Attention All Ft. Wilderness Campers!

[TinkerbellMama]

Hello!

My father will be purchasing a travel trailer in the next few months. He is trying to decide between getting a pickup/5th wheel OR an SUV with a tow-behind. He is leaning towards the SUV right now. Anyway, we will probably be taking a family trip down to Ft. Wilderness early next year. None of us have ever camped there, and we don't know anything about RV'ing in general. I've read through the list of amenities, but that is not too much help when you're a newbie. If anyone has Ft. Wilderness-specific tips, that would be great! General trailer-camping tips? Also great! We are mostly wondering which types of things to bring along, which services/entertainment are provided, and whether we will be able to camp with a toddler (he'll be 3 by then) without incident. Of course, this may vary by toddler! Anything and everything you can tell me about Ft. Wilderness would be appreciated! OH, and I almost forgot...how do people work the food issue? Eat mostly in the trailer? In the parks? Thanks!

 

[moniot]

We have stayed at the campground a few times and we are planning on going back. We have done the food thing differently each time. We also do breakfast in the bus. (Our motorhome) Some years we have come back and had dinner there also. This year we did Disney Dining so all we had to deal with was a light breakfast each morning. This was by far my favorite.

My kids were older when we were there but I see lots of little ones.

Remember if you are using the comfort stations to shower (they are really nice) you will need all your own stuff. No towels or soap etc like the hotels. They have a laundry room (2.00 to wash a load and 2.00 to dry a load) This came in handy for towels. Depending on what loop you are in some places are a far away. We were in the 100 loop. That meant it was a quick walk to the Marina to catch a boat to MK or the lodge. If was also a short walk to the only restaurant and one of the bus stops. We were far away from the pool.

We did bring our golf cart this year so we could take better advantage of the pool. You can get every where you need to go by taking the buses but sometimes you need to wait.

They have plenty to offer at both of the stores as far as food goes but expect to pay alittle more of course.

We spend most of our time in the parks so I know we don't take full advantage of all the campground has to offer.

You can bring bikes to get around also. It is a very relaxing place to stay.

 

[FloridaTeacher]

Here's kinda what we do. Generally when we camp, we plan 1-2 meals per day in the motorhome with the others at the parks. Most of our motorhome meals are pretty quick and easy - crockpot meals are a good choice. However sometimes we plan an evening in and do something special like steaks. We especially like to do this when friends or family are at WDW at the same time (we're the only campers and they always love visiting the Fort -it's so much more relaxing the any other resort).

Camping with a 3 year old is no problem. It's actually much easier that staying in a hotel with a 3 year old. Been there, done that - both camping and hotels.

Best tip is to stock your rv as you would a house (toothbrushes and paste, dishes and cleaning supplies, nonprescription meds, shampoo & soap, etc.) and leave as much of it in the rv as you can. That way you're not trying to remember to pack everything everytime you camp!

Things that are essential for us -

inside:
washing detergent and dryer sheets,
change for the washers/dryers,
extra toilet paper and toilet chemical,
diaper wipes (good for everything),
paper plates and solo cups,
extension cords,
a first aid kit & plenty of band-aids & rash ointment,

outside:
our grill-to-go,
a cooler,
outdoor chairs and a rug,
stroller that's easy to fold up (back in the day - now our boys walk)

Happy Camping!

 

[kc5grw]

For general RV tips and loads of RV type specific information check out the forums at rv.net or irv2.com. Tons of great information for the beginner and beyond.

 

[SunshineCamper]

We have a TT and we stay in the Elect./water/sewer loops.

I suggest this website for tips on ALL camping
http://camping.about.com/

Like everyone else has said keep toiletries in the rv. the folding chairs, our to-go-grill, rug/mat for whipping feet at the front door of the rv-LOTS of sand in FL.
We use a crockpot too and grill some dinners. We eat breakfast and dinner at the site. I make sure I buy groceries before heading into Disney property and if I forget something like bread the trading post usually has it. The prices aren't cheap. Nothing is worse than going to cook and you forgot butter or Pam or something.

We eat lunch most of the time in the parks. It's cheaper for us. Don't forget to bring your pool towels for the pool and sunscreen!

My best suggestion on Black tank and grey tank is LIQUID deordorizer-not powder (which is cheaper). then a good emptying tube not cheap-then watch the movie RV-starring Robin Williams. We keep this in the RV.

Bikes is a must for us. I have 2 kids 9 & 7 yrs. and we bike everywhere. If you want to have a campfire at your site you must buy and bring your own covered 'pit'. I found one at Target last yrs. markdown and we bring it in the winter months at the site. Maybe invest in a inexpensive dust buster-LOTS of sand in teh RV and a broom. If you're staying a week or more-bring your laundry soap and lots of quarters for laundry. Large laundry bag too especially for towels-lots of quarters!!

Welcome to camping!