Can a novice pull of a week in a rented RV at Ft Wilderness?

[DanenRox]

My husband and I are DVC owners and love the resorts but also have rented Ft Wilderness cabins and LOVE the Fort. For 2 people, a week in a cabin gets pricey fast. Looking for alternatives and have started considering/wondering/contemplating renting an RV. But I'm sure there are more things to consider than just the price if we rent an RV... like getting it to the fort, like the elimination system, like outside furniture, like bringing linens. This is a WHOLE NEW WORLD for us. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Sundancer330]

The RV rental companies have made it so easy to enjoy a vacation at the fort. We were tent campers for many years and my 11yo said many times he would like to camp in a trailer someday. So when it came time for a Disney trip a few years back I stumbled across the fort, didn't know it existed. I didn't want to haul camping gear since we would fly down to FL, then I found the rental companies and made a few calls. A few days later we had a fort reservation, RV reservation and flight tickets. When we arrived in Orlando we jumped on the Disney bus to the fort, checkin was quick, they drove us by van to our campsite where Greenburg RV was setting up a brand new camper. They included all bed linens, bath towels, and a kitchen full of everything we needed for the week. We ordered some basic food items from Garden Grocer before we arrived and they delivered early the next morning after arrival. They also supplied outdoor chairs with a large rug. We didn't have to bring anything more than our clothes, we had a wonderful week and really enjoyed the campground, this is the only way we will do Disney in the future. On the day before you depart the front desk will give you a time to be picked up at your campsite so you can catch the bus back to the airport.

 

[PaHunter]

Depending on when you go, paying for the site and what type of RV you want to rent, it may not be any cheaper, but there is the atmosphere. It is only the DW and I and depending on the time of year, I could actually get a moderate resort for a week cheaper than staying at the Fort, especially when they are running specials.
But we love the campground, have been there 2 years in a row now and enjoy staying there.

 

[bama_ed]

DanenRox,

Sundancer is right in that the rental vendors offer a turnkey solution. They set up for you at the Fort, supply most everything, and take it down at the Fort. You just drive up and walk in and take over!

You would need to reserve a site of the category appropriate to the trailer you want to rent. There are 3 types of trailer sites (not counting the 4th which is for tents and popups) and of the 3, 2 are identical (Preferred and Full) with their only difference being their location within the Fort. Premium sites are the biggest (and most expensive) but can handle the biggest trailers and RV's.

Just spitballin', but if there is only 2 of you then you won't need a huge trailer then a Full or Preferred would work. Your vendor can advise what type of site the rental trailer you want will fit in.

Be aware most trailer vendors do not allow the use of the propane oven for safety reasons but check with your vendor specifically. But you still have a stove top, microwave, and charcoal grill outside. One of the benefits for us in staying at the Fort versus a resort is I can cook/eat my own food and save money versus going to a food court or table/counter service every meal. So a rental+site cost may be higher but than can be offset some with food savings.

Your vendor can talk you through the process. Your job is to try to match up time frames of when you can get a site and when you can get the rental trailer you want.

Bama Ed

 

[peg110]

So an answer to your original question, "Can a novice pull off a week in a rented RV?" Absolutely you can. Actually you are taking a smart step by asking the question here. You will find a plethora of good advice as well here, so please don't be afraid to ask. I have to say that the camping boards here at the Disboards are some of the friendliest folks I have dealt with on any board or forums (including the other forums at the Disboards).

What will make your venture better is to try and ask all your questions well in advance of your planned trip. That way you know what you can expect. Bama_ed and Sundancer have already covered a lot. While I haven't rented an RV (as we have our own) I can't speak directly to that process, but I can tell you, almost like anything else, there are those that have great experiences and those that have had horrible experiences, but they need to be evaluated in context as well.

Whatever you decide, I am sure you will have an awesome time.

 

[whiplash]

We are previous DVC owners and the last time I checked, you can use your points for the FORT. So, if you use your points and as BAMA ED mentioned, two people don't need much room, a smaller trailer and a lesser expensive site should work. I bet after you experience the FORT as campers you'll do like we did....we SOLD our DVC and bought a Motor Home and enjoy not only the FORT but the trip and the freedom it provides us. Go for it !!!

 

[jgdsoarin]

Now let's not get crazy! Haha! I love my DVC and I love the Fort! My love of the Fort has kept my desire for more DVC points at bay. Best of both worlds! I can get very different feeling vacations by mixing and alternating the two.

 

[bama_ed]

Now let's not get crazy! Haha! I love my DVC and I love the Fort! My love of the Fort has kept my desire for more DVC points at bay. Best of both worlds! I can get very different feeling vacations by mixing and alternating the two.

Not so fast. whiplash has a point.

For years I flirted with DVC but finally opted for a trailer.

Why?

My trailer at the Fort is my DVC at Disney.
My trailer is my condo at the beach.
My trailer is my cabin in the woods.

I can grab and go at literally a moment's notice.

And while I pay for a site, I don't have to pay dues.

Boom!



Bama Ed

 

[5kidsmommy]

Not so fast. whiplash has a point.

For years I flirted with DVC but finally opted for a trailer.

Why?

My trailer at the Fort is my DVC at Disney.
My trailer is my condo at the beach.
My trailer is my cabin in the woods.

I can grab and go at literally a moment's notice.

And while I pay for a site, I don't have to pay dues.

Boom!

This is why I don't think we will ever do a DVC, I've thought about it but even in a few years when a studio would suffice I don't think I'd be as happy as I am camping. There is something lovely about always bringing my home with me. We've brought ours all over the country. I love it.

 

[bama_ed]

Yes i like sleeping in my own bed while on vacation.

Forgot to add though that while you can use DVC points for Fort sites, the number of sites available for points is strictly limited. They are very few. ANY site can not be booked with points.

Its been discussed here often. Forum Search is your friend if you want more info.

Bama Ed

 

[4077]

When I did DVC points in Third week September 2014, it was a total of 55 points for Sunday check in to Sat Checkout. I can't recall the DVC point breakdown of per night Sun-Thurs vs. the Sat night, but of course you can look this up online and may have changes in last couple years. The DVC price didn't change from site type to site type. The price point is for a Premium site reservation (which we did in 1400 loop), but I suppose you could get a "lesser" site if you desired as long as the Fort has still has an inventory of "DVC sites" available. Don't quote me on that, though. I would check to make sure about that. Also, I made my loop request through member services, who put it in system, but also directly with Fort Wilderness later. Depending on how many points you have available, you could be better off renting them and paying cash for the Fort I suppose. Would have to check and crunch the numbers, but something to think about.