3 Generations Wandering the Wilderness from "Cabin" Camping to Club Level-FW & WL

[mcconnellfam96]

Looks fun! I am thinking maybe we will go over to FW and rent a golf cart for a day to your the campgrounds!!

 

[ThisIsBrenn]

Joining in!

Wow, the cabin looks awesome! I've always wanted to stay in one. One day!

 

[pas130]

Not sure how I missed you back on the first page I've been busy this morning cleaning out closets and working on the TR while the boys are fishing. Glad you're here, friend




Ya know...it's kinda sad that they grow up so fast. You know all too well. I don't realize it until I look at old pics

I know it's nuts. I can't believe Stephen is nearly your height. And I always enjoy the AG outfits. Ah, I really liked the cabins. However the lack of the Queen bed is a great point. The best was having Mousekeeping do our dishes...AWESOME. Glad you got the location you requested!! I am really enjoying the family pics...the expressions of their faces, fantastic

 

[hstrickland]

Great start to your trip report Heather!

Thanks! And, so glad you made it over!!!

So...the cabins. Maybe we should have rented a golf cart. We stayed for one night, arriving late (midnight) and leaving the next day for a cruise. But I truly expected to love FW. Dh and I had stayed at WL last year and walked over to the Fort twice. We loved the grounds and we loved breakfast at Trails End. We also loved the boat transportation. So, when we came back and brought the kids, I definitely saw a longer stay in our future. We loved the inside of the cabin. It was perfect for a family of 5. Dh and I took the trundle which was surprisingly comfortable and the three kids took the bedroom. We are lake people. Dh's parents have a cabin at a local lake (in fact we are there right now). So this seem just our style.

Fast forward to the next morning. We tried to drive to breakfast. I'm still trying to live this down. I had no idea that you couldn't drive a car around. Dh says, didn't you research this on the dis???? Lol. Anyway, we finally realized we had to catch the internal bus. I guess that was the part we didn't like. Maybe we need to try again WITH a golf cart!

I can't wait to read more about your stay!

Ok...you know I have to laugh! I'm just picturing this whole scenario in my head. It's a logical assumption to think you can drive....however you are a huge Diser Y'all should return WITH a cart! Having it was so super convenient and lots of fun, too.

Thanks so much for all the pictures. I had never seen inside them before. Now they look like a trailer covered with wood, but I gather from IheartDDuck that they were trailers but are not anymore?

Quite honestly I don't know exactly what they are. Inside it appeared to be more than trailer material - if that makes sense. But I think it's definitely got to be some sort of a modular home.

Looks fun! I am thinking maybe we will go over to FW and rent a golf cart for a day to your the campgrounds!!

If you're going to be over there at night, you can check out the Chip n' Dale Campfire Sing along. Do you have young kids?? Lots of fun, and doesn't cost a thing. They also have pony rides for kids 48 inches and under. If you're curious about what there is to do, check out the FW Thread link in my signature

Joining in!

Wow, the cabin looks awesome! I've always wanted to stay in one. One day!

Happy to have you!!! Put the Fort on your bucket list

I know it's nuts. I can't believe Stephen is nearly your height. And I always enjoy the AG outfits. Ah, I really liked the cabins. However the lack of the Queen bed is a great point. The best was having Mousekeeping do our dishes...AWESOME. Glad you got the location you requested!! I am really enjoying the family pics...the expressions of their faces, fantastic

Stephen is almost my height...however I'm not very tall If we go back to the Fort with my parents, we'll have to have 2 cabins for sure....and a 6 seater golf cart. Not sure we could squeeze 7 of us on the smaller one Glad you're enjoying the pics There will definitely be many more

 

[kastoney]

Thanks for the cabin rundown. I didn't realize the bedroom was separate there. We only do hotels with separate bedrooms (learned my lessons the first time having to sit in the dark during nap time), so it's good to know there are options. Do they have transportation around the fort besides the gold carts? We always fly and I can't see us renting a car or cart.

 

[DisneyDoc5]

more please............

 

[hstrickland]

Thanks for the cabin rundown. I didn't realize the bedroom was separate there. We only do hotels with separate bedrooms (learned my lessons the first time having to sit in the dark during nap time), so it's good to know there are options.

NOT fun! I certainly know the feeling! It's always nice to have separate rooms when possible. That's one reason we love the cabins...extra room for the kids

Do they have transportation around the fort besides the gold carts? We always fly and I can't see us renting a car or cart.

Totally not necessary to rent a car. Many, many people stay there and don't do a golf cart, and they say it's completely fine without one. It really just boils down to convenience. Our cabin was fairly close to the Meadow pool. I walked it several times and it only took me 8 minutes...all sidewalks...an easy walk. There's an internal bus system, also, that is only for the Fort. It runs 3 different routes. If you would like more info about the Fort, check out the Fort Wilderness Resort Thread link at the bottom of my post. Hope that helps a little

more please............

Absolutely....soon as I finish cleaning up this kitchen and sampling some of these cookies!

 

[hstrickland]

Day 1
Dinner at Trail’s End
Reservations 6:00pm









We arrived really early, but for good reason. Since we were in absolutely no hurry what-so-ever, we decided to let the kids play on the playground and the adults sat on the porch at Pioneer Hall and enjoyed a beverage. The HDDR started at 4:15, so we made sure to get there after that….NO crowds at all and the porch was pretty much people free. And would you believe I totally forgot to get a picture of the rocking chairs on the porch???!! I was too busy enjoying the peace and quiet and sipping a cold beverage.


Jesse relished in the fact that he had wide open space to roam freely, and that he did!






Faith and Stephen did a bit of hula-hooping. There were also kid-friendly horse shoes to play with, but the hula-hoops won out.








Everyone agreed that we were super hungry and decided to see if we could get in early. No worries…the very friendly hostess granted our request. There were very few people eating…very few. We thought it funny when they sat us in the back of the restaurant. And when I say back, I mean WAY back… “tim buck two” back! Not a huge deal…it happens from time to time when our kids are present


After sitting for several minutes, we began to wonder if they had forgotten us. So we sat a bit longer…and a little longer. Finally, I got up and walked to the front to see what the holdup was. One of the waitresses was very apologetic and laughingly said, “Y’all must have been hiding back there!” Our server finally made it over. By this time we were really starved!



Pricing (inc tax): Adult: $24.49, Child: $13.84

Dinner Served:
Sunday - Thursday: 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 4:30 - 10 p.m.


All-You-Care-To-Eat Home-style traditional American favorites:

*Soup of the day

*Chili

*Salad bar

*Peel-and-eat shrimp

*Chef's choice of veggies

*Smoked pork ribs

*Fried chicken

*Pasta

*Hand-carved roasted meats

*Pizza slices

*Fresh catch of the day

*Home-made fruit cobbler

*Soft serve ice cream and toppings

*Banana Pudding

*Cake







The fried chicken is OUTSTANDING!!!! Stephen ate his weight in it!! The ribs were just ok…nothing to write home about. We’ve had their ribs in the past, and they were really good. So maybe it was just an off night.








Some of the salads were just ok…not bad…just not great.






There’s a potato bar with all the toppings!





Apple Cobbler….YUM!!!





Banana Pudding…YUM!!

Red Velvet Cake…mine is better






Happy little campers with their ice cream sundaes!




Not even sure why Jesse is upset here…I think someone made a simple comment about the way his sundae looked and his feelings got hurt. For heaven sakes!






Overall the food was fine, but it’s been better in the past. The waiter ended up being very pleasant…nothing to jump up and shout about, but ok. Will we return??? Probably so, but only if we’re staying in the cabins.



Up next...The Chip n' Dale Sing Along Campfire



​

 

[amandaw]

I think that may have been the 1st time I've ever seen a review of Trail's End. I've been curious about it so I was very glad to read about it. When we had stayed @ WL, I had almost made an ADR there but wasn't sure if we'd enjoy the food. I think if we ever stay @ WL again, I would definitely consider it.

By the way, did you notice our tickers?? Our cruises are literally a week apart?! Are y'all doing the Fantasy again?

I did notice the tickers! And we are going on the Fantasy again. Are y'all going on the Western Caribbean the last week of May/beginning of June? We did Eastern in 2012 on the Fantasy & this past March we did Western on the Fantasy. So, we figured we'd switch back to Eastern again.

 

[jennyjinx3]

Hi Amanda!

Heather truly enjoying this so far!

 

[amandaw]

Hi Amanda!

Hey Jenny!

 

[basketlacey]

Ok...you know I have to laugh! I'm just picturing this whole scenario in my head. It's a logical assumption to think you can drive....however you are a huge Diser Y'all should return WITH a cart! Having it was so super convenient and lots of fun, too.

I am sure you are picturing it exactly right. And you can laugh - we did! I'm not sure how I missed this not so little detail but I'll blame it on the fact that we were there for less than 12 hours lol!

 

[hstrickland]

I think that may have been the 1st time I've ever seen a review of Trail's End. I've been curious about it so I was very glad to read about it. When we had stayed @ WL, I had almost made an ADR there but wasn't sure if we'd enjoy the food. I think if we ever stay @ WL again, I would definitely consider it.

Have y'all done HDDR? I remember you doing MBYBBQ...anyway, it's the same delicious fried chicken. I'm guessing they share a kitchen.

I did notice the tickers! And we are going on the Fantasy again. Are y'all going on the Western Caribbean the last week of May/beginning of June? We did Eastern in 2012 on the Fantasy & this past March we did Western on the Fantasy. So, we figured we'd switch back to Eastern again.

Yep We wanted to do the Eastern, but it worked better for Bill to do a Saturday - Saturday trip. And, we wanted the last week in May/first week in June. Guess y'all will be heading out on that June 6 cruise. How funny that we'll be so close. Are you doing WDW before the Fantasy? I think my parents might take the kids down a little early, but I'll be here this time with Bill.

Heather truly enjoying this so far!

You're so sweet Jen! Glad you're enjoying our fun. I felt the same way about your videos!! You don't have anymore, do you??

 

[hstrickland]

I am sure you are picturing it exactly right. And you can laugh - we did! I'm not sure how I missed this not so little detail but I'll blame it on the fact that we were there for less than 12 hours lol!

Guess what made me laugh even harder was the comment your husband made..."didn't you check this out on the Dis??" Bill would have said the exact same thing!

You'll be back at the World in a week, right? Did I read your ticker correctly? Dolphin/OKW? Have y'all stayed there, yet? The Dolphin and Swan use to give educator discounts...not sure if they still do. I was thinking I need to take advantage of that Any major plans while there??

 

[hstrickland]

Day 1
Chip n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long
Part 1







For June 2014, the campfire is lit at 7:30 pm, Sing-a-long starts at 8:00 pm, and the movie starts at 8:40 pm. Times will vary depending on the season.


Another great reason to visit the Fort…this “FREE” activity!! This is one of those overlooked attractions that many Disney fans miss. If you have young children, this is the perfect place to meet Chip n’ Dale and have LOTS of one-on-one attention with the characters







This is a fairly large area, but it can fill up quickly. As many of you know, I don’t like to be late…the earlier the better. Therefore we arrived around 7ish…we wanted a front row seat, of course. And I’ll let you in on a little secret – sometimes Chip n’ Dale come out before 7:30. The last time we were here, that’s what happened, and it was basically the characters and our kids. So be early!



The fire pits are located on each side of the theater.






The Chuck Wagon is basically a snack shack type deal, but you can purchase the s’mores kits for $9.00....a deal in my opinion.... remember we like convenient









S’mores Kit

This actually lasted two nights, and that’s with everyone having a sample or two …of course the children had 3 or 4! The kit actually has 2 chocolate bars. I made this pic after we got started with the s'mores...notice the sticky mess on Jesse's fingers that eventually got on his clothes, his hat and his face!






While we waited on Chip n’ Dale to make their appearance, there were games for the kids to play…


Corn Hole – one of our favorites!!!






One of the Cast Members finally asked the kids to stay off the barrels …no more monkey fun…but probably a bit safer.







3 Generations!
Mom just celebrated her 69th birthday! She looks awesome, doesn't she?! Super young at heart! She and dad have no problems keeping up with the kids....most of the time





And these 3 little blessings melt my heart….





Continued to next post....



​

 

[hstrickland]

Continuation from previous post




Day 1
Chip n’ Dale Campfire Sing - A – Long
Part 2



One can never have too many character pictures…especially when your children are all laughs and giggles – such sweet memories.



Jesse was totally ready!









When Dale absconded with the hat, it made Jesse’s entire trip! I’ve never seen him laugh so hard.





Dale…





Chip…






How about MaHopie even got in on the action! A little dancin’...





A little kiss…





And a lot of love from Dale…





After Chip n’ Dale made their first appearance, they literally ran back to their dressing rooms. It was the cutest sight ever! They both had tons of personality that just bubbled over into their act.








Finally time for s’mores!!!! Say yummy!!!








Notice the crowd in the background….there were quite a few people. Most of them arriving after the first character sighting.



Can you say charred??!





And completely burnt to a crisp!!









Soooooo good!





Around 8pm, a cowboy makes his way on stage for some good ol’ fashion family sing –a-longs. And let me tell ya'....this guy was good! Really good!!





Eventually the chipmunks make another appearance venturing once again through the audience. Although this time, parents and children are asked to remain seated while Chip n’ Dale start at the front and work their way back. Another reason to have a front row seat



At the very end, all the kids are asked to come up front and make a big circle around the characters. They all have a dance party hoedown! Again...front row was the perfect spot






Check out Jesse…he’s filthy dirty! A good time was definitely had!! They giggled and laughed to the very end! Even Stephen got out there and danced.





After everything is said and done, it’s time to calm down and watch a movie under the stars. Many people bring blankets to put on the ground….we did not. We watched the preview show and then headed back. We were TIRED!!






Awesome, awesome, awesome first day with lots of pixie dust!!!! And this folks, is one of the many reasons we love Disney



Up next.....LOTS of early morning pics at the Fort




​

 

[SusieBea]

Mom looks great - and it looks as if you got her genes! The burnt marshmallows also look great, no genes involved. Write on ..

 

[pas130]

Stephen is almost my height...however I'm not very tall If we go back to the Fort with my parents, we'll have to have 2 cabins for sure....and a 6 seater golf cart. Not sure we could squeeze 7 of us on the smaller one Glad you're enjoying the pics There will definitely be many more

Brandon is right at my eye level...waiting for that growth spurt Of course I am loving the pics!! We all are

 

[pas130]

Heather you just posted!!! OOOOOoooooOOOOhhhhh LOVE the campfire! The kids look so happy! And your mom looks amazing! to her!!! (belated)

 

[Koh1977]

The campfire was different than the time we went a few years ago then...we didn't do the campfire, just the sing a long, but we only got to see Chip or Dale not both because one took one side and the other took the other side. We got Dale and so when we found out they were leaving right after (no dancing), we ran to the back to snag a pic with Chip since he was DS's favorite (and mine).

May be will have to try it again but plan on being there early! I just hate the internal bus and trying to get to the campfire...not sure if DH would go for it or not again...

Thoughts on HDDR or MBYBBQ? Thought about booking one, booked then canceled the BBQ, have TE booked for dinner one night while we're at WL, but not sure...

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards