Camping at the Fort "Must haves"

[rajak73]

We parked them on the bike racks and yes I did use a bike lock that we had brought with us and chained them up. They just have an off/on switch, not a key, so it would be extremely easy for somebody to ride off on it if not locked up. The nice thing about the marina is the bike racks were closer to the dock than the golf cart parking which was always full while we were there. Also parked it on the bike racks at the pool, the meadows camp store, and the bike racks up by the bus stop when going to parks.

Thanks! I think we are going to order these from Home Depot..$349 free shipping. Would work great for DW and I when we go again in 2018. I also told DW I think I could put a keyed switch in too. Again, Thanks!

 

[ruthies12]

We love using them at all the campgrounds we go to! They aren't that heavy so we just carry them inside and lay them on our bed rather than try to mess with any kind of outside bike rack.

Thanks! I think we are going to order these from Home Depot..$349 free shipping. Would work great for DW and I when we go again in 2018. I also told DW I think I could put a keyed switch in too. Again, Thanks!

 

[Barney Fife]

We haven't been to Disney since 2008! Far too long but it looks highly likely we'll be back this November or early December.

Two things that are a must:
1. Can't imagine the Fort without the golf cart.
2. If you've never done Hoop-De-Doo revue, book it as soon as you're allowed. I assume its still 180 days before.

 

[peg110]

Far too long but it looks highly likely we'll be back this November or early December.

That's our plan too! Check in on Thanksgiving day, check out about December 2nd.

 

[rajak73]

We love using them at all the campgrounds we go to! They aren't that heavy so we just carry them inside and lay them on our bed rather than try to mess with any kind of outside bike rack.

That's funny because I emailed our Game and Parks Commission about using them at our State Parks. Got a call from them the next day, said they don't allow any electric scooters at the parks. I said "ok" just didn't want to use one and then have my butt in trouble for it. She said she called instead of email because it's such a touchy subject with people, lol. I asked why the kids can ride the electric scooters and she said they shouldn't be and which parks have I seen that in? I think there might be a little closer enforcement in those parks, but other than the state parks, we should be able to use them anywhere else we go on vacation!

 

[pjpoppins]

So these would be allowed?

 

[ruthies12]

that's a shame, I can't think of a park where we haven't been able to use ours. We live in Kentucky and stay in state parks and privately owned campgrounds in KY, Indiana, and Ohio.

That's funny because I emailed our Game and Parks Commission about using them at our State Parks. Got a call from them the next day, said they don't allow any electric scooters at the parks. I said "ok" just didn't want to use one and then have my butt in trouble for it. She said she called instead of email because it's such a touchy subject with people, lol. I asked why the kids can ride the electric scooters and she said they shouldn't be and which parks have I seen that in? I think there might be a little closer enforcement in those parks, but other than the state parks, we should be able to use them anywhere else we go on vacation!

You know what I take it back! After I thought about it some more there was a state park we stayed at in Florida that did not allow our scooters, Topsail State Park in Destin. Fortunately, all the parks around us allow them though.

 

[ruthies12]

So these would be allowed?

I don't see why not, pretty much the same thing as what I was riding on. I think the state of florida has a helmet law though for kids under 16 just an FYI.

 

[pjpoppins]

Ok thanks. I wouldn't think of letting my DD ride it without a helmet. I'm a CT scan tech so.....

 

[tiggerdad]

So these would be allowed?

From the rules that should be allowed as far as I can tell from the picture. Ditto on the helmet, working in the ED for 15 years seen way too many kids with head injuries that could have been avoided by just wearing the helmet.

 

[watermusicdad]

Definitely bikes! We always seem to see the bus pulling away from the bus stop as we get close!

 

[topiney]

I agree that ear plug could be a good suggestion. We come down from NE PA and take about 2 days to drive it. We stop at truck stops and spend a night (or so) to rest up (Since I am the only one doing the driving). While I like the "Hum" of the Semi's and it puts me to sleep, the DW cannot stand it. She would benefit greatly from ear plugs.

At the campground, however, we have had some commotion, none so bothersome (at length anyway) that much like you, the AC or Fan (or heater/blower) doesn't drown out.


I suppose the portable AC would be good in a Tent, but we have a camper with one built in, so no issues for us there.

Another thing we bring (during our November/December trips) is an electric "Oil Filled Heater" (http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=oil+filled+heater) I love these things. There is no open element to be worried about. Still have the "Safety" for tipping can be controlled really well, and give good warm radiating heat (think slow and long as opposed to Fast and short). It takes several minutes to heat up but holds the heat (in the oil) for a long time so it's more of a smooth heat and is also very quiet (no fan), as opposed to those with an element that heat up quickly with a fan to blow the heat around.

Even though our camper has a heater, I prefer this because it

1. Saves on my propane.
   
2. Doesn't cost me any more (I already paid for electricity with my Site Rental Fee)
3. Can supplement the on board furnace if it gets real cold (rarely) so it doesn't have to work to hard to keep up.
4. Very Safe (versus open element types).

We are from North of Harrisburg and will be making the trip down the week before Thanksgiving 2016...any suggestions as to where you usually spend the night? Thanks in advance.

 

[friendofeeyore]

Don't forget deer corn to feed the turkeys & carrots for the rabbits. We also put up a bird feeder. Love to see the birds eat & play around the feeder. At our last trip Jan 2016, I feed 16 turkeys morn & evening. Had the Tom Turkey taking the corn or peanut (out of the shell) from my hand. Felt like I was Snow White or Cinderella. I agree, down time is important. I rather hang at the camp site & go to the parks every other day. Just do it & have fun!!

 

[MommieMara]

So tell me about the squirrel feed and the theiving squirrels lol

 

[peg110]

We are from North of Harrisburg and will be making the trip down the week before Thanksgiving 2016...any suggestions as to where you usually spend the night? Thanks in advance.

Well this all depends on which route you take. We usually go down past DC. We will leave after work/school and usually stop at Ashland VA. There is a nice truck stop there (if you are okay with that). This is a nice exit because there are lots of restaurants there to get a breakfast from. There is a Cracker Barrel (which the DW likes) right by the on ramp back to 95 too. Additionally at this exit there is a Wal-Mart down the road too.

Depending on how our progress is going, we will usually find a rest stop about an hour or so from the Fort and then rest up there.

We don't typically stop at campgrounds along the way. Really we aren't there long enough to make it worth while. Also I am "Frugal" (or cheap if you so desire) plus if you are off your schedule (either way behind or way ahead) it can cause issues too. If I am way ahead of schedule, I don't want to pull over and not make progress. If I am way behind, it's possible that you may not be able to check in anyway. (Depending on their policy). In my mind there are LOTS of Rest Stops, Truck Stops, and Wal Marts to pull over in. We haven't had an issue yet and even if we did get asked to leave (because we stayed to long) as long as you are getting some rest to get you further down the road, I don't see an issue.

Just note, don't "Extend" any campers (if at all possible. I know some of them you really need to, to be able to access things) and be considerate of others. You cannot "Camp" at these rest stops, so leave the grill packed. Be happy with Sandwiches or cereal for the trip. If you want more of a meal then consider an actual restaurant for the meal.

I hope this helps a little. If you are looking for Campground stops along the way, I am sure others will be willing to provide suggestions.

 

[CDNCruiser]

You really must have one of these . . .

Instructions to build one are here: http://carol-anne.ca/Mickey Lamp.htm

Then you really should have a few of these . . .

Instructions to build one are here: http://carol-anne.ca/Mickey Rope Light.htm

TD Collectibles in Winter Garden is selling the rope lights for $75.00 but you can make your own for about $25.00

Have fun!

 

[rajak73]

that's a shame, I can't think of a park where we haven't been able to use ours. We live in Kentucky and stay in state parks and privately owned campgrounds in KY, Indiana, and Ohio.


You know what I take it back! After I thought about it some more there was a state park we stayed at in Florida that did not allow our scooters, Topsail State Park in Destin. Fortunately, all the parks around us allow them though.

Talked to a park ranger at our local sports show and asked him. I read the rules too and it states that no non-license vehicle is allowed on the roads so that answered my question!

 

[peg110]

Talked to a park ranger at our local sports show and asked him. I read the rules too and it states that no non-license vehicle is allowed on the roads so that answered my question!

Hmmm..... That's interesting. Here in PA, Quads and other Off Road vehicles are required to be registered from DCNR http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/recreation/atv/atvregistration/index.htm and they get a license plate. Loophole maybe?

 

[rajak73]

Hmmm..... That's interesting. Here in PA, Quads and other Off Road vehicles are required to be registered from DCNR http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/recreation/atv/atvregistration/index.htm and they get a license plate. Loophole maybe?

Here in Nebraska, quads and off road, atv are not required to be registered. Only requirement for atv in town is a flag on the atv.

 

[topiney]

Well this all depends on which route you take. We usually go down past DC. We will leave after work/school and usually stop at Ashland VA. There is a nice truck stop there (if you are okay with that). This is a nice exit because there are lots of restaurants there to get a breakfast from. There is a Cracker Barrel (which the DW likes) right by the on ramp back to 95 too. Additionally at this exit there is a Wal-Mart down the road too.

Depending on how our progress is going, we will usually find a rest stop about an hour or so from the Fort and then rest up there.

We don't typically stop at campgrounds along the way. Really we aren't there long enough to make it worth while. Also I am "Frugal" (or cheap if you so desire) plus if you are off your schedule (either way behind or way ahead) it can cause issues too. If I am way ahead of schedule, I don't want to pull over and not make progress. If I am way behind, it's possible that you may not be able to check in anyway. (Depending on their policy). In my mind there are LOTS of Rest Stops, Truck Stops, and Wal Marts to pull over in. We haven't had an issue yet and even if we did get asked to leave (because we stayed to long) as long as you are getting some rest to get you further down the road, I don't see an issue.

Just note, don't "Extend" any campers (if at all possible. I know some of them you really need to, to be able to access things) and be considerate of others. You cannot "Camp" at these rest stops, so leave the grill packed. Be happy with Sandwiches or cereal for the trip. If you want more of a meal then consider an actual restaurant for the meal.

I hope this helps a little. If you are looking for Campground stops along the way, I am sure others will be willing to provide suggestions.