Camping??

[stczt]

Has anyone gone camping @ disney? We have reservations @ Contemporary, but we were thinking about using a friends pop-up camper and save around $2000.00. We cant stay in the cheaper resorts since there is 5 of us, and I really hate spending so much.

 

[DisneyDotty]

We camped at Ft. Wilderness with our camper during Spring Break. It is an excellent campground with so much to do you'll want to have a few free days to enjoy the area!
Some things to consider:
1. When are you going? Does the pop up have air conditioning? Florida weather can be hot, nasty and stormy--especially during the summer.
2. Do you want to have to work during your vacation or take it totally easy? Camping requires some effort--not a lot, but more than a hotel.
3. Driving with a camper takes more time than doing so without one.
Enjoy your trip whichever way you choose!

 

[Rhonda]

We have a Fort Wilderness discussion board right here on the DIS! Lots of wonderful campers, just waiting to answer your questions! Here's a link: Camping Board

 

[ftwildernessguy]

You might consider trying camping at a local campground before you commit to camping on your Disney vacation. As it was stated earlier, camping can be a lot of work and it certainly isn't for everyone. If your only reason is to save money, it may not be worth risking your enjoyment of Disney world. Try a local KOA to see if camping is for you.

 

[Disney Campers]

camping can be a lot of work and it certainly isn't for everyone. If your only reason is to save money, it may not be worth risking your enjoyment of Disney world.

I agree with everything but the part about it being a lot of work, although I have not used a pop up before so I could be wrong, camping is a very fun way to travel, but its not for everyone

 

[lovin'Mickey]

We are a family of 5 and we love to camp. Hoping to camp in Disney next year, but for the record you can book thru Disney at Port Orleans Riverside..it sleeps 5 in some rooms ,and can save you about $1100. We stayed there this year and LOVED it!! I can tell you camping is a lot of fun...but like someone said before it is a lot of work!! We use to have a pop-uo (actually it is still for sale..lol) a pop up is more work to set up and break down then a travel trailer. With any camping there is work so if work does not scare you I say take a little weekend trip first to see. We enjoy it but it is not for everyone, if you decide to try it " welcome to the world of camping"!!! Another thing to consider is your driving time....you need to weigh this with the raising gas prices. When you have a trailer in tow your mileage is much worse!!! Of course it is not going to be $2000 but it is another thing to consider. Good luck with your planning!!!!

 

[bigdisneydaddy]

Much good advice has already been given, everybody covered my thoughts especially the trial run at a local campground.
The biggest thing to consider is if you have a vehicle that can actually tow the pop up. There are some pretty elaborate pop ups these days.
It wont do you any good to be able to borrow the camper if you cant get it there safely.

Good luck
Scott

 

[stczt]

We used to camp every weekend, and have rented a popup also, I was just thinking that after a long day it would be a pain to go take a shower, and in the morning showers with the kids. We live in Atlanta so it's only a 8 hour drive, so its not bad at all. Thats one of our shorter trips that we drive.

 

[rbork]

IMO - definately a differance in camping vs. staying at a hotel.
Done both. Camping is definately cheaper but more work. Will you have to use the bathhouse/showers. While they were clean and the nicest we've ever seen... it is not for everybody.
definately suggest that TRIAL run!
Good Luck and do what's right for you!

 

[jimmyfigiel]

We had the same problem. With five in the family we could either stay at riverside for three nights or we could try camping for nine at the same cost. My sister had a pop up that we borrowed. My wife and kids had never camped before so it was an experiment for us. There is a little more work in setting up and taking down the camper, however that is only at the beginning and end of the trip. Cooking could also add some work however we choose to always eat out. We essentially used the camper as our portable room. My wife's one issue is that she doesn't like to have to walk to the bathroom at night. Showers were fine because we could get everyone clean at the same time. That gave us more time out and about. The nicest part was that although the camp ground was 100% full (We went over Thanksgiving last year) It did not seem crowded. My middle child has some sensory issues and we could never go on vacations longer than two days due to the noise and crowds in a resort. We were able to camp for nine days without a problem due to the campgrounds peacefulness. The only other challenge we had was clothes. We weren’t sure how to pack due to the limits of storage in a camper. We are still working on the best way for us and our camper. Overall it was the best vacation we have ever had. We are going again for Thanksgiving this year and I’m about to book for 2006!

 

[DisneyDotty]

The only other challenge we had was clothes. We weren’t sure how to pack due to the limits of storage in a camper. We are still working on the best way for us and our camper.

A thought--we give everyone a large Rubbermaid storage bin--what fits in the bin comes with. The bins stay in the back of the tow vehicle and come out when dressing in the morning/night.

 

[jimmyfigiel]

Thanks, What size bins do you use?

 

[PixieDust32]

Has anyone gone camping @ disney? We have reservations @ Contemporary, but we were thinking about using a friends pop-up camper and save around $2000.00. We cant stay in the cheaper resorts since there is 5 of us, and I really hate spending so much.

OK, if you guys like camping and the extra work, i guess is OK to camp.

We rather save or use the money for something else other than hotel room, since we spend most of our time at the parks, pool, we only there to sleep. And so far i love cooking at least one or two meals, another good way to save money, my hubby and I love camping and the extra work is part of the fun.
We're from Atlanta too, so the trip is not too long!