7 nights, 2 Tents, 7 people, and a Conversion Van! And lots of questions

[MandLBee]

New to the Boards, and new to planning a Disney Vacation! We, as a family of 7, simply can not afford to do Disney anywhere else but Ft. Wilderness, but as I've been exploring around the boards here, I'm seeing that it's a great choice for many more reasons than just saving money, so getting more and more excited! Trip is scheduled for 7 nights in Sept/Oct, money has been put down, but we may have to postpone till February if it's just not enough time to save (I mean, I can do it for sure if we don't do any sit down meals and we don't go to Wizarding World, but that's not an option!)

Now. I am wondering: A) Is it true that Loops 1500 and 2000 are the only tent/pop up sites? B) If so, which is better? C) HOW do I request once I decide?
As I look at the map, it seems we'd probably like 1500 better, but I've never been (years ago to the parks, but not the campground) and know nothing. Five children, ages 6-14, and two grandparent-aged parents (we are 47 and 58) in two tents, a conversion van, and two tree hammocks. Not sure how the hammocks will work out, does anyone use them at The Fort? We will not be renting bikes and carts etc. so our transport is our feet, and we want to be nearest the best pool.

THANK YOU SO MUCH for any help you can give me. I surely appreciate it!

 

[snowmedic]

1500 and 2000 are the only "tent popup" sites, but you can book any site. Depending on the size of your tents, 2000 would be best if you have larger tents, they are the largest sites. The 1500 sites are a little smaller. Some have a tree in the actual site where the tent goes.

 

[G719]

You don't have to just rely on foot power for transportation. We've found the internal bus system to be good.

and have a great trip!

 

[MandLBee]

You don't have to just rely on foot power for transportation. We've found the internal bus system to be good.

and have a great trip!

Oh, that's good to know. It's not just for carrying out to Parks!

 

[Betty Rohrer]

New to the Boards, and new to planning a Disney Vacation! We, as a family of 7, simply can not afford to do Disney anywhere else but Ft. Wilderness, but as I've been exploring around the boards here, I'm seeing that it's a great choice for many more reasons than just saving money, so getting more and more excited! Trip is scheduled for 7 nights in Sept/Oct, money has been put down, but we may have to postpone till February if it's just not enough time to save (I mean, I can do it for sure if we don't do any sit down meals and we don't go to Wizarding World, but that's not an option!)

Now. I am wondering: A) Is it true that Loops 1500 and 2000 are the only tent/pop up sites? B) If so, which is better? C) HOW do I request once I decide?
As I look at the map, it seems we'd probably like 1500 better, but I've never been (years ago to the parks, but not the campground) and know nothing. Five children, ages 6-14, and two grandparent-aged parents (we are 47 and 58) in two tents, a conversion van, and two tree hammocks. Not sure how the hammocks will work out, does anyone use them at The Fort? We will not be renting bikes and carts etc. so our transport is our feet, and we want to be nearest the best pool.

THANK YOU SO MUCH for any help you can give me. I surely appreciate it!

internal buses can get you close to pool. if I remember correctly you can not tie things to the trees

 

[peg110]

As Snowmedic said, you can reserve ANY site if you want to use a tent, just know that the higher level the site, besides a higher cost, the more concrete and less "Sand" (Coquina) pad you have. Some tents can do well on concrete as it does give a "Solid" floor but obviously no place to "Stake" it down.

As for a Tree Hammock, I cannot say for sure but most trees don't seem to be too conducive to hammocks and I am not sure of the "Policy". Additionally depending on the time of year you end up with (Sept/Oct or February) you could expect a varied type of weather. In Sept/Oct HIGH Humidity as well as frequent (but often short) storms. In February, it may be more stable as far as humidity and precipitation, but I suspect the temperature swing could be significant. A hammock might be good (either time) for an afternoon snooze/nap, but I don't think I would rely on it as my sleeping accommodations.

 

[skyp4WDW]

If you want to be near the pool, request 1500. The site sizes vary widely and many of them will be the size you need. I would also suggest you keep your Fall dates because it might be very cold in Feb.; too cold for swimming. You should view the You-tube videos about the Loops, and Ft Wilderness in general. They will give you an idea of what to expect. The photos of camping on this Board will help too. Learn everything you can about planning for bad/wet weather (Tarps, Screen room for picnic table, etc.). I would leave the hammocks home. Airbeds and cots can be used inside your tents where it- hopefully- will be dry. If you prepare properly, Ft Wilderness camping is amazing.

 

[G719]

Oh, that's good to know. It's not just for carrying out to Parks!

Yes! There are buses that run through the campground to get you to the pool, boat dock, and the park bus depot. Here's a map showing the bus routes and stops. When you get on the bus, tell the driver where you want to go.
https://www.disboards.com/threads/f...ion-a-work-in-progress.3502095/#post-55563069

 

[PaHunter]

Here is a link to my trip report from this past Feb. We have done Feb the past two years, this year we did not as we had just moved. We will be going down in Sept, so expecting a whole different weather experience. That said, our first year in Feb it was 90 when we arrived, and later in the week one evening was 38.
https://www.disboards.com/threads/m...fort-wilderness-addict-updated-12-16.3474809/

 

[FortForever]

Trip is scheduled for 7 nights in Sept/Oct, money has been put down, but we may have to postpone till February if it's just not enough time to save (I mean, I can do it for sure if we don't do any sit down meals and we don't go to Wizarding World, but that's not an option!)

We rarely buy any food at Disney. If you don't have a car with you, you can have groceries delivered for a $5 fee. Lots of tent campers opt to buy a small refrigerator to use while at the Fort. I know there are groups where these can be borrowed, and passed from person to the next, but I have no clue where that is. You could also just buy one and have it shipped to the Fort. Around $150 gets a nice sized one with a small freezer.

Although it's too cold in February for us to swim (we live in FL,) we spent a week at the Fort this February and there were lots of people swimming every day. Depending on where you are from, it may feel warm enough to you.

 

[MandLBee]

We rarely buy any food at Disney. If you don't have a car with you, you can have groceries delivered for a $5 fee. Lots of tent campers opt to buy a small refrigerator to use while at the Fort. I know there are groups where these can be borrowed, and passed from person to the next, but I have no clue where that is. You could also just buy one and have it shipped to the Fort. Around $150 gets a nice sized one with a small freezer.

Although it's too cold in February for us to swim (we live in FL,) we spent a week at the Fort this February and there were lots of people swimming every day. Depending on where you are from, it may feel warm enough to you.

That's great info, thanks!! We do like to eat at restaurants and since it's a vacation, we really want to eat a meal out each day (mommy needs a break from her 3 squares a day and cleanup routine!) plus we will likely never do this again since it's so pricey and I want my little girls to have a character dining experience. Definitely will buy the rest of our foods at a grocery store!!

 

[2goofycampers]

The people next to us had 2 hammocks tied to trees. He'd been there for quite a while and no one said anything about them. Now finding 2 trees that will work might be difficult.

 

[FortForever]

That's great info, thanks!! We do like to eat at restaurants and since it's a vacation, we really want to eat a meal out each day (mommy needs a break from her 3 squares a day and cleanup routine!) plus we will likely never do this again since it's so pricey and I want my little girls to have a character dining experience. Definitely will buy the rest of our foods at a grocery store!!

I completely understand. When my kids were young, and we came from up north, we ate there as well. Now we live down here, kids are grown, and go all the time so it's much different.

Just wanted to make sure you were aware that delivery was available in case you needed it.

Last time we were there, there were people in the 1500 loop sleeping in hammocks, so it must be allowed. Most of the trees there are very large, mature trees, so may not be too much a problem finding a spot. No underbrush, which is great.

 

[FtW Mike]

My wife and I went on our 1st trip together to WDW in Sept 2011. We found it was extremely hot and humid and could count on a rain event every afternoon ( 1st day we were there we went to Typhoon Lagoon and left because of the way the sky looked and by the time we made parking lot they were closing the park ). I would fish every morning till like 11 am and by the time I came back temps and humidity factor were both in high 90s range. Next trip was in Nov and temps and humidity much easier to take Last trip was in Jan and found for us us temps were fine Used ac in coach during the day and small space heater met our needs at night. But we do have clothing for colder weather if it hits. Old adage Better to have it and not need it than need it and NOT HAVE IT

 

[G719]

we will likely never do this again

That's what they all say Just warning you about getting bit by the Fort bug. The Fort without doing the parks is a great vacation on it's own too (for future reference).

 

[MandLBee]

That's what they all say Just warning you about getting bit by the Fort bug. The Fort without doing the parks is a great vacation on it's own too (for future reference).

Awesome!! I hope it happens. FTR, I am *super duper indoorsy* and would always prefer a room to a tent. Maybe someday we will rent an RV, a little compromise. But I am so excited!

 

[Main Street Matilda]

When our family was younger, goodness knows that we were on a tight budget and I accounted for every penny to make the trip happen. Tent camping in the Fort is a good way to go. My only suggestion is that you may want to weigh heavily what time of year is better for your overall comfort. It can be cold in February, especially in the evenings, and if you are planning on using the outdoor area of your site as the "living room" (as we do when we camp), you may be more comfortable dealing with the heat of Sept/Oct than the cool temps in February. There are number of websites that give advice for Disney on a budget which may help you meet your budget goals and still go at the time of year you prefer.

We love the Fort and stay there for a few days before moving over to our resort just because we like FW that much. You'll likely have fun no matter what.

 

[FtW Mike]

That's great info, thanks!! We do like to eat at restaurants and since it's a vacation, we really want to eat a meal out each day (mommy needs a break from her 3 squares a day and cleanup routine!) plus we will likely never do this again since it's so pricey and I want my little girls to have a character dining experience. Definitely will buy the rest of our foods at a grocery store!!

Some random thoughts on this issue. While we have an RV with a fridge/freezer and Hot water we we try to use Paper plates and plastic cutlery as much as we can, Just a thought. As you will have a vehicle there are a number of Supermarkets near WDW and on 192 East and West of I 4 there are Super Walmarts to grocery shop before you arrive or need to run out after you arrive.
You have also indicated that you are an "INDOORSY" sort of gal. Give The Fort a chance and you will never want to stay anywhere else. I discovered Ft W after a relative stayed there. She was CONCERNED that her husband was taking her a CAMPGROUND (They were staying in the old Fleetwood Trailers ) She said that all changed when she walked inside and the first thing she saw was a FARBERWARE Coffee pot. My DW is a born and bred Brooklyn Girl and and even when we did say someplace else ( AKL) all she wanted to do was go to the Fort. Give it a CHANCE and you'll be hooked.
As for the Hammocks Well not really sure about them. Besides the Usual Suspects (NSS) even though it is DISNEY things can go missing. So that may not be a good option besides in the rain they don't offer much protection and wter will pool in them

 

[MandLBee]

When our family was younger, goodness knows that we were on a tight budget and I accounted for every penny to make the trip happen. Tent camping in the Fort is a good way to go. My only suggestion is that you may want to weigh heavily what time of year is better for your overall comfort. It can be cold in February, especially in the evenings, and if you are planning on using the outdoor area of your site as the "living room" (as we do when we camp), you may be more comfortable dealing with the heat of Sept/Oct than the cool temps in February. There are number of websites that give advice for Disney on a budget which may help you meet your budget goals and still go at the time of year you prefer.

We love the Fort and stay there for a few days before moving over to our resort just because we like FW that much. You'll likely have fun no matter what.

Thanks for the heads up. I'm from colorado so I know I would be fine, but my kids have grown up in Ohio and Tennessee so I will take that into consideration!

 

[MandLBee]

Some random thoughts on this issue. While we have an RV with a fridge/freezer and Hot water we we try to use Paper plates and plastic cutlery as much as we can, Just a thought. As you will have a vehicle there are a number of Supermarkets near WDW and on 192 East and West of I 4 there are Super Walmarts to grocery shop before you arrive or need to run out after you arrive.
You have also indicated that you are an "INDOORSY" sort of gal. Give The Fort a chance and you will never want to stay anywhere else. I discovered Ft W after a relative stayed there. She was CONCERNED that her husband was taking her a CAMPGROUND (They were staying in the old Fleetwood Trailers ) She said that all changed when she walked inside and the first thing she saw was a FARBERWARE Coffee pot. My DW is a born and bred Brooklyn Girl and and even when we did say someplace else ( AKL) all she wanted to do was go to the Fort. Give it a CHANCE and you'll be hooked.
As for the Hammocks Well not really sure about them. Besides the Usual Suspects (NSS) even though it is DISNEY things can go missing. So that may not be a good option besides in the rain they don't offer much protection and wter will pool in them

I'm so grateful for the info! We will bring the hammocks and just play it by ear. Maybe hang them on our Fort days only.