Type of Tent?

[OnlyDisney]

I haven't been camping since I was a kid so I'm pretty much starting from scratch. We don't plan on getting to WDW for a few years, but I'd like to start picking up items we'll need for tent camping a little at a time. Starting in a few years we'll be making a WDW trip every year.

The big question is "What kind of tent should I get?"

1. We need a tent that sleeps 2 adults and 2 kids. We'll be using a queen air mattress and 2 twin air mattresses. I'd like to have plenty of room inside.

2. We'd also like to have a tent that sleeps 4 adults and 2 kids for when the grandparents come.

Should we just buy one tent that is big enough to sleep 6 and has room to spare? How big a tent can you fit on the sand pad? We'd also be bringing a screened awning for over the picnic table/cooking area.

[SunshineCamper]

I've seen some good deals on camping equipment the last 2 weeks. It's considered after season sale right now here in Orlando.
Kmart and Target had 50% off on tents, grills, chairs, etc. (Coleman products)
Target had a cabin size tent (Greatland-Target brand)-it was blue with a screen porch. It was huge and could fit 4 queen air mattresses.:thumbsup2
It might be something to check online and in the store.
Don't forget to buy a sealant for the tent once you buy one. It will be worth it.
Good luck finding your items. this is the time to find the deals.:goodvibes

[Whipperwhirl]

You need a large tent for that many air matresses. 10+ people size probably. When they talk about number of people a tent will hold - they are talking maximum - sleeping bags on the ground. We just settled on the best system for us - perhaps it will work for you also.

We have a swiss gear 10x20 canopy and 10x10 canopy - I purchased two hanging tents from cabellas:

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?id=0073692518179a&navCount=0&podId=0073692&parentId=cat21458&masterpathid=&navAction=jump&cmCat=MainCatcat21404-cat21410-cat21458&catalogCode=OG&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat21458&hasJS=true

I set up the two tents side by side like cabins when there are more than 4 of us and they are extremely roomy - not really good for cool weather camping but just fine for florida weather. Walmart has a cheaper version of this tent -by ozark trail I believe - People seem to really like it. I can tell you it has the most room out of any tent we have ever owned. I own a coleman weathermaster 8-10 person tent - we had a queen air matress and 2 twins - you couldnt even move inside.

I also purchased 4 cots with built in air matresses:

http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Overnighter-SpaceSaver-Air-Bed/dp/B0009PURLI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1255433186&sr=8-2-spell

and we just love them - the kids dont need a full twin air matress when sleeping and these are just as comfortable. My husband I strap ours together and sleep just as well.

Happy camping!

[VAN]

Personally, if you won't be camping for a few years yet, I would hold off on purchasing equipment. Instead create a bank account to accumulate money for when you make the purchase.

The reason is that technology is always changing, so if you were to buy a tent today - in two years there could be a better/more effecient/fits your needs/etc tent system available.

Additionally, you may be in a position to get a pop-up camper (which IMHO is WAY better than tenting) or other RV.

If you do want to go with a tent and want to buy it RIGHT NOW, I personally would check to see how easy the tent goes up. Some of those tents can take several hours to put up properly, especially if you are a newby!! LOL!!! Then you have the storage issue in the meantime for the next few years when you aren't even using it.

I know you are excited about camping, but I think in the long run you will be happier if you just wait until you are within a couple months of the actual trip to make your camping purchases.

Again, this is just my opinion.

[OnlyDisney]

Thank you for all the suggestions. This gives me a great place to start.