*April PreTrip & Trip Reports*

[bama_ed]

If anyone is there now or soon, please go check out loop 2100. Our poster pooh4me posted a thread that there are cabins missing as it is being converted to an RV loop. There was only one missing when I was there at the end of March. If someone could cruise by there or upload some pix, I/we would appreciate it.

Bama Ed

 

[Chickp]

Dang I just left this morning. They were definitely doing some major work there but it was hard to tell what it was. The loop was blocked off so you couldn't drive into it.

So, overall, we had a great trip. My daughter and I spent more time in the parks than I have in years, and it was awesome! It wasn't too crowded any of the days...maybe the first day at MK but that's to be expected. We stayed at AK from open to close and had plenty to do. I'm sad we missed Rivers of light but....next trip!

We were in the 2000 loop and honestly, it wasn't great. I was trying to make the best of it but the sites seem like they're on top of each other compared to 1500, and then we had very loud neighbors over the weekend. I'm okay with lots of stuff, it's tent camping, but this was LOUD salsa music, some kind of a giant spotlight that was so bright it lit up our tent two sites away, and very loud talking til 2 a.m. Plus Boy Scouts running around but they settled down relatively early. So what I've decided is that if we are going to tent camp in one of the no frills loops, we just won't stay over the weekend again. Not a giant deal as DH and I usually work weekends.

One of the highlights of my trip, non fort related, was doing the keys to the kingdom tour! It was fantastic, worth every penny and I learned a ton about how awesome the Disney company is.

 

[bama_ed]

Briefly, chickp,....

I have a small popup.

I used to camp in the Tent loops (1500 and 2000) but bailed out and paid more to get to a (slightly) more quiet zone in the Premium and Preferred.

I too have encountered groups in 2000 and 1500 (see my signature and extrapolate). Sure the rowdy groups are mostly on the weekends and mostly in the spring/fall.

Still even in the Preferred loops (my current crush) I encounter dweeb behavior. The most recent last month in loop 100 was a dog in the site behind us in a tent overnight (a no-no for the dog's sake). I made sure when I got back to my site at 3am that I walked back to the back of my site so the little yapper could hear me and wake his negligent/ignorant owners. I spent about 30 seconds making sure he woke them up and reminded them that they were breaking the Fort rules.

Simply put, I play the odds. There is less stupid behavior in the more expensive loops but by no means is there none. I am glad to hear the Boy Scouts settled down at night since I am an Eagle Scout and a former adult leader. I would have "hushed" them too for the sake of my neighbors.

I did the KTTK a long time ago. I still remember the gift shop in Fantasyland near the Philharmagic exit that we used to go down into the Utilidoors. It is cool. I tried to book it this past trip but it was already full on our MK days this past March. Maybe next time.

Glad you enjoyed the tour.

Bama Ed

 

[beagles7278]

No problem Ed, it is storming right now but will do in the morning.

 

[garneska]

I will be checking it out too. I have been doing laundry to get ready. One more day of work, picking up the rig tomorrow and heading out early, I hope, on Friday. Probably take a work call on the road. Ocala Sun on Friday night and Disney Saturday. I am so excited to not work, even though we will work Monday and Tuesday at least I can work in shorts at the fort. Work is a lot crazy so glad I can take a few days off.

 

[Chickp]

Thanks, Ed, I hear ya and maybe will pony up to get a bit better odds next time. I am hopeful that we will have our class C by our next trip so we can bring our beloved dog, and will definitely request 700 or something like that.

My whole family is full of Eagle Scouts and im glad to see the scouts out there. They were not really part of the problem, I just wasn't ready for how generally chaotic that loop was over the weekend. But of course, you get all kinds of people and you never know with camping. I'm not upset...just will make some different decisions based on our experience.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Pardon my typos courtesy of my iPhone. Hope I caught them all.

I just booked Fall and expect to get placed in 2000. But not a weekend visit, do you think it might be okay? An upgrade would be $20-$30 a night and I don't know they have anything.

Our group was loud in the daytime and early evening hours. But we respected quiet hours. We didn't play salsa music, though. And on Friday, they had the power shut off on the toilets at the Creekside comfort station. We contacted staff MANY TIMES and we had to start using the 2000 loop comfort station. But they finally did come and turn the power on. So if you saw a bunch of us on Friday evening---that may have been why why. There were also scouts who booked in the 2000 loop, 2 sites behind the Meadow comfort station. Not with our group but they might have been with the other. So sometimes scouts book sites rather than the Meadow. Especially if the Meadow was already taken. So that could be why you saw a bunch. Our group didn't linger on 2000 once the toilets were functioning. But we took the bridge through 900 to go to the pool and other color busses.
ETA: looks like only premium is available unless I book a smaller trip. What are the odds of being able to add on to that at this stage?

 

[beagles7278]

Just an FYI, refillable mugs are now $17.99. When we got here on the 2nd we only paid $16.99.

 

[peg110]

Gotta love that "Creep" in things.

I also love how everything is XX.99
I think we all know the "illusion" is false by now (well except my DD11. I tell her it's $10.00 and she corrects me and tells me it's Only $9.99! )

 

[garneska]

I am in the camp of hate posting from my phone, but I will. We left at 8 am and got through the horrible construction on 75 south. It was not too bad at all. We are almost to FL.

 

[peg110]

Awe.... Love the pups!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

They look like camping pros.

Drive safely!

 

[tigger92662]

I wish I could lay down while traveling. Wait a minute, I have to drive, dang it.

 

[garneska]

We are here in 723. We have been in this site before it is not our favorite but we like the 700 loop and it was assigned and ready when we got here. We are mostly set up. I have stories but that has to wait till after the expo to pick up the numbers for the half. Needless to say I called Frank the mobile guy and he is busy but said if we can't find someone else he can try to work us in. On Monday calling camping connection. The issue is with the slide (hello ruthies).

So far Internet seems good. Posting from iPad with a VPN connection, I think it is Peg110 who is the other IT geek.

Right now the forecast has changed again maybe no rain so we can walk the dogs after we get our numbers.

 

[garneska]

Exciting few days. We got to Ocala Sun and one slide went almost all the way out and stopped about 2 inches shy. Then it was stuck, no idea how but got it in. That night we only put the passenger slides out. Hoped it would work when we got to Disney. About 15 miles from Ocala Sun we also realized the generator shut down. Our gas gage is a little funny, so we were hoping it was because the fuel tank dipped below a quarter tank.

This morning we had no problems pulling in passenger slides, went to the gas station and filled up. Then we tried the generator, it went on then stopped. Then it would turn over but not start. We opened up the panel hit a few buttons and then it ran. It ran the rest of the way to the fort with ac and fridge load with no issues. We think it just took a little time to get fuel back to it, plus we did not prime it.

Got to Disney and just as pulling in I got the text that our site was ready. I am glad we are in 700, but not one of our favorite sites and we have been in it before. First time a repeat site. Changed our slide out order opening, but again slide went almost out. We think we got it out but I am fearful it won't come back in. Calling camping connection on Monday.

Set up, picked up numbers, all merchandise was picked through almost nothing left but I expected that. Then we walked the dogs. We stopped at CorgiDad's home, he was out but chatted with CorgiMom. Am sure we will see them again. Came back and cooked dinner, salmon on the grill.

We got big things planned for after the race, but time for bed, I am getting up at 2:30 AM tomorrow.

Our action photo

[GALLERY=][GALLERY=]

 

[tiggerdad]

Yep, my daughter's are happy. They are getting to see Mallory and Yeti again. I think the only thing more exciting to them is getting to see Scupper.

 

[hsmytwins]

We arrived a day earlier than planned. Beautiful site with an angel from God next door to us. We took one look at our site & didn't think this big rig was going to fit - especially with my novice driver/husband. The guy next door to us drove truck for 30 years & told my DH exactly what to do. Whew! We are in!

Garneska- my kids said someone walked a dog with a wheelchair past our site. I figured it was you.

We had power surges last night, and lost power completely this morning. Engineering put new breakers in. So far, so good.

We swam today. About ready to grill some dinner. Fireworks tonight. Our dog absolutely loves this lifestyle!

 

[garneska]

Hsmytwins, we thought we saw your rig in 900 when we walked by, so glad you had a nice neighbor to help you in.

Everyone promise to post a wrap up from the race and our brunch at California Grille, it was awesome. First wanted to get a few pics of the babies up. I know some people, tigger dad's kids, are excited to see them.

 

[bama_ed]

Looking forward to the race wrapup, Kris.

Bama Ed

 

[garneska]

Have the keyboard out and ready to post the recap of the day. Let's begin at 2:30 am, alarm went off and I was like ugh. We had no problems with transportation. We drove from our site to the front and then boarded the bus. We had no issues with bag check security and were able to get to the corals early. We were at the front of coral E. The concern on the course was that we would hit the boardwalk area at mile 2. In the marathon this is mile 24 so rather spread out and not crowded. This was not the case but since we were in coral E, we only had a few bottlenecks. It was better than I expected but I bet later corals had many more issues. Bert thought the spot just coming off Boardwalk to DHS was the worst choke point. In DHS they had the 501st out taking pictures they looked awesome. Then it was out to Osceola Parkway, I was dreading this a bit. It was actually good though, they had big movie screens out and showing clips of the movies so it kept me entertained, plus the road was open. The most boring part of the run was getting off Osceola and hitting AK. We ran a full mile in the parking lot. It was so boring, the only thing good was that there was a breeze. Speaking of weather it was awesome, 65 and NOT humid. Can't ask for better in April in Orlando. Then more of the 501st in AK. Bert and I ran together until we got to AK and he had to peel off to use the restroom. I kept moving I was struggling a bit so really wanted to keep moving. Then Osceola Parkway Episode II, again had movie clips and at that point was mile 11 so just wanted to finish. Bert managed to kick the last 5k and only finished 20 seconds behind me. I was having some left leg pain but nothing major. After the race we took one pic. That was all I could wait in line for. I can only imagine how the lines were later as we hit it around 7:30. I know it was the Darkside Half but I had to choose one.

[GALLERY=][/GALLERY]

Bert really enjoyed the race since he had never done any of that part of the course. I enjoyed it as well. It had all Star Wars and enjoyed different mile markers they were awesome. Next we made it home hit the showers then walked the dogs.

[GALLERY=][/GALLERY]

Up next California Grill Brunch review.