TCD is a VIP! A FW Cabin trip report May 2009

[Tri-circle-D]

Way back in the day, the TCD crew began their camping history at FW by staying in the Wilderness Homes, and then the Wilderness Cabins. The TCD kids were real young back then. Then, we tried real camping, with tents and rented units. In 1999, we bought our pop-up camper. We haven't stayed in a cabin since.

But, as Mothers Day weekend approached, the TCD kids and I discussed what we could do for good old Mrs. TCD. We agreed that it would be nice to take Mrs. TCD to the Flower and Garden show at Epcot, maybe have a nice meal, and spend the night at a WDW resort, and then head home. We talked about AKL, where we have stayed before.

But, we are a family of 5. And the TCD DD's are all teenagers now. There are not a lot of good options for WDW resorts for parties over four people. We could squeeze into one hotel room, but it isn't real comfortable. And, when you start pricing two rooms, it becomes too expensive.

So, I suggested that we try a cabin. Everyone loved the idea. I tried to book one on-line for one night. Nothing. I tried for a couple of days, nothing. That seemed odd. This is not a super-busy time at WDW. I tried some other date ranges, and found that I could book a cabin at a passholder rate, including the Saturday night we wanted, by booking for 5 nights. So, that's what I did. And then I called a couple of days later, and dropped the extra nights we didn't need. Viola- we had a cabin reservation.

Well, we got up early Saturday morning, May 9th, and made it to Epcot for rope drop. The weather was great. Warm and clear. Not too hot early in the morning. We hit all the major attractions in Future World, and headed to Mexico at 11. I asked at the hostess stand in the restaurant if there was any availability for lunch, and they said I could have a table as soon as they opened at 11:30. We rode the ride, and by the time we got back, we were being seated in a table right by the water!

We had a great meal, then headed over to Norway and rode the Maelstrom, and looked around the gift shop. It was starting to get hot now. We headed back to Future World, and visited to exhibits in the Wonders of Life pavilion. It was getting to be near 1:30 pm, so we visited Spaceship Earth, and then headed over to the Fort to check in.

When we arrived, there was a line of traffic beginning right after the guard shack. We could see that cars were parked everywhere, and there was a cast member stopping each vehicle as it pulled in to speak to the driver. This was odd. Something was going on here that we did not know about. There isn't usually this kind of traffic in this area.

When we reached the castmember, he told us that there was going to be a triathlon at the Fort on Sunday (the next day), and that folks were arriving for a pre-triathlon check-in. I think the contestants were supposed to park in the Magic Kingdom parking lot and take a shuttle, but apparently a lot of them decided to just drive to the Fort. That created a bad situation. I told the castmember that I needed to park somewhere so I could go inside to check in. He said that I could park wherever I could find a spot. Gee, thanks. There were no spots, and people were parking in the grass and other places that were not parking spaces. But, as soon as I pulled away from the castmember, someone pulled out, and I pulled right into a parking space. Sweet!

We went in to the Reception Outpost to check in. There was a bit of a line, and there were a ton of people in there, but all of the windows were open, and I didn't have to wait long for a hostess. I will note here that I did see the on-line check in window. But, there was a mother with a couple of kids at that window for the entire time that I was waiting at line. She had one of her kids, who was about two, sitting on the counter while she obviously discussed every minute detail of her stay with the hostess. I kept on thinking that kid was going to fall off the counter, because mom was not watching him! I am glad I didn't check in on-line, because I was called to my window, and checked in before that mom resolved all of her issues.

So, we check in. The hostess tells us that our cabin is ready. She pulls out the map, and writes the cabin number on it : 120. Sweet! That is one of the two VIP cabins on the 100 loop. You cannot reserve it. You cannot request it. You just have to be lucky to get it. Really lucky. Like TCD!

We also had reserved a golf cart for the day, and we went ahead and picked that up.

And, we headed back to our cabin.

When we arrived, there was a housekeeping cart in the driveway. That is odd. We already had our keys, and the hostess said the cabin was ready. But it wasn't. There were two castmembers still cleaning the cabin. They said it would be another 15 minutes. So, the DD's took off on the golf cart, and Mrs. TCD and I walked down to the Settlement Trading Post for a look around.

When we checked in, I got this letter about the triathlon. Didn't sound like too big of a deal:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009.jpg

But, as we walked toward the trading post, I could see that there was a lot of stuff set up for the race:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009001.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009002.jpg

We looked around the trading post, and then headed back to the cabin. We sat outside at the picnic table for a couple of minutes, and then the castmembers came out and said it was ready to go.

Here is a photo of the cabin's porch. This is different from the porches on the other cabins. It is narrower, and they provide two rocking chairs. The regular cabins have wider porches, and the picnic tables are on the porch:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009004.jpg

The weird thing about cabin 120 is that it is a mirror image of all of the other cabins at the Fort. As you face this cabin from the street, the entrance doors are on your right. All of the other cabins at the Fort have their entrance doors on the left.

Except for everything being a mirror image, the inside of the VIP cabins is the same as the other cabins:

The main room:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009012.jpg

The kitchen:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009013.jpg

The bathroom:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009007.jpg

The bedroom (note the bed is on the right, instead of the left):

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009008.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009009.jpg

The bedroom TV:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009011.jpg

The main room TV had a DVD player. I thought I heard somewhere that there was supposed to be a DVD/VCR combo. But we only had a DVD player. And, I'm not sure if the other cabins have a cable modem, or if their internet comes from a DSL line or something else. But, we had a cable modem:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009015.jpg

I am surprised that the cabin TV's are kind of old and, pardon my language, crappy. The TV reception was pretty poor. I have heard that the cabins were renovated. I am not sure if this it the kind of TV's that they give you in the other cabins, but if they are, I say get with it Disney. These cabins are not cheap. I have had better TV's in Comfort Suites and Courtyards by Marriot. And payed a lot less for the room. And got a free breakfast. So, let's get with it here, Disney.

I have heard of bounceback offers, and have seen this flyer before. But maybe some of you haven't. This was in our cabin:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009014.jpg

Here's a shot of the front of the cabin:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009016.jpg

This is a photo of one of my DD's holding a towel animal up in the window. I guess these things are a big deal to some people. I say just clean my room, and hold the towel animals, and I'm good:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009017.jpg

Since we are in a cabin, and only spending one night, I think it took us 10 minutes, if that, to get our stuff in and get ourselves situated. Then, it was time to explore.

First, we headed down to the old River Country area, because it looked like a lot was going on down there. This trailer and some bikes were set up in the grassy area next to the Settlement playground. Doesn't look like that many people were going to be participating in the triathlon:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009018.jpg

Here is a look at the Fort's beach area:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009019.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009020.jpg

As we passed toward the back of Pioneer Hall, this is what we saw set up in the back the area behind Pioneer Hall:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009021.jpg

I'll have some better pictures of this later, but what you are looking at here are rows and rows of bicycles.

I didn't catch the part of the letter that said that there would be approximately 2200 athletes participating in the triathlon. 2200! That's a lot! How is this going to work? How are 2200 athletes going to get to the Settlement. Where will they park? Where will they eat? Where will they go to the bathroom?

This is sounds crazy!

It was!

I have it all documented.

And photographed!

First, about the bathrooms.

Here are a few that they set up in front of the old River Country entrance:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009022.jpg

And, there were plenty more in other places.

Here is another shot of the bike area behind Pioneer Hall:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009023.jpg

Only 20 photos per post, so time to finish this one.

Don't worry, there's plenty more to come.

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

Continuing on, we headed back toward the old River Country entrance. Here is another look at all the Porta-Pottys:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009024.jpg

Here we have a little bike workshop, with the Fort Wilderness pavilion in the background:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009025.jpg

Off to the side of the pavilion, there was a big board set up for the contestants to check their race numbers:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009026.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009027.jpg

Registration for the event was inside the pavilion:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009028.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009029.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009030.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009031.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009032.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009033.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009034.jpg

This chart tells me that the swimming part of the race (the first part) will start at 7 am, but the racers will go in waves, all the way up until 8:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009042.jpg

Here is a map that shows where everything is set up in the Settlement area:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009044.jpg

Note that it looks like the 2200 racers will bike behind my VIP cabin, and then come back in front of it. This should be interesting.

It was.

I also have some photos of the maps showing the race course, and I will post those in a bit.

Some more shots of the contestants doing whatever it was that they were doing:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009045.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009046.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009047.jpg

Next up, we take a spin around the Fort. . .

. . . and some photos of the 900 loop.

TCD

[campingdawgs]

What a sweet Mother's Day gift! I hope the gobs of athletes didn't mess with your plans too much. Good grief at the sea of bikes! I can't wait to read more!

[Tri-circle-D]

What a sweet Mother's Day gift! I hope the gobs of athletes didn't mess with your plans too much. Good grief at the sea of bikes! I can't wait to read more!

This triathlon could have caused us major problems if we had specific plans to do anything after Epcot. But, we didn't. So, it was fun.

It will take me a while to get this mother of a trip report (pun intended) finished, so I had better share this tid-bit:

There will be another triathlon at the Fort this coming weekend.

So, if you plan on being there this coming weekend, be prepared.

TCD

[We4mickey]

Can't wait, keep the pics coming TCD. Great job as usual! :worship:

[guardwife66]

We were there in 2006 while this was going on. The were a LOT less competitors then. Plus we left early in the morning and didn't return until all the mayhem was over. I am hoping when we go back next year, this will be over with. :-)

Love the report and pictures. Can't wait for more. popcorn::

[ynottony99]

This triathlon could have caused us major problems if we had specific plans to do anything after Epcot. But, we didn't. So, it was fun.

It will take me a while to get this mother of a trip report (pun intended) finished, so I had better share this tid-bit:

There will be another triathlon at the Fort this coming weekend.

So, if you plan on being there this coming weekend, be prepared.

TCD

I was reading through your report,(which is great of course:thumbsup2) and thinking how glad I was that this year we missed the Triathlon!! We arrive on Thursday, and I guess it really has never been all that bad. I know one year in fact they extended the 11:00am check out to the afternoon sometime due to the fact that leaving was next to impossible as the bike riders streamed out and then back in. I usually have an account to service on Sunday night, but next weekend I don't. Maybe they will let us stay an extra night for the all the bother???;)

[Tri-circle-D]

While it was interesting to see the preparations going on for the triathlon, I was more interested in checking on the state of things around the Fort.

My first stop, of course, was the pool. I have already posted all of my photos of the pool and splash zone in the "Something is Happening Near the Pool" thread.

Suffice to say that the pool was very crowded. I shudder to think what it will look like on Memorial Day weekend. But, the splash zone should be ready to go by then, and perhaps folks will spread out some more, and things will be better.

Next stop was the 900 loop. Surprisingly, there were still some men working on things on this Saturday afternoon. They were working on the irrigation lines for the new landscaping. It looks like all of the pad expansions are done, and the new grills and most of the picnic tables are in.

Here is a bundle of tree stakes that was laying there at the 900 loop entrance:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009053.jpg

Here are some of the workers' vehicles:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009054.jpg

And some more shots from the entrance area (note that I will be sneaking back later for a walk around the loop; these are just shots taken from the golf cart/spymobile):

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009055.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009056.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009057.jpg

I have seen this cart at the Fort before. It was parked in front of the Meadow Trading Post:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009058.jpg

I say good job on that cart!

When we go out looping, we always check on the 2000 loop. There is always something interesting going on there. Here are some campers who decorated their site with bats and Halloween decorations (on May 9th!?):

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009059.jpg

We then headed down to the group camping area, where we saw this sign at the bus stop:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009060.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009061.jpg

Hmmm. . . .

This bus stop is going to be closed for a long time tomorrow. I wonder why?

Here are some more porta-pottys and water set up in the middle of the jug-handle across from the 2000 loop bus stop:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009062.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009063.jpg

There is another sign at the 2000 loop bus stop:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009064.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009065.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009066.jpg

Yikes!

No buses until 4 pm?

The 2200 bus stop is a bit of a hike from the 2000 loop.

That stinks.

It turns out that the running course will come right by here. The jug handle area is where the runners will be turning around before they head back to the Settlement area tomorrow.

From here, we head back down to the Settlement area to look around some more.

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

I was reading through your report,(which is great of course:thumbsup2) and thinking how glad I was that this year we missed the Triathlon!! We arrive on Thursday, and I guess it really has never been all that bad. I know one year in fact they extended the 11:00am check out to the afternoon sometime due to the fact that leaving was next to impossible as the bike riders streamed out and then back in. I usually have an account to service on Sunday night, but next weekend I don't. Maybe they will let us stay an extra night for the all the bother???;)

Tony- The triathlon this past weekend was the Danksin Triathlon series. Almost all of it was run inside the Fort. The distances were relatively short (half mile swim, 12 mile bike, 3 mile run), so everyone was gone by noon. Next weekend's event is an Ironman 70.3. It will be held on May 17th. I would think this will probably be going on for most of the day. I don't know exactly what will be closed at the Fort, but it will definitely make an impact. Here is a link that I found with information about the next triathlon: http://www.floridahalfironman.com/2009IMFHAI.pdf

I'm sure you will have fun anyway.

And, I will not be there next weekend, so it is your turn to take photos.

I am thinking that maybe, the splash zone will be open.

TCD

[des1954]

TCD- You are definitely the "fair haired child" of FtW!! :woohoo:

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

This triathlon could have caused us major problems if we had specific plans to do anything after Epcot. But, we didn't. So, it was fun.

It will take me a while to get this mother of a trip report (pun intended) finished, so I had better share this tid-bit:

There will be another triathlon at the Fort this coming weekend.

So, if you plan on being there this coming weekend, be prepared.

TCD

Gosh, I hope there isn't another one the weekend after that! Actually we're planning on taking advantage of the fun stuff at FW a lot on this trip (less park time) and it sounds like a mess even with the shorter triathlon. Buses closed and everything. ack!

Sounds like a great trip! Congrats on getting one of the "special" cabins!!!
What- no picks of exactly how crowded the pool was? you're scaring me dude. LOL

Oh wait- you said on the other thread so I'll head there next. LOL

[fla4fun]

That DVD player looked new. I was in a cabin in the 2200 loop last month, and I had the DVD/VCR combo in my cabin. I would imagine that as the combos die out, they are replaced with just DVD players.

Glad you had a fun weekend!:thumbsup2

[Tri-circle-D]

Gosh, I hope there isn't another one the weekend after that! Actually we're planning on taking advantage of the fun stuff at FW a lot on this trip (less park time) and it sounds like a mess even with the shorter triathlon. Buses closed and everything. ack!

Sounds like a great trip! Congrats on getting one of the "special" cabins!!!
What- no picks of exactly how crowded the pool was? you're scaring me dude. LOL

Oh wait- you said on the other thread so I'll head there next. LOL

Not to worry. There is a triathlon at the Fort on 5/17/09, and then there won't be another one until 9/6. There is also one on 9/20. That looks like it should be it for the year. These events do cause a bit of a disruption. If I was only able to go to the Fort once in a while, I might be upset if one of these events was being hosted during my stay.

Here are some pool pics from 5/9 (this is too crowded for me-and it will undoubtedly be more so on Memorial Day weekend):

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20V/5909FW018.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20V/5909FW019.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20V/5909FW020.jpg

That DVD player looked new. I was in a cabin in the 2200 loop last month, and I had the DVD/VCR combo in my cabin. I would imagine that as the combos die out, they are replaced with just DVD players.

Glad you had a fun weekend!:thumbsup2

That DVD player was not new, and it did not work very well. It was like the ones you see for sale for $25 these days. What about your TV? Was it new, or like the one in my photos? How about your internet connection? Was it a cable modem, or something else?


TCD

[Live4FW]

Here are some more porta-pottys and water set up in the middle of the jug-handle across from the 2000 loop bus stop:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009062.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009063.jpg

TCD

TCD, What is it with those porta-potties. They look like they are for munchkins...i mean vertically challenged folks????

[Tri-circle-D]

TCD, What is it with those porta-potties. They look like they are for munchkins...i mean vertically challenged folks????


Must be the camera angle, and that the area where they were is in a bit of a depression. These were full sized port-potties. And, that is a hand-wash station next to it (I haven't seen a portable hand-wash station before).

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

Now we are back in the Settlement area for a look around. It is surreal. Usually, there is no one around back in this area. But, this afternoon, there are people everywhere.

There is a big bird house on a pole that sits outside the Fort Wilderness pavilion. I wonder what the birds thought about all of this:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009067.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009068.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009069.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009070.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009071.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009072.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009073.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009074.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009075.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009076.jpg

I know what you are thinking. . .

TCD took too many bike pictures.

I guess you are right.

Sorry.

But, that is a lot of bikes.

Who knows when you will ever see such a thing again?

Do you think they have enough porta-potties?

I am not so sure.

So, from here, I think I went back to the cabin to sit in the rocking chair and drink some beer before heading out on my next mission.

I am going to head back to the 900 loop, because I know those guys won't be working late on a Saturday afternoon.

TCD

[Comptech]

TCD,
Here is my picture of the sea of bikes from when we saw the Mens race back in 2006:
http://facultystaff.vwc.edu/~jdaird/dsc00099.jpg

Now we are back in the Settlement area for a look around. It is surreal. Usually, there is no one around back in this area. But, this afternoon, there are people everywhere.

There is a big bird house on a pole that sits outside the Fort Wilderness pavilion. I wonder what the birds thought about all of this:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009067.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009068.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009069.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009070.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009071.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009072.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009073.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009074.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009075.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009076.jpg

I know what you are thinking. . .

TCD took too many bike pictures.

I guess you are right.

Sorry.

But, that is a lot of bikes.

Who knows when you will ever see such a thing again?

Do you think they have enough porta-potties?

I am not so sure.

So, from here, I think I went back to the cabin to sit in the rocking chair and drink some beer before heading out on my next mission.

I am going to head back to the 900 loop, because I know those guys won't be working late on a Saturday afternoon.

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

TCD,
Here is my picture of the sea of bikes from when we saw the Mens race back in 2006:
http://facultystaff.vwc.edu/~jdaird/dsc00099.jpg

Hmmm.

That's a lot of bikes, too.

Your ticker says you are going in 5 days.

Do you know that there is another triathlon on 5/17?

That's in five days, too!

TCD

[NOLA_Tink]

Thanks for the info & pics! Was your cabin within walking distance to Pioneer Hall?

[Tri-circle-D]

Thanks for the info & pics! Was your cabin within walking distance to Pioneer Hall?

I'd say yes. :)

In fact, this cabin is within spitting distance of Pioneer Hall.

I'll post some photos later that show that you can see the cabin from Pioneer Hall.

TCD

[Tigger0624]

TCD- We missed you again! I did see you Sunday when you were returning your cart, but we were on our way through the mayham to head over to Sea World for the afternoon...

Great trip report as always! I had a ton of pics of the splash zone/pool stuff, but you beat me to it! I was hoping to get the scoop on that, but stood at the Fort till Monday ;)

Hopefully next time we'll catch you!

[Comptech]

No I did not know, It must be that the womens was last week and the Mens is this week coming up?
Last time we had friends in the race and it was fun to see them compete. It is a grueling race....Some of those people coming across the finish line just melt into the ground as they cross....

You didn't happen to get any pics from the 800 loop did ya????:worship:

Hmmm.

That's a lot of bikes, too.

Your ticker says you are going in 5 days.

Do you know that there is another triathlon on 5/17?

That's in five days, too!

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

No I did not know, It must be that the womens was last week and the Mens is this week coming up?
Last time we had friends in the race and it was fun to see them compete. It is a grueling race....Some of those people coming across the finish line just melt into the ground as they cross....

You didn't happen to get any pics from the 800 loop did ya????:worship:

The one this past weekend was the Danskins Women's Triathlon. The one this coming weekend is the Ironman 70.3 (I think this used to be called a half-Ironman). As far as I know, this one is for men and women. It will be a lot longer of a race, so things will be tied up for most of the day. It looks like their awards ceremony is not until 4 pm.

You know, I'm sorry, but I don't think I even looped around the 800 loop on this trip. As you will see as I continue on with my report, my mobility was limited by the race on Sunday morning. So, no 800 loop photos, but don't worry, that is a nice loop (it's my current favorite).

TCD

[Comptech]

TCD,
NP, I am going to request a site along the back outside part of the loop with the trees to our back...
Cant Wait!:cool1::cool1:


The one this past weekend was the Danskins Women's Triathlon. The one this coming weekend is the Ironman 70.3 (I think this used to be called a half-Ironman). As far as I know, this one is for men and women. It will be a lot longer of a race, so things will be tied up for most of the day. It looks like their awards ceremony is not until 4 pm.

You know, I'm sorry, but I don't think I even looped around the 800 loop on this trip. As you will see as I continue on with my report, my mobility was limited by the race on Sunday morning. So, no 800 loop photos, but don't worry, that is a nice loop (it's my current favorite).

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

After fortifying myself with a beer or two, I head back out for some exploring.

When I stopped by the pool, there was a castmember out front shooing all of the golf carts away. Most of the area where golf carts used to park is fenced off for construction work now, and the rest of the area has bike racks on it. Things are kind of a mess outside the pool right now, but this should settle down once they get the construction fences down in the next few weeks.

So, I had to park the cart over in the new fenced-in area by the campfire area:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009077.jpg

After completing my pool inspection and photos (which are posted on the pool pictures thread), I headed over to the 900 loop. It was around 5, but the landscape guys were still at work. This man is adjusting a sprinkler line near a new planting:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009078.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009079.jpg

Here is a look at one of the new and improved sites (this is the last inside site) You can see that the new grill and picnic table are here and ready to go:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009080.jpg

Even though the landscape guys are still working, I have to go ahead and take my walk around the loop. So, here we go. I am walking around the loop clockwise, so I think this is the next site on the inside. You can see the grill from the back corner of the other site there in the right of the photo:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009081.jpg

Here are some more shots, as I walk around the loop:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009082.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009084.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009085.jpg

As you can see, the site markers have yet to be re-installed, so it is hard for me to reference sites, but this next one shows site 914 on the right. We just camped there at the beginning of April:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009086.jpg

Continuing on . . .

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009087.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009088.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009089.jpg

You might have noticed that these last few sites don't have their picnic tables yet. But, it looks like all the grills are installed, and I think the landscapers are finished with planting too. It looks like all that is left to do is to spread pine needles over everything, and they will be ready to open.

Here we are back at the beginning of the loop. The guys are loading up their stuff to get out of here for the day:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009090.jpg

This is the very first site on the 900 loop (901). I think it is too close to the road, but it still looks like a pretty nice site:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009091.jpg

My verdict on the 900 loop is that it did not turn out too bad. It still has a lot of trees, and almost every site has a lot of room on each side, and in the back. I like this loop way better than the 600 loop, for example. I wish they hadn't made this into a premium loop, but now that it is premium, I would put it up there as one of my first choices, if I reserved a premium site.

Next up, some pics of the cabin, and then off for some real spying photos.

And, I have some follow up pics on some things that we have looked at before which you might find interesting.

TCD

[xJersey_Guy]

Looks like we will be in the same boat. We will arrive at the Ft on for a weeks vacation on May 16th. I hope we do not encounter the same chaos at check-in that you did. Our plans for the 17th are to take the first boat we can over to MK. I also hope that, as we will be renting golf carts, that the transportation issues will not effect us all that much.
BTW thank you for all of your pictures of the pool area. It would be great if they could complete the work and open the splash area during our trip. Our kids are starting to get so excited - first trip.

[Tri-circle-D]

TCD,
NP, I am going to request a site along the back outside part of the loop with the trees to our back...
Cant Wait!:cool1::cool1:

As you might have just read above, the 900 loop should be open by the time you visit, and it is very much like the 800 loop. You might want to make that your second choice in case you can't get into the 800 loop.

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

Here we are back at our cabin.

The two cabins on the 100 loop have sat here for years. I have seen them every time I have visited the Fort. Sometimes they have people in them, but a lot of times they don’t. There have been all kinds of rumors about these cabins. The most prevalent one that I used to hear is that they were privately owned, and used by a private company for its employees only. But, that rumor is obviously not true, because they let me stay in one. What I was told by a castmember is that they are not booked through the normal central reservation system. They are used by Disney management as accommodations for company officers and other muckety-mucks. The bookings are made through some other division in the company, and the Fort front desk is told after the fact when to have the cabins ready for these guests. On rare occasion, the front desk can put a regular slob in there. And it just so happened that last weekend was my turn.

The cabins are no different from all of the other cabins at the Fort on the inside (except cabin 120 is “backwards”). The difference is on the outside. Here is what cabin 120 looks like from the front:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009092.jpg

And, here is what it looks like in the back (this is my favorite part):

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009093.jpg

You get a grill, and a nice rock fire pit!

Here’s a look back toward the cabin from the fire pit area:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009094.jpg

Look at that rock fire pit! Can you imagine sipping on an ice cold beer while grilling some nice juicy steaks right there? Wouldn’t that be great! I have thought about that many times as I have driven by these cabins.

And, do you know the music that is played from the speakers along the path that goes down to the marina?

You can hear that perfectly from the cabins.

Really nice!

And a look toward the front loop from the back:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009095.jpg

Here is what you see looking from the back of the patio area toward Pioneer Hall:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009096.jpg

And, this is looking toward the marina. You can see just a bit of Bay Lake from the porch:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009097.jpg

Cabins 118 and 120 face each other, so if someone is in 118, you may have to look at them if they are out enjoying their rocking chairs. This is Cabin 118, from the grill area of cabin 120:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009098.jpg

This is just another shot of the area in between the two cabins:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009099.jpg

This art work hangs over the table in the dining area inside the cabin (I think all of the cabins at FW have this same picture):

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009100.jpg

The natural landscaping around these cabins is nice. This is kind of how it used to be between the campsites before the Fort management went wild with the clearing project that has been going on for the past couple of years:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009103.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009104.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009105.jpg

That’s all the cabin photos for now.

But, there will be some more later.

Next up- it’s time to do some spying!

TCD

[Comptech]

TCD,
you read my mind! I was thinking as I was reading your post.. I wonder if the 900 loop will be done by next week? I will fax my request tomorrow and ask for the 800 loop and the 900 loop as a backup...
Thanks!!!!:yay::yay::yay::yay: we could be the first people to camp in the new 900 loop???

As you might have just read above, the 900 loop should be open by the time you visit, and it is very much like the 800 loop. You might want to make that your second choice in case you can't get into the 800 loop.

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

Looks like we will be in the same boat. We will arrive at the Ft on for a weeks vacation on May 16th. I hope we do not encounter the same chaos at check-in that you did. Our plans for the 17th are to take the first boat we can over to MK. I also hope that, as we will be renting golf carts, that the transportation issues will not effect us all that much.
BTW thank you for all of your pictures of the pool area. It would be great if they could complete the work and open the splash area during our trip. Our kids are starting to get so excited - first trip.

Let me get this right, you are an ex-Jersey guy living in Northern Kentucky?

Wow! That must be a culture shock.

Anyway, you are going to need to make alternate plans for the 17th. Check out this link: http://www.floridahalfironman.com/2009IMFHAI.pdf. This weekend's triathlon is a BIG deal.


On this past Sunday, there were no boats going anywhere from the FW marina until after 9:30.

If you plan on going to the MK, I would suggest that you get going early, and drive to the Contemporary or Transportation and Ticket Center. I normally would not suggest this, but things will surely be a mess on Sunday morning. You will see that as I continue with this report.

Don't let it ruin your trip. At least you know ahead of time, and can plan accordingly. Once the race is over, things will go back to normal.

And, I really do think that darned splash zone will be open before Memorial Day.

TCD

[xJersey_Guy]

Let me get this right, you are an ex-Jersey guy living in Northern Kentucky?

Wow! That must be a culture shock.

Anyway, you are going to need to make alternate plans for the 17th. Check out this link: http://www.floridahalfironman.com/2009IMFHAI.pdf. This weekend's triathlon is a BIG deal.


On this past Sunday, there were no boats going anywhere from the FW marina until after 9:30.

If you plan on going to the MK, I would suggest that you get going early, and drive to the Contemporary or Transportation and Ticket Center. I normally would not suggest this, but things will surely be a mess on Sunday morning. You will see that as I continue with this report.

Don't let it ruin your trip. At least you know ahead of time, and can plan accordingly. Once the race is over, things will go back to normal.

And, I really do think that darned splash zone will be open before Memorial Day.

TCD

It's all true. Born and raised in the Garden State living in Northern Ky. A major, almost daily, culture shock is when my 4 yo asks for pop and does not understand what soda is. It is funny that with so many WDW guests and CMs coming from NJ, going to the world feels a lot like going home.

Thanks for the information on the triathlon - forewarned is forearmed. Very glad that we decided to rent a car. Any idea if the early morning bus to Wilderness Lodge will be effected? Although we planned on driving to the other parks, we were hoping to not have to drive to MK. We thought that the combination of the boat and golf carts would allow us to make a quick trip back to the cabin in the afternoon for the boy's nap.

That would be great news if they can open the splash zone before Memorial Day. By your pictures it looks like they are very close.

[Tri-circle-D]

Well, this thread is already getting long, and we haven't even seen any classic TCD spy photos.

Time to fix that.

In my trip report from this year's spring break trip, I posted this:

OK, as promised, we are now going to take a break from looking at pool photos, and discuss something else.

The Visual Display Complex.

If you don't know or care about this, go ahead and skip this post. There will be some more pool photos coming soon.

First, let's start at the beginning.

Fellow Disboard member clkelley diligently monitors a website called Mouseplanet. The folks on this website monitor the building permits filed by WDW with Orange County, and post blurbs about the permits on their site on a weekly basis.

There were some posts in the January/February 2009 time frame relating to something called a Visual Display Complex at Fort Wilderness. These are the blurbs:

For the week of January 11, 2009:

• Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground's – Construct the expansion of 600 Loop.
• Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground's – Visual display complex – Build-out and set-up eighteen modular trailer units.

Clkelley also posted, later in January, that mouseplanet mentioned this:


Fort Wilderness Campground – installing merchandise trailers at Visual Display Complex.

And, for the week of February 2, 2009:


Fort Wilderness Campground Visual Display Complex – abatement and demolition

After clkelley posted these updates, there was some discussion here on the boards where folks speculated what this Visual Display Complex could be, and what the modular trailer units might be. Some folks thought that perhaps these modular trailer units would be cabins, and that they would be installed on the 600 loop expansion. Some folks thought maybe this was going to be some type of sales center for the Disney Vacation Club (DVC). Some folks thought that maybe a trailer/rv manufacturer was going to set up a display of its various units somewhere at the Fort.

But, to date, no one has really figured out what this all means.

One thing that I overlooked is the abatement and demolition blurb. Abatement. When referring to a construction project, I believe that usually is referring to the removal of something hazardous. Like asbestos. Or an underground fuel tank. Something like that. Also, note that something was going to be demolished. And there is reference to merchandise trailers.

If you google "Visual Display Complex," the only hits you will get are the ones relating to mouseplanet and the discussion of the VDC here on the Disboards. So, this term, whatever it refers to, is not something that is in common use relating to DVC or WDW for that matter.

Now that the expansion of the 600 loop has been completed, we know that there are not going to be cabins installed on the 600 loop. So that speculation appears to been incorrect.

So, what does the VDC have to do with this trip report?

I am getting to that.

When I returned my cart on 4/4/09, I took a walk back to the area where they store the golf carts.

There was a pretty recent post from a new Disboard member that suggested there were 18 trailers parked in the golf cart storage area. I didn't think this was true, but I wanted to see for myself.

As I approached the golf cart storage area, I saw what looked like two large mobile homes wrapped in white plastic. Like you see sometimes when they are moving a large mobile home or a boat on the highway. I took out my camera to snap some photos, and got a couple of the golf carts stored back there, but not the wrapped trailers. A castmember approached me to tell me that this area was off limits, and she nicely asked me to not take photos. So I put the camera away. I did ask her what the wrapped up trailers were about. She said that they were removing all of the old modular offices that had been in this area, and that they were getting new ones.

Hmmm. Those old offices were modular units. Old modular units. Don't these sometimes contain asbestos? And they are getting new offices. Not building new offices-getting new offices. Like they are just going to be brought in and delivered. Modular units?

So that we are all on the same page, this is the area that we are talking about:

This is an aerial view of the FW entrance area:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20II/FortEntrance2.jpg

The rectangular area off to the left is a "backstage" area that has been there for ever. This is where the golf carts are now kept.

Here is a little closer look. The two loops that you see to the left of the rectangular area are the 2700 and 2800 cabin loops:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20II/FortEntrance.jpg

Here are two even closer views of the area. As you can see from these photos, there are modular offices set up in this area:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20II/FrontGate.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20II/FortEntrance1.jpg

What I have never been able to figure out is the purpose of these offices. There is no internal road from the offices to the Fort. There is a separate, extensive, maintenance area elsewhere on the Fort premises, so these offices are not used by the housekeeping or maintenance staffs. So who works there, and what do they do? I still don't know.

But, I do know this.

When I snuck back to this area to look for the new golf cart facilities in October, 2008, I took this photo. You can see some of the modular buildings clearly in the background:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/FW10308263.jpg

Now, here is a photo that I was able to snap on 4/4/09 before the castmember asked me to stop:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/FW33109708.jpg

I think that the buildings visible in the October photo should also have been visible, at least partially, in the April photo. I think the buildings have, indeed been removed, as stated by the castmember. And the two units that I saw on 4/4/09 were all wrapped up. Like maybe they were trying to contain something hazardous. Abatement? You tell me.

So, my working hypothesis now is that the references to a Visual Display Complex and new merchandising trailers/modular units are references to the work going on in this area. I am thinking that these offices are used for inventory and such for the trading posts and the WL gift shop, and maybe the gift shops of the other resorts in the vicinity. But, I still don't know why this would be called a Visual Display Complex, so I could be wrong about all of this.

Obviously, further investigation needs to be done, but I think I am onto something here.

TCD

Since then, I received a tip from Disboard member clkelley that I could possibly see this backstage area from the horse trail. I intended to check that out on this trip.

But, this triathlon commotion made me think that it would not be so easy to sneak around in the morning, which is when I usually have my best time spying.

Well, desperate times call for desperate measures.

Here on Saturday afternoon, there was a lot going on at the Fort. The check in area was a zoo. There were cars parked everywhere. The Settlement area was also a zoo, with triathletes checking in, and riding around on their bikes, and wandering around where they had no business wandering around. And, the pool was a zoo, with a castmember trying to keep folks from parking in unauthorized areas.

I noticed that the FW security types were hard at work just trying to maintain some semblance of order.

That meant that they were not out on their normal patrols. Looking for TCD snooping around in the backstage areas.

Did I hear opportunity knocking?

I think I did.

So, I hopped on the cart, and headed straight for the new golf cart storage area.

I remember someone asking about a night drop for golf carts a while back. There used to be one at the Bike Barn.

Well, I found the new one:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009106.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009108.jpg

But, that isn't what I was looking for.

I wanted to see if there were new trailers in this backstage area.

And, guess what?

The area was deserted.

Not a soul around.

So, I drove right in . . .

This is where they charge up all of the golf carts:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009109.jpg

And, look, that's a new building back there:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009110.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009111.jpg

These are all new buildings.

And they look like modular trailer units to me.

Here are some more photos of this area:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009112.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009113.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009114.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009115.jpg


Wow, that was fun.

And, I think this is the visual display complex.

Don't ask me why they call it that. I still think it has something to do with the merchandise that they sell at the gift shops.

I am satisfied that this little mystery has been solved.

As I drove out, a castmember was walking in. I gave him a wave and a hello, and he did the same.

That was easy.

I got to thinking, where else have I wanted to snoop around but not been able to?

Don't worry, I thought of something.

And, I have some pretty cool photos to share.

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

Thanks for the information on the triathlon - forewarned is forearmed. Very glad that we decided to rent a car. Any idea if the early morning bus to Wilderness Lodge will be effected? Although we planned on driving to the other parks, we were hoping to not have to drive to MK. We thought that the combination of the boat and golf carts would allow us to make a quick trip back to the cabin in the afternoon for the boy's nap.



All transportation will be affected, to some degree, in the morning. I don't know how many triathletes they expect for this week's event, but last week it was approximately 2200. And, most of them had spouses, friends or kids there to cheer them on. They all started out together in the Settlement area that morning. So, there basically was no FW transportation there in the morning. You couldn't even drive your cart down there! There was a MK bus provided from the Outpost (which is not normal). I imagine the same thing will be offered on the 17th. If you are staying in the cabins, and don't want to drive, that would be your best bet- drive your golf cart to the outpost and take a bus.

You might have to take the boat home in the afternoon, and then take a bus to the outpost for your cart.

It is only one day, and after that, I would expect that you will enjoy some very uncrowded conditions until Memorial Day weekend.

TCD

[Donna]

i wish i could get my hands on an extra CM nametag for you for times like this; no one would ever know!

[BradyBz12]

I got to thinking, where else have I wanted to snoop around but not been able to?

Don't worry, I thought of something.

And, I have some pretty cool photos to share.

TCD

popcorn::

[RocklandRVers]

Looks like we will be in the same boat. We will arrive at the Ft on for a weeks vacation on May 16th. I hope we do not encounter the same chaos at check-in that you did. Our plans for the 17th are to take the first boat we can over to MK. I also hope that, as we will be renting golf carts, that the transportation issues will not effect us all that much.
BTW thank you for all of your pictures of the pool area. It would be great if they could complete the work and open the splash area during our trip. Our kids are starting to get so excited - first trip.

We are arriving on the 16th also. Did not know about the potential chaos. What was the overflow parking lot like? I am betting it was full. What time do the triathletes arrive anyway? Maybe we should put the afterburners on and get there extra early on the 16th. At least get checked in? Then we can go hide in the parks and come back later to set up our site?:mad::hippie:

[Tri-circle-D]

Before I traveled to my next snooping destination, I stopped by the office. My goal was to ask a castmember whether we were still expected to check out by 11, when it looked like we might be trapped in our loop until well after noon.

On my way in to the office, I enjoyed the flowers.

Even after having been at the Epcot flower and garden show earlier in the day, I was still impressed:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009117.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009118.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009119.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009120.jpg

It was still crazy in the lobby area.

I did speak to a manager type. She said they expected things to be crazy in the morning, and they weren't expecting folks to be out by 11. In fact, it would be better to wait until a little later to leave. Cool.

I also noticed this artwork on the wall:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009122.jpg

If I am not mistaken, this is identical to an item that was recently up for sale on e-bay. Disboard member ynottony started a thread about it.

I think it is rather valuable.

Now, it is time for some more snooping . . .

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

We are arriving on the 16th also. Did not know about the potential chaos. What was the overflow parking lot like? I am betting it was full. What time do the triathletes arrive anyway? Maybe we should put the afterburners on and get there extra early on the 16th. At least get checked in? Then we can go hide in the parks and come back later to set up our site?:mad::hippie:

Hey, don't worry. Consider yourself lucky that you know about this, and can plan for it.

Look at that link that I posted above. It has all the info for the athletes about what time they are supposed to report.

In my opinion, one of the problems is that it does not stress that they should not drive to Ft. Wilderness or attempt to park there. I think that is what was going on when we arrived on Saturday afternoon. While the lobby was crazy, the check-in lines outside were empty. So, if you are arriving with a RV, you will probably have no problems on Saturday.

You are right about the overflow lot. It was full. And not with camping type vehicles either. But, once we got into the Fort itself, things were fine.

Things will be crazy on Sunday morning for sure. You could plan on going to a park for the day, and coming back when it is all over, or you could stay and enjoy the show. That's what we did. And, it was fun.

You'll see.

TCD

[3gr8kids]

TCD - awesome job as always! :thumbsup2

[Comptech]

TCD,
If we are coming in on the 17th do you think it will be crazy? I do not think we will get there until late afternoon?

[Tri-circle-D]

TCD,
If we are coming in on the 17th do you think it will be crazy? I do not think we will get there until late afternoon?

From everything that I have read, all the craziness should be over by 4 pm. This past Sunday, the triathlon was shorter, and things were pretty settled down by noon. You should be fine. And, even if you arrived earlier, it's Disney. Nobody does crowd control better than them. Even though things were crazy, it was not bad. It actually was fun to watch.

No worries!

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

I have been chomping at the bit since I took this next set of photos to get on the Disboards and post them.

But first, let's travel back in time a bit to set the stage for what I am about to share.

(cue the harp music)

We are traveling back to October, 2008, when I posted this:

OK, on with the report.

While we are talking about old FW photos, I am sure that you have seen these before:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/exp-17a.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/1225083705_22c0a730b9_o.jpg

These apparently are from the 70's. You see those big log slices that were used for signs? I remember a photo of one that served as a sign for the Tri-Circle-D ranch as well. I never got to see any of these in person. I figured they must have rotted, and that they were replaced with more boring signage.

Well, here is a little something interesting.

This past weekend, as I was driving down the main road, I happened to look over to the maintenance area. You can see some of the buildings from the road, but not much. Something back there caught my eye.

This is what I saw:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/FWHalloween2008062.jpg

Now, a little closer:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/FWHalloween2008063.jpg

And closer still:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/FWHalloween2008064.jpg

What, may I ask, is that big log slice doing back there? I have snooped around here a bit before (no surprise there, eh?), and have never seen this big log slice before. And, it looks new, doesn't it? Unfinished even. Hmmmm. If you see a new sliced log sign around the Fort, remember that you saw it here first!

TCD

So, ever since I made that discovery, I have tried to get back to this back stage area for a better look.

I have tried, on a couple of occasions, to ride my bike back there.

Somehow, there is always a security guard coming in or out while I am attempting to sneak in.

Well, remember that today, they are all preoccupied.

So, I head to the maintenance area.

I'm going to look at that log.

Here we go.

As I drive in, I notice that the picnic table graveyard is getting bigger:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009152.jpg

Here is the front of the maintenance building:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009153.jpg

And here is the log!!!:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009154.jpg

You know what?- it looks like this thing is a big fake. It looks like the surface is peeling, and that there is metal underneath. I am going to need to take a closer look.

Well, I am already in this far, and who knows if I will be back this way again, so I keep on driving.

Here is the back of the maintenance building:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009155.jpg

And, then I turn around and head back out.

Look at what I saw- on the other side of the log!:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009156.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009157.jpg

Wow!

I was stunned!

I felt like I was Charlton Heston at the end of The Planet of the Apes standing there and looking at the Statue of Liberty.

I can't believe it.

What is that doing here?

Who knew?

And, all this time I thought that this was made out of a slice of a redwood tree or something (hey, that kind of stuff happened in the 70's, right), but it does look like this is made out of metal and veneer. Notice the rocks along the bottom. I think this is the original Fort Wilderness sign. How cool is that?

What would that go for on E-bay?

TCD

Next up, more stuff I saw in the maintenance area (but it doesn't top the old Fort Wilderness sign).

[RvUsa]

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :banana: :banana: :banana: :worship: :worship: :worship: :popcorn: :popcorn:

So where do we send the check for the gas money?? LOL

[BradyBz12]

I felt like I was Charlton Heston at the end of The Planet of the Apes standing there and looking at the Statue of Liberty.

:rotfl2:

What would that go for on E-bay?

I'd say that would be a whopper of a bidding war! ::yes::

[bouncycat]

We check in on the 18th, hopefully all the triathalon people are gone!! Hoping for a nice quiet couple of days in the cabin. Loving the pics, keep 'em comin'!!

[Live4FW]

I also noticed this artwork on the wall:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009122.jpg

If I am not mistaken, this is identical to an item that was recently up for sale on e-bay. Disboard member ynottony started a thread about it.
TCD

Well, since I lost the bid on e-bay, now I know where I can get one!:cool2:

[I'mDownWithDisney]

Most excellent snooping. Bravo!

[lorac4disney]

Cool snooping! I'd be scared to death or at least shaking so bad that my pictures turned out like crap. Can't wait to be there in three weeks.

[Tigger0624]

Awesome as always! :worship:

[LONE-STAR]

popcorn::

[RocklandRVers]

TCD you remind me a lot of myself except you are way bolder :woohoo:

My DS is amazed at some of the wild things I do like going to "forbidden" places. For example driving our golf cart on the nature trails north of Bay Lake or on the road to Wilderness Lodge (until getting turned back). I also tried but failed miserably to get onto Discovery Island when I rented a boat from the marina. Those CM's on Bay Lake are way too fast. I said I just was catching some sun and drifted toward shore. I was reminded of the forbidden zone and warned not to get too close again. OOPS Sorry! DS says a man with a master's degree should not act so dumb as I act to get away with stuff. Anyway, my compliments on your very sneaky spy photos. I am impressed. :worship:

Now back to a question about the VIP thing which you sort of glossed over. Was this the first time you got the VIP cabin? Do they offer it only for cabin guests? What else do you get as a VIP? Just the cabin?

[Tri-circle-D]

TCD you remind me a lot of myself except you are way bolder :woohoo:

My DS is amazed at some of the wild things I do like going to "forbidden" places. For example driving our golf cart on the nature trails north of Bay Lake or on the road to Wilderness Lodge (until getting turned back). I also tried but failed miserably to get onto Discovery Island when I rented a boat from the marina. Those CM's on Bay Lake are way too fast. I said I just was catching some sun and drifted toward shore. I was reminded of the forbidden zone and warned not to get too close again. OOPS Sorry! DS says a man with a master's degree should not act so dumb as I act to get away with stuff. Anyway, my compliments on your very sneaky spy photos. I am impressed. :worship:

Now back to a question about the VIP thing which you sort of glossed over. Was this the first time you got the VIP cabin? Do they offer it only for cabin guests? What else do you get as a VIP? Just the cabin?

Discovery Island? Thanks for the idea. ;) I'll bet there are some interesting things there. Some day, I also want to get into the old River Country area for a better look.

The VIP cabin is just a regular cabin. It is one of the two on the 100 loop, which is otherwise a camping loop. That's all. Some folks might not even like being assigned here, as there is a lot of activity around. I had reserved a regular cabin. This is the first time I ever stayed in one of the VIP cabins. It just worked out that I was assigned to this one. I think that maybe the assigner recognizes my name, as we visit the Fort a lot, and we have had some pretty nice site assignments on our recent visits.

It is a rare thing for us to stay in a cabin, as we normally camp. So, this won't be happening again for us anytime soon.


TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

Well, since I lost the bid on e-bay, now I know where I can get one!:cool2:

I just checked. The one on e-bay, which had some rips and wrinkles, and was not framed, went for $265. This one is in much better condition. And, it has actually been on display at the Fort. Maybe they had better move it behind the counter?

TCD

[FIREKYMMIE]

TCD

I noticed you said there was anothere tri... June 20th we are arriving that day do you have any info on that one?

thanks

[Tri-circle-D]

Here are some more photos from the maintenance area:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009158.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009159.jpg

If you continued back on the path you see in this photo, you would come out on a path that enters the 1700 loop. I have traveled on this path, from the 1700 loop way, but only made it to the clearing that you see in the background:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009160.jpg

More shots of the area:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009161.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009162.jpg

As suspected, we did not run into any security types back here on this day.

This maintenance fellow did show up, though. And, they have radios in their trucks, so it was time for me to go:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009163.jpg

It's too bad, too. Because there were some interesting looking posters hanging in the window on the side of the building. Looked like some old stuff.
I'll have to get back here again some day.

On the way out, I noticed this pile of old recycling bin racks:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009164.jpg

And, here's another shot of the picnic table graveyard:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009165.jpg

They should find a way to sell these old picnic tables. Wouldn't it be cool to have an old FW picnic table at your house?

Next up, since I'm on a roll, I do even more snooping.

Do not try this at home.

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

TCD

I noticed you said there was anothere tri... June 20th we are arriving that day do you have any info on that one?

thanks

If I said 6/20, that was a typo. There is one on 9/20. So, no worries for you.

The information that I have about future triathlons at the Fort came from a pamphlet I picked up. It gave this website to consult for more information:

www.disneyenduranceseries.com

I presume that site has complete information about upcoming events.

TCD

[FIREKYMMIE]

wow that was close...lol.... not that i would mind i think it would be pretty dool to see if i had no plans that day... but with just arriving it could be a nightmare.... thanks

[RocklandRVers]

TCD what is the worst thing they might do to you if they caught you snooping? Couldn't you say you took a wrong turn and got lost and they would point you back in the right direction or are you that well known. :confused3

Sometimes being well known can be a good thing. If you look familiar enough they think you are a CM ;)

[Goofyseven]

What a great job of bringing us up to date on the goings on. A hearty handshake, a happy hello, and a soft pat on the back

[Tri-circle-D]

From the maintenance area, I headed back down to the Settlement.

I had seen something earlier in the 700 loop that I wanted to go back and check on.

For some reason, the last four sites on the 700 loop were empty and blocked-off:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009166.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009167.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009168.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009169.jpg

What is this all about?

I found out on Sunday.

If you look at the sign laying on the ground in the last photo, above, you can make-out that it says something about golf cart parking.

On Sunday morning, way before sunrise, all of the entrances to the Settlement area were blocked off. People on golf carts had to park them here on the 700 loop, and proceed on foot. No exceptions. The 100 loop was blocked off, too, so you couldn't go that way. It was blocked off until about noon.

But on Saturday, everything was still open, so we headed on back down to the Settlement area, toward the River Country entrance. The officials for the race were driving all over the place back here in golf carts, so no one even gave me a second glance as I rode my cart up the mulch path behind Pioneer Hall, all the way up to the horse barn, and the blacksmith shop. A long time ago, it was OK to ride golf carts back here, but no more. The blacksmith shop was empty, but I did get a good photo of the fireplace:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009170.jpg

I saw an old photo of this same area someplace, and I'll compare the two when I get the chance.

I am sure that if I had wanted to, I could have gone ahead and driven my cart all the way to Wilderness Lodge. But, I didn't want to. What is there to see on the bike path?

I had something more interesting (well, to me anyway) in mind.

I was going to try to drive my cart down the Wilderness Swamp trail to the 300 loop.

I was going wild!

So, away I went. Past the Settlement Trading Post, and back on the trail.

I have never done this before.

Honest.

But, I have seen other people do it.

And, I am now feeling invincible. I am not going to get caught!

So, I drive all the way to the canal behind the 300 loop.

The canals in the Fort are low, but here they were pumping water into Bay Lake:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009171.jpg

You see that bridge?

What the heck, why don't I go for broke and drive over it, and take a good look at the cabin on the other side of the canal?

So I do.

I snapped this photo looking back toward the Contemporary resort:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009172.jpg

You can also see that there was a fellow doing some fishing back here at the time.

Just as I was about to hop off the cart to look at the cabin, I saw a flash of white.

A white pick-up truck was driving in from the 300 loop!

And there I was, in an unauthorized area, and the only way out was over the bridge that the guy was now driving toward me over.

Busted!

I have heard tales of a castmember that was labeled "Mean Gene." I never made his acquaintance. This fellow was named Brian. He asked me, in a nicer tone than I would have used, what the heck I was doing back here with my golf cart. I apologized profusely. He said he had better not see me back here again, and get out. He was pretty nice about the whole thing. But, we still felt that he needed a nick-name. We don't approve of profanity in the TCD household, but the only name that we could think of was itchy Brian, (you will need to add a B to the first word). I have seen BB around the Fort before. He usually patrols in the evening, telling people to move their extra cars, and put out their campfires and such. He is not a bad guy. But, we are calling him BB from now on.

I am still wondering how BB just happened to show up when I was over the bridge by the old cabin. Either it was just a coincidence that he showed up there then, or they have surveillance cameras along the trail, and he was sent there. I am not going to pull this stunt again, so somebody else will have to find out about that.

Anyhow, after our encounter with BB, we drove back over the bridge, and into the 300 loop. My spying on this trip was over :(

I didn't know you could tow a camper with a smart car, but check this out:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009173.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009174.jpg

From here, we headed back to the cabin to chill for a while.

Thankfully, the DD's were smart enough not to mention our run-in with BB to Mrs. TCD. We kept that as our little secret.


Next up, a look at more triathlon stuff, and wasting away in paradise.

TCD

[FIREKYMMIE]

Did you happen to look and see if there was a hitch on that car...lol.. that is to funny...

[We4mickey]

Awesome job TCD! All hail TCD, :worship::worship::worship: our FW super spy!

[Shan-man]

Did you happen to look and see if there was a hitch on that car...lol.. that is to funny...

Maybe they carry the Smart in the bed of their pickup which is parked in the overflow lot! :lmao:

:santa:

[FIREKYMMIE]

Maybe they carry the Smart in the bed of their pickup which is parked in the overflow lot! :lmao:

:santa:


Could you even imagine seeing that go down the road.... :rotfl2:

[Tri-circle-D]

Moving right along . . .

When I was driving around the Settlement area, I noticed that there were gazebos and other things set up in the grassy area between Pioneer Hall and the Settlement bus stop. I decided to stroll over there from the cabin to take a look.

Here is a look back at the cabin from the walkway behind it:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009175.jpg

And here are some shots of the things set up for the race:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009176.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009177.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009178.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009179.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009180.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009181.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009182.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009183.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009184.jpg

The last leg of the race was the run, and, as you can see, the finish line was set up right here in this area.

There were large maps posted here showing the routes of the three legs of the race:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009185.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009186.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009187.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009188.jpg

So, every leg started and finished in the "transition area," which is where all of the bikes were parked behind Pioneer Hall. The bike leg would head out right behind our cabin, and the bikers would then return in front of the cabin on the way to the finish line.

Interesting.

There were great big Mears buses going back and forth to the MK parking lot to shuttle all of the participants to the Settlement area:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009189.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009190.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009191.jpg

From here, I headed back to the cabin.

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

As I headed back to the cabin, I noticed that they were getting ready for the evening wagon rides:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009192.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009193.jpg

This is the path that the horse-drawn excursions take from the loading area by Pioneer Hall, out into the campground for the wagon rides:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009194.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009195.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009196.jpg

This path leads to a paved path that pedestrians, bikes and golf carts share to head down to the Marina and Pioneer Hall. As you would expect, there was non-stop traffic on this path all day long:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009197.jpg

You can see the horse wagon going by here:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009198.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009199.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009200.jpg

Well, it was getting time to get dinner going.

I brought some nice steaks, charcoal, and everything else needed with us so that we could just grill and eat at the cabin.

When I was looking around the cabin for cooking supplies, I found this interesting document posted in the hall closet:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009201.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009203.jpg

So, this tells us that this cabin is coming up on being 12 years old. It is still in very nice shape.

I also found this set of three laminated sheets on a ring hanging in the closet. It had photos of every possible item stocked in the cabins. Everything from spoons to shower curtain hooks. I think it is something used by maintenance to order missing items. I am not sure it was supposed to be left in the cabin.

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009204.jpg

I think there were three double-sided sheets. I only took a photo of one. I didn't want to come across as obsessive or something.

I went ahead and got the steaks going on the grill, and enjoyed a beer outside on the deck. I have some photos of that coming up . . .

TCD

[Comptech]

Sorry to hi-jack this thread but while reading TCD's report I thought he said something about moving cars from sites... How many cars can you park in one trailer site?

[Tri-circle-D]

Sorry to hi-jack this thread but while reading TCD's report I thought he said something about moving cars from sites... How many cars can you park in one trailer site?

There is no such thing as a hijack of a TCD thread. We can talk about whatever we want. I will get it back on track. ;)

The official rule is one car/truck and one camping unit per site. So, if you have a motorhome, you can have a car and a motorhome. If you have a trailer, you can have the trailer and tow vehicle. If you have a tent, still just one car.

If you have more than one vehicle in your party, you can ask for an additional parking pass, and park you vehicle in the lot up by the Outpost/Registration area.

TCD

[Comptech]

TCD, OK great because we will have two vehicles with us and I guess my sister will have to park in the over flow lot...... ;)

[Shan-man]

Ohhh! The bike route went down the service road by the former roundhouse? Bet TCD's got some killer behind the scenes stuff from there!

:santa:

[Shan-man]

Ohhh! The bike route went down the service road by the former roundhouse? Bet TCD's got some killer behind the scenes stuff from there!

:santa:

[yoopermom]

Love the thread, especially all the info about the 100 cabin. The ONLY reason I've ever been inside of one is because...

someone had to DIE at Disney in order for me to get to see inside it:eek:

We were in the 300 loop and had made friends with the older couple and their DGD in the class A next to us. One night, the whole world busted wide open, the gentleman had died while his wife and DGD were at MK:scared1:

FW staff were marvelous, immediately whisked the two survivors off to the cabin you were in, let them stay there for the next two nights, called other family members to come and help drive the RV home, etc. We went up the next a.m. and checked on them, and were invited inside:)

Eerie: on our way there, FW had hired a bagpiper to walk through the loop playing...on a foggy early FL a.m.....put the hairs right up on the back of my arms.

So, I'd LOVE to stay in that cabin, but won't sacrifice a family member to do so:thumbsup2

Keep up the good spying!
Terri

[Ms. Heimlich]

I am hearing the Mission:Impossible theme music in my head reading your TR! Loving it!

Thanks for the time and effort!

[RocklandRVers]

"...I was going to try to drive my cart down the Wilderness Swamp trail to the 300 loop. I was going wild! So, away I went. Past the Settlement Trading Post, and back on the trail. I have never done this before. Honest. But, I have seen other people do it. And, I am now feeling invincible. I am not going to get caught! So, I drive all the way to the canal behind the 300 loop..."

:happytv: Welcome TCD the Wilderness Swamp Trail Pirate's Club! pirate:

I was one of the "others" you might have seen on the trail with a golf cart. We didn't stop too long at the cabin. We kept on going and we got back as far as you can go on that trail. In fact it was scary and the road is narrow and treacherous. :scared1: I can't imagine getting stuck out there. I had to back up a good part of the way because there was no way to turn around. Didn't get caught though. Maybe they put in a camera since then or maybe someone turned you in. :confused3

There are some security CMs who take their jobs so seriously you would think they were State Troopers or something. Others are very nice and pleasant and just quote you the rules. BB sounds like he is at least in the middle.

Oh and we tried the 1700 trail you mentioned. We didn't get caught exactly. Just caught a glimpse of a truck and turned around. Chickened out after that.

Anyway back to the trail. I had heard that CMs sometimes stay in the old cabin or at least may use it for off duty activities. We noted a BBQ there. Of course it could be just part of Disney realism.

You got me wanting to spy now. :idea:

[Tri-circle-D]

Ohhh! The bike route went down the service road by the former roundhouse? Bet TCD's got some killer behind the scenes stuff from there!

:santa:

Sorry, but after my admonishment by BB, I behaved myself for the rest of the trip, and did not go into any more unauthorized areas. But, I will have a clean slate on my next visit, so who knows? The only thing is that I won't have all the triathlon commotion to serve as a diversion. I do want to see the inside of the roundhouse. I think it was Ynottony who said that there are still train tracks on the floor in there.

Love the thread, especially all the info about the 100 cabin. The ONLY reason I've ever been inside of one is because...

someone had to DIE at Disney in order for me to get to see inside it:eek:

We were in the 300 loop and had made friends with the older couple and their DGD in the class A next to us. One night, the whole world busted wide open, the gentleman had died while his wife and DGD were at MK:scared1:

FW staff were marvelous, immediately whisked the two survivors off to the cabin you were in, let them stay there for the next two nights, called other family members to come and help drive the RV home, etc. We went up the next a.m. and checked on them, and were invited inside:)

Eerie: on our way there, FW had hired a bagpiper to walk through the loop playing...on a foggy early FL a.m.....put the hairs right up on the back of my arms.

So, I'd LOVE to stay in that cabin, but won't sacrifice a family member to do so:thumbsup2

Keep up the good spying!
Terri

Wow! What a story. I am glad no one had to die for the TCD gang to get into the cabin. What a sad thing to happen for this family, but props to Disney for how they handled it.

I am hearing the Mission:Impossible theme music in my head reading your TR! Loving it!

Thanks for the time and effort!

No thanks necessary Ma'am. It's what I am trained to do. I'm just doing my job.

"...I was going to try to drive my cart down the Wilderness Swamp trail to the 300 loop. I was going wild! So, away I went. Past the Settlement Trading Post, and back on the trail. I have never done this before. Honest. But, I have seen other people do it. And, I am now feeling invincible. I am not going to get caught! So, I drive all the way to the canal behind the 300 loop..."

:happytv: Welcome TCD the Wilderness Swamp Trail Pirate's Club! pirate:

I was one of the "others" you might have seen on the trail with a golf cart. We didn't stop too long at the cabin. We kept on going and we got back as far as you can go on that trail. In fact it was scary and the road is narrow and treacherous. :scared1: I can't imagine getting stuck out there. I had to back up a good part of the way because there was no way to turn around. Didn't get caught though. Maybe they put in a camera since then or maybe someone turned you in. :confused3

There are some security CMs who take their jobs so seriously you would think they were State Troopers or something. Others are very nice and pleasant and just quote you the rules. BB sounds like he is at least in the middle.

Oh and we tried the 1700 trail you mentioned. We didn't get caught exactly. Just caught a glimpse of a truck and turned around. Chickened out after that.

Anyway back to the trail. I had heard that CMs sometimes stay in the old cabin or at least may use it for off duty activities. We noted a BBQ there. Of course it could be just part of Disney realism.

You got me wanting to spy now. :idea:

Like I said, BB was a lot nicer than I would have been had it been my job to chase knuckleheads out of unauthorized areas.

When were you last down the trail by the cabin? It is very overgrown now. And, there are big logs laying across the path just past the cabin. I don't think you could get a cart down there now. If BB hadn't spoiled my fun, I would have at least gotten some pics of the path, because I don't remember it being blocked like it was the last time I was down it. Which, I add for the record, was by foot, the way it is supposed to be done, back in November 2008.

I don't think anyone stays in that cabin. It is very dirty, and I don't remember seeing a grill around there.

TCD

[stacktester]

When we were there back in April we drove in a very restricted area and if it didn't have cameras I doubt they have them by the 300 loop. I drove there at night though. We went to the WL the last night of our visit and it was moonlit on the trail. I kept seeing something big coming so I pulled off. It was the carriage ride coming back and the driver said I need you to turn around. I had no lights on so he knew what I was doing lol. That was not the very restricted area btw. If we would've gotten caught where we went I think we woulda been asked to leave.

[Tri-circle-D]

I got the grill going at around 6:30 or so.

I could choose between the regular old metal grill, or the nice rock one.

I went with the rock.

It wasn't long before the steaks were sizzling:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009205.jpg

It was a perfect evening:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009206.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009207.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009209.jpg

I usually only drink Corona at the beach or on a cruise in the summer, not at the Fort, but Mrs. TCD likes it, so that is what we drank on this evening. The rock grill provided a nice place to rest my beer:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009210.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009212.jpg

Man, I wish I was there right now.

As I grilled, I watched the sun sink lower in the sky, as well as the non-stop parade of walkers, bikers, and golf-carters coming and going:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009213.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009216.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009219.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009220.jpg

The hay-less hay ride came right by the front of our cabin:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009221.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009222.jpg

I could have stayed out here all night, just taking in the sights and sounds of the Fort:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009226.jpg

But, the steaks were done:


http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009225.jpg

So, we sat down around the table inside (it was still a little too warm outside to enjoy our meal), and it was after 8 before we were done dining and enjoying each others' company.

I know that we went on a nice, long cart ride after dinner. And, there was some talk about hitting the MK, but we were all tired from a long day, so we pretty much just hung around the cabin.

The DD's wanted to get ice cream for dessert, so we headed over to the Settlement Trading Post, and bought some. It was nice having a freezer in the cabin to keep it in. Our pop-up doesn't have a freezer, so we can't keep ice cream around the campsite when we are camping.

While I was at the trading post, I took a photo of the beer price tag. I always doubt myself when I say that they charge $5.25 for one beer at FW. But they do, see:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009233.jpg

If you are a newbie reading this report, let this serve as your wake up call to remind you to bring your own beer to the Fort!!

Well we made it.

To the end of my photos from Saturday.

My camera battery was dead (no wonder), so I didn't get photos of us enjoying the electric water pageant from the beach, or the fireworks and s'mores from our porch (but we did).

We ended our night at about 11:30, and hit the hay. I planned on getting up early to see what was going on with the triathlon. The women were supposed to start swimming at 7 am, and I wanted to see that.

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

The plan was for me to get up early on Sunday morning to see what was going on with the triathlon.

So, I was up by six, got a quick shower, put on some coffee, and headed out on the cart to see what was going on.

As I rounded the corner to exit the 100 loop, I found that the entire entrance/exit was fenced off.

My camera tells me that these photos were taken at 6:17 am. I was trapped in the 100 loop:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009234.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009235.jpg

I found out later that they fenced off the entrance to prevent people from driving golf carts into the Settlement area. All golf carts had to be parked on the 700 loop. Period. Later in the morning, their were castmembers on duty here to move the fence to let 100 and 200 loop guests in and out. But, nobody was there at 6:17 am, so I just went back to the cabin.

I grabbed my coffee, and headed out on foot to see what was going on around Pioneer Hall.

As I approached, I could hear music playing and an announcer on a PA system directing folks. It was loud enough to hear from the 100 loop, but we couldn't hear it inside the cabin. There were a lot of people already here:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009237.jpg

That is the moon that you see up there in the sky in this photo. The sun had not yet risen:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009240.jpg

Look at all the people! It isn't even 6:30 am yet.

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009241.jpg

In fact, so I don't have to repeat how early these photos were taken, let me remind you that the swimming was set to start at 7 am. I will have some photos of the swimming coming up. So until you see swimming photos, it is safe for you to assume that the next photos were all taken before 7 am.

Remember all of those porta-potties? These ladies were having nothing to do with them. Note that the women are using both the men's room and ladies room. I guess the men had to resort to the porta-potties this morning. I hope none of these women went into NTSammy5's famous Stall No. 2!:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009242.jpg

I was surprised that the Fort management didn't open Trail's End up early to take advantage of all of these folks milling about. But, they did have a food and beverage tent set up:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009244.jpg

Look at all these people!:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009246.jpg

This is the beginning of the bike route, heading toward the 100 loop:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009248.jpg

And, the women were taking over the restrooms at the Settlement Trading Post, too:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009249.jpg

Here is what I saw as I walked toward the marina:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009251.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009252.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009253.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009254.jpg

Here is the beach. There aren't usually this many people on the beach in the middle of the day. Note the moon is still up:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009256.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009257.jpg

Some shots from around the dock:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009258.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009259.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009260.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009261.jpg


More photos coming right up . . .

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

Some more early morning dock pics.

Yes, I took too many.

But, I was the one who had to get up early on a Sunday morning to take them, so the least you can do is look at them without complaining:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009262.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009263.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009264.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009265.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009266.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009267.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009268.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009269.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009270.jpg

Hey look, I am walking off of the dock. Note that someone forgot to take down the sign from last night's Hoop Dee Doo:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009271.jpg

Here's the beach again. There are more and more people showing up:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009272.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009273.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009274.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009276.jpg

Here's a shot from the Settlement Trading Post porch:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009277.jpg

And some shots from the area around the Trading Post:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009278.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009279.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009280.jpg

And, here's the beach again:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009281.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009282.jpg

Coming up . . .

The triathlon begins!

(but first I took too many pictures of the sunrise from the dock)

TCD

[daddyphat808]

Wow!!! Excellent as always my man! We are taking my daughter's Brownie troop up this weekend and I am brave but you have me speechless! If we are ever at the Fort at the same time I owe you a case of beer for all of the awesome reports!

[lklasing]

I'm just now catching up, but I have to chime in and say that you have once again outdone yourself! I'm particularly interested in your triathlon coverage as I had no idea there would be another one on September 6 - while we're back to the Fort for our next trip! :scared1: I alternate between being scared about the traffic and transportation issues versus thinking maybe I could do a triathlon. :lmao: I run, but I've never swum (swimmed? how do you spell that?) or ridden a bike for anything other than leisure. But, it seems like maybe the fates want me to try one, given that they put one smack dab in the middle of my next vacation!:confused3

Anyway, thanks again for the info about the upcoming races and the great report!

Leslie

[BradyBz12]

This really is a jam packed TR - filled with action and intrigue! :lmao:

popcorn::

[DaveInTN]

Great report TCD! It is nice to see you can still swim in Bay lake without fear of brain wasting amoebas getting you.

[nikkipowell1]

Great report TCD! It is nice to see you can still swim in Bay lake without fear of brain wasting amoebas getting you.

I was just thinking the same thing. I thought swimming wasnt allowed in that lake? I guess there will be less competitors for the next tri-athalon because there brains will have been eaten.

[RocklandRVers]

My trip reports are not nearly as good as yours TCD. Your photos tell more of the story than the hundreds of words I write in mine. :thumbsup2

Just on the swamp trail invasion I confessed about earlier...I used my own golf cart. I think it was during our 2003 (maybe 2004) Christmas vacation. I remember that DW was driving the cart when the front steering shaft broke while DS and I were off somewhere else. She found a nice man to help her push it back to our site. She scolded me saying that it was our trip on the swamp trail that probably damaged the cart. Maybe? But I was just happy it happened close to our site in the 1900 loop rather than in the restricted area :rolleyes1

The other thing nobody is commenting on and just occurred to me is they are allowing swimmers in Bay Lake. For years now we have been told no swimming due to deadly organisms and bacteria. Also this was the alleged reason for River Country closing. Seems that this may be all fiction now. Maybe its Disney magic that cleaned things up for the swim events? :wizard:

[Tri-circle-D]

Wow!!! Excellent as always my man! We are taking my daughter's Brownie troop up this weekend and I am brave but you have me speechless! If we are ever at the Fort at the same time I owe you a case of beer for all of the awesome reports!


A case of beer! I'll take it!!

Have a great trip this weekend with the Brownies.

On second thought, with the Brownie group, you are going to need that case of beer a lot more than me!

Been there. Done that.

Bring extra beer!

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

I'm just now catching up, but I have to chime in and say that you have once again outdone yourself! I'm particularly interested in your triathlon coverage as I had no idea there would be another one on September 6 - while we're back to the Fort for our next trip! :scared1: I alternate between being scared about the traffic and transportation issues versus thinking maybe I could do a triathlon. :lmao: I run, but I've never swum (swimmed? how do you spell that?) or ridden a bike for anything other than leisure. But, it seems like maybe the fates want me to try one, given that they put one smack dab in the middle of my next vacation!:confused3

Anyway, thanks again for the info about the upcoming races and the great report!

Leslie

As you will see from the photos coming up, there were all ages, shapes and sizes doing this race. The September 6th triathlon is also a women's triathlon, and it is the same shorter distances: 1/2 mile swim, 12 mile bike, and 3 mile run. If they had one of these for the men, I would do it in a heartbeat.

Way back in the day, after my first daughter was born, but before the twins came along, I did a few triathlons. I did the first one on a whim with a friend of mine. I used to jog pretty regularly back then, and I know how to swim, but never swam competitively. And, I had just bought a new bike to take my then toddler daughter on bike rides. So, I competed in my first triathlon with a beach cruiser with a baby seat on the back! But I did it, with no training. And it was fun. I did a few after that, but then the twins came along, and I got old, and well, I just stopped.

But, in all seriousness, you should consider doing this one in September. Why not? I think it would be cool to swim in Bay Lake, and to bike and run through some of the normally off limits places around the Fort.

Wait, I just got an idea. Remember Tootsie? Remember Mrs. Doubtfire? Remember Susan Stanton? I'm just saying.

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

Great report TCD! It is nice to see you can still swim in Bay lake without fear of brain wasting amoebas getting you.

I was just thinking the same thing. I thought swimming wasnt allowed in that lake? I guess there will be less competitors for the next tri-athalon because there brains will have been eaten.


The other thing nobody is commenting on and just occurred to me is they are allowing swimmers in Bay Lake. For years now we have been told no swimming due to deadly organisms and bacteria. Also this was the alleged reason for River Country closing. Seems that this may be all fiction now. Maybe its Disney magic that cleaned things up for the swim events? :wizard:


I have heard all the amoeba stories too.

In fact, just this past weekend there was a story in our local paper warning people about the dangers of swimming in lakes in Florida when the weather gets warm.

But, at one of these races, they even have a kids event on the day before the big race where the kids will be swimming in the lake.

The explanation that I have heard is that the real danger is when the water is warmer, and if you are just wading around in it after the bottom has been kicked up. But, from what I hear, this amoeba is a nasty thing, and it surprises me that WDW would take on the potential liability of someone getting sick. Their lawyers must have drafted one heck of a liability waiver that they make folks sign. But, again, there are all kinds of warnings on the website where these races are described, and I have not seen a word about the amoeba risk.

I don't know about this amoeba business.:confused3

But, I do know that there were 2200 women swimming in Bay Lake on May 10th, and you are about to see some photos of that.

TCD

[nikkipowell1]

:surfweb:popcorn:::surfweb:popcorn::

[Tri-circle-D]

It's still Sunday morning.

And, we haven't seen anyone swimming yet, right?

So, it's still before 7 am.

Yes, all of those people you have seen so far got up way before now, so they could be here at the Fort to either swim, or watch someone swim.

Hard to believe.

It is such a weird experience for me too. Normally, when I am camping at the Fort, I head down to the Settlement area for a look around at 7-ish. If you can find my Thanksgiving 2008 trip report, you will see that I wandered around this area on Thanksgiving morning, and barely saw one other person. But today, the sun isn't even up, and there are thousands of people wandering around.

Anyhow, here I am heading back out onto the dock:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009283.jpg

In case you haven't picked up on it already, the swim course begins on one side of the dock, toward the Settlement Trading Post, and then heads straight out into the lake, and then finishes on the other side of the dock, over by the dock used for the fishing excursion boats.

Here, you can see the swim start area, and folks getting their places to watch the beginning of the triathlon:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009284.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009285.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009286.jpg

There are all kinds of lifeguards in boats and on paddle-boards out in the lake:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009287.jpg

The sky is getting lighter in the east:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009288.jpg

Here comes the sun!!

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009289.jpg

(those specks you see in the middle of the above photos are ducks flying across the lake- they must have been as amazed as me to see all of these people here so early in the morning when they normally would have the lake to themselves at this time of day)

More sunrise photos:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009290.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009291.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009292.jpg

As I stood there on the dock, the announcer introduced a woman who had won the Hawaii Ironman competition, and she gave the competitors a pep talk. Then someone was going to sing the National Anthem, and the race was about to start.

At this point it occurred to me that after the race started, I might be prohibited from going back to my cabin, as I would have to cross the bike course, and they had it all fenced off and manned by volunteers.

So, I headed back to my cabin, as I didn't want to be trapped out here.

Here are even more folks showing up for the race:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009293.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009294.jpg

I was able to make it back to the cabin without a problem.

From there, I heard the national anthem sung, and starting gun shot, and I re-filled my coffee mug, and headed back to the beach to see what it looks like when two thousand people swim in Bay Lake.

TCD

[campingdawgs]

Two thousand swimmers in Bay Lake?! I can't wait to see what that looks like! Great reporting and your sunrise pictures are beautiful! When I was reading about your cookout at the cabin I was so wishing I was at FW right now! With all of the madness going on at our house lately, I could really use some relaxation like that.

[Tri-circle-D]

Here are a few more photos of folks hanging out around the Settlement Trading Post area:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009295.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009296.jpg

Now, here I am heading toward the beach. This is the walkway that goes toward the River Country entrance, on the side of Trail's End:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009297.jpg

Notice that there are still a lot of triathletes heading down to the beach. This is because the swimmers started in "waves." The first ones started at 7, but there are groups scheduled at intervals after that all the way up until 8.

So, how long do you think it takes the fastest swimmers to swim 1/2 mile?

When I was watching all of this, I though back to my days at Boy Scout summer camp. The Boy Scouts used to have a Mile Swim award. I remember it was a big deal to accomplish this. We would go out in a row boat, and someone would row, while another scout kept watch, and then whoever was swimming would swim. My recollection is that this took a long time. Like hours.

So, I didn't really rush down to the beach. I heard the gun go off while I was at the cabin, and just walked down at a leisurely pace.

Here is the swim finish area:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009298.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009299.jpg

And the crowd on the beach:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009300.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009302.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009303.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009304.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009305.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009307.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009308.jpg

Here are the lifeguards waiting for the swimmers to show up:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009309.jpg

Folks were starting to walk down the beach from the start to the finish line:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009310.jpg

You can kind of see the swimmers in these shots, if you look real close:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009311.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009312.jpg

As you veteran FW campers know, there is a prominent "No Swimming" sign here on the beach. Of course, it was my intention to get a photo of that sign with a thousand or so swimmers in the background, but someone (it was probably BB) covered up the sign and spoiled my fun:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009313.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009314.jpg

And, we are still waiting for the first swimmer to emerge:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009315.jpg

Next up . . .

We will finally see some swimmers!

I promise.

TCD

[RocklandRVers]

TCD you were right that these were all shapes and sizes. I was kinda hoping for shots similar to the Miss USA pageant swimsuit competition. None are even close so far. :rotfl2: But you probably want to save the best for last right? ;)

[Tri-circle-D]

TCD you were right that these were all shapes and sizes. I was kinda hoping for shots similar to the Miss USA pageant swimsuit competition. None are even close so far. :rotfl2: But you probably want to save the best for last right? ;)

The swimmers are coming up, but there was no glamour on this morning. And, I say God bless some of the women that were out here doing this race. I was surprised by some of them- they didn't look like they could do it. But, darned if they didn't get in the water, ride their bikes, and get this race finished. Good for them!

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

Finally, the lead swimmers turned the corner and started heading toward the finish line:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009316.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009317.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009318.jpg

And, here she is! The first swimmer to emerge from the lake:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009319.jpg

How long do you think it took?

Guess what time it is now?

7:09!

This lady swam 1/2 mile in 9 minutes!

That surprised me!

And, right after her, the next swimmers started running out of the lake:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009320.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009321.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009322.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009323.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009324.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009325.jpg

I learned a lot from listing to the comments made by the spectators around me.

For example, the first wave was for the "elite" athletes. I guess these are the women who have the most experience, and have succeeded in other races. The next group was the next most able, and then there was a group of "survivors." I presume this meant cancer survivors. Each group had a different colored bathing cap. So, if you saw, for example, the first pink cap coming out of the water with the blue caps, that meant that lady in the pink cap swam very fast. The people watching this were really into it.

Check out my man in the Goofy hat!:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009326.jpg

As more and more swimmers started coming out, folks were beginning to really crowd around the finish line area:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009327.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009328.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009329.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009330.jpg

As more and more people started crowding around, the people who were here first started to complain when a newcomer stepped in front of them. I was standing right behind a guy that had two young kids in a stroller. He was there early, and parked the stroller right on the edge of the water, so the kids could see and cheer on their mom when she came out of the lake. Several times, people who were barefoot, and walking in the water, stopped and stood in front of the kids. The man politely asked them to move to the side, so his kids could see. No problem. Well, then this younger guy in his early 20's comes walking up in the water. He is holding a pair of crutches in his hands, and he comes and stands right in front of the kids in the stroller. He was blocking my view too. The dad asks him to move, and he moves over just a little, but he is still standing right in front of other people, including me, who were there first. I am thinking, who does this guy think he is? What nerve!

But then, a young lady comes hopping out of the lake on one leg! This guy was there to hand her her crutches! Boy did I feel like a louse! Shame on me for judging this guy! I presume this young lady would use the crutches to get to her bike, and then use a prosthetic leg for the rest of the race. Wow! You hear stories about physically challenged people doing athletic events, but it is something altogether different to be there and see it first hand. I tried to get a photo of this courageous young lady, but this was the best I could do (she's on the other side of the guy with the hat in the green shirt):

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009331.jpg

What I was really hoping to get a shot of was of a crowd of ladies swimming in the lake. But, at first they were so spread out that the photos weren't really all that interesting:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009332.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009333.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009334.jpg

But, then I got this shot. I think this is what I was looking for:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009336.jpg

Isn't that a sight?

Coming up . . .

More swimming photos.

And then some bike photos.

TCD

[lklasing]

As you will see from the photos coming up, there were all ages, shapes and sizes doing this race. The September 6th triathlon is also a women's triathlon, and it is the same shorter distances: 1/2 mile swim, 12 mile bike, and 3 mile run. If they had one of these for the men, I would do it in a heartbeat.

Way back in the day, after my first daughter was born, but before the twins came along, I did a few triathlons. I did the first one on a whim with a friend of mine. I used to jog pretty regularly back then, and I know how to swim, but never swam competitively. And, I had just bought a new bike to take my then toddler daughter on bike rides. So, I competed in my first triathlon with a beach cruiser with a baby seat on the back! But I did it, with no training. And it was fun. I did a few after that, but then the twins came along, and I got old, and well, I just stopped.

But, in all seriousness, you should consider doing this one in September. Why not? I think it would be cool to swim in Bay Lake, and to bike and run through some of the normally off limits places around the Fort.

Wait, I just got an idea. Remember Tootsie? Remember Mrs. Doubtfire? Remember Susan Stanton? I'm just saying.

TCD

I'm definitely thinking about it. I know - I'll do it if you will!

[Tri-circle-D]

Here are the rest of my swimming pics:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009337.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009338.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009339.jpg

As I was standing there watching the swimmers, a castmember came up and asked everyone to clear an area as they needed to back up a golf cart. The golf cart had a wheelchair in the back of it. I guess that one of the women swimming needed to use the wheelchair. Wow.

Here is the cart:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009341.jpg

Since I lost my vantage point, I decided to walk back to the cabin and watch the competitors come by on their bikes.

Here are some more shots of the beach:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009342.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009343.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009345.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009346.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009347.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009348.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009349.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009350.jpg

I could sit on the porch of my cabin, and watch the ladies ride their bikes out onto the bike course:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009351.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009365.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009369.jpg

The maps that were posted indicated that the bikers would be returning to the Transition Area by driving the wrong way around the 100 loop. Actually, the arrows on the ground indicated that they would enter the 100 loop, and go around the normal way (counter-clockwise).

There were two folks camping on the inside site across from the path leading out to the Settlement who were set up to watch the action. I chatted with them for a while. They had never been to the Fort before. They lucked into a nice site. Also, they had their dog with them. They had no clue that this was not a pet loop. There were castmembers posted on the path right across from them to direct the bikers back to the Transition Area. I guess it was fine with them for the dog to be on the 100 loop. Here are the campers and their dog:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009377.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009378.jpg

Here is a shot of the scene where the bikers emerged out on to the road across from the 700 loop. Traffic was stopped here, but there were castmembers present who would waive vehicles by when there was a gap in the action. Things didn't seem to get too bad here:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009380.jpg

Here's a look at the 100/200 loop entrance. It was blocked off. But, they were letting vehicles in and out when there were gaps in the action:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009381.jpg

There was a real Sheriff's Deputy on duty at the 400 loop entrance but it didn't look like he had much to do:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009382.jpg

Next up . . .

More pics from around the 100 loop.

And, we take a look at the runners and finish line!

TCD

[guardwife66]

Wow! I am loving your report and especially the photos. :thumbsup2 Makes me wish I was at the fort now.

Keep 'em coming.

[Tri-circle-D]

Here are some shots of the 100/200 loop entrance/exit area. As you can see, there were plenty of castmembers present to help keep motor vehicles away from the bikes:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009383.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009384.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009385.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009386.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009387.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009388.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009389.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009390.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009391.jpg

Here we are heading back to the cabin. You can see the castmembers on duty to direct the bikers in the center part of these photos:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009394.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009395.jpg

I missed the very first runner to come across the finish line, but here are some of the first to finish the race:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009404.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009405.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009406.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009407.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009408.jpg

Everyone who finished got a medal. Here they all are, ready to be handed out:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009409.jpg

There was no shortage of volunteers:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009410.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009411.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009412.jpg

Next up . . .

More photos of the finish line area.

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

As advertised - more photos from the finish area:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009413.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009414.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009415.jpg

There were plenty of safety precautions taken. I didn't see anyone who needed medical attention:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009416.jpg

There were tons of people hanging out around the finish area:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009417.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009418.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009419.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009420.jpg

Let's take a walk over to the Transition Area, and see what that looks like:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009421.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009422.jpg

There were two TV news vans set up here:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009423.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009424.jpg

As you can see here, there were still a lot of women out on the bike course when the front runners were finishing:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009425.jpg

Some more shots of the general area around the pony ride area:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009426.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009427.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009428.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009429.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009430.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009431.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009432.jpg

Next up, some photos from around the horse barn.

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

Are you still with me?

Maybe I took too many photos?

Well, I always say quantity, not quality!

Here we will look at some of the runners as they headed out onto the run course. It looks like they headed toward the Wilderness Lodge, and then ran up the back road toward the group camping area, and then back to the Fort.

So, the ladies running by in these next photos are just starting out on their run:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009433.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009434.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009435.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009436.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009437.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009438.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009439.jpg

All of these picnic tables were set up near the "trail head" of the bike path to the Wilderness Lodge. They must be the tables that are normally under the pavilion for the Backyard BBQ:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009440.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009441.jpg

Here are some of the runners just getting going on the run course, as they come around the horse barn:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009442.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009443.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009444.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009447.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009448.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009449.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009450.jpg

The ponies must have been amazed to see all the folks crowded around this morning:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009454.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009455.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009456.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009457.jpg

Next up . . .

Some more race photos . . .

And then we break out of the 100 loop with our cart to take a look around.

TCD

[FIREKYMMIE]

i LOVE all the pics.. they are great makes you think you are there.... i am counting days down now for my vac. and all these pics are helping me.... ty

[Live4FW]

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009456.jpg

She is looking at you wanting to know why you are taking her pic. Doesn't she know who you are?:confused3

[Tri-circle-D]

She is looking at you wanting to know why you are taking her pic. Doesn't she know who you are?:confused3

Yes- she is looking right at me. I think she did recognize me, and then realized that meant she was going to end up in a TCD trip report!

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

I'm going to get this trip report finished today.

Here are the last two photos that I took in the finish line area:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009458.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009459.jpg

I think this is when I went back to the cabin to make breakfast for Mrs. TCD and the DD's. Boy, it is easy to do that in a cabin, as opposed to at a campsite.

After breakfast, we decided to get out of the loop on our cart.

Now that it was getting close to 11 am, folks were trying to leave, and traffic was getting bad. This camper was trying to leave the 200 loop, but had to wait a while for a break in the action:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009460.jpg

This castmember was the gatekeeper- he watched for bikers, and then, when the coast was clear, he would signal the castmember in the loop, and open the gate up for the folks trying to leave:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009461.jpg

These folks got backed up a bit heading toward the 100/200/400 loop area:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009462.jpg

That guy that we just looked at waiting to leave from the 200 loop finally got to go- and look, he is the one who had that Minnie Mouse golf cart that we looked at earlier:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009463.jpg

Here is the golf cart parking area in the 700 loop:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009464.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009465.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009466.jpg

These Mears buses were going back and forth all morning long:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009467.jpg

As you just saw from the temporary 700 loop golf cart parking, they still were not letting golf carts to go down to the Settlement well into late morning.

I was able to drive my cart into the Settlement Area from the 100 loop and snapped these photos:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009468.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009469.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009470.jpg

Because things were so congested, I contemplated not returning my cart until after 11. I had hardly gotten a chance to use it all morning. But, we didn't plan on staying late today, so I headed up toward the Outpost at about 10:45.

Coming up, my trip to the Outpost . . .

And the end of this report.

TCD

[BradyBz12]

Still with ya.... great stuff! popcorn::

Anybody else concerned that dog's line reached all the way to the recycle bins... and the road? :headache:

[Tri-circle-D]

Still with ya.... great stuff! popcorn::

Anybody else concerned that dog's line reached all the way to the recycle bins... and the road? :headache:

Well, that way he could scare the 2200 bikers coming by!

J/K that dog was old! He didn't bother anyone.

I just don't know what he was doing in the 100 loop.

But, I see that kind of stuff all the time lately.

TCD

[BradyBz12]

Oh geez, I can only imagine my border collies in the 100 loop that weekend with all those bikes going by! :scared1:

J/K that dog was old! He didn't bother anyone.

Yeah, he didn't look like he was about to bolt anywhere. If anything he looked like he might be in danger of stumbling in front of a bike. (ouch)

REALLY weird that they put them in 100. I've seen dogs lots of places at FW before, but not there.

[Tri-circle-D]

Let's wrap this mother up.

As I attempted to make it back to return my cart by 11, I ran into this parade of folks heading out of the Fort:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009471.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009472.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009473.jpg

That's about as bad a back-up as I've seen. But, the line was moving, and I made it to return the cart at just a little past 11. No problem.

On my way to the bus stop for a ride back to the Settlement, I peeked into the "Internet Cafe," to see if there was anything new in there. Sometimes there is a new piece of literature in there, but not today. But, I found out where they keep all their printed material. It is just behind the little door there in the Internet Cafe. Here's what you see if you take a quick peek:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009474.jpg

From here, I headed over to the Outpost Bus Stop. Since I was going to the Settlement, I planned to take the first internal bus that came along: Yellow, Orange or Purple, it didn't matter to me. But, after a few theme park buses came, the next bus said Wilderness Lodge. Huh? I asked that bus driver what was up. She told me that there were no Yellow, Orange or Purple buses this morning. If I wanted to go to the Settlement, I needed to take the Ft. Wilderness bus. Oh.

Luckily, a Ft. Wilderness bus came right along:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009475.jpg

Notice the "No Bikes" sign:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009476.jpg

I didn't realize that the bus system would be modified on Sunday. But it was. And they told me so. Remember this letter?:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009.jpg

I didn't notice the part about there being more information on the back. But, there was:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009479.jpg

So, during the Triathlon, there was just one bus route through the Fort. It followed the route of the Orange bus. Through the cabin loops, then past the Meadow Trading Post, and to the Settlement bus stop. I didn't see a lot of folks waiting anywhere for the internal bus, so it must have been working OK.

What I did see, when I got to the Settlement, was a long line of folks trying to get on the Mears Shuttle to get back to the MK parking lot. Here they are:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009477.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20VI-%20Mothers%20Day%202009/FW595102009478.jpg

It didn't look like they were having a lot of fun.

And with that- I'm done.

After getting back to the cabin, we packed up and headed home.

We had been at the Fort for less than 24 hours.

But, we had plenty of fun.

And, as you can see, saw quite a bit.

I'm not sure when I will be back.

Maybe a surprise inspection of the splash zone before month end. ;)

Until next time . . .

TCD is out!

[clkelley]

Sounds like an action packed trip!! Glad you had a good time!!

[BradyBz12]

Thanks TCD! Who'd have thunk that a "quick weekend trip" would have been so jammed packed? Great TR as always. :thumbsup2

[Donna]

Great report as usual, i hung on every word and picture! can't wait til you're there again. We leave in a few weeks and i just can't wait! Got a cart from kenny's and there were only 2 left for june when i called!!

[jdd]

Thanks so much for all this information! I just have one question. We are coming to the Fort (1st visit!) Labor Day weekend, on which I understand they're hosting yet another triathlon. I'm wondering which you think would be the better option:

1. Check in late Saturday (6-8pm) - head out early Sunday (7am) for the TTC and monorail to MK or
2. Stay off site Saturday night, check in to FW early Sunday (7am) and head straight out for the TTC/MK.

The reason I'm considering the second option is that I'm wondering how crazy check-in on Saturday will be, and how hard it will be to get out Sunday morning.

The reason I'm considering the first option is that I'm wondering if checking in Sunday morning, right at the start of the race, would be a mistake.

Any opinion? Thanks!

edited to add that we're driving, so we have our own car - won't be relying on internal transportation.

[Tri-circle-D]

Thanks so much for all this information! I just have one question. We are coming to the Fort (1st visit!) Labor Day weekend, on which I understand they're hosting yet another triathlon. I'm wondering which you think would be the better option:

1. Check in late Saturday (6-8pm) - head out early Sunday (7am) for the TTC and monorail to MK or
2. Stay off site Saturday night, check in to FW early Sunday (7am) and head straight out for the TTC/MK.

The reason I'm considering the second option is that I'm wondering how crazy check-in on Saturday will be, and how hard it will be to get out Sunday morning.

The reason I'm considering the first option is that I'm wondering if checking in Sunday morning, right at the start of the race, would be a mistake.

Any opinion? Thanks!

edited to add that we're driving, so we have our own car - won't be relying on internal transportation.

I would definitely suggest option 1. Check-in on Saturday night was not that bad. It was crowded, but they had plenty of staff on hand, and it moved quickly. On Sunday morning, I would bet that a lot of staff will be diverted to man stations for the triathlon. Also, you may have a problem driving back to your site, as some roads were blocked off before 7 am.

If you don't want to be around to watch the triathlon, then I would suggest that you head out early, and plan on coming back in the afternoon or later. With your FW parking pass, you could also park at the Contemporary, Polynesian or Grand Floridian and take the monorail from there. I would choose one of those rather than the TTC.

I would not let the triathlon deter you from coming to the Fort, but be prepared for some minor disruptions on the day of the triathlon.

TCD

[camperhappy]

Interesting stuff! Thanks for all of the details, I am surprised about the swimming in the lake, we were told on one of our boat rides that they don't allow swimming because of gators! I guess they check the water pretty good before allowing the swimmers to enter. Thanks for all the info!

[jdd]

I would definitely suggest option 1. Check-in on Saturday night was not that bad. It was crowded, but they had plenty of staff on hand, and it moved quickly. On Sunday morning, I would bet that a lot of staff will be diverted to man stations for the triathlon. Also, you may have a problem driving back to your site, as some roads were blocked off before 7 am.

If you don't want to be around to watch the triathlon, then I would suggest that you head out early, and plan on coming back in the afternoon or later. With your FW parking pass, you could also park at the Contemporary, Polynesian or Grand Floridian and take the monorail from there. I would choose one of those rather than the TTC.

I would not let the triathlon deter you from coming to the Fort, but be prepared for some minor disruptions on the day of the triathlon.

TCD

Thanks! I was afraid we wouldn't be able to get out Sunday morning. I'd prefer to stay Sat night at FW, though, as it would save checking in and out of multiple hotels. Also, thanks for the tip about parking at the Contemporary - I had no idea that was allowed. I thought you had to be a guest of that hotel to park for more than a couple of hours.

We're very excited to visit FW this year - I've been following the pool/splash zone thread, and loving all your pictures!