Convince me it is worth the extra money to stay at the Fort, rather than off-property

[MomofSixinSC]

Those who ask stupid questions should stay home.

I think you should go back to drinking beer. It might make you less cranky.

 

[novdisneydreams]

Oh my.

Momofsix ... I haven't stayed at FW yet, but we are in a very similar position as you right now - we have GAD tickets, too, and are considering a trip with just one park day. We previously took two AMAZING Disney vacations - one at All Star Movies with the Dining Plan, the second at Windsor Hills in a beautiful townhome. Both of those trips were so magical. The difference this time would be that on those trips we had TONS of park time - we had 8 day tickets and did commando park touring day after day which I LOVED - we saw so much However the extra $600 or so to upgrade our GAD tickets to multi-day passes is not going to be in the ol' budget anytime before the GADs expire 12/15. I thought of staying in a value, but with food prices the way they are and only so many things you can come up with to eat in a hotel room, I thought I'd check out camping. See the values have these wonderfully fun and alluring food courts that call to kids, but it is easy to rack up a big bill and I'd feel bad just making my kids march on by to eat sandwiches in the room day after day! I also thought about an offsite hotel, I just wasn't sure how fun that would be with just the one park day.

But with camping ... well, cooking and roasting stuff is part of the fun, right? And the more that I've read, the more that I want to go to FW. Its not just the activities, it seems to me that what people who've been are saying is that it is a Disney experience unto itself. So I think that a trip with very little park time will feel so fun and different and magical and special at FW. Its like a whole different onsite experience.

And there is lots to do around Disney - even when we had 8 day tickets we took some time to ride the monorail and explore the other resorts - so fun! We especially loved visiting the Poly. Imagine - you can take the boat to the MK, hop the monorail to the Poly and wander around. Its a neat looking resort with lots of photo ops. And one thing that my kids really loved were the pressed penny machines - you can go on a hunt for them at the different resorts and take home a souvenir for just 51 cents. Also - did you know you can even take a monorail through Epcot without having a park ticket? I always thought that was neat. And I haven't tried this yet - but apparently if you visit Animal Kingdom Lodge you can see some animals from the lobby So you'd take that MK boat and then get on a bus to AK. I personally think that riding the boats and buses and everything around Disney is big fun! My kiddos think so, too. Those boat rides can be an event for kids. So remember that if you want to go exploring you will save $14 a day not having to pay parking. And also on your MK day you'll save the parking.

And don't forget the fireworks and electric light parade from the FW beach. That looks so cool!

I just think that that there is camping near Disney World, then there is camping at Disney World. I, personally, can't waitto try FWI just hope we can find a way to swing it before the GADs expire!

 

[WDWFWfan]

While I would recommend staying at the Fort, it's not a problem to drive there, park and enjoy the amenities even if you are staying off property. All you have to do is park in the overflow parking lot (you don't even have to go past the security hut to park there) and catch a bus to wherever you desire to go. No need to show a resort card, park at DTD and take a bus, etc.

 

[kimsdreamvacation]

Momofsix,first let me say hi,my husband is from SC as well.We went to Florida last year with the intention of going to Disney World but we spent more money getting there than we thought we would, and well long story short we just couldn't afford it.Period.But I too had been reading everything about DW on Dis and I knew about seeing the resorts for free and riding the monorail and we also went to Downtown Disney and we even spent a day at the Fort just wandering around and exploring.Yes we were disappointed about not going to the parks but my kids still talk about how much fun riding the monorail was,and as others have said you just gotta do it and then you will know too.We stayed at the KOA in Kissimmee and it was nice.....but really it looked a lot like a parking lot, smack dab between Sam's Club and the Waffle House.As far as the price it actually cost more than the Fort prices do and all we had for a view was more parking lot, now don't get me wrong the owners were really awesome people, the hot tub very nice and beautiful comfort stations but still just a glorified parking lot.Sorry KOA.The good news is that about 10 months later we were able to go back to Florida and this time we already had our tickets so there was no stopping us from getting to those parks and where was the only place we wanted to stay...YEP THE FORT!!!!! And it was the best experience in the whole world, even with all the rain.We are coming back to DW in 84 days and yes I admit it we defected to a value but only because we are a huge group of 12 and some are elderly and would prefer a room vs. a campsite and we are flying for the first time so can't bring all my camping stuff, the checked baggage fee would be the same as college tuition!So from one who has some SC roots and who would never stear a South Carolinian wrong, you will never, never, never regret going to the Fort.

 

[kampfirekim]

Thank you for posting the link to that thread! That, along with many of the posts on this thread, have convinced me that it is worth the extra money to stay at the Fort. It's hard to see my husband come limping home day after day, too tired to even shower. It makes spending even a little more money hard. But now I am sure that the extra spent will mean extra sweet memories for us and our children.

I've been keeping up with your plight. I'm glad you made the decision to stay at Fort Wilderness. You will not regret it. Since your DH is having physical issues right now, being "close to home" is definitely the best choice for him. Imagine him trying to help gather up the kids after a long day in the park, a nighttime movie or fireworks at the Fort and then lugging them to the car, then having to drive back to your off site campground, unload the kids and get them into the camper etc. Gives me a headache thinking about it.

(There is always the chance that you can't get into the Fort w/out the resort ID. We had to take our oldest DS to the ER a few years back and very nearly didn't get back in as we didn't think to take our Resort ID with us.) KFK nearly lost it! After hours in the ER and finding out DS had broken his clavicle, that CM really didn't know what he was about to get into! Sorry, didn't mean to go off on a rabbit trail. (That's what our pastor calls it when he goes off the subject.)

I've already given you my take on the matter elsewhere, but I just had to weigh in here and say I think you've made a good decision. Besides, I don't want you to have to take a pic of yourself kicking yourself in the butt!

Have a great time!

Momofsix,first let me say hi,my husband is from SC as well.....:So from one who has some SC roots and who would never stear a South Carolinian wrong, you will never, never, never regret going to the Fort.

As a life long South Carolinian, I second that!

 

[kampfirekim]

While I would recommend staying at the Fort, it's not a problem to drive there, park and enjoy the amenities even if you are staying off property. All you have to do is park in the overflow parking lot (you don't even have to go past the security hut to park there) and catch a bus to wherever you desire to go. No need to show a resort card, park at DTD and take a bus, etc.

Yep, you're right! I forgot about not going through security to park in the overflow parking. Duh! That's where we always park and walk into the outpost to register. That's also where the Hoop De Doo guests park, right? Seems like I remember seeing a sign over there regarding that.

I may make a call to FW and ask the question just to see what I'm told. Sometimes websites aren't updated quickly enough to reflect changing policies.

I will say that my brother went to disney w/his best friend several years back, they stayed with his sister off site and went to the Poly and ate at Ohana's. Same principal.....and there was no prob with them eating there and enjoying a few Poly amenities without being resort guests. (No they didn't use the pool.)

 

[Born 2 Fish]

What I am finding truly amusing tonight is that this thread was started by Born2Fish. It seems he is happy to talk about what is great about the Fort, as long as it is only with people who have already been there.

Born2Fish, please forgive me for not spending my whole life reading all the posts on this board.

Lady,,you might keep wagging your finger at me,,BUT YOU CAN'T SEEM TO GIVE IT UP EITHER !


BUT, if the fine folk of this board has CONVINCED you to stay at the Fort,
then I do wish that ya'll hava Magical Fortastic time.

 

[Gatordad]

Lady,,you might keep wagging your finger at me,,BUT YOU CAN'T SEEM TO GIVE IT UP EITHER !


BUT, if the fine folk of this board has CONVINCED you to stay at the Fort,
then I do wish that ya'll hava Magical Fortastic time.

lol Frank..... gotta love soccer moms that can't make a move unless they ask a lot of questions.

 

[seals]

Still, you do make convincing cases for staying at the Fort. Now that I think about it, I can see my dh not wanting to do the movie and such, while I would want to. If we are staying right there, I can take them while he rests at the campsite. I am not likely to want to drive around Orlando at night with 6 children without him.

I'm a budget conscious Mom of 3 from SC so I can totally relate to your question. (and I'm also a soccer Mom who sometimes asks other people to convince me of something and there's nothing wrong with that!) My perspective is that you are spending that money so that you can do the things you want to do with your kids and your DH can get some much needed relaxation after working so hard. He can stay at the campsite the whole time and relax if he wants to and you can do fun things throughout the day and evening with your kids without having to leave the campground if that's what you want to do. The bus system is manageable and there are tons of activities right there. He doesn't have to feel he has to go with you as he might if you were driving around Orlando.

We were riding the bus back to loop 2000 one evening and there were two couples on the bus trying to figure out where the Hoop De Do was. They had been caught in traffic and were about 20 minutes late for the start and were all stressed out. Not how I'd want to spend my vacation!

 

[becky1960]

Here is some of our expirences over the years, Staying at FW. Dinner at Akl,last year gaurd checked us for reservations. Dinner at Cont. guard gave us a three hour pass. This past April at FW security was driving around Overflow lot and a wrecker was there towing away a vehicle.

I think it would be safe if you have reservations for dinner to check in and get a parking pass if staying offsite. If staying on site you already have a parking pass. By the way if you have dinner at Trails end for 8 people your $300.00 budget is just about blown..

 

[Tri-circle-D]

If we don't stay at the Fort, we will camp somewhere else in the area. I can stay at a state park in the area for $20 per night instead of $41. (

Where is this State Park? I don't know of any that are all that close to WDW. And most of the State Park campgrounds in Florida are more than $20 a night these days.

This is a sincere question. I would really like to know if this State Park exists, as it would be a good option if it is really only $20 per night.

TCD

 

[MomofSixinSC]

Where is this State Park? I don't know of any that are all that close to WDW. And most of the State Park campgrounds in Florida are more than $20 a night these days.

This is a sincere question. I would really like to know if this State Park exists, as it would be a good option if it is really only $20 per night.

TCD

It is about an hour from MK: http://www.floridastateparks.org/lakekissimmee/default.cfm To us, driving an hour is normal.

 

[ftwildernessguy]

I find it really sad that someone is relying on the opinions of total strangers to make a decision regarding where they are going to stay on their vacation. If I worked hard for my money, I surely would make my own decision rather than entrusting it with a bunch of drunken bums the likes of which hang out on the camping board. Boy, am I glad I don't do crap for my money so I can just throw it around anyway I please. Oh - I should add lol and like my passive aggressive buddy used to.

 

[Tri-circle-D]

It is about an hour from MK: http://www.floridastateparks.org/lakekissimmee/default.cfm To us, driving an hour is normal.

Thanks. That is in Lake Wales, which is a very nice area.

But, as you've noted, it would take you about an hour to drive to WDW from there. It looks like it is about sixty miles from the Fort. I wouldn't say that is "in the area."

I believe you were pricing a three night stay. So, you would save around $60i n campsite fees by staying there. But you would have a 120 mile round trip from there to WDW. In my vehicle, I would burn maybe $15 in gas on such a trip. Plus that's two hours plus out of your vacation day in the car. And, if you are not a WDW resort guest, you will have to pay to park at the MK when you go to visit. That's $14. Yes, $14! Hey, it's Disney!

And, while Florida State Parks are nice, you will not have a swimming pool, or organized activities. I don't know what kind of playground they have at this park, but those I have seen at other Florida State Parks are sometimes a bit sad. The website says that there are comfort stations. But, State Park facilities are a far cry from what you will find at the Fort.

Plus, if you're an hour away, there is no way that you are going to be going back to your campsite in the middle of the day for a meal or a break.

If the focus of this trip is to go to WDW staying at this camp ground would be a bad idea. And when you factor in gas and parking fees, it wouldn't even save you any money in the first place.

I think you said that you were already convinced, so that's good.

Have a great time.

TCD

 

[Born 2 Fish]

From here on out, if you aren't a friend of mine, (thats correct MomofSixinSC,,I'm sure thats the way you see it in your mind) I will notify the popo about any cars in the overflow without a park pass.

this may be a hint to those who stay off site but mooch the amenities that all the lazy, no good, beer/kungaloosh swilling, trailor trash, morans pay top dollar for,,,(while the off site people take advantage of)

 

[MomofSixinSC]

From here on out, if you aren't a friend of mine, (thats correct MomofSixinSC,,I'm sure thats the way you see it in your mind)

​

 

[Gatordad]

From here on out, if you aren't a friend of mine, (thats correct MomofSixinSC,,I'm sure thats the way you see it in your mind) I will notify the popo about any cars in the overflow without a park pass.

this may be a hint to those who stay off site but mooch the amenities that all the lazy, no good, beer/kungaloosh swilling, trailor trash, morans pay top dollar for,,,(while the off site people take advantage of)

I hope I am one of your amigos, 'cause I ain't campin no mo.

 

[ftwildernessrick]

In years past, when I have arrived a day earlier than my ressies or we came down to do Sea World, Universal, etc., we have stayed off property. I have done the KOA in Kissimmee, Fort Summit KOA, Tropical Palms, Sherwood Forest, and a few others. NONE can compare to staying at the Fort. The Fort is truly a unique place. We will stay there even if going to non-Disney attractions.

If it is truly a budget constraint that you must stay within, then do what you have to. But if at all possible, you need to stay at the Fort, it is a resort in it's own right. Another thing to remember in your budget is that I believe the going rate to park at DW for non guests is $14.00 per car at MK,Epcot, DHS, & AK. Also, as mentioned above, the convenience of using Disney transportation while you are there.

 

[des1954]

Frank..... just think about who yer talkin' about when you talk about beer drinkin, kungaloosh swillin, fort freeloaders!!

To the rest of you....ISN'T IT HARD ENOUGH TO GET A RESSIE AT THE FORT AS IT IS!!! QUIT TALKING UP THE FORT TO PEOPLE!! Here is how we should respond to people inquiring if the Fort is worth it....

MomofsixinSC - No, the Fort is not worth $21+ a night more than Lake Kissimmee State Park. I live in the same county LKSP is in and yes, it's practically right outside the gates to the Magic Kingdom! On a clear night you can see the fireworks from LKSP! (Okay-so, the night has to be extremely clear - but that's beside the point.) So, please support the great State of Florida by staying at LKSP. You'll be glad you did.

 

[Gatordad]

I"m gonna camp in my driveway to save a few bucks.... it's almost as nice as Disney, and if I get bored, I can go watch tv in the house. I'll save quite a few bucks there.