo, I think, if it isn't too far) because we could go for free there with our local zoo membership. We also would cook mostly at the campsite, watch the fireworks, possibly take the haunted hay ride (or whatever kind of ride it is), visit the petting zoo, maybe ride a horse.
Our children (when we travel) would be 6 months, 2 yo, 4 yo, 8 yo, and 10 yo.
It isn't really a money only issue. I mean, we *could* afford to do the parks, but we may have to wait longer to go, putting the trip off until 2010.
I am not totally opposed to that, but when I look at all we want to do at the Fort, and all we would want to do at the parks, and the ages of my children, I just wonder if we wouldn't have a better time (as in more relaxed) to not lump it all in together for 5 crazy days.

My 4 yo and 2 yo will be happy with anything, because they don't know what the other options are.
My 10 yo would love the parks, but he is also *very* outdoorsy, and just loves being outside, camping, fishing, so I think he will be OK with it.
My 8 yo would probably really prefer the parks, but she is so easy going, that the halloween party would make her thrilled for the whole week!

Am I overestimating the amount of time we would want to be around the fort and/or on non-ticketed items? I just don't want to plan it this way, then drive there and be bored out of our minds.

Sorry for the length of the post.

[Born 2 Fish]

Am I overestimating the amount of time we would want to be around the fort and/or on non-ticketed items? I just don't want to plan it this way, then drive there and be bored out of our minds.

---------------------------------------------

It sounds like you pretty well have the fun things to do covered,,you certainly mentioned a lot :thumbsup2 ,,
it actually sounds a lot like the kind of schedule we do when just camping the Fort.

Sounds to me that ya'll would have a great time.


And if thats not enough to keep ya'll busy, you could always run to the beach, bout 45 minutes away.

[TomM]

We drive 18 hours and stay 9 nights and go to the parks twice, but I would definately drive down just to camp. Lots to do with no cost...ride the monorail, boats, great pool...even better before long, lots of places to eat, light parade.

[we3peas]

I guess I'm in another camp(so to speak). Since we live so close if we want to do the parks we go for the day. If we want to enjoy FW we CAMP! There is so much to do that you mentioned that I would pick 2 parks, probably AK and MK based on your kids ages and what they like to do. The rest of the time spend at the fort...you won't be sorry or so tired either.

[CCIntrigue]

1-2 hours just to camp at the fort without visiting the parks. Contrary to popular opinion, I don't think it's the greatest campground. There are other campgrounds within a half day driving of us that offer many more amenities at half the cost, more space, and pull-through sites.

That being said, I'd drive 3-4 hours to go to the fort during Christmas just to see the decorations.

[Shan-man]

So gimme some! Where are these crazy good campgrounds? We drive 4 hours to get to Asheville, NC, largely because we love a little campground there: Mama Gertie's. We love it, and the comfort stations are better than the Fort... cleaner and better designed. I was hoping some of your favorites might be closer for me, coming from Raleigh. So spill! (thanks in advance)

[Tink415]

I don't think your over estimating the time you'd want to be around the fort. I would drive 12 hours to FW to camp :) I'd go to MNSSHP, and also maybe play mini golf, go to a water park, take a bus to POR and boat to DD to Goofy's Candy store to make a treat. That would be a great vacation! pixiedust:

[homemaker]

We did this in Oct. 2007. We have always done the parks and never been able to enjoy the fort. Having been to disney several times we thought our children would be upset not doing the parks so we did do MNSSHP and they we happy with that. We also did the hoop dee doo, took a joy ride on the monorail, went to the campfire movie and just spent time as a family. Yes the ride from NJ was very long and stressful(truck broke down) but we still had a wonderful time. I want to do it again but DH says I am crazy. He had a great time as well, but he also does all the driving(I'm too chicken to pull the camper). I am sure you will have a great time.

[69RoadRunner]

That would be like getting dressed up, going to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, and only getting a drink at the bar.

It would be like the prettiest girl in school going to the movies with you, and then saying she just wants to be friends.

It would be like winning $1 million at a charity casino night and realizing you don't really win anything.

[WhereRv]

We did just that last year, stayed for nights in FW, only went into MK on princess and pirate party night. We drive about 20 hours or so to get there, but only in Jan/Feb to get some warmth!
Ride the Monorail, ride the ferrys, go and check out each resort, some really neat ones like the AK resort where you can see the animals. Also the boardwalk and DD. Rent a golf cart, ride bikes, fish, explore, swim during the day or at night, fire and movies at night, it doesn't get much better!
Wish I was there now!

[chartle]

To the OP you have to temper some of these replies with who they come from. It seems a few of them have been to WDW a few times so to them just going to the fort is OK because they have been to the parks and they want to explore everything that FW has to offer.

I just can't see going all that way and not going to the parks if you have never been there.

[mjmoon]

To the OP you have to temper some of these replies with who they come from. It seems a few of them have been to WDW a few times so to them just going to the fort is OK because they have been to the parks and they want to explore everything that FW has to offer.

I just can't see going all that way and not going to the parks if you have never been there.

I agree with this statement. I guess it boils down to what is acceptable to you and your family. I imagine there are other camping experiences that wouldn't involve driving young children 12 hours but then again, we're talking Fort Wilderness!!

Personally, I can't imagine going to Disney World without going to Disney World..

[LONE-STAR]

How far would you drive to camp at the Fort if you were not going to the parks?
I have gone around in circles with planning. We have never been to disneyworld, and have never camped at the Fort. I had planned to do both, but it honestly seems like such a hassle with the number and ages of my children (5 kids, little baby up to 10 years old when we go).
We all enjoy camping, and I am sure we would all enjoy the parks, but I am thinking we may enjoy separate trips. One year for camping (we would use a tent), and do all the fort has to offer, plus maybe the MNSSHP. Then, another year, we could do a park-visiting vacation, staying at a condo or something for ease (laundry, kitchen, etc.)
This would probably be the camping year.
I think we are about a 12 hour drive. Is it worth it for the Fort?

You have had alot of replies but here is my thoughts.
Would I drive 1000 miles (thats how far we are away or 20 hrs) just to camp at FW yes in a heartbeat. However there is noway I could drive that far be that close to the parks and not go to them.

[Cindy F]

I don't think you'll be bored at Fort Wilderness with your current plan especially with a trip to the zoo-but, if you are-you can do some fun but less expensive things than Disney for this trip.

Kids seem to really like Gatorland (http://www.gatorland.com/funzone.php). It was ranked number 8 in Orlando attractions by Tripadvisor (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g34515-Activities-Orlando_Florida.html)-Number 7 was Magic Kingdom


Weeki Wachee Springs/Buccaneer Bay (http://weekiwachee.com/main/)

The Central Florida Zoo has a new "Tropical Splash Ground" (http://www.centralfloridazoo.org/zoo-info/splash-ground.shtml)

Good luck and you're sure to have a great time at The Fort!

[CCIntrigue]

So gimme some! Where are these crazy good campgrounds? We drive 4 hours to get to Asheville, NC, largely because we love a little campground there: Mama Gertie's. We love it, and the comfort stations are better than the Fort... cleaner and better designed. I was hoping some of your favorites might be closer for me, coming from Raleigh. So spill! (thanks in advance)


Try Ocean Lakes in Myrtle Beach or Outdoor Resorts on Hilton Head Island.

[Shan-man]

Cool, thanks!

[disneydawgs]

My family drove six and a half to seven hours to camp at the fort for four days and 3 nights. Well worth it for us. We did no WDW parks. I will do it again when I have the time and more money. So, its really is how long will you camp after driving 12 hours. If its 5 or 6 nights then I would consider it. Less than 5 nights, I might stay closer to home.

[ancfun]

We have camped several times and only gone to the park for the MNSSHP. We have 4 boys and they always find plenty to do at the campground. It is an 8 hr trip for us but we love camping there so it is well worth it to us. Most of the time we do stay for atleast a week but our last trip was a 4 trip and we still enjoyed it.

[BigDaddyRog]

I just posted a response on another thread that touches on this:
My first Fort trip was just over a year ago, we stayed at the cabins as well and had such a great time that we returned in May to do all the things the Fort offers that we missed out on from our previous December trip. In december we spent too much time at th parks and felt like we shorted ourselves of so much that the fort had to offer, so we did a parkless trip in MAY and enjoyed it even MORE than going to the parks....it was so nice to actually RELAX on vacation.....my younger daughters, then 11 and 5 really looked forward to the campfire everynight, they were amazed that they could watch a movie OUTSIDE and were allowed to set marshmellows on fire!!! They fell asleep during the movie almost every night, a really nice way to end an evening for parents. We also really enjoyed the simple act of riding around the campground for hours on end in the golfcart. And they loved playing on the beach at the marina....so many SIMPLE fun functions that kids DONT get to do very often in our busy lives.

I guess my suggestion is to plan a day or two of NOTHINGNESS....just time to do whatever comes up at the Fort.....sometimes NOT HAVING A PLAN is where the most memorable fun is allowed to happen.

Have a great trip!!!

We really enjoyed the camping without the parks...and its a 10 hour drive for us.

[Cockburn Family]

Our family drives over 24hrs from Canada and normally spend about 2 weeks at the fort....we normally only spend a couple of days in the park. There is so much to do at the fort that we would do the drive in a second just to camp!!! Your going to have an excellent time what ever you decide to do at WDW....pixiedust: :drive:

[cjalphonso]

New member here, but from what I can tell, Disney does not offer any ticket discounts to campers. With that in mind, if you get bored you could always buy tickets to the parks and the price would be the same.

[Disbuf]

We will drive about 19 hours from northeast Indiana for a trip to the Fort at the end of March and we are not going to the parks. We have done this the past three spring breaks. We love the weather, love the campground and there is so much more to do at Disney than just the parks.

[BigDaddyRog]

When all of my kids are grown...I will rarely visit the parks...I like the parks, but I can sure live without them...maybe I'll do a park-trip every couple of years, but I plan to do a Fort trip at least once a year for as long as I can make it happen. I feel like I get enough Disney Magic at the Fort.

[Pinkee77]

Looks like the subject has been covered. Just wanted to add ....

My kids are 5 and 8. Even though we live in Florida, we don't get to the parks that often.

Last July, we stayed at The Fort for the first time. When we were packing to leave my daughter said, "But there is so much more to do here!" So, I promised we'd come back in October and just hang out at The Fort when the weather is cooler.

We did come back in October, but I unexpectedly received some park tickets (a gift from my boss). The kids were actually disappointed!! LOL Here, I thought they would be so thrilled that I had these tickets after telling them we couldn't afford the theme parks. And my jubilant announcement was met with "oh." They really just wanted to hang out at The Fort. Of course, they had fun at the parks, but I still owe them a trip of just hanging out at The Fort. They love it there. And they absolutely can not wait to go back! (and neither can I!)