Camping with Preschoolers at Disney?

[disneygma11]

We have decided to stay at Disney in a tent. We have been camping many times in the past but this will be our first Disney Trip as a family. It will be my husband and I and our 21 year old son along with our two granddaughters ages 3 and 4. I have lots of questions about Tent Camping at Disneys Fort Wilderness. We are looking at the Fall of 2012. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to make this a smooth ride given the fact of the Grands ages? Is this doable?

 

[mkoerner]

We have never camped at FW (although I am determined), but we camp both in our travel trailer and in our tent all the time with our 4 year old grandson since he was an infant. He loves it and always looks at camping as an adventure! And he loves Disney, so that's even better. The worst part is setting up and tearing down while trying to keep him entertained. It is a long wait when you're small, after all. Bring some of their favorite activities to keep them busy and give them little jobs so they feel important.

 

[UMADDBG]

I would like to suggest that you call for reservations now if you are planning around halloween 2012. The book up really fast for that time range. You can book 499 days out.
Can't help you out on the suggestions for the little ones in a tent...it's been 40 years since I tent camped with little ones.. too long for me to remember.

 

[MICKEYLOVINMOMOF5]

I tent camp with a 1 and 2 year old and we love it! Of course you need to make some extra provisions for the little ones, I take my kids bedding from home and the 1 year old sleeps in a Kidpod (google that) to keep her from wandering and the 2 year old sleeps on a air mattress (he isnt the wandering type) We stayed at FW last year October and doing it again this year. It got alittle cool at night so remember to pack the little ones warm jammies. It gets suprisingly cool sometimes. Your going to have an awesome time! Just remember to take the littles ones all the "comforts" of home.. ie blankets.. jammies.. sippy cups, whatever they normally want at night.

 

[5stljayhawks]

We are out of STL and made the trip down several times also other long trips out west with our kids in the car.

Map out all your rest stops locations, this is a nice tool to pull out and plan potty breaks & energy burn breaks (AKA kicking a ball around. Playing tag, racing to the tree over there... ) You got to get the kids out of the car even for 15 muntes. every 2 hours or so.

Coloring books, coloring books and coloring books. Stop at your local pizza joint and pick a few NEW pizza boxs, make great storage kits and places to kids to color on.

Beach bucket. I have one kids who pukes every now and then. I have extra paper towels and trashs bags. The bucket is always within arm reach.

 

[guava]

Hi. We first camped when my son was 2. Camped several more times when he was 3. He just turned 4 last week and we are leaving for the Fort on Saturday. Here are a few things that helped us... we bring some special things to keep him occupied while we set up camp. He stays occupied with his DVD player, little handheld game or a new sticker book while my husband and I get the tents up. We also bring his little BabyBjorn potty chair. (Even though he's fully potty trained it is easier to have the little potty around to avoid late night/urgent restroom breaks.) Water shoes are easy on/off and my son likes to wear them in the shower since he's usually more of a "tub" guy. Bring some comforts from home. My son likes to have the rainforest light he's had since he was a baby. We always bring that, his blanket and then he sleeps on a queen air mattress with Daddy. Oh! His favorite thing is riding around on the golf cart. If you that fits into your budget, the little ones will love it. I'll try to come back if I think of more ideas while we are there. Have a great time!