1 week to go...

[kjsstar]

We'll be celebrating my son's 16th birthday at The Fort in a tent in just 2 weeks. Guess I really need to spend this weekend getting everything prepared for the trip. Don't plan on much cooking and I have made no ADR's because the kid's best friend has been invited and is on our site reservation but hasn't decided if he's going for sure. No tickets yet because my retired military father has been waiting on the BF's decision so no FP+ yet either. Man this trip is terribly planned but it's DISNEY and a big birthday so it will be magical and special no matter what right? Anyone else that close to their trip with no plans? I'd be happy just to be at The Fort with like minded people (Disney Camping People). Love The Fort it feels as much like home as home does, no matter how you stay there - I've tented, been in a pop-up a few times, and even stayed in the cabins last September and now we're back to a tent.

Can't wait to be there, but before I know it I won't be ready, never am.

 

[Teamubr]

KJ, I think at least half of the people that go to WDW go without any plans. Many of them don't know any better. There's another group that prefers to "wing it". I think many of us on here are the "planners". That's part of why we love the forums.

As soon as you have plans firmed up, pull out your phone and see what you can book into. It may not be ideal times on ADRs, but I bet you can get into the places you want. I've read many people manage their FP+ selections the day of, so that should be do'able as long as you aren't locked into specific times and specific places.

This may be one of those "go with the flow" kind of trips. They can be fun too.

j

 

[Teamubr]

Not sure if you can pin the friend down by this weekend, but ticket prices go up Sunday.

http://wdwnt.com/blog/2015/02/disne...r-ticket-confirmed-no-expiration-option-gone/

j

 

[kjsstar]

J - Thanks! Normally I do plan our trips out except for ADRs, meals we are mostly go with the flow kind of family and we like to eat at off times so I'm not so worried about those as get FP+'s especially for Seven Dwarves Mine Train. As for tickets, thanks for the update, I somehow missed that, but my father is retired military and his discounted tickets are good for that week so he'll pick up the tickets at the local military base next week.

 

[cadawson]

KJ - We are 3 weeks out from our tent camping trip. We have APs this year, so I've been able to book FP+s ahead. But, I've actually been shifting them around alot. I am still able to get 7 Dwarfs for 4 of us during the week that we are there. It seems to be much easier than getting FP compared to our trips last June & July. So there is hope! If you do have trouble, try booking for 2 riders at a time instead of your entire party - sometimes you can get overlapping times. ADRs are tough for the more popular places b/c they get booked at the 6 month mark. We never know we are going that far ahead. But, we've had luck keeping an eye on MDE when we are on property at the 24-hr ahead mark. That's how we got BOG and CP dining last trip. People cancel reservations 24 hrs ahead so they aren't charged the no-show fee. I am finding myself winging it more this trip than we have before, so I'm with you! Somehow camping seems more relaxing, and I don't want to over-commit ourselves or run the kids ragged trying to get to dining just because we have the ADR. I just hope it isn't still in the 30s when we go!

 

[kjsstar]

Technically 9 days but I'll be so busy those last 2 I won't even think about them. So, I did make 1 ADR, went ahead and booked for 5 because the friend still hasn't made a decision. Still no FP+ because what you get at the military bases are redemption certificates not tickets. But hey it's my son's 16th birthday and we'll have fun no matter what.