advice for first time tent camping at FW

[rave13]

Mom and two daughters are hoping to make their first trip to WDW Oct 16-26.
We'll be celebrating two birthdays (sweet 16 and 43 for me).
We're on a tight budget and I figured camping would be the best way to get the most time out of our stay.

We are flying in and I'm hoping I can count our tent and sleeping bags as luggage. I figured I could box it up, staying within the airlines size requirements. Probably should bring along packing tape in the carry on in case they check the boxes. Since there is laundry facilities on site, we don't need to bring very much clothes (good thing I read the posts on here or I wouldn't have thought to bring towels). Am I correct in assuming we are eligible for the airport transportation on the Magic Your Way Package since FW is a Disney Resort?

Next is, our flight arrives at 6 am. I doubt they will let us set up when we get there, so will our stuff be held at the outpost until we can check in?

Then, once we check in, how do we get our stuff to the campsite? Will they provide transportation? Is it common to use the bus to move your luggage to the camp site (and just how nice are people while the bus waits for you to load 3 suitcases, 2 boxes, and backpacks)? Would I have to rent one of the golf carts?

After reading the other comments, I know we will either be riding busses, the ferry, or hoofing it to the parks. From maps I've seen, it looks like it's just under 2 miles to the Transit Center or 3 miles to MK. Do they have trails that lead to them or will we be walking on the road?

Finally, call me paranoid, but how safe is the park for tent camping? I've joked with the girls about bringing the padlocks off their diaries to lock the zipper pulls together, (like that would keep someone out)

Thanks in advance for your help. Hope to see you there!

 

[PartyFromSaturn]

My brother and I tent camped at Ft. Wilderness about a year and a half ago. We took the magical express to the Fort and the bus driver commented that it was very unusual that we were tent camping without a car. No problem transporting us there though.

Then when we arrived, dragging all our junk into the lobby of the Fort, the cast member acted surprised too. I asked if they normally get tent campers who didn't drive in and she said that they usually don't. But she was extremely helpful and arranged for a cast member to get some type of customer service van and haul all of our stuff back to our site for us. The van also picked us up when we were ready to check out.

One thing we learned was that the Disney park buses are not supposed to let you on with any luggage, much less a full set of camping gear. We were trying to move to Pop Century via Downtown Disney and one bus driver didn't say a word and then the next one said, "I'm not supposed to do this, but I'll let you since it's not really busy."

Anyway, it does make for a cheaper way to do a trip. I would suggest packing carefully, as you will probably end up carrying all your own stuff much more than you realize. Have a great time!

 

[ftwildernessguy]

You will have to use Disney transportation to MK. The roadways around WDW are not designed for pedestrians and it would not be safe. Most likely, you would be picked up by security for safety reasons. You can walk within FW, and there is a trail to WL. Bus, boat or monorail transportation is available to MK.

 

[clkelley]

Mom and two daughters are hoping to make their first trip to WDW Oct 16-26.
We'll be celebrating two birthdays (sweet 16 and 43 for me).
We're on a tight budget and I figured camping would be the best way to get the most time out of our stay.

We are flying in and I'm hoping I can count our tent and sleeping bags as luggage. I figured I could box it up, staying within the airlines size requirements. Probably should bring along packing tape in the carry on in case they check the boxes. Since there is laundry facilities on site, we don't need to bring very much clothes (good thing I read the posts on here or I wouldn't have thought to bring towels). Am I correct in assuming we are eligible for the airport transportation on the Magic Your Way Package since FW is a Disney Resort?

Yes, you are eligible for Disney's Magical Express.

Next is, our flight arrives at 6 am. I doubt they will let us set up when we get there, so will our stuff be held at the outpost until we can check in?

Absolutely!!!

Then, once we check in, how do we get our stuff to the campsite? Will they provide transportation? Is it common to use the bus to move your luggage to the camp site (and just how nice are people while the bus waits for you to load 3 suitcases, 2 boxes, and backpacks)? Would I have to rent one of the golf carts?

No need to take the bus to your campsite. No need to rent a golf cart unless you want to. The folks at the check-in desk will take you and your stuff to your campsite when it is ready. When you are ready to depart for your last day, go to the comfort station and use the house phone to call the front desk and a van will come pick you and your stuff up and bring you to the front. Depending on your flight time, you can then wait there with your stuff until Magical Express arrives (or check your checked bags with Resort Airline Checkin if you are on one of the participating airlines), or if your flight is much later in the day, leave your stuff with Bell Services and go to the parks for a bit. DME will pick you up around 3 hours before your flight home.

After reading the other comments, I know we will either be riding busses, the ferry, or hoofing it to the parks. From maps I've seen, it looks like it's just under 2 miles to the Transit Center or 3 miles to MK. Do they have trails that lead to them or will we be walking on the road?

As other posters have stated, the only walking you can do is within the campground. Disney has a complete transportation system to get you anywhere on property. Some may involve a transfer, but you don't have to walk anywhere

Finally, call me paranoid, but how safe is the park for tent camping? I've joked with the girls about bringing the padlocks off their diaries to lock the zipper pulls together, (like that would keep someone out)

The one thing you might want to do is make one of your luggage pieces a plastic footlocker and bring a lock for it. Wal-Mart has a locking trunk locker in the automotive department for less than $20 and it is airline legal. (Don't lock it for the airlines, but then you can lock semi-valuables inside the footlocker inside your tent). Keep real valuables such as money, tickets, credit cards on your person.

Thanks in advance for your help. Hope to see you there!

I'll be at Ft. Wilderness through the 20th!!! Hope to meet you!!

I have flown and camped several times. It is a great way to do Disney on a budget!! Have fun!!!!!

 

[Tri-circle-D]

Rave13-

I am glad that clkelley posted here. I have read some of her previous posts, and she has the flying/tent camping thing down to a science. Maybe if you ask nice, she will post her list of what she brings, and how she brings it. If you follow that list, you will be set.

I began my visits to Ft. Wilderness as a tent camper many years ago. You and your kids will love it. Do not worry about getting around once you get there. You will be able to easily get to anywhere in WDW, and all of your journeys will begin by hopping on a bus which will just be a short walk from anywhere in the Fort.

Some general advice that I can give you is be prepared to be flexible. October weather is usually very nice, but it is still hurricane season, and tropical storms can and do come through. Disney watches the weather very carefully, so you will be safe, but you could have rain- so just be prepared for that. Your kids are not going to want to sit in a tent during a rainy day, so plan some activities for that. Downtown Disney should definitely be in your plans- and you can take a bus there.

Also, if you have not camped before, be sure to practice setting up all of your equipment at home before you go. Make sure that you have everything that you need. Since you won't have a car, you need to make sure that you don't forget anything.

Also, since you are going to be there for ten days, I would suggest that you think about bringing some food that you can eat at your campsite. Granola bars, pop tarts, peanut butter and crackers, that kind of stuff. It is expensive (and a bit of a pain) to eat every meal out.

Have a great trip!

TCD

 

[clkelley]

Maybe if you ask nice, she will post her list of what she brings, and how she brings it.

All right, you twisted my arm

First off, there are three of you, so for most airlines you can check two 50 lb containers each. So that is 300 lbs of checked luggage. Plus you can each have a carryon of 40 lbs and a personal item such as a bookbag/computer case, etc.

However, before you leave home, you need to do the following. Set that tent up in the backyard and make sure you have all the pieces and it sets up correctly. Make sure all the seams are sealed and use some type of waterproofing stuff such as Scotch Guard or Camp Dry to spray the fabric with.

Since every ounce counts, go get a roll of 6 mil plastic and cut a groundcloth that is 1" smaller than your tent all the way around. That will weigh less than your standard blue tarp. For extra seepage protection, I also cut a second piece of plastic and put it inside the tent.

Ok, you have your tent ready. What are you going to sleep on/in. You mentioned sleeping bags. Do you have sleeping pads?? If so, and you have used them before and are comfortable, by all means. However, I feel that single air mattresses, sheets, blankets, and pillows pack up better than sleeping bags do and are more comfortable. Your preference there.

Now another question, when the three of you lay down in that tent, is there plenty of room for extra stuff?? If so, great, if not you might want to bring a small "storage" tent or pack all your stuff in plastic footlockers so it can set outside your tent. Same waterproofing principles apply to the storage tent.

Ok, your at your campsite and it's raining. You really don't want to be stuck in that tent and you don't want to track those wet shoes and ponchos in and out of your tent, so you need some type of shelter. You can go as simple as blue tarp, ropes, etc, but that has to be stretched very carefully so it won't fill up with water and collapse.

I recommend one of the following shelters for sitting outside your tent comfortably.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4664263

OR

(I couldn't find a link, but available in store) Wal-Mart also makes a similar canopy without screen walls.

Now, depending on your space, you might want to bring some of those folding bag chairs or if you don't have the room, just set the picnic table under the canopy.

Ok, now you have a place to sleep, a place to hang out at the campground without being stuck in the tent.

Next post, your personal stuff.

Carol

 

[clkelley]

For your personal needs, each of you needs your own toiletry bag with shampoo, soap, toothbrush, etc. I use a small backpack with lots of pockets.

You need pajamas that you would wear in public, and of course shower shoes.

You also need towels. I would recommend inexpensive thin towels vs. thick ones. It is so humid down there that a thin towel will dry better on a line than a thick one.

When I head for the shower, I go ahead and dump my pockets and put on my shower shoes, then grab my shower bag with my pajamas in the bag.

When I get back from the shower, I hang my towel out and put my clothes in the hamper and put tomorrow's clothes in the shower bag. Then the next morning when I have to make that early run to the bathroom, I can just grab that bag, and then I use a shower stall to get dressed.

Something else I do in the evening before going to the shower is my laundry. I drop the laundry in the wash, go to the shower, then when my shower is up, I drop the clothes in the dryer, then go back to the campsite, check on email, then go pick up my clothes.

Next post, packing containers.

 

[rave13]

Thank you all for the advice. You have relieved my most major worries and given me some confidence that it can be done. I'm looking forward to your next post, clkelly, and hope to see you there so I can thank you in person. I may be coming back to ask which airlines participate in the Resort Airlines check-in, but I'll look for a list first.
Also, thanks for the comment on the weather. I wasn't sure if it would jinx us by asking about safety during storms. Of course, being from the northwest, rain isn't much of an issue to us, but I was concerned if the winds pick up, what would happen if our tent tries a Wizard of Oz re-enactment.

 

[rer1972]

Thank you all for the advice. You have relieved my most major worries and given me some confidence that it can be done. I'm looking forward to your next post, clkelly, and hope to see you there so I can thank you in person. I may be coming back to ask which airlines participate in the Resort Airlines check-in, but I'll look for a list first.
Also, thanks for the comment on the weather. I wasn't sure if it would jinx us by asking about safety during storms. Of course, being from the northwest, rain isn't much of an issue to us, but I was concerned if the winds pick up, what would happen if our tent tries a Wizard of Oz re-enactment.

Listen to clkelly. I flew and camped at Ft. Wilderness for the first time in February, and I'm going back in 1 and a half weeks .

The shower bag is a great idea, and the thick towels not drying is the honest truth. I usually leave my dirty laundry till the last day (I'm cheap), and I bought a hanging net pop open laundry bag. Doesn't weigh much and takes up little space.
Another thing I wish I would have done was take some good string lights. They work really well for lighting up a tent or canopy, and it gets fairly dark at the campsites. I also take an outdoor power cable, and a power strip so I can plug my cell phone charger and alarm clock into.

I know you'll have a great time. The best thing is to just relax and enjoy as much of Ft. Wilderness as you can.

 

[eagles]

great topic! i was just wondering how on earth i would get caming gear down there. and now that i know it can be done. hmmm i may have to get a bit more serious about this.

 

[des1954]

This will sound kind of stupid because you're flying - but being a full-time Florida resident, October can still be kind of hot! If you can make some room, bring a fan. A tent can get kind of hot to sleep in if it's hot & humid.

Another thing to consider... do you know someone in the area (Central Florida) that you can ship things to & have them bring stuff to you? If you're planning on renting a car when you're here... ask for directions to local grocery stores... there are a couple within 5-10 miles & easy to get to. The two trading posts on site have a nice selection of items, but they are kind of expensive. It's a trade-off for the convenience, I suppose.

You are going to have a GREAT time!!! I just know it!

And--- HaPpY BiRtHdAy, in advance! Let the front desk know you have a couple of birthday's during your stay. You may get a sUrPrIsE!!!

Debbie

 

[rave13]

Thanks for the warning about the heat. I've gotten some funny looks from co-workers when I tell them we'll be camping in October, but then I point out the average low/high for that time of year is 65/85... that's summertime temperatures for us! (with the 85 being maybe 1 - 2 weeks, broken up)

BTW, it's official. I made the reservations yesterday. Decided to add on one more day since the air prices went up $20 each for the 26th, I figured it was cheaper to camp one more night (okay, so now we have to eat out for one more day, oh wahh)

 

[clkelley]

Sorry, I've actually had some work to do this week. I've got a few minutes, so let's continue.

Packing Containers. Airport Logisitcs

In the past, for Delta with two bags allowed, I used a Plastic Footlocker, a "large" duffle bag. A carryon legal rolling suitcase, and a bookbag. (This was solo, so adjust accordingly for your party size, and airline allowances.)

(The last time I flew and camped, the liquids rule was not in effect, so adjust accordingly.)

In my checked containers, I put anything bulky but light. Tent materials, linens, clothing, etc. Also my chair had to go in the large duffel due to size.

In my carryons I put valuables (normal carryons), and anything small but heavy such as batteries, rolled coins, air mattress pump, lantern, electric blanket controller.

As a solo, I had to tip a "lot" to get to and from the airport because I couldn't just leave my stuff and move it one piece at a time. Since there are more than one of you, you should be OK.

Pull up to curbside, unload the stuff from the car, have at least one member of your party sit on the luggage, then go park the car. You can then check it curbside, or have somebody fetch a cart and check-in at the counter.

When you arrive at MCO, head for Disney's Magical Express and you will be transported to Ft. Wilderness. If your stuff has not arrived yet, drop your carryons with Bell Services, and enjoy a few hours relaxing or going to a park, or getting something to eat.

Check back with the Ft. Wilderness front desk periodically and when your stuff has arrived return there and ask that you and your stuff (including carryons) be driven to your site. Then proceed to set up camp.

 

[clkelley]

Master Packing List:

You have your containers, you know how to get through the airport and you have a general idea of what to bring.

So let's get specific:

Tent
Plastic Ground Cloth - 6 mil plastic cut to fit underneath tent, a second sheet cut for inside tent
A sheet of disposable painters plastic big enough for underneath your tent. Lay this down first, then your groundcloth, then your tent. When you pack up, just throw that first piece away. It keeps the stuff you have to pack back up cleaner.

Some type of sun/rain shelter/screenhouse, so you are not stuck in your tent when the weather is bad. Also a place to put your chairs, hang your ponchos/rain gear, etc.

Folding camp chairs

Bedding. Your choice. I prefer air mattresses, sheets, blanket, small pillow.

If you have an air mattress, you need an electric pump. Since I also still camp without electricity, I have one that is rechargeable.

Lighting. I use Coleman Tent Lights for inside the tent and a Battery Operated Lantern for outside the tent.

Biner Clips (Those modified climbing clips that have become popular for hooking things on your belt or backpacks.) Use those to hang things such as your lantern from underneath your shelter.

Laundry Detergent, Dryer Sheets, Quarters to do laundry./Laundry Bag

Clothes Line

Garbage Bags. Useful for all sorts of things. There are garbage containers scattered around the loop, but I always hang a garbage bag from my shelter so I don't have to walk out to the can for every little piece of trash.

Electric Fan. It will be warm still in October.

At least two power strips to plug stuff in. (Cell Phones, camera charger, laptop, etc.)

40 Ft OUTDOOR Extension cord, to run from the power pole to inside your tent.

A small combination lock to lock your footlocker up inside your tent for any semi-valuables you may have.

Cable ties - Useful for all sorts of things, cord management, hanging things on a loop, etc.

A knife or wire cutters to cut those cable ties when your trip is over (Obviously needs to go in checked luggage).

Tacky lights and timer. Lots of folks string some string or rope lights around their canopy or across their tent and put them on a timer so that when they come back to their campsite at night, there is a soft light to lead the way.

Duct Tape - Great for all kinds of emergencies.

Stake Mallet for pounding your tent/shelter stakes into the ground. Wal-Mart has a rubber one that also has a hook in the end to pull the stakes out.

Toiletry Bags for each of you, shower shoes

A couple days worth of normal Disney Park Clothing, pajamas that you feel comfortable in public.

I don't cook at Disney and as a solo, the list above was about the limit of my luggage allowance. With three of you, there are a few optional things you might want.

Portable toilet (If your tent is big enough for walking room, this might be nice for middle of the night)

Collapsible cooler.
Bottled water/soda in plastic bottles
(Ice is $2 per bag from a machine at the comfort station)

Extra storage tent (Small tent to put your stuff in so you have more room in your sleeping tent).

Hope this helps!!