Can Our Tent and Gear Be Mailed to Fort Wilderness?

[Shanti]

We've camped at Fort Wilderness once before, during spring break in 2015. Now we are considering camping there for a few nights during Christmas week next year, after a short cruise on the Disney Dream. We love camping (Scout mom & son), especially at Fort Wilderness. The problem is that we're from Texas (20+ hour nonstop drive away), so driving won't work with our Christmas break schedule. We flew in with our gear last time with no problem, but given that due to scheduling issues we must do the cruise first, I don't know how to handle the gear while we're on the cruise. I don't believe we'd be allowed to take the gear on the ship, and renting a car is crazy expensive during Christmas week in Orlando, so I don't see that as an option, either.

I've always wanted to see the Fort Wilderness sites decorated for Christmas and also want the close access to MK during this busy week that the Fort provides. I also want to take advantage of the relatively reasonable cost of camping instead of staying at a WDW hotel at this uber-expensive time of year. I wouldn't be willing to pay WDW hotel rates during Christmas week given the crazy crowds- not worth the 1000's of dollars in my opinion, but I'm willing to pay to camp there & get EMH access. We love to camp, so that part is no problem, but the issue with how to store our gear during the 3-night cruise is a real stickler.

Can I have the tent and one other box of gear mailed to us at Fort Wilderness? We're only camping for 3 nights and not cooking, so our gear is minimal (tent, inflatable mattress, blankets & pillows). It sounds like a good idea in theory, but has anyone ever done this? If its possible, how do I guarantee arrival on the right day? Thanks in advance for any info!

 

[snowmedic]

You could also rent a tent and cots from Fort Wilderness. Then you would only have to bring your minimal camp supplies with you on your cruise.

 

[Teamubr]

Can I have the tent and one other box of gear mailed to us at Fort Wilderness?

You certainly can have things shipped to the Fort and the front desk will hold it until you arrive. As for getting it there on time, I'd use a shipper (as opposed to USPS) and pay extra to have a guaranteed delivery date. It will be Christmas time, but I'd think UPS, DHL or FedEx could get your things to the Fort without costing more than the site rental.

j

 

[bama_ed]

You could also rent a tent and cots from Fort Wilderness. Then you would only have to bring your minimal camp supplies with you on your cruise.

As FYI, shanti, the tents that snowmedic refers to are about $40 a night and the cots (if you don't want to sleep on the ground) are about $5 a day each. Disney puts the tent up for you before checkin and takes it down once you check out so that saves you some work.

The Fort is like the other resorts at WDW. There is a pinned sticky thread on the DIS Resorts Board about how to ship to/from the resorts and have your stuff ready for you. So you could ship it in advance, pick it up when you check in at the Fort, and set up on your site. Going home, you have the option to ship back (save the boxes when you unpack) or take it back with you in an empty suitcase you brought along.

We've had people ship gear in to tent camp and it worked for them. Keep it simple (which sounds like your plan) and it will work for you.

Bama Ed

PS - FWIW your shipment might be subject to the new $5 fee for packages being discussed on the DIS though. Not too bad, though, for what you are planning to do.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Can I have the tent and one other box of gear mailed to us at Fort Wilderness?

1) Certainly you can mail the items.
2) But, it might take more than a 49¢ stamp.

 

[Shanti]

it might take more than a 49¢ stamp.

No kidding.

 

[FortForever]

As others have said, you can have it all shipped to the fort. It's likely the most inexpensive and easy method of dealing with it.

But, just for the record, you would certainly be allowed to take it on the ship. Given the weight of a tent and air mattresses, though, I would think it cost quite a bit to fly with them.

I once brought seven (full sized) fans on board and nobody batted an eye. It was an extended family trip and I was driving (90 minutes away) to the port, while all the others had to fly. Everyone in our family likes to sleep with fans on, so I brought them for everyone. There may have been some snickering in the back, before all the luggage was delivered to my cabin, but everyone kept a straight face in front of me. I'm sure some of the employees were wondering if I knew they had air conditioning on the ship.

Just don't try to bring your own alcohol or sodas. Camping gear, no problem.