Air travel followed by Camping

[eileenkeeney]

I am interested in hints, from those who fly to Orlando, and then Camp at Walt Disney World.

Has anyone done a scenario where they pack all of the needed camping gear (except perishable foods available at the Ft. Wilderness store), fly to Orlando, take the shuttle to Fort Wilderness, and then camp.

I am trying to help a friend (with a wife and 4 kids) come up with an affordable plan to visit WDW, and stay on property.

The family does do a lot of camping, and enjoys camping.

I wonder how it works with the Magical Express, if one has a camping site (and not a room).

Has anyone ever camped without having a vehicle of some sort?

The time of year, that this trip is likely to take place, is January.

The family lives in Oregon, and is used to camping in the rain. I found the December weather in Florida comparable to the late May/early June weather in Oregon (wide temperature range and a reasonable potential of getting soaking wet).

 

[susancl]

I'll try to answer some of your questions.

Magical Express will work fine since they shuttle people to FW to stay in the cabins. They drop you off at the outpost and then a FW van will take you to your site.

January can get pretty cold at night (down to 30 many nights). So, they'll need to bring good sleeping bags.

IMHO, It sounds like a lot to carry on a plane. Clothes, camping gear, and non-perishables might be tough to manage and they'll have to check with the airline to see if there's a limit.

 

[eileenkeeney]

Thank you.

I think that it is reasonable to buy all the food after arrival.
I know that people back pack, and bring everything they need (including food) but usually people buy expensive back packing food for that.

It makes sense to either rent a vehicle, take a city bus (or cab) to a grocery store, or have groceries delivered (www.wegoshop.com).

I read some posts where people bring electric blankets. I have always been afraid to use an electric blanket with an air mattress.
Is this not a fire hazard?

 

[blueberry22]

Have you considered renting an RV? There is a cruise AMerica site very nearby wdw, in Kissimee. The cost is $637 per week for a 25 foot unit,(sleeps 5) 798 for a 30 foot unit (sleeps 7). There is an additional fee for mileage- but going back and forth would be under 20 miles- and you could stop at a supermarket on the way. I'd plan on taking ME to Fort wilderness and then sending dad over to pick up the Rv in a cab and have him stop at the grocery store on the way back. There is even a store that allows you to pre order so its all ready to be picked up- saving some time (check out Mousesavers) You have to bring all your own pots and pans, towels and linens but no laterns, tents, coolers, stoves etc. We did this once and I just packed up cardboard boxes which I brought on the plane, stashed under the unit in a storage space and repacked for the trip home. Cooking was easy, everyone stayed dry in the rain and we even had a little privacy from the kids since the back bed closes off .
By the way the 25 foot one is supposed to sleeps 5. (check out the website) depending on the age/size of the kids an air mattress on the floor may be needed for the fourth kiddo. The # limit is only important if everyone were actually traveling in the unit- because of seat belt laws.
Finally the Entertainment books usually always have a discount for cruise america- I think its $100 off a weeks rental. Cruise america also sometimes runs specials or deals bringing the price down even further.

 

[Jeanne B]

I agree with what susancl said about January. This past January my DH and I were stuck in Florida after our cruise because of bad weather in New England. We stayed in a cabin at Tropical Palms RV park and the 2 nights we were there were EXTREMELY cold!! It was 28 degrees in the morning and barely about 50 during the day and it was windy. There were some people there in tents and we felt so sorry for them - they must have froze!! In fact, they were packing up after that first cold night. If your friend and his family go in January they'll definitely need to be prepared for cold weather. I was just reading a thread on here the other day about a guy who has flown to WDW numerous times to camp so it can definitely be done if you pack right. We would love to fly down and camp at FW but it always seemed like it was kind of impossible but after reading that thread I realized that it can definitely be done with the right packing. Good luck in your planning!!

 

[clkelley]

Yes, it is definitely possible!

With 6 folks in the family, they could bring almost 800 pounds worth of gear to Ft. Wilderness.

For most airlines, each person is allowed two checked bags at 50 lbs a piece. (Check the airline website for exact weight and size dimensions of allowed checked baggage)

For most airlines, each person is also allowed one carry-on and one personal item. That usually means an 18-20" pullman (about 40 lbs each) and a backpack, purse, or computer case. (about 20 lbs each)

As a single person, I bring the following:

Tent - For this year Coleman 13x13 3-room tent
Two groundcloths cut to fit the tent - 6mil plastic (One under tent, one inside tent)
Painters Plastic (goes under groundcloth, throw away at end of trip, the sand gets gross under the tent)
Rain/Dining Shelter
Folding Chair
Folding Stool
Battery Lantern
Tent Light
Fan
40 foot extension cord
Power Strip
Air Mattress
Linens
Electric Blanket
Pump for Air Mattress
3 changes of clothing
Laundry Detergent
Dryer Sheets
Quarters for Laundry
Coleman Tent Light
Toiletries in Day Pack (You need a small set of toiletries for each person, so you can all shower at the same time)
Towel/Washcloth
Decent in Public Sleepwear
Shower Shoes
Park Shoes
Cell Phone/Charger
Digital Camera/Docking Station
Laptop/with Wireless Card
Appropriate Batteries
Collapsible cooler
Garbage Bags

I actually had all of that weighed and it came in at 185 pounds. So you can imagine what a family could bring with that many more bags and weight allowance. I don't cook at Ft. Wilderness, I just enjoy the camping.

I would think they would need an extra tent for the kiddos, (remember you have no vehicle to store gear in, so it has to be in your tent with you, so you need larger tents, or a small tent for your stuff)

They would also need additional air mattresses and linens.

If they wish to cook, then all they really need is a gas stove (must buy the propane in Orlando) or they can use charcoal in the grill at the site.

They need a few pots/pans, dishes/silverware, a tub to wash dishes in. (The comfort station requests that you do not wash dishes in the utility sink).

I hope this helps!!

Carol

 

[trlrboy]

I read some posts where people bring electric blankets. I have always been afraid to use an electric blanket with an air mattress. Is this not a fire hazard?

I don't see where it would be a fire hazard of any kind. It's an air mattress not a water bed.

 

[susancl]

Wow Carol!

I'm in awe at how much you carried on the plane. That's amazing.

 

[mdacko]

im camping at fort wilderness next week (for the first time)

my sister and i just shipped a box of our supplies/food down there, since we are flying and will have no car. we printed a return label as well, and called to confirm that they have a carrier to ship back. seems like the most efficient idea to me.

oh and i cant wait till June 1st!!!!

 

[clkelley]

Wow Carol!

I'm in awe at how much you carried on the plane. That's amazing.

Thanks!!

Sometimes I feel a bit odd when I show up at the airport, and the TSA inspector looked at me kind of funny, but once I got set up at Ft. Wilderness, it was all worth it!!

FYI, if your camping gear/tent has been near a campfire, it will set off the TSA alarms and they will open and inspect your bags!! At home, they did it right at curbside and I wasn't allowed to enter the airport until the inspection was complete. Leaving Orlando, both bags had the "TSA searched your bag" sheets in there.

Carol