City girl going camping???

[Ivette1980]

Hi all! so I am looking into the camping grounds and I guess the only way I would do this is b/c its attached to the Disney name. Otherwise I am so not the type. I am willing to try something new for my husband and boys, and not to mention cheaper.

I have no clue what to expect or how to even begin planning this trip. How do i even get an RV. Can I fly into Orlando and pick one up? or how about tents, where do I get all this stuff and how would I get this on a plane? These are just the beginning of the question. If anyone has a map I can take alook at as well that would be great.

Can you tell I am a NYC city girl? As much as my husband will love the idea, he is not going to plan a thing so I need all, I mean ALLLLL the info I can get.

Thank you in advance.

 

[storyteller]

Well first of all, congratulations on making the big jump into the woods as it were.
I would start off easy before you jump full steam ahead.
You can rent a fully furnished cabin with all the amenities, and a golf cart, form the fort or off site(they deliver) Look at some pictures of the cabins online here, there are awesome, when we were here last Christmas my parents rented one and we camped. They were so spoiled, as you should be when you visit the fort. Try renting a cabin first.
There are links here that could help you with every step of the way..I'm sure somebody here will post the right link for you.
Good luck and don't forget your ears.

 

[disney4dan]

Welcome to the camping boards, and I think you will learn to appreciate what the Fort has to offer.

One thing to clarify, saving money is an arbitrary goal. There are cheaper places to stay than the Fort, but it depends on what you want. You can get some 1 or 2 star hotel on I drive for less money, or even some of the really great deals offered through Dreams Unlimited Travel (sponsors of the boards) for less money than staying at the Fort.

But, once you experience the atmosphere, the laid back style and good times that the Fort has to offer, you'll see the value.

The cabins are a great start for those who don't normally camp, but they can be pricey. You can also rent tents directly from the Fort if you want to go rustic - I would suggest you try tent camping closer to home first.

Or, a great and affordable option is to rent a trailer from some place like http://www.campatthefort.com and they will deliver the trailer to your site, set it up and give you the information on how to use the trailer's features. That way, you can have some of your own meals if you like at the trailer, bring whatever coffee or adult beverage you prefer to have when you want it, and much more space than most hotels offer.

 

[motherwild]

My suggestion would be a cabin or a rental that they set up on site for you. If you are just looking to save money I would say a value resort.
I love FW it is the nicest campground I have ever stayed at. If you really want to try camping I would start closer to home. There are some nice campgrounds on Long Island or up state NY.
My Aunt who was also from NYC first time camping said it was like going on a picnic and just not going hame at the end of the day.

 

[Ivette1980]

Thank you guys all the information you sent were very helpful. I personally am not dying to go camping but I know DH and sons want to, so I thought why not combine the two trips. We were planning one for next year anyway. Is it worth it though for a week long trip?

I have gone to the value resorts, but I vowed to try something new each time I go. Thank you DISNEY4DAN for the link - that was very helpful and very convincing. I know the whole fun of it for some is to drive an RV but that's much for us with little kids. We'll start that tradition in a few more years.

What fun things are there to do on the campgrounds. Do we pick our own spots? Is it possible to request one close to the buses. We've saved tons on not renting a car and using DME and its been great everytime. No complaints there at all.

Thank you again .. more appreciated. Im clueless but there

 

[caveat lector]

Beware: You will be roughing it in every sense of the word. I believe there are only 35 or so cable channels at each camp site.

 

[BradyBz12]

And half of those are Disney channels(eek)

 

[CCIntrigue]

But, once you experience the atmosphere, the laid back style and good times that the Fort has to offer, you'll see the value.

And be careful ... you will be hooked on the fort!

 

[BRDof3]

I personally am not dying to go camping but I know DH and sons want to... Is it worth it though for a week long trip?

If you've never camped, and you don't really like the idea, then don't even think of tent camping for a week at Disney. I can't imagine a better recipie for disaster. Tent camping for a week requires experience, even if you're doing it near home.

Rent a camper, rent a cabin, stay at another resort. You can ride/walk through the Fort and enjoy the amenities in any case. Don't try to change your whole world to do it.

 

[Lil' Lisa]

I agree. If you want to stay at the Fort, you probably would be much happier if you rent an RV or get a cabin. Even though the Fort is one of the nicest campgrounds around, if you don't enjoy camping in a tent, you won't enjoy camping in a tent at the Fort.

 

[luckycharm19335]

I agree also, If you are not a tent camper I don't think that being at the Fort will change that.
I myself know that I am not a tent camper. My idea of roughing it is in my RV. 4 TVS, Washer & dryer, Convection Microwave , Tempurpedic mattress etc. I think that you can see where I'm going with this.
I know that you will fall in love with the Fort if you go about it the right way, for you.
Just and idea, if money is a concern, stay at one of the moderate resorts and go visit the Fort. Check out the cabins and see what you think. Then decide, tent, cabin or RV. Whatever is a good fit for you!

 

[mikeymouse1]

The Fort is the Ritz of camping! It wont be like a week on the Appalachian Trail. Like others have posted I would rent an RV. or a cabin but tent camping at the Fort is a good way to save if you doit right!

 

[storyteller]

Well I recommend the cabin for a first timer, whatever you and your family decide or like you said, whatever you plan, please post it and tell the story with lots of pictures please.
Good Luck

 

[clkelley]

Thank you guys all the information you sent were very helpful. I personally am not dying to go camping but I know DH and sons want to, so I thought why not combine the two trips. We were planning one for next year anyway. Is it worth it though for a week long trip?

I have gone to the value resorts, but I vowed to try something new each time I go. Thank you DISNEY4DAN for the link - that was very helpful and very convincing. I know the whole fun of it for some is to drive an RV but that's much for us with little kids. We'll start that tradition in a few more years.

What fun things are there to do on the campgrounds. Do we pick our own spots? Is it possible to request one close to the buses. We've saved tons on not renting a car and using DME and its been great everytime. No complaints there at all.

Thank you again .. more appreciated. Im clueless but there

No, you do not pick your site. You can narrow your assignment down by reserving a certain level of loop.

Loop 100 - 300 - Preferred - Water, Electric, Sewer, Cable, fairly close together, with sandy area in the back of the concrete. Close to Marina, Trails End, Trading Post.

Loop 400 through 1400 - Premium - Water, Electric, Sewer, Cable, larger concrete area, no sand, better for large rigs. More central in the campground, Most expensive.

Loop 1600 through 1900 - Full Hookup - Water, Electric, Sewer, Cable, more isolated, sandy area in the back of the concrete. Loop 1600 & 1700 are somewhat close to pool and movie, Loop 1800 & 1900 is very isolated.

Loop 1500 and 2000 - Partial Hookup - Water, Electric, Cable, designed for tents and very small campers. 1500 is centrally located, 2000 is very isolated.

Any of these loops except 1800 - and 1900 will have sites near a bus stop.

(Also 100 & 200 have a bit of a walk to the closest bus stop, but you are mere steps from the marina and the boat to Magic Kingdom).

 

[testtubes]

Good luck, City Girl. Just do your homework and be prepared. Have fun planning!