Camping at FW without a Car?

[cinderellagirl2280]

I'm in the process of pre-planning a trip to DW come 2014. I haven't been in almost 20 years and my family has always stayed at FW. I'll be going solo and using the Magic Express from the Airport. My question is whether you would recommend camping without a car? I'm a seasoned solo canoe tripper and camper so camping is not a problem...my issue right now is food storage. I can bring a soft sided cooler down but I'm concerned about animals. Should I be looking into the dining plan?

 

[2goofycampers]

Welcome!
You could order a "hard" cooler online and have it shipped to The Fort. Or other things you'd need. Most times you can even get free shipping. I'd start with Wal-Mart. When you're done, just place by road with a "free" sign on anything that can't fly back with you.

If you look at the menus you may also find paying out of pocket comes out cheaper than the DP.

 

[chartle]

There are a few threads here about flying and camping. One poster even brought a shelter for the table and folding bikes!

As for a cooler I have read here that the 3 Hess Gas Stations that are on property (2 pretty easy to get to by Disney Transportation) have cheap styrofoam coolers. Also they are cheaper than the camp store. Not supermarket prices but better then buying all your meals at a restaurant.

Not sure how though you would keep a raccoon out of one.

The issue with cooking is that its pretty much only going to be electric since you can't fly with any kind of fuel and I think having it shipped can be an issue.

As for the Dining Plan thats a whole other discussion. You really have to do the math to see if it would save you money.

 

[2goofycampers]

An electric fry pan should be sufficient for all your cooking needs.

 

[Southern Bell]

Your site will have a picnic table to set your cooler on. I have never had any animals bother my stuff. Just a suggestion:If possible you could bring a small cheap screen room(walmart) for the table.

As far as the dining plan, I have never bought it and just used it when it was given free. (well they say free) LOL! We enjoyed it but if I am paying out of pocket I'd rather have more say over what I am going to buy than giving Disney a certain amount of money( I think Quick Dining is about $37 a day per person), then trying to eat what they allowed. Thats just me!

You would just need to do the numbers and see if it saved you any or if you could break even.

Either on the dining or not the Fort has this to offer:

At the Fort you can eat (Quick Service) at the pool, and carry out from Trails End.(breakfast, lunch, dinner) At Trials End (On the regular Dining plan) you can eat lunch or make reservations for dinner You can make reservations for the dinner show Hoop-De-Do (takes two dining credits)

Short boat ride from the Fort to Wilderness Lodge or Contemporary are places you could eat also!

Menus at All Ears Net

http://allears.net/menu/menus.htm

 

[cinderellagirl2280]

hmm...never thought of ordering a cooler to be at FW when I get there. I know I can take one on the plane as checked luggage (and was considering this as I can pack my tent and mattress in it). I"m from Canada where we have bears and very intelligent wildlife that like to get into coolers. That is my main concern with not having a car!

The one thing I've loved about FW growing up was being able to walk down and order a pizza late at night after a busy day in the park .

The issue with cooking is that its pretty much only going to be electric since you can't fly with any kind of fuel and I think having it shipped can be an issue.

Mostly it would be breakfast stuff and snacks so I could go as simple as cereal if I wanted. I plan on spending as much time in the park as possible...like I said it's been almost 20 years and a lot has changed that I want to see

 

[Southern Bell]

No Bears! Maybe a few deer! LOL! You would have to camp where I live, (Smokey Mountains) to get the bears!

You can still get the Pizza and several on here say the chicken to go is really good!

 

[cinderellagirl2280]

Chicken to Go? I'll have to try that .

 

[2goofycampers]

A bungee cord around your cooler should keep any small critters out.

 

[2goofycampers]

This is the best menus I've found.

http://allears.net/menu/menus.htm#res

 

[cinderellagirl2280]

This is the best menus I've found.

Yes I've discovered AllEars . How close to docks are the campsites? I've taken the busses before but I like to walk as well.

 

[2goofycampers]

Here is a map

http://www.wdwinfo.com/resortmaps/fortwilderness.htm


The preferred loops are the closest to the Marina. 100 200 300. Have you chose a site preference? There are 4 types.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/campsites-at-fort-wilderness-resort/rates-rooms/

 

[cinderellagirl2280]

I'd be staying in the partial as its just me and my tent

 

[2goofycampers]

I'd request 1500 loop. It's close to the Meadow and middle of FW. If you enjoy walking it's the easiest location.

 

[cinderellagirl2280]

Awesome! Thanks! Now to figure out when I want to go lol

 

[cinderellagirl2280]

Ok...another question for everyone. I have a hammock tent...will this be allowed in FW? Or do they have a rule against hanging stuff in the trees?

 

[anniemck]

No Bears! Maybe a few deer! LOL! You would have to camp where I live, (Smokey Mountains) to get the bears!

Actually we do have bears in Florida. I work in a Wildlife Management Area only 1 1/2 hours South of Disney and we had a mama and cub hit by a vehicle just outside of the gates on the main road about two weeks ago.

Look up Florida Black Bear... they are here.
http://myfwc.com/media/1590546/BearPopulationMap.pdf in the orange area of this map in the Ocala/St. Johns region sits Disney right in the big section of their primary range... while I am in the orange section of the Glades/Highlands range.
http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/managed/bear/

 

[chartle]

Ok...another question for everyone. I have a hammock tent...will this be allowed in FW? Or do they have a rule against hanging stuff in the trees?

My memory may be a little off but wasn't there a big clothesline crack down thread a few years ago.

Though not sure if there are suitable trees.

 

[sarah4770]

The squirrels can be pretty aggressive as well. I'd skip the dining plan and just pay as you go. Maybe worry more about keeping water and drinks at your campsite, They add up.

 

[2goofycampers]

I see lots of clotheslines and quite a few hammocks every time we go.