Back from fly in tent camping trip to FW

[Bearikens]

I am taking this opportunity to describe our experience flying in with our tent camping gear in two suitcases as I have seen several questions here on the board asking about this very subject. I packed our 3 man Ozark Trail dome tent, 2 Coleman self inflating sleeping mats, 1 set full size sheets, 1 light blanket, 2 small fans, tent camping broom and dustpan, LED camp light, 25 ft outdoor extension cord, 1 power strip, charger cords for cellphone and tablet, 1 string of solar lights, single burner propane stove, 2 hiking pots with lid (to heat water and cook), 1 Ozark Trail 8 x 6 sun shelter (covers 3/4 of the picnic table), 3 days of clothes, laundry soap, and toiletries in 2 standard size suitcases and both weighed in less than 43 pounds (airline and magic express have 50 pound limit for suitcases). Of course, keep in mind that this was my experience and what you may choose to pack will vary. You may have noticed that we didn’t pack pillows or a cooler. We bought 2 beach towels to use in the showers, pool, and rolled up for pillows. We also bought a small styrofoam cooler, 1 pound propane canister, and ice upon arrival. It also helps to make a packing list for each suitcase so you can repack the bags identically for when you depart.

 

[Bearikens]

May 7th departure from Denver at 12:15 am and arrival at 6 am at Orlando Intl Airport. Magical Express arrival at WDW with new driver who missed the turnoff and mistakenly took us to Animal Kingdom Lodge and then back on track to Wilderness Lodge to drop off the only other passenger and then finally Fort Wilderness by 8 am. Dropped off carry on luggage and asked for loop 1500. Breakfast with Kenny as our server (he’s great as always) at Trails Inn and then onto the Magic Kingdom. No word on the campsite assignment by 2 pm, so we called and was assigned site 1520. While talking with the front desk we were told that they would deliver our luggage to the site and meet us there, so we left MK and headed to the campground. No sign of the luggage. After 2 calls, 7 transfers, and another 1.5 hours was told no delivery. Our neighbor in the adjacent campsite offered to drive my DW to the office to pick up the luggage while I stayed behind to help them with an issue they were having with their dining shelter. Set up camp by 5 pm and was sound asleep by 8 pm (had been up for 36 hours).

 

[Westcoastwild]

Niiiiice. Following along! I keep trying to talk myself into and out of a camping trip in December, and I'm always looking for more packing ideas.

Where is you buy the propane tank on arrival? On or off property? Would assume on as you don't appear to have a car but I didn't see any in the store.
What is in each suitcase? I am wondering if your packing is so neat because you can bring two suitcases to my one or if it's neat because you are the superior packer

What kind of solar lights to you have and what are your fans like? Plug in or battery operated? Any equipment you would leave at home next time?

 

[Bearikens]

Meadows trading post sells the 1 pound propane bottles in their camping gear section and in fact, the Meadows was directly across the street from the 1500 loop (past the pool and over the small bridge), so when we needed something we only had a short walk to find it. As far as packing goes, I've moved so many times in my life that I've gotten pretty good at finding little nooks and crannies where small items can be placed, plus, I packed and repacked the suitcases several times a full month before we actually left. The solar lights were designed for use with a patio umbrella and they have a small solar panel. All I needed to do was to clip them onto my tent and we had lights that automatically turned on after dark. The fans are small, metal, plug in type, and are 4 inches in diameter. They put out enough air to help keep us cool until the night time temperatures dropped below 65 degrees.

 

[Westcoastwild]

65 sounds HEAVENLY. When I was there I was pretty excited that the tempurature dropped to a cool 88 degrees

Think I'll pick my campstove next time. Good to know about the propane, thanks

 

[Bearikens]

May 8th Woke up and heated water for instant coffee and instant oatmeal. Checked my Disney Experience app on the cell phone (wifi worked great in our site) to ensure we would make our fastpass times. Took a shower, dressed, and was off to the MK. It had been hot and muggy the day before and today was no exception. We live in Colorado, so we aren’t used to the combination of heat AND humidity and Florida has both in abundance. Following our standard procedure of filling our water bottles as often as possible and ducking into rides with air conditioning and seating, we made it though the day. It should be noted that the weather forecast called for highs in the 90’s all week and 40 to 50% humidity. I know, 40 to 50% isn’t very much by Florida standards, but when you’re used to 10 to 20%, well it’s pretty high for us. We decided to take the monorail over to the Poly to have a Mai Tai and grab dinner from Capt Cooks snack bar. Good choice. The drink was excellent (ended up having a second one) and watched a family of ducks begging food from the guests at tables next to the pool and oh were the ducklings cute! Back to the fort watched the fireworks on the beach and then back to the campsite and to bed.


It should be noted that WDW has installed metal detectors in the Contemporary before you can get on the monorail. Likewise at the Poly. They told us this was so those guests wouldn’t have to repeat this to enter MK. TTC doesn’t have a metal detector requirement for when you transfer from the resort monorail to the Epcot monorail.

 

[rer1972]

I've flown in and camped at FW twice, and it was actually not as crazy as it might sound. Probably my only issue has been noise from the FW buses. I can't remember the hours they ran, but it felt like they were running most of the evening and early in the mornings. Still very fun to do, and would do it again.

I camped during August and then January; I highly recommend January for the cooler weather and smaller crowds.

 

[bama_ed]

I love 1500 loop and stayed in 1520 (last campsite out the outer loop all the way around) last time I was in 1500. With my popup, I can stay in Tent/Partial loops but fear getting put in 2000 and having to consider moving mid-stay. If I ever could check-in and arrive on Monday-Thursday I would do it.

I do have one question for you, bearikens, regarding Fort transportation to the MK.

I know that now the rope drop is a show in front of the castle at 9am (when 9am is the official open time) but they open the gates at 8am to allow you to buy breakfast or spend money on Main Street. I also know about the small boats at the Fort docks that run between FW-WL-CR start early like at 630am. My questions is about the big boat down at the Fort docks that leaves off the left side of the Pier. In the old rope-drop days, it would start its first run at 830am in this scenario and get you to the MK about 850am in time for the end of the rope drop show at the train station. So now the new open is in place, does the first big boat come at 730am (when the gates open) or at 830am (when the rope drops).

I'm hoping you can answer. I have a trip coming up in October so I have time to find out but wondered if you had encountered this scenario.

Thanks and look forward to hearing more. Being awake 36 hours on arrival day is not something I think I could handle anymore (without massive amounts of caffeine, that is). I hope you got to attend a Chip & Dale Campfire sing-along and saw a movie.

Bama Ed

 

[Bearikens]

Ed, unfortunately we didn't make the rope drop on any of the days we were there. We're not early risers and the first day got us to MK about 9:15 (after rope drop), so I won't be able to answer your question. Sorry. It should be noted that they have a direct bus from the Settlement to MK which gives campers another option. Incidentally, they recommend this bus as a way to transfer to any of the other hotels. Perhaps RustyScrapper can confirm the morning schedules for us.

 

[peg110]

It should be noted that they have a direct bus from the Settlement to MK which gives campers another option.

Is this new? Maybe a result of the newer security procedures, it might keep the "Lines" shorter at the various "Inspection" locations.

 

[Shanti]

Nice report. We flew in without a car & camped two years ago in March. There were only 2 of us, so I decided to put some of the money saved camping toward first class airfare & a town car, LOL. That gave us four check-in suitcases that I packed with our tent, inflatable mattress, blankets, pillows, towels, etc. It was funny arriving in a sleek black town car to go camping- I think both the driver & the guy checking me in at the drive-through check-in station were surprised at the incongruity of that. "Ain't we swanks," the check-in guy said. The town car was allowed to drive into the Fort to drop all of our gear off at our site, so we could get started setting it up right away.

We loved the fort. So pretty and peaceful, with apparently calmer & friendlier guests than at other WDW resorts. I think camping brings out the calm, reasonable side of people that sometimes gets obscured in the Disney vacation madness. We also enjoyed the horsebackriding, bike riding, movie night, Hoop Dee Doo Revue, etc.

Never found the buses too loud or annoying, though I could hear them. Same with the whirr of golf carts & the boat whistles- all part of the ambiance. I'm a rope drop die hard & had no problem making rope drop at MK or the old Welcome Show. Wiping a tear away as I remember that show...

I keep wanting to camp again, but only want to do it when the weather is ideal, which would mean only late fall or early spring. I'd also enjoy renting a golf cart next time, although we were fine without it last trip. My 40-something body is becoming resistant to the idea of camping in general. But maybe someday...

 

[North of Mouse]

Ed, unfortunately we didn't make the rope drop on any of the days we were there. We're not early risers and the first day got us to MK about 9:15 (after rope drop), so I won't be able to answer your question. Sorry. It should be noted that they have a direct bus from the Settlement to MK which gives campers another option. Incidentally, they recommend this bus as a way to transfer to any of the other hotels. Perhaps RustyScrapper can confirm the morning schedules for us.

We were told that the direct bus to MK is only after 4PM from the Settlement area!
We didn't ask information about it as we preferred the boat.

 

[peg110]

I like the boat too...

Also there is something about that walk from the Bus stop to the Marina.... I find it relaxing (that is unless we are already late for something... )

 

[Bearikens]

Nice report. We flew in without a car & camped two years ago in March. There were only 2 of us, so I decided to put some of the money saved camping toward first class airfare & a town car, LOL. That gave us four check-in suitcases that I packed with our tent, inflatable mattress, blankets, pillows, towels, etc. It was funny arriving in a sleek black town car to go camping- I think both the driver & the guy checking me in at the drive-through check-in station were surprised at the incongruity of that. "Ain't we swanks," the check-in guy said. The town car was allowed to drive into the Fort to drop all of our gear off at our site, so we could get started setting it up right away.

We loved the fort. So pretty and peaceful, with apparently calmer & friendlier guests than at other WDW resorts. I think camping brings out the calm, reasonable side of people that sometimes gets obscured in the Disney vacation madness. We also enjoyed the horsebackriding, bike riding, movie night, Hoop Dee Doo Revue, etc.

Never found the buses too loud or annoying, though I could hear them. Same with the whirr of golf carts & the boat whistles- all part of the ambiance. I'm a rope drop die hard & had no problem making rope drop at MK or the old Welcome Show. Wiping a tear away as I remember that show...

I keep wanting to camp again, but only want to do it when the weather is ideal, which would mean only late fall or early spring. I'd also enjoy renting a golf cart next time, although we were fine without it last trip. My 40-something body is becoming resistant to the idea of camping in general. But maybe someday...

We've also flown in and tent camped taking a town car from the airport. We liked the town car because if you asked the driver nicely he would be willing to make a short 30 min stop at a grocery store (don't know if they still do this). Yes, it did feel "swanky" for us as well. Bus noise wasn't a problem for us on this last trip because it seemed to us that there was only 1 Yellow bus running the route past 1500 during the week, but weekends we saw 2 buses. This last trip we used Magical Express for the first time and for us it wasn't bad, especially having the first flight into Orlando (only 3 people on the bus with 2 stops). back to the trip report.

 

[Bearikens]

May 9th Today we will be meeting my step son and his wife at the MK. When they found out that we were going to WDW to celebrate our 16th wedding anniversary and the 20th anniversary of our first meeting (at FW) during our vacation, they decided that the vacation they had been craving would best be fulfilled at WDW with us, so they flew down from Philadelphia and stayed at the Poly. We had a fun day, but did experience a situation that rarely happens at Disney. The Seven Dwarves Mine Ride broke down and we had to be “rescued” inside the actual mine portion. Let me tell you, having to jump out of the cars onto the maintenance sidewalk was a bit unnerving as the cars are higher than one would have thought. Cast members gave us bottled water and gave us a fast pass that was valid for the next few days. The rest of the day in MK was uneventful. I did do something that I hadn’t before and had thought about for years, I went to the barber shop on Main Street and had a haircut. Headed back to the campground to shower and dress for our dinner reservation at the California Grill atop the Contemporary. Not only did we have dinner, but also watched Wishes from the restaurant roof, no sound however, as the resort was having issues with the MK feed. On the way back to the campground we stated hearing fireworks and it turns out that the new fireworks show was being practiced and fine tuned. Wishes ended on May 11th and Happily Ever After began May 12th.

 

[Bearikens]

May 10th Hollywood Studios day.


May 11th Wedding Anniversary Day at Epcot. Had a fun day, but the main reason for being there was our ADR at the Rose and Crown for dinner.

First, I should explain that my DW and I talked online and on the phone for 6 months before we met. My DW was living in Philadelphia and I was stationed in the USAF in Hawaii. When I was nearing the end of my enlistment in April 1997 we talked about where we should meet and my wife told me all about the Fort and WDW. I flew home and then flew to Orlando a couple of days later. My DW flew into Orlando a couple of hours later and we finally met face to face. Onto the Fort and had a magical week together. Jump ahead 4 years and 1 month later and we are standing in the Orange County Florida courthouse being married (May 2001) and our honeymoon is at the Fort in a tent. Our first dining experience as man and wife occurred at the Rose and Crown for lunch.

So jump ahead 16 years and we are celebrating those 2 occasions and we tell our story to the cast members when we checked in for our ADR. Our server was Nancy. She and the staff fell in love with our story. She told us a story that the British chef had been fired and an American chef hired and now the food was more British than when the British chef was there. She took great care of us and after the fabulous dinner we received another surprise, the bill simply contained a note that said that our bill had been taken care of. Turns out that our son had called the restaurant and paid the tab. The staff paid for our desert sampler, which was also fantastic tasting. Talk about having a magical day.


May 12th Magic Kingdom until noon and then Pool afternoon at the Fort. Water Pageant and Fireworks on the beach at the Poly with another Mai Tai..


May 13th - Checkout and homeward bound.

 

[raytheyounger]

Congrats on your anniversary! We were married one day after you. We also honeymooned at WDW and were also there last week to celebrate our 16th also. It really is a small world after all. (Sorry, had to say it).

 

[themojosupreme]

Great love story! Congrats on your anniversary and it is so special that y'all recreated your experiences from when you first met.

 

[Bearikens]

themojosupreme, well, not ALL our experiences of the first time. Back in April '97 I packed the wrong clothes (no shorts and no tennis shoes), no campstove, no cups, no mugs, no jacket, and no blanket, but I did pack my 2 man tent and sleeping bag. My DW packed 5 suitcases of outfits and her 2 man tent, but no blanket or sleeping bag. The first night was cold (50 degrees would be conservative) and only able to cover with 2 beach towels, so we woke cold and hungry. My DW was in the CS and I was waiting for her return when suddenly one of our neighbors appeared with a cup of steaming hot coffee (he must has noticed me sitting at the picnic table shivering). I don't know who he was, but he was a lifesaver! The next night we had pillows and a blanket after my DW called mousekeeping.

Side note: over the years she has adjusted her camping outfit packing to 7 outfits in 1 suitcase and this last trip we packed 3 outfits apiece for the entire week and did laundry midweek. I am very proud of her!