checked in yesterday 8/30

Letsbgoofy · Aug 31, 2015

Check in wasn't the best first impression. First of all I did online check in. Having only booked packages in the past, I didn't realize that they charge your credit card the morning of check in. I wanted to use my reward dollars - not a big deal and it only took a few minutes to reverse the charges. We booked a preferred loop because I wanted to be near the dog park. We were put in the 800 loop - evidently they closed the 300 loop. When I commented on how I had wanted to be near the boat dock and the dog park, the CM just said this section was an upgrade (because it's a premium loop). Driving to the site, I was very annoyed because it's not at all what we wanted. So, I went to the inside check in and asked for a site closer to where we wanted to be - no problem we were given a site in the 400 loop. The place is very empty and some of the loops are closed. Why didn't the first CM offer another loop? How easy it would have been for him to start our vacation on a good note, but the CMs inside were very friendly and helpful so it all ended well.

This place is beautiful! I have seen pictures, but didn't think there was going to be so much vegetation. As a camper I really appreciate the bathrooms/showers; so much better than what we are used to. I am amazed by how huge FW is; we could spend weeks here just walking all the trails. I took our dog for a walk when we first got here and saw 2 turkeys (at least that's what we think they are) walking on the road. She was fascinated; but the squirrels are still her favorite.

The one downside is the dog park. It's a smelly mucky mess. Yes I understand it's Florida in the summer, but a little sand or gravel would eliminate the problem areas.

We're changing our late afternoon FP+s at AK and going a little earlier today since it looks like it's going to rain heavily later. Lots to choose from so it's not going to be an issue.

MissDisneyDora · Aug 31, 2015

So glad that you are all checked in and ready to go. Fort Wilderness is definitely on my list of place at WDW that I'm hoping to stay. I visited in June for the campfire and was absolutely blown away by how lovely it was.

Enjoy your holiday and I look forward to hearing more.

x
Dora

peg110 · Aug 31, 2015

Glad you made it. I can certainly understand what you mean by "First Impressions" and the issues. I will say that it's also possible that the first CM didn't know they could do what your asking or maybe they just didn't want to, either way, I have found that if I have an issue, I can usually get them resolved by talking to anther CM. Sometimes it's their experience or just their willingness to make your stay magical.

I hope the rest of your stay there is a wonderful one and that you have an awesome time.

KristinU · Aug 31, 2015

Glad you're having a good impression after the initial check-in falderal.

I agree, a bunch of sand trucked in for the dog park would be great!

I wonder if 300 is becoming premium...anyone know???

jbrostek · Aug 31, 2015

The check in process has been hit or miss for me. Mostly hits, but occasionally a miss. Out of the past 6 years we have gone with a grand gathering, only once did they attempt to put us all in different loops in the full hookup area (even though we reserved preferred loops the year before.) Some discussions inside and the problem was fixed, but it seems that outside they just follow the computer. They are there to get you checked in and off to your site, anything beyond that seems to be beyond them.

I don't think its going premium, but who knows. I do think it needed some minor attention. A lot of the site posts have been hit over time. The loop road could have used some attention. And some of the sites needed some attention to the vegitation.

tiggerdad · Aug 31, 2015

Glad you made it in safe and sound. We stayed in 420 in 2012 and really liked the loop and to me it is just as, if not more convenient than the preferred loops. You gotta watch the squirrels there though, that bunch will rob you blind.

kazlac4 · Aug 31, 2015

Glad to hear they were able to move to a site more of your liking. We are headed down in a few weeks and had requested the 300 loop...if it is closed I would most likely request the 400 loop. Hopefully someone on this site will end up finding out the status on 300. Hope the rest of your trip is a great (and dry) one!

Letsbgoofy · Aug 31, 2015

I think 300 is closed because it's so empty here-good time for maintenance. Loop 600 was empty too; maybe one or two sites had trailers when we were out walking this am.

AK was excellent. I actually enjoyed not being at rope drop for the first time ever. We got there around 10:45. Had a few FPs but we really didn't even need them.

No turkeys today so far. The squirrel we saw this morning didn't even run when my dog starting walking towards it. Geckos are very interesting as well; it's dog paradise here.

bama_ed · Aug 31, 2015

Letsbgoofy,

Glad you ended up with a site you like. Cast Members will generally move you to meet your requests.

Did you use the early online checkin and specify what you wanted? You get two options including specific loops and "near transportation", "near comfort station", etc. I've been upgraded from a Preferred to a Premium and the Cast Member checking me in didn't understand why I wasn't thrilled either. I had to be patient and explain (again).

Yeah, this is the dead time in late August any time mid-week. Will probably pick up the closer you get to Labor Day Weekend. Will you still be there then? When are you going home?

Bama Ed

JETS70 · Aug 31, 2015

Glad that you are there safe and checked in. In our previous visits to the Fort, we have always had positive check in experiences................ until this past first week of August trip. We requested 200 loop and was given site 234. We were not going to fit. Called and CM said the Fort was very busy and no place to move us to. Long story short, I was told to back onto the sand pad and leave my truck in the overflow lot. I guess the CM sensed my frustration with his last statement. He immediately followed up with "let me check one more time". We were offered site 903. I was not wanting or expecting an upgrade, just a longer site, just like the empty one directly across from 234. What was also frustrating is that during that week, there were 5 to 12 empty sites in the 900 throughout the week. We enjoyed the 900 loop and appreciated the upgrade. Just don't think that we should have had the "conversation" we had to resolve the issue.

Bishoparc · Aug 31, 2015

Letsbgoofy said:
I didn't realize that they charge your credit card the morning of check in

Yup, that happened to me at the Fort last time. For this upcoming reservation we just called ahead and applied our Disney Gift Cards to our balance so it's taken care of ahead of time.

I did my online check-in last night and requested the 900 loop as my only request. We're checking in on Monday week after next so hopefully our request will be honored.

Letsbgoofy · Sep 1, 2015

One thing I suggest is bringing a router. Thank you to my neighbor with an unsecured network

Being connected to the modem is a pain. We are going to get a router at Walmart this afternoon. I couldn't bring ours from home as my son is home using it and I didn't realize what an issue it would be.

To stop all loop 300 speculation...we walked over there yesterday. There are still 2 rvs there, but the rest of the loop is empty. No work going on; I'm sure they aren't using it because there is no need. After seeing how wet and mucky many of the site are, I'm happy that we were upgraded to a premium site. I guess I'm just surprised that with so few people there were not more of the late summer discounts offered.

We walked over to the 500 loop last night around 9. I think there are 4 rvs in the whole loop. It was actually very dark and creepy; the perfect setting for a show where people disappear. We met a very friendly man who was out looping. He told us that this weekend would be packed and that loop 700 has a very nice pet walk behind it. We're going to check that out this morning once the sun comes up. I'm disappointed that we leave Friday night, but it's a long drive back to NY.

The one thing that I noticed is that it is very dark at night here. I think that when we camp in NYS parks, there are so many people and campfires that it doesn't seem so dark. I'm sure once there are more people it's a bit different.

bama_ed said:
Will you still be there then? When are you going home?

We have reservations through Saturday but have decided to leave Friday evening and make an extra stop overnight in GA to cut down on the long driving days.

bama_ed · Sep 1, 2015

The pet walk over by 700 is a big open area under the trees on the backside of loops 900-800-700. I have used it from the 2000 loop to get down to the beach/docks quickly without following the main roads. I crossed the footbridge between Creekside Meadow and the back of 900 and just went down behind the outer loops. It comes into 700 loop about 3 sites in from the start of its street (crossing the railroad ties of the old FWRR). It's not fenced but there is a lot of space back there.

Bama Ed

PS - I have even ridden my trail bike back there...

Letsbgoofy · Sep 1, 2015

The pet walk was beautiful. Very nice and peaceful; it's hard to believe you're at WDW. Thank you stranger on the golf cart last night.

MGM was pretty slow this morning. Got there around 9, walked on to Rockin Rollercoaster and TOT. Did TOT again with FP+ (there was no line anyway) and then a walk on at Star Tours. Did TSM with FP+ then the Frozen sing along. The sing along was so much fun - the 4 girls in front of us singing away were probably the best part

We bought a cute little stuffed Olaf for me Elsa dog. I love the way Disney doesn't use hard eyes; she's vicious about chewing out eyes.

Off to Walmart for the router. Oddly enough my son called on the way home from MGM and said our router at home is dead.

And sorry, but it's always going to be MGM to me.

KristinU · Sep 1, 2015

Letsbgoofy said:
And sorry, but it's always going to be MGM to me.

Me too!

JETS70 · Sep 1, 2015

Letsbgoofy said:
And sorry, but it's always going to be MGM to me.

My Disney family still refers to it as MGM. We still remember and chuckle at the joke told by the bus driver on our first trip to WDW....."what does MGM stand for? Mickey's got money!!" Sometimes stated as "Mickey's got YOUR money".

peg110 · Sep 1, 2015

DW always calls it MGM because she had been there when it was MGM. Me... I know it as Hollywood Studios. Doesn't really matter to me either way as long as I know what you are talking about.

tiggerdad · Sep 1, 2015

We know it as "Guarranteed stormy weather park". Everytime we go...

TheRustyScupper · Sep 1, 2015

Letsbgoofy said:
Why didn't the first CM offer another loop? How easy it would have been for him to start our vacation on a good note, but the CMs inside were very friendly and helpful so it all ended well.

1) Sometimes, the Check-In CM's (aka, Front Desk) could do a better job.
2) Next time, slide over to your Right and talk to the Concierge.
3) We tend to help a little better. *

* OK, so I am a little biased.

Letsbgoofy · Sep 2, 2015

TheRustyScupper said:
We tend to help a little better. *

I'll remember that! The front desk people inside were very helpful though.

The dog park has dried out quite a bit. Our dog had her first off leash with strangers encounter and seemed to enjoy herself. And she had a nice run which she really needed. It such a huge area; just wish it has some sand or something to keep away the muck. Out neighbors moved out today and someone came in a little while ago. Lots of rvs leaving this morning.

We did an 8:05 breakfast at BOG. Drove to the Contemporary and valet parked. They let us on to 7 Mines Train 3 times before the other guests arrived. Peter Pan, Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder, Jungle Cruise all without waits, then Pooh and Space Mountain with FP (Space had no wait anyway). The heat is a killer, but I love the crowds this week.

Going back to the MK tonight when it cools down a bit.

checked in yesterday 8/30

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Teardrop camping at the Fort

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