Camping at the Fort Must Haves?

[Texas2Disney]

First time posting....First time staying at the Fort.

This is our second trip to Disney (we stayed off property, NEVER AGAIN), but our first time with our 1 year old. We will be there Nov. 30th- Dec. 7th. Leaving from Dallas Thanksgiving evening and, hopefully, getting to Orlando Friday evening. 13 people on this adventure. We love camping in our tiny campers (teardrop-8ft., cargo trailer conversion-10ft., and vintage camper 12-ft). My question is....are there any MUST HAVES when camping at the Fort? We are taking the cargo conversion so we can carry the golf cart with us. The campers are tiny and we only take the things we typically use when camping, however, I understand camping at the Fort is WAY different than traditional camping. Is there anything you just couldn't do without?

Also, this forum has been a great place to gather fun Disney info for our trip. Thanks to everyone's ideas this trip is gonna be so fun.

 

[SinceDay1]

A good time, you can't go without a good time! But, seriously I can't think of anything you wouldn't normally camp with. Maybe a good pair of walking shoes and sunscreen.

Richard

 

[chartle]

Xmas decorations.

 

[Texas2Disney]

I guess what I'm wondering is there anything you would normally take that you could do without? I will have 5 people, camper, golf cart, luggage, and who knows what else loaded up. I was looking for a way to save a little space and weight. Ideas?

 

[whiplash]

We'll be there too that whole week...........this will be a real experience for you.............Christmas is the absolute best !!! Beautiful decorations, everybody smiling.............HO,HO,HO !!!! Probably the biggest "Must" is knowing how you're going to handle food. Who, what, where, when, how many, etc. Anyway.......HAVE A GREAT TIME ! WELCOME TO THE FORT !!!!!

 

[tiggerdad]

First off welcome to the camping forum!

For sure bring the decorations! Bring a camera...and use it...then post some pics when you get home!
The Fort is different, but nothing extra camping wise should be needed. Just come prepared to have a good time.

 

[tiggerdad]

As far as saving space is concerned, depending on which type of site you reserved, you may not need any outdoor carpet. The pads are very smooth and if you see the CMs going around servicing sites, they will blow the leaves and dirt off your site if requested to do so to help keep it clean.

 

[Born 2 Fish]

Can't do without my fish'n poles.

 

[chartle]

I guess what I'm wondering is there anything you would normally take that you could do without? I will have 5 people, camper, golf cart, luggage, and who knows what else loaded up. I was looking for a way to save a little space and weight. Ideas?

I haven't camped there in years but many post that since the pads are crushed sea shells that you should have a good door mat, something that really cleans the bottom of your feet. Some take a large roll of indoor outdoor carpeting. and a good broom for the ones that do get in the camper.

As for what not to take, its a campground just like any other campground (bear with me) except more stuff to do.

So maybe if you take a ton of sporting equipment like bean bag games or badminton sets or maybe a ton of board games you may not have time for them particularly if you are in the parks all day and night.

There are no fire pits at the sites do you won't need things like stuff to cut up firewood. The only fires allowed (if there is no fire ban) are ones in approved fire pits which you have to bring.

Are you planning on eating a lot of meals at the site or is this just a replacement for a hotel room. If so you may be able to pare down your kitchen a bit. A lot of people think they are going to get back to their site for meals but it takes away a ton of park time.

I hope this helps.

 

[Texas2Disney]

A lot of people think they are going to get back to their site for meals but it takes away a ton of park time.

Your right on the money about this one. We only plan to eat a small meal in the mornings at the site. Maybe take just snacks. We have ZERO plans to cook at the site. As much as I want to stay at the Fort more during our trip, I just don't think we will. So yes, my kitchen stuff will be broken way down to just a few necessities. It will all fit in a picnic basket.

As for the fire pits....I know the DW will want me to bring it. She loves a good campfire (who doesn't?). But I think we will have to leave it at home. I'm sure all the Christmas decorations will be putting off a nice glow. Actually, seeing all the campsite's Christmas setups is something we are really looking forward to.

 

[chartle]

As for the fire pits....I know the DW will want me to bring it. She loves a good campfire (who doesn't?).

Just so you know the Fort only allows a very specific design of Fire pit.

If you need it there is a pdf that explains what is or isn't allowed some where around here.

But anyway there is a Chip and Dale Fire program that runs every night where you can roast marshmallows.

 

[tiggerdad]

Also, you can't bring in your own firewood. You have to buy wood from onsite. Prevents invasive species of plants and bugs.

Sent from my Desire HD using DISBoards

 

[Texas2Disney]

WOW! I didn't know there were so many restrictions with the fires. Ok, I'm convinced...no fire pit! I don't need to worry about that with so many other things going on.

 

[KristinU]

A stroller for your small fry - one with pneumatic tires would be ideal to handle varying terrain.

 

[Texas2Disney]

A stroller for your small fry - one with pneumatic tires would be ideal to handle varying terrain.

We have a great stroller....BOB (Beast of Burden)! My only worry is getting it onto the buses or other transportation. I really don't wanna take two strollers.

 

[super_camper]

Standard vacation rules apply. Bring half the clothes and twice the money!

 

[Texas2Disney]

Standard vacation rules apply. Bring half the clothes and twice the money!

Done & Done!!!!!

 

[wuzzy6]

Standard vacation rules apply. Bring half the clothes and twice the money!

This is THE BEST vacation advice I have seen/heard in all of my years!

 

[KristinU]

We have a great stroller....BOB (Beast of Burden)! My only worry is getting it onto the buses or other transportation. I really don't wanna take two strollers.

Ah, we had a BOB back in the day...never traveled with it and it lived on our enclosed porch so I honestly don't remember how compactly it folded (guessing not very.) You'll be fine on the Fort busses since they're not that packed most of the time. On the park busses, maybe a little jammed but I think it might be worth being "that guy" for the comfort, especially with a 1year old since there will likely be naps in the stroller.

 

[Texas2Disney]

On the park busses, maybe a little jammed but I think it might be worth being "that guy" for the comfort, especially with a 1year old since there will likely be naps in the stroller.

You have put one of my big worries to rest. I know I'll be the one "in charge" of getting it on and off the buses. But, your right....it will be really worth it since he LOVES to nap in it.