Campsites Questions - first-time camper

[once]

I originally posted this in the Disney Resort forum but was directed here. I hope all you camping experts could help me out.

For my second trip to Disney World, I’m considering the campsite/pop-up tent. Staying there would save me $51/night compared to the cheapest Value resort (late September). I’m staying 6-7 nights so that will be quite a bit of saving. However, there’s not much information about the campground on Disney’s website and I also did not find reviews from people who have stayed there. I have a few questions, some of which are stupid questions. Please feel free to chime in. Any suggestions are appreciated.

1. The campground, do you need to bring your own tent? When I saw it on Disney’s website, I automatically thought that the tents are provided, already popped up and ready to be slept in. But the more I thought about it, the more I was like, maybe they only provide the site and we need to bring everything else. Thoughts?

2. How far/secluded are the tents?

3. Are there security guards around the campsite area?

4. I’m a single female in my 20s and will be going alone. I’ve also never gone camping or slept outdoor before. What tips would you give me regarding the pros and cons of camping at Disney World?

5. Are all the restrooms public? How about showers? Do they have doors that you can lock or just the shower curtain like in the gym?

6. Is there anything provided for free, like blankets or pillows? I’ll be flying so this might affect my decision.

7. Staying in a tent, I assume there would be no refrigerator, TV, or phone?

8. What do you do with your tent during the day? Does it still stay popped up? Is there anyway to “lock” it? I’ll be at the park all day and will only come back late at night.

9. How far is the walk from the campground to the bus?

10. Could you share you experience if you’ve stayed there before?

Thanks in advanced, everyone!

 

[bama_ed]

Once,

You've posted this on the Camping Community Board which is a place for us campers to kibitz and talk about non-Fort Wilderness stuff (and each other ). It would have gotten more visibility on the main/parent Camping Board where plenty of folks and resources are who can get you started.

I'm going to ask to see if a Mod can move this thread to the main board.

Bama Ed

 

[chartle]

I originally posted this in the Disney Resort forum but was directed here. I hope all you camping experts could help me out.

For my second trip to Disney World, I’m considering the campsite/pop-up tent. Staying there would save me $51/night compared to the cheapest Value resort (late September). I’m staying 6-7 nights so that will be quite a bit of saving. However, there’s not much information about the campground on Disney’s website and I also did not find reviews from people who have stayed there. I have a few questions, some of which are stupid questions. Please feel free to chime in. Any suggestions are appreciated.

1. The campground, do you need to bring your own tent? When I saw it on Disney’s website, I automatically thought that the tents are provided, already popped up and ready to be slept in. But the more I thought about it, the more I was like, maybe they only provide the site and we need to bring everything else. Thoughts?

2. How far/secluded are the tents?

3. Are there security guards around the campsite area?

4. I’m a single female in my 20s and will be going alone. I’ve also never gone camping or slept outdoor before. What tips would you give me regarding the pros and cons of camping at Disney World?

5. Are all the restrooms public? How about showers? Do they have doors that you can lock or just the shower curtain like in the gym?

6. Is there anything provided for free, like blankets or pillows? I’ll be flying so this might affect my decision.

7. Staying in a tent, I assume there would be no refrigerator, TV, or phone?

8. What do you do with your tent during the day? Does it still stay popped up? Is there anyway to “lock” it? I’ll be at the park all day and will only come back late at night.

9. How far is the walk from the campground to the bus?

10. Could you share you experience if you’ve stayed there before?

Thanks in advanced, everyone!

I think you may have a wrong idea of camping. For 99.9999% of people staying at FW and not staying in a Cabin, they bring everything including the kitchen sink. And you are on your own for everything.

1. You can rent a tent and cots for an extra cost they may give you a blanket if you ask but for a 6-7 night trip better to buy a tent and even just leave it or give it away. The tent from Disney is more of a courtesy not something that most people do.

2. Search for pics of Fort Wilderness and you can see how close the campsites are to each other. When we stayed in a site years ago I noted how there was a thick wall of growth between each site and it was very private. They have since removed this growth since it was non native and I think they also added more sites.

3. There is the same security as all the other resorts. But generally campers are a trust worthy group. Just don't leave out valuables.

4. You are posting in a camping enthusiast forum expect mostly positive replies.

5. https://www.google.com/search?q=for...v&sa=X&ei=XLM6Ve2gEu_msAS_3IDwBg&ved=0CB0QsAQ

6. As I posted above most all campers bring everything they need. You also have to pay for ice so that's not even free.

7. A site gives you a pad for the tent or RV, water, electric, cable TV connection.

8. Leave it up. Yes you can put a lock on it but its just made of fabric. You can leave valuables at the Front desk.

9. Each loop has a bus stop for an internal bus that takes you to the park buses.

10. Others will have to chime in but I hope you know exactly what you are getting into and what camping is like. A little story I read here years ago.

This was part of a post of "Stupid guest tricks"

Couple with luggage and not looking like they were campers is dropped off at FW and goes into Check in and asks where the hotel was. The confused CM asks if maybe they are staying in a cabin. The couple tells them that their TA got them a great deal for the FW resort for $50 a night (this was a few years back) much cheaper then any other property. CM asks where their camping gear was and they were like "camping gear?". Long story short, TA just looks at the rate not knowing that they booked a couple at a campsite.

So while yes you can save money at FW its not like a regular WDW resort (which most campers like).

ETA: This may help. https://www.undercovertourist.com/blog/disney-fort-wilderness-camping/

 

[Teamubr]

I'll echo chartle's concerns.

THIS is what you get for the your $51 savings.

(Thanks Goofy14sure for the pic)

If you have never camped and don't have any camping equipment, I would strongly recommend staying at a Value resort.

Since you're flying in, I doubt you are planning on bringing cooking gear, something to sleep in and/or on. (tent, cot, sheets and blankets). Some campers have shipped their camping equipment in advance and flown in, but they already have the camping equipment. If you factor in just the camping "basics" you will need to buy before coming down, it will be much cheaper to stay at a Value.

There also is only 1 place to eat regular meals and it's table service/buffet. Pricier than quick service at a Value resort.

Disney does have some tents like you see in the pictures. These are for an EXTRA cost. I think they may also have cots for a fee. Both are first come and could be limited, especially if there are groups staying at the Fort and renting the tents. You would still be responsible for everything else you may need to be comfortable.

In the future if actually camping sounds fun and you've tried it out closer to home, the Fort is one of the best campgrounds in the country. So you have a better understanding of what the Fort really is, I'll answer your questions below.



1. The campground, do you need to bring your own tent? See above, but Yes, you'll need a lot of camping stuff to be comfortable.

2. How far/secluded are the tents? The sites are actually fairly close to each other. The Fort is very large. 800 or so sites. It is configured in "loops". Some loops are tighter and less dense with vegitation than others, but you can always see and generally hear your neighbors.

3. Are there security guards around the campsite area? As chartle said, it's the same security as other resorts. That said, campers are generally a little more cordial and neighborly than you would find at a typical hotel, especially campers at the Fort. Many have left $100 lawn chairs, refrigerators full of food and beer outside and never had any issues. You do hear of an occasional bicycle that gets "borrowed" though. Common sense goes a long way. If you really don't want to lose something, don't bring it or lock it up.

4. I’m a single female in my 20s and will be going alone. I’ve also never gone camping or slept outdoor before. What tips would you give me regarding the pros and cons of camping at Disney World? This question comes up occasionally here. MANY single women have camped solo at the Fort and all that have expressed concern on the board, have come back after their stay and said it was completely fine. Again, common sense works wonders.

5. Are all the restrooms public? How about showers? Do they have doors that you can lock or just the shower curtain like in the gym? Yes, each loop has a public "comfort station". The have bathrooms, showers (with curtains and individual stalls). There is also a laundry room. I rarely use the comfort stations, but they are some of the nicest campground bathrooms you will find anywhere. Typical Disney level of quality.

6. Is there anything provided for free, like blankets or pillows? I’ll be flying so this might affect my decision. As above, unless you can snag a Fort tent and cot, if you didn't bring it, you won't have it.

7. Staying in a tent, I assume there would be no refrigerator, TV, or phone? Same as #6. The Fort does have good cell phone coverage and free wifi at the trading posts.

8. What do you do with your tent during the day? Does it still stay popped up? Is there anyway to “lock” it? I’ll be at the park all day and will only come back late at night. Like almost every tent camper I know, your tent stays up the whole trip. If you are lucky enough to get a Fort rental tent, it will be up on your site when you arrive and you just leave it up when you check out.

9. How far is the walk from the campground to the bus? The Fort is BIG. About a mile from one end to the other. Each end has bus or boat service to the parks or other resorts. There are "internal" buses that get you around the Fort.

10. Could you share your experience if you’ve stayed there before? We all mostly hang out on this camping forum because we love the Fort or want to learn more about it. The Fort is literally one of the top rated campgrounds in the country. If the Ritz is a 5 star hotel, the Fort is a 6 star campground. There really isn't anything else like it for camping.

j

 

[chartle]

@Teamubr is that a deluxe or standard site.

 

[Teamubr]

@Teamubr is that a deluxe or standard site.

I actually stole Goofy14sure's pic from another post, but from the marker, this is the 1600 loop. That would make it a "Full" site. Basically a "Partial" site with a sewer. Or a Preferred site without the location.

j

 

[Chickp]

Can you borrow someone's tent and try it out? Or buy a relatively cheap one at Target?

Most campgrounds are super safe and nice. A KOA might be a good place to start near where you live.

As everyone has said, this is the Cadillac of campgrounds, but it is still a campground!

If you do go the value resort route, just know that the Disney value resorts are actually a really good deal because they include parking and transportation. I have heavily researched other hotels in the area and because they all include a resort fee and possible parking fee, in addition to the fee to park at Disney, the all stars and pop usually come out on top.

 

[chartle]

Note people have posted here that they flew and camped with a tent, canopy, complete kitchen and folding bikes.

OP what you are sort of describing in your question does exist and its called glamping. Disney kind does this but they use cabins and charge you $300 a night.

 

[5stljayhawks]

. The campground, do you need to bring your own tent? When I saw it on Disney’s website, I automatically thought that the tents are provided, already popped up and ready to be slept in. But the more I thought about it, the more I was like, maybe they only provide the site and we need to bring everything else. Thoughts?

Yes BYOT - If you need gear - call your local sporting goods store and see if they have a rental program. Also since cost is an objective - ask firends or craigslist. REI is a great outdoor store. I camped a number of times at FW, with the longest stay in a tent for about 2 weeks.

2. How far/secluded are the tents?
Not very.

3. Are there security guards around the campsite area?
Yes they are large, rough and tough, and also sorta of stealthy. There is a full force of armodillos and they even wear protective gear.

4. I’m a single female in my 20s and will be going alone. I’ve also never gone camping or slept outdoor before. What tips would you give me regarding the pros and cons of camping at Disney World?
Do it. Security would be the least of my concerns, even for my daughter. Practice before you go. Also what are you doing for food? This is whole another adventure. Most campers eat at the sites maybe breakfast(cooler milk and small box of cereal or yogurt) If your flying and getting a rental car you can go grocery shopping about 20 minutes from FW. Otherwise you can pack granola/breakfast bars OR you can mail yourself a care package!!!!

5. Are all the restrooms public? How about showers? Do they have doors that you can lock or just the shower curtain like in the gym?
Showers are best you will find in any campgound. BYOT - t= towel

6. Is there anything provided for free, like blankets or pillows? I’ll be flying so this might affect my decision.
You will need to plan traveling light, there is are washing machines at campground if needed.

7. Staying in a tent, I assume there would be no refrigerator, TV, or phone?
Cell phone = Netflix/ Hulu and amazon- Extension cord would be advised to charge phone at night. Also LED headlamp

8. What do you do with your tent during the day? Does it still stay popped up? Is there anyway to “lock” it? I’ll be at the park all day and will only come back late at night.
Let it sit there and eagerly wait your return. I would also recommend a sleeping pad. Not a cheap foam one, but a thermorest or of that quality.


9. How far is the walk from the campground to the bus?
10-100 yards. The boat even better as it drops you off infront of castle!!!! Yeah Yeah..

10. Could you share you experience if you’ve stayed there before?
I might get banned for rambleing... Yep. Do it. There are lots of us out here willing to help. You have plenty of time to practice camping locally, get out and talk to local sporting goods stores. There are ALOT of gadets that may peak your interest. FIGHT AGAINST getting them. They are just extra weight and things.... You will also find the campers at FW are pretty much all nice and if you need help, just ask. Setting up your tent, a peice of rope or a hammer(rock) to hammer down tent stakes. When you see an RV its just a rolling house on wheels and chances are there is lot of extra stuff the owner will be willing to lend out..... Thats just how must of us roll.

If you want additional info - PM me

Do you have your camping reservation yet? if not get on it- and start thinking about requesting a loop. Also you will need to make ADR you are in the 6 month window, and fast pass reservations.

 

[kimmikayb]

I can't tell you much about FW since I haven't been there is 20+ years. But I wouldn't worry about being single or a woman there. I remember the bathrooms being great.

As for camping...I second the opinion to get your own tent. I believe I read the FW tents are $30 a night and they are limited. I just bought a Coleman 4 person Sundome (known for good circulation) for $60 on Amazon. These tents are known for standing up to rain and storms. I'm taking mine to the Dry Tortugas. It has a small footprint, packs up very compact. And cheap.

Practice putting a tent up and down at home. Go camping in it. Think of your bare necessities. I would not skimp on your bed. You are going to be tired after long days at the park. Air mattress (with internal pump), sheets or sleeping bag. Pillows. A fan to keep cool. Extension cord for said fan and to plug your phone in. Mallot to pound your tent stakes. Towels.

To pamper myself, I would have a coffee maker and a cooler to put drinks in. Especially water. Keep hydrated. A tablecloth and maybe a clothes line to dry my towels.

It's actually a pretty cool adventure. Lots of info on the web! Good luck!

 

[bama_ed]

Once,

In line with some of the advice above, you have to ask yourself if it is worth the effort.

Other than a patch of ground and some utilities, Disney does not supply anything else in the price they charge. You can rent a tent (and a cot to sleep up off the ground) from Disney but that would eat up most of your cost savings per day. Meal choices and food options are limited because most campers come with the stoves, coolers/refridgerators, and kitchens in their trailers, rv's, and tents. If you plan to be in the parks all day and use the campsite as a place to sleep only, maybe you can get your meals in the parks and that part won't be an issue.

Here is the brochure with rental prices and contact numbers.



Here is a rental tent and cot.





Weather can still generally be warm and humid in September with some afternoon showers.

Here is a map of FW. It shows bus routes (orange, yellow, purple), bus stops, and all the loops. Loops 1500 and 2000 are the cheapest loops (Tent/Partial).



People don't mess with stuff usually. Keep the valuables (ipad, phone, etc) out of sight.

If I were you I wouldn't invest in a tent or gear unless I planned to camp again in the future.

Good luck on your decision.

Bama Ed

 

[chartle]

Also OP I hope it doesn't sound like we are discouraging your plans its just that from at least my perspective I'm getting the vibe that you really aren't looking to go camping but just trying to find a cheaper place to stay on site.

And that if not for the internet and sites like this you might be like that couple I described above.

 

[Random Ninja]

OP, you've gotten a lot of good advice about camping so I'm going to skip over that and answer #4 on your list. I'm a young 20-something female and I have camped solo at the fort. I never once felt unsafe while camping. Me and my little tent never had any problems with the neighbors and the comfort stations are nice. You do have to bring everything with you. My campsites have always been close to the comfort stations and the bus stops, not sure if it's because they know I'm female and by myself or if I've just been lucky. The Fort is the only place I've felt comfortable camping solo.

I will say that I would not have attempted it the first time if I wasn't already an experienced camper. I've spent years camping with the girl scouts and church youth groups as both a kid and a leader so I've actually taught kids how to pitch their tents and everything. If you really want to camp at the Fort, I'd say you picked the safest campground I know of but learn how to camp first. It takes a few tries and a few mistakes before trying it without a car.

 

[Bishoparc]

Great replies by everyone and I agree! I just wanted to chime in that I do think they have more security at FW than they do at the other resorts (which is a good thing obviously.) We've stayed there twice and everyone (generally) is very friendly and neighbors help neighbors out, etc. It's a great environment and very fun. We almost tent camped when we went this past weekend but ended up renting a camper. The cleaning staff is at the comfort stations veryyy regularly so that's great from a cleanliness standpoint but also security in the fact that you've got someone near you if you needed help.

 

[peg110]

I concur with what the others have said. My additional points are, that the comfort stations are very clean. There is a "Shower Curtain" but, at least the ones I have used (800 loop and 1400 loop) had an "Outer" Changing section with a door that locks (similar to a bathroom stall) but it's a "Cramped" area to try and change in. The Curtain is between this area and the actual shower stall. So it's definitely not like the "Gym" (at least gyms that I have been to.)

I understand that you are trying to save money, and I (personally) love camping (RV, Tent, or even just under the stars) but I would hate for you to think you are saving $51/day (or about $306 - 357) only to spend that on the "Gear" you would need to make the stay tolerable (Tent, Blankets or Sleeping bag, cots, cooler, etc..) not to mention the extra weight (if you are flying in) and the costs to ship it (versus the cost of buying it all down in Florida) or even renting it.

I am not trying to discourage you from camping, but again, if the objective is saving money, then as someone else mentioned, a value resort might be a better choice (or at least a wash). Might be different if you had the equipment and maybe didn't have the restrictions caused by flying (mostly space and weight). If you were driving down and could buy/borrow the stuff ahead of time and bring it, then perhaps it might be worthwhile. (financially).

For us, we bring the Camper (27' Travel Trailer) and drive from PA. We take our time and make it in just a little over a day. For us the advantage is, it's about a "Wash" for costs of flying (there are 4 of us) versus Driving. Plus, we can "Save" a little at the Fort over other resorts. Plus, We don't worry about bringing Souvenirs back (again the "Flying" and "Weight/Size" thing). We don't need to rent a car (even though you can get around on Disney transportation, it's nice not having to rely on it or seeing other things not Disney Related.)

The downside for us, is that it's more vacation days (about 2 days. 1 each way) over flying, but the hassle of flying and airport security (getting more of a Pain every day) is making this less of an issue for us.