Camping Newbie.....Questions and Maybe some More Later...

[Trentmom]

Hey Fellow campers!!

I am going to Disney World in October 2008 and will be staying at the Campgrounds for the first time....Newbies Here

My mom and her hubby have a camper and will be driivng it from Lousisiana. We will be flying in from NJ and meeting there, and all staying together in their camper.

We are staying in a 31 ft camper with one slideout and one awning and a full ton pickup, too.

First we wanted to know about Loops 300 and 600. I was looking at another thread and they look pretty good.

I wanted to know if they are close to the bus stops? We will have a 4 yr old with us and don't want him to have to walk a lot each moring to get to the bus stop, as that will make him a crabby apple, as I like to call him, for most of the morning

What loops are closest to the bus stops??

How do the buses work?

I thought I had heard you had to take two buses to get to the parks?

Do the buses take you to all the parks and DTD?

Also, where do the boats take you? Is the marina near the bus stop or is located somewhere else?

How much is a golf cart to rent?

My last question(for now , is Magical Express available for Fort Wilderness Campground??


Thank You for all your help

 

[drafthorsecrazy]

HI and Welcome to the camping forum! I'll try to answer some of your questions....I'm sure others will as well.

All loops have a bus stop ...usually near the entrance to the loop. The buses run in two directions. One way to the Settlement area (trails end , marina etc)and the other way to the Outpost. You can grab a bus from the Outpost bus stop to head to other parks. Maybe this is where you heard you need to take two buses?

The marina is located near the Settlement. A boat is the quickest and easiest way to get to the MK , WL or the CR where you can grab the monorail .

Golf carts are about $50/day. Cheaper if you take for an entire week. Yes, magical express works for the campground. Usually people tenting or staying in the cabins use it.....I thought you were bringing a 31' camper?

Enjoy your stay! You will be back

 

[LarryJ]

Basically you have to take two buses from your loop except for MK. As mentioned there are internal buses that take you to either the Settlement or Outpost. I can't remember where they go, but at the Settlement there are IIRC two buses that take you to two of the parks/DTD. The Marina is a 5 min or so walk from the Settlement Bus Depot. The bus that goes to the Outpost, there are buses to two of the other parks/DTS. I want to say the Outpost buses are for DTD and AK, but don't quote me on that and I might be wrong.

The buses all take you to just one park or DTD except a couple stop at one of the water parks and I think all the buses from the Settlement stop at WL.

The brochure you get when you check in should tell you which buses to which park/DTD and where they leave from so I just don't commit that level of detail to memory and things always seem to change a little every couple of years.

The boats are mainly for the MK, but do make stops at WL depending on which way they are going and what time you catch the boat. There is also a smaller launch that goes to the CR.

Larry

 

[Trentmom]

HI and Welcome to the camping forum! I'll try to answer some of your questions....I'm sure others will as well.

All loops have a bus stop ...usually near the entrance to the loop. The buses run in two directions. One way to the Settlement area (trails end , marina etc)and the other way to the Outpost. You can grab a bus from the Outpost bus stop to head to other parks. Maybe this is where you heard you need to take two buses?

The marina is located near the Settlement. A boat is the quickest and easiest way to get to the MK , WL or the CR where you can grab the monorail .

Golf carts are about $50/day. Cheaper if you take for an entire week. Yes, magical express works for the campground. Usually people tenting or staying in the cabins use it.....I thought you were bringing a 31' camper?

Enjoy your stay! You will be back

Thanks for the welcome Draft

Yes, we are going to be staying in a 31 ft camper.

It is my mom and her husbands. They will be driving it from Louisiana to Fl.

My family is from NJ, so we will be flying there and meeing them at the campground.

Oh, so the boat goes to MK, CR and WL, then....Didn;t know that...Cool

The bus takes to you to the rest of the parks from the outpost.

I think I am getting it.. SO much to learn...

Awesome...glad Magical Express works for there.

Thanks for all your help

 

[Trentmom]

Basically you have to take two buses from your loop except for MK. As mentioned there are internal buses that take you to either the Settlement or Outpost. I can't remember where they go, but at the Settlement there are IIRC two buses that take you to two of the parks/DTD. The Marina is a 5 min or so walk from the Settlement Bus Depot. The bus that goes to the Outpost, there are buses to two of the other parks/DTS. I want to say the Outpost buses are for DTD and AK, but don't quote me on that and I might be wrong.

The buses all take you to just one park or DTD except a couple stop at one of the water parks and I think all the buses from the Settlement stop at WL.

The brochure you get when you check in should tell you which buses to which park/DTD and where they leave from so I just don't commit that level of detail to memory and things always seem to change a little every couple of years.

The boats are mainly for the MK, but do make stops at WL depending on which way they are going and what time you catch the boat. There is also a smaller launch that goes to the CR.

Larry

Thanks Larry.

I am glad they will be giving me a brochure... That will be very helpful as it looks so big on the map, the campground.

 

[LarryJ]

On the Boats just remember if it hasn't changed since we were last there in 2005/06. The larger boats make a loop that switches from FW-WL-MK to FW-MK-WL sometime during the day and the boat to the CR is actually a separate launch that also leaves from the marina.

Also IIRC any of the bus stops will tell show you which internal buses go where and where to catch the buses for the various parks and DTD.

Larry

 

[des1954]

Check further on Magical Express. I believe if the ressies are in your folks name, then you won't be able to take M.E., but there are many shuttles available from Orlando Airport to WDW. Also, Orlando AP isn't that far from FtW and a well marked, easy drive, if your parents want to pick you up. Orlando AP is a neat place to explore, too!

Any of the shuttle services will only take you to the check in post (front desk), where your folks will need to meet you and take you to their site.

 

[stacktester]

Check further on Magical Express. I believe if the ressies are in your folks name, then you won't be able to take M.E., but there are many shuttles available from Orlando Airport to WDW. Also, Orlando AP isn't that far from FtW and a well marked, easy drive, if your parents want to pick you up. Orlando AP is a neat place to explore, too!

Any of the shuttle services will only take you to the check in post (front desk), where your folks will need to meet you and take you to their site.

Disney always wants the names of each occupant at a site. As long as they include your name on the ressie you will have no problem.

 

[clkelley]

Yes, you will be able to use Magical Express as long as your folks list you on the reservation. They will need to give the CRO folks your flight #s and dates of arrival and departure. The Magical Express information will arrive at their home, so they will need to forward it by mail to you. You will receive DME tickets and yellow tags for your luggage. Your luggage will be sent directly to Ft. Wilderness from MCO with the yellow tags and you will be driven by bus to Ft. Wilderness. If your parents have already arrived, they can meet you up at the checkin area, OR your can just call them on the phone and find out what Loop they are in and take a bus to your site and ya'll are ready to go. Your luggage will be delivered to your campsite a few hours later. You can also ask them to take you to your loop in a van if you have a lot of carryon items.

As far as internal busses, to go to Magic Kingdom, the Studios, Wilderness Lodge, and Contemporary, you would need to take a bus from your loop to Settlement. To go to MK, Wilderness Lodge, or the Contemporary, take the short walk to the marina and take a boat to one of those places. To get to the Studios, just transfer to the Studios bus. There is also a bus to Wilderness Lodge at Settlement. There is also a walking path to Wilderness Lodge at Settlement.

To go to Epcot, Downtown Disney, Animal Kingdom, Blizzard Beach, or Typhoon Lagoon, then take an internal bus from your loop to Outpost, then transfer to the appropriate bus when it comes by.

If ya'll decide to rent a golf cart or if your parents can bring bicyles for everyone, then just drive the golf cart or bicycles to the locations mentioned above and take the appropriate bus to your destination. There is golf cart and bicycle parking near the bus stop and marina at each end of the campground.

 

[ntsammy5]

I just don't commit that level of detail to memory

I'm lucky if I can commit my name to memory.

If the buses get confusing, just ask the driver or anyone else for assistance. People are extremely friendly at the Fort and will go out of their way to help you. Have a great time!

 

[Trentmom]

Check further on Magical Express. I believe if the ressies are in your folks name, then you won't be able to take M.E., but there are many shuttles available from Orlando Airport to WDW. Also, Orlando AP isn't that far from FtW and a well marked, easy drive, if your parents want to pick you up. Orlando AP is a neat place to explore, too!

Any of the shuttle services will only take you to the check in post (front desk), where your folks will need to meet you and take you to their site.

Disney always wants the names of each occupant at a site. As long as they include your name on the ressie you will have no problem.

Well, actually the reservation is in my name, and then their names are listed on there as the rest of the guests in our party.

Good idea....Definitely have them come meet us at check in to drive us back to the loop...It would be too much with carryons and a 4 yr old


Thanks

 

[Trentmom]

On the Boats just remember if it hasn't changed since we were last there in 2005/06. The larger boats make a loop that switches from FW-WL-MK to FW-MK-WL sometime during the day and the boat to the CR is actually a separate launch that also leaves from the marina.

Also IIRC any of the bus stops will tell show you which internal buses go where and where to catch the buses for the various parks and DTD.

Larry

Thanks for the boat tip. DS is goign to being able to go on a boat.....

I'm lucky if I can commit my name to memory.

If the buses get confusing, just ask the driver or anyone else for assistance. People are extremely friendly at the Fort and will go out of their way to help you. Have a great time!

You guys have all been so friendly and helpful..I cannot wait to go camping now....

Thanks

 

[Trentmom]

Yes, you will be able to use Magical Express as long as your folks list you on the reservation. They will need to give the CRO folks your flight #s and dates of arrival and departure. The Magical Express information will arrive at their home, so they will need to forward it by mail to you. You will receive DME tickets and yellow tags for your luggage. Your luggage will be sent directly to Ft. Wilderness from MCO with the yellow tags and you will be driven by bus to Ft. Wilderness. If your parents have already arrived, they can meet you up at the checkin area, OR your can just call them on the phone and find out what Loop they are in and take a bus to your site and ya'll are ready to go. Your luggage will be delivered to your campsite a few hours later. You can also ask them to take you to your loop in a van if you have a lot of carryon items.

As far as internal busses, to go to Magic Kingdom, the Studios, Wilderness Lodge, and Contemporary, you would need to take a bus from your loop to Settlement. To go to MK, Wilderness Lodge, or the Contemporary, take the short walk to the marina and take a boat to one of those places. To get to the Studios, just transfer to the Studios bus. There is also a bus to Wilderness Lodge at Settlement. There is also a walking path to Wilderness Lodge at Settlement.

To go to Epcot, Downtown Disney, Animal Kingdom, Blizzard Beach, or Typhoon Lagoon, then take an internal bus from your loop to Outpost, then transfer to the appropriate bus when it comes by.

If ya'll decide to rent a golf cart or if your parents can bring bicyles for everyone, then just drive the golf cart or bicycles to the locations mentioned above and take the appropriate bus to your destination. There is golf cart and bicycle parking near the bus stop and marina at each end of the campground.

WOW...You sure know your stuff.

Thanks for all this great information....

Have to write this in my Disney World Trip Notebook.....You know we all have them

 

[clkelley]

Well, actually the reservation is in my name, and then their names are listed on there as the rest of the guests in our party.

Well, since the reservation is in your name, then just make sure Central Reservations has your flight info in their system. The DME stuff will then come to you.

Also, it might be easier if your parents try to arrive about the same time you do and just park in the overflow lot as they probably won't be able to check in without you. Then once you complete the checkin paperwork at the desk, all hop in the camper and drive to the site.

 

[Trentmom]

Well, since the reservation is in your name, then just make sure Central Reservations has your flight info in their system. The DME stuff will then come to you.

Also, it might be easier if your parents try to arrive about the same time you do and just park in the overflow lot as they probably won't be able to check in without you. Then once you complete the checkin paperwork at the desk, all hop in the camper and drive to the site.

Oh really....I thought since their name was on the reservation too, they could check in without me..

I did not realize that.

We will definitley try to coordinate our arrival time with theirs then.

Thanks for the info...

 

[bxtx]

Disney always wants the names of each occupant at a site. As long as they include your name on the ressie you will have no problem.

Yep, we even had to give them the name of our baby who'll be 6 months old when we visit WDW!

BX

 

[wmom88]

We were just at the Fort-

My parents drove in their RV. We did MYW so they had to make a separate reservation because they arrived two days ahead of us. We were able to link the res. so that they did not have to move the RV. They had to re check-in on the day we arrived and could check in all of us so I did not even have to check in. The reservation was is my name.

They met us at the Outpost because they wanted to greet us, but we could have taken a bus up to the loop.

We arrived via Southwest and used the Magical Express. Somehow I never got my special tags, but no problem! I just described my luggage. We were not at the RV when the luggage arrived, so there was a tag on the RV door. I called the number and about 5 minutes later my luggage arrived! I was very impressed.

As far as the busses go, the drivers were very helpful in what bus to take. There was some confusion in that some of the "yellow" busses said they were actually "purple" so everytime we got on the bus we asked if they were really yellow.

We were in loop 500, Buffalo Bend. We were right near a bus stop. We could also walk up to the Settlement but towards the end of the trip just used the stop near our loop.

 

[Duane]

If you're thinking about renting a golf cart, you can go ahead and make the reservation for it now. You should not wait when you get there thinking you could stroll over to the Bike Barn and pick one up. Everytime I've been, especially on weekends, they have the sign out saying no carts available but to only the ones that have ressies.

The number to the Bike Barn is: (407) 824-2742

 

[LarryJ]

We were just at the Fort-



As far as the busses go, the drivers were very helpful in what bus to take. There was some confusion in that some of the "yellow" busses said they were actually "purple" so everytime we got on the bus we asked if they were really yellow.
/QUOTE]

That is a very, very important tidbit that I had forgot about. When we were last there in 2005 they had changed the bus scheduling thing where buse routes where changed on the spur of the moment, I assume from a central transporation routing center and several time the bus said Purple, but the driver took what the Orange/Yellow, because he?she forgot to change the banner on the bus over. This didn't happen except maybe once for the buses to other parks or DTD, but we did encounter it several times with the internal FW buses. It's probably best to ask the driver if this is the Purple/Yellow/Orange whatever bus you think you are taking. When we got on a mis labeled bus it was usually late at night and was annoying, but only added like 10 or 15 min to the overall trip.

I also, agree that the FW bus drivers can and will help you out on getting to where you want to go, just ask before boarding and they will tell you to hop on or wait for the opposite direction colored bus.

Don't forget, it's hard to get lost at FW since every thing "LOOPS" and the scenery can't be beat so sit back, relax and enjoy.

Larry

 

[Trentmom]

We were just at the Fort-



As far as the busses go, the drivers were very helpful in what bus to take. There was some confusion in that some of the "yellow" busses said they were actually "purple" so everytime we got on the bus we asked if they were really yellow.
/QUOTE]

That is a very, very important tidbit that I had forgot about. When we were last there in 2005 they had changed the bus scheduling thing where buse routes where changed on the spur of the moment, I assume from a central transporation routing center and several time the bus said Purple, but the driver took what the Orange/Yellow, because he?she forgot to change the banner on the bus over. This didn't happen except maybe once for the buses to other parks or DTD, but we did encounter it several times with the internal FW buses. It's probably best to ask the driver if this is the Purple/Yellow/Orange whatever bus you think you are taking. When we got on a mis labeled bus it was usually late at night and was annoying, but only added like 10 or 15 min to the overall trip.

I also, agree that the FW bus drivers can and will help you out on getting to where you want to go, just ask before boarding and they will tell you to hop on or wait for the opposite direction colored bus.

Don't forget, it's hard to get lost at FW since every thing "LOOPS" and the scenery can't be beat so sit back, relax and enjoy.

Larry

Okay, I will definitley make sure I ask what color bus it is really is and if I forget, I will sit back and enjoy the scenery

Thanks

If you're thinking about renting a golf cart, you can go ahead and make the reservation for it now. You should not wait when you get there thinking you could stroll over to the Bike Barn and pick one up. Everytime I've been, especially on weekends, they have the sign out saying no carts available but to only the ones that have ressies.

The number to the Bike Barn is: (407) 824-2742

Wow...You can rent them this far in advance?

I will have to ask my mom and see what she and her dh think...Thanks

We were just at the Fort-

My parents drove in their RV. We did MYW so they had to make a separate reservation because they arrived two days ahead of us. We were able to link the res. so that they did not have to move the RV. They had to re check-in on the day we arrived and could check in all of us so I did not even have to check in. The reservation was is my name.

They met us at the Outpost because they wanted to greet us, but we could have taken a bus up to the loop.

We arrived via Southwest and used the Magical Express. Somehow I never got my special tags, but no problem! I just described my luggage. We were not at the RV when the luggage arrived, so there was a tag on the RV door. I called the number and about 5 minutes later my luggage arrived! I was very impressed.

As far as the busses go, the drivers were very helpful in what bus to take. There was some confusion in that some of the "yellow" busses said they were actually "purple" so everytime we got on the bus we asked if they were really yellow.

We were in loop 500, Buffalo Bend. We were right near a bus stop. We could also walk up to the Settlement but towards the end of the trip just used the stop near our loop.

Sounds like you ahd a great experience....Glad magical express worked well for ya

Thanks