Camping with 1 year old at the fort

[Leleluvsdis]

DH and I are looking to take a 1st bday trip in the future. Truth be told, it will not be until 2014, BUT, we start saving way in advance, because we like to pay cash for everything, and not have to take from our regular budget. DH has decided that we will not be flying with kids a drivable distance, until they can be responsible for themselves; meaning walk on own, potty, and keep up with own stuff. Therefore, we will be driving. We love camping, and really hope our LO will as well. We had been looking to do points at BLT, but I really like the idea of camping as well. We have a camper, so it wouldn't be a cabin or camper rental, and our LO would be familiar with it. It would also allow us to take our time driving, and be able to take stretch breaks.

For anyone who has camped at the fort with a 1yo or similar age, what was your experience? Comparing ft wilderness vs BLT, which would you choose? We will be driving from VA. With camper it will be in a crew cab Chevy, and BLT will be in a CRV.

 

[tiggerdad]

We went in June 2012 with our then 6 y/o and 1 y/o (BD week before trip). Drove from Mississippi, so comparable distance. F-250 crew cab, so comparable space. We left out around 10pm and drove through the night. About 12 hours including fuel stops. Worked great, she slept as her usual schedule, woke up about 2-3 hours outside the Fort. Played games, her sister kept her occupied. While there my wife and I took turns each day coming back to camper around noon for a nap. When we were at Epcot, I just ducked into the aquarium and found a quiet corner and let her nap in my lap. Fort was easier in my opinion because I could put her in her bike seat and ride her around the Fort so I could explore when she got up from her nap. I would be happy to share more if you like. Just private message me if you need to.

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[tinman694]

We have been going to the Fort (and on Disney Cruises) since my daughter was 4 months old. We are going again to the Fort in a Mid November as this will be her last time as a 'freebie'. We like to the camper because you can carry along your stuff and have what you need when you need it. We also like to use our bikes to get around and have bike trailers for each bike to carry young riders and gear
(make sure to bring them a helmet - as it is Florida State law for kids to wear helmets) We camp around the southeast usually at least one weekend a month. Would say that camping is preferred to staying in a hotel since we can go and stay as needed. There are many campground between VA and FL if you check on rvparkreviews.com. Only cost is fuel--but the trip is still going to be cheaper than flying even with really bad gas mileage.
We pull a 36 foot fifth wheel toy hauler and usually average 14.5 mpg.
Remember many folks do this all the time while staying in hotels--you have the advantage in my opinion.

 

[Leleluvsdis]

We have been going to the Fort (and on Disney Cruises) since my daughter was 4 months old. We are going again to the Fort in a Mid November as this will be her last time as a 'freebie'. We like to the camper because you can carry along your stuff and have what you need when you need it. We also like to use our bikes to get around and have bike trailers for each bike to carry young riders and gear
(make sure to bring them a helmet - as it is Florida State law for kids to wear helmets) We camp around the southeast usually at least one weekend a month. Would say that camping is preferred to staying in a hotel since we can go and stay as needed. There are many campground between VA and FL if you check on rvparkreviews.com. Only cost is fuel--but the trip is still going to be cheaper than flying even with really bad gas mileage.
We pull a 36 foot fifth wheel toy hauler and usually average 14.5 mpg.
Remember many folks do this all the time while staying in hotels--you have the advantage in my opinion.

That is crazy mpg. What do you pull it with?

 

[tiggerdad]

That is crazy mpg. What do you pull it with?

We got 12 mpg, 35 foot bumper pull.

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[amylevan]

We thinks its easier to camp with a 1 yr old than stay in a hotel.

They are familiar with the living space. (Provided you camp often, which we do.)

You have outside space around the camper to play, explore, etc.

 

[tinman694]

That is crazy mpg. What do you pull it with?

2006 Chevy Silverado 2500 Long bed Crew cab with a Duramax and Allison 6 speed (with a programmer and turbo mod)

 

[Leleluvsdis]

2006 Chevy Silverado 2500 Long bed Crew cab with a Duramax and Allison 6 speed (with a programmer and turbo mod)

ugh!! So jealous!! We had a 01 long bed crew cab duramax with alison, and it blew a head gasket at 197k miles Now we have a 07 1500 short bed crew cab.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . For anyone who has camped at the fort with a 1yo or similar age, what was your experience? Comparing ft wilderness vs BLT, which would you choose? . . .

1) We had one of our granddaughters at The Fort when she was 1½.
2) She, and us, had a ball !
3) There is just so much for a youngin'.
. . . great pool
. . . nightly campfire with Smores, Chip-n-Dale, Singalong, outdoor movie
. . . animals, both real and costumed
. . . the Trails End buffet
. . . canoing
. . . sports areas
. . . bike riding (if she can at that age)
. . . riding around the campground in your golf cart
. . . seeing all the other people in a friendly atmosphere
4) And, then there is all that green-stuff they don't get to see or play on in the city!
5) As for a comparison for the kid, BLT is located well, but not much kiddie stuff.
6) Besides, what kid wouldn't want a fun boat ride to get to MK or EP ?!?!?

 

[tinman694]

Just got the email notice we are getting magic bands for the upcoming trip. Putting together the fastpass+ list for the trip in mid Nov.
I think this will make it even easier with a toddler as you can plan in advance what you are going for each day.
Only thing I forgot to mention is that we always take the large type stroller---good place for napping and has plenty of underneath storage for the backpack o' goodies!
(and plenty of bottled water)

 

[chandlersagirl]

We were at Coronodo Springs for our first trip when my YDD was 16 months old. We had adjoining rooms with my parents. It was easy as could be. She loved to play with the fridge.

It would have been much easier and more homey in a camper or the cabin. I think you're smart to do exactly the way you're doing it!

Enjoy!