A tale of the sad but hopeful camper

[LML]

Once upon a time there was a Canadian family that went to WDW every February. They stayed at the Value Resorts every year until they discovered Fort Wilderness. In 2000 they purchased a brand new 32 foot Citation with a slide. They returned every February to camp at Fort Wilderness. Life happened and unplanned things went down and the family at this time has no tow vehicle for there trailer. No company in Canada would rent a truck for a tow vehicle. So, the mother up to her knees in snow and cold and short days decided for the good of her family she would tent. Then, one sad day she discovered on the forum that all four legged family members had to be kennelled. This is totally not an option for this family. So, the surprised and dicombobbulated mother started searching for other campgrounds close to Disney water parks. She discovered two KOA camp grounds close by. One being in Kissimee and one being Orlando S.W/Fort Summit. She emailed both places a few times and never heard anything back. Having camped for many years this mother is aware of how friendly and helpful other campers are and has come to this forum to request information from fellow campers.
Has anyone camped at the Kissimmee KOA or Fort Summit? Has anyone camped at the Kissimmee KOA? Do you have any information about it? Are there any activities close by? Do you know if they are close to the Disney water parks? Would any camper out there have any suggestions in regards to other campgrounds close by? I'm trying to remain confident. Yet another lesson in patience and trusting that everything is being worked out together for good to all involved. Sure hoping for a happily every after ending here.
Thank you

 

[Billmel]

I don't have any answers to your questions directily. But I did want to respond because I understand your frustration. We have stayed at a number of KOA campgrounds before, and found them to be very accomodating, we have never stayed in anything but an RV, never tent camped. They do have rules about keeping dogs at your campsites, no barking dogs, can't leave them unsupervised etc. Most of the ones I have been to also have kennels, this not being an option for you, I don't know what else to suggest. I do know that most KOA's have transportation, I would assume that the kissimmee and orlando KOA's offer shuttles to and from all of the Disney and Universal parks, including water parks, I don't know for sure, just assuming... Here is the 800 number for the Kissimmee KOA, maybe you would have better luck calling than emailing, (800) 562-7791. I do know that the Kissimmee KOA is the closest to all of the parks. I don't know if I have been any help, but I thought I would tell you what I know. Good luck!

 

[RocklandRVers]

We have been camping for a number of years and I don't know of any campground that would allow you to keep your pet(s) alone at the campsite in a tent. In fact most frown on leaving a pet alone even in an RV, but tend to turn their heads as long as the pet is quiet, secure so it can't bother fellow campers or property and out of sight inside in a humane environment. A pet in a tent is going to bark or howl once alone and that triggers the CG staff to take notice and puts you at risk of expulsion.

With that in mind I can't imagine how you would be able to tent camp with a pet and go to Disney without a kennel. How about family or friends. Could they care for your pet(s) while you are on vacation?

 

[LML]

My 'kids' are 19 now and were planning on getting annual passes to the water parks. I will be staying put, with a book and the sun and just relaxing. I really enjoy walking the dogs and take them for several walks daily. (With no snowsuit, boots, hat and gloves ) They're seasoned campers. Not barkers and very well behaved. I was planning on bringing their crates. They really would never be left unattended. I've never tented before and was not aware of the policy. I do understand it however.

 

[rapriebe]

LML,

Totally understand the pet issue; that is one of the main reasons that we have an RV. I would like to highly recommend Tropical Palms Campground. It is close to WDW, just down 192East, shortly after you cross over I4, located behind Old Towne. It is probably the closest campground to Disney. Try this link to get to the site - www.tropicalpalmsrv.com. It is a very clean campground, very friendly, and has a nice pool. I also believe that they provide shuttle service if you should need it. Several people have posted reviews of this campground and all were very positive; plus their rates are reasonable.

 

[LMC]

Look at www.koa.com to get information on their campgrounds. I would suggest however, that you do not use the one near the Sam's Club. Traffic going that direction is HORRIBLE!

If I can't get a ressie for FW in May (which is doubtful now since it will run into Memorial day wknd) we are going to use KOA (I think it is ft. summit).

No suggestions on the pets. I would imagine that no campground will allow an unattended pet when tent camping.

 

[duranfan]

Theres plenty of good reasons like others mentioned about pets not being allowed in tents.
It can be pretty warm down here in Florida for a pet to be left in a tent.

I guess its time to start looking for purchasing a truck! Rent on one would equal a down payment anyway!

 

[yucagringa]

Dear LML,
I am planning a Disney Camping vacation for my Scout group from Mexico, I have been reading and reading everything I can find about Camping in Disney. Although I have never been there, I know I read somewhere my self about pets in the Camping areas. If you are not going to leave them alone, maybe you misread the information about kennels, or it was someone in a different situation (planning to leave their pets alone). Please check with Disney themselves to be sure. Of cousre I do not Know if it was a Disney site I read it on, and I didn't mark it as I have read so much, but check with them to be sure. Good luck!

 

[campingcorgi]

I think I've read that tenters get their pets and overnight with them in the tents. If you aren't leaving your site I'd think you could keep your pets in the tent with you. Has anyone else heard/read this?