Christmas lights at fort wilderness

[sueliz]

I have read a little about viewing Christmas lights and decorations in Fort Wilderness. Sounds like choices are sleigh ride for 25 minutes for $60, wagon rides for $8 a person, renting a golf cart, or riding bus then walking around. Sounds fun to me and was wondering what you would recommend for party of 6 including 4 adults, 4 year old and 5 year old? Does the wagon take the same route as the sleigh ride?

 

[2goofycampers]

I personally like the up close and personal of walking.

 

[SinceDay1]

I have read a little about viewing Christmas lights and decorations in Fort Wilderness. Sounds like choices are sleigh ride for 25 minutes for $60, wagon rides for $8 a person, renting a golf cart, or riding bus then walking around. Sounds fun to me and was wondering what you would recommend for party of 6 including 4 adults, 4 year old and 5 year old? Does the wagon take the same route as the sleigh ride?

If you are staying at the Fort a golf cart would be good, we usually take our cart to different areas and walk and check out the set ups. If you are just coming to visit, you could ride the buses to different areas and walk around, as there are many sites decorated, but there are a lot of sites in the first several loops that are decorated. It also depends on how much time you have, the wagon and sleigh would be fun and a great way to see much of the sites, whatever you decide, you need to check it out!!

Richard

 

[TheRustyScupper]

I personally like the up close and personal of walking.

1) Either walking or renting a golf cart.
2) Being able to see all the loops is important.
3) Plus, you will want to stop at several sites for extended viewing.
4) Individual campsites
. . . some are truly spectacular
. . . some are plain and not decorated
. . . some are just gaudy
. . . some are entertaining *

* Last year, we had a cabin and slightly decorated it. However,
myself and a few others came with their instruments. Every night,
except one, we were outside and jamming. We were joined by
several campers and tourists - both watchers and those who
joined in. (I played banjo, and we had a bass, two fiddlers, two
guitars, and a tambourine, on most nights)

 

[sueliz]

Thanks for replies. I have never been to fort wilderness but would like to check it out as it looks like a place our family would love. we'll just be stopping by one night so how much walking will we need to do to see a good amount? It makes sense to me to walk so we can stop when we want- just making sure this will be ok with a 4 and 5 year old and my parents after some time at the parks. The impromptu music sounds fun!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

how much walking will we need to do to see a good amount?
. . . my personal guess is 2-3 miles

It makes sense to me to walk so we can stop when we want- just
making sure this will be ok with a 4 and 5 year old and my parents
after some time at the parks.
. . . you can take a break anytime
. . . The Fort has lots of places to "park your behind"
. . . either on benches, tree trunks, picnic tables, grass

The impromptu music sounds fun!
. . . yep
. . . we had such fun jamming
. . . planning upon doing it again this year
. . . but, still trying to coordinate with other band members
. . . need to see how many will make it to FW


NOTE: For samples, search YouTube for "Ocoee Parking Lot Bluegrass Jam".
This is a pick-up band - you show up, you can play. Some days we are great.
Some days we are mediocre. All days are fun. I play banjos, and, no, I do not
sing. My voice is compared to "fingernails on a blackboard" and "cats in heat"
and those were the more kind remarks. We are always in the shopping center
lot behind the Pizza Hut every Friday night (rain or shine). Although somewhat
new for me, the guys have been playing Fridays for 22-years. Bring your own
chairs. Y'all come.

 

[Maggie at the Fort]

Don't forget to check out the campfire if you are coming to walk around the Fort. It is perfect for the 4 and 5 year old!

 

[RVMH]

Don't limit your visit to one end of the campground. The display at the corner where the 1600-1900 loops exit is truly spectacular. Take the Yellow internal bus and hop on and off as you feel like it. It's worth an evening for sure!

 

[kmccain]

You can rent Bikes for $8 for 2 hours or $18 for all day. That is my favorite way to see the decoration.

 

[dalovett]

I have read a little about viewing Christmas lights and decorations in Fort Wilderness. Sounds like choices are sleigh ride for 25 minutes for $60, wagon rides for $8 a person, renting a golf cart, or riding bus then walking around. Sounds fun to me and was wondering what you would recommend for party of 6 including 4 adults, 4 year old and 5 year old? Does the wagon take the same route as the sleigh ride?

When are you guys going to be at the Fort?

Dave

 

[sueliz]

We are not staying there- but considering stopping by 12/8 or 12/10 in the evening.

 

[CDNCruiser]

We are not staying there- but considering stopping by 12/8 or 12/10 in the evening.

If you're not convinced that Fort Wilderness is worth a visit, read these two blogs I wrote for AllEars.net last year.

They may help you decide!

http://land.allears.net/blogs/guestblog/2012/11/christmas_at_fort_wilderness_1.html

http://land.allears.net/blogs/guestblog/2012/11/ft_wilderness_christmas_dave_t.html

We'll be there this year, probably in the 700 loop, drop by and say hello!

 

[sueliz]

WOW! really enjoyed seeing Dave and Dee's Castle decoration as well as hearing the bluegrass music on you tube!

I have been pretty convinced fort wilderness at christmas was something that sounded fun to see - BUT now I am even more excited and confident in a decision to take some time away to come visit. Do you know if Dave and Dee will be there this year with the castle by 12/8????

I appreciate all the advice as I consider any advance reservations I need to make for sleigh rides or whatever. Right now, it sounds like I don't need to worry as much about the pricier sleigh ride and just ride the yellow bus and get off and walk the loops. also will keep the wagon ride in mind but my understanding is no reservations needed for that. thanks so much too for mentioning the numbers of some of the loops to see.

 

[dalovett]

We are not staying there- but considering stopping by 12/8 or 12/10 in the evening.

Hey sueliz. We will be there. I will keep an eye out for you guys.

Dave

 

[sueliz]

Thanks Dave- I am very excited to stop by and see all the decorations!

 

[sharadoc]

how much walking will we need to do to see a good amount?
. . . my personal guess is 2-3 miles

It makes sense to me to walk so we can stop when we want- just
making sure this will be ok with a 4 and 5 year old and my parents
after some time at the parks.
. . . you can take a break anytime
. . . The Fort has lots of places to "park your behind"
. . . either on benches, tree trunks, picnic tables, grass

The impromptu music sounds fun!
. . . yep
. . . we had such fun jamming
. . . planning upon doing it again this year
. . . but, still trying to coordinate with other band members
. . . need to see how many will make it to FW


NOTE: For samples, search YouTube for "Ocoee Parking Lot Bluegrass Jam".
This is a pick-up band - you show up, you can play. Some days we are great.
Some days we are mediocre. All days are fun. I play banjos, and, no, I do not
sing. My voice is compared to "fingernails on a blackboard" and "cats in heat"
and those were the more kind remarks. We are always in the shopping center
lot behind the Pizza Hut every Friday night (rain or shine). Although somewhat
new for me, the guys have been playing Fridays for 22-years. Bring your own
chairs. Y'all come.

DH plays bass, he can bring an acoustic. When will you be there? We'd love to do it (I can bring a bag full of percussion LOL).

 

[SinceDay1]

Don't limit your visit to one end of the campground. The display at the corner where the 1600-1900 loops exit is truly spectacular. Take the Yellow internal bus and hop on and off as you feel like it. It's worth an evening for sure!

I agree, many are in awe right at this section, but there are many other step ups to see.

Richard

 

[MartDM]

NOTE: For samples, search YouTube for "Ocoee Parking Lot Bluegrass Jam".
This is a pick-up band - you show up, you can play. Some days we are great.
Some days we are mediocre. All days are fun. I play banjos, and, no, I do not
sing. My voice is compared to "fingernails on a blackboard" and "cats in heat"
and those were the more kind remarks. We are always in the shopping center
lot behind the Pizza Hut every Friday night (rain or shine). Although somewhat
new for me, the guys have been playing Fridays for 22-years. Bring your own
chairs. Y'all come.[/COLOR]

Wow...I've long admired your wise & well-organized lists, now I can love your music too! Will you be at the Fort this year (first week of Dec?? The hubs is a percussionist; he'd love to get in on your jamming!)

\m/

 

[Lorelei528]

I booked the last sleigh ride of 10:30 the night of the 8th as a surprise for DH! He has no idea about FW or the decorations!!

I can't wait to see in person!

 

[dalovett]

What a surprise! We will see you there!
Have fun!

Dave