Disney Commando camping????

[Minnesota]

Hey all, I just discovered we have this board after how many years I've been a member? Oh well I'm observant. Anyways, I would love ANYTHING you all have to say about tent camping in Fort Wilderness. I have stayed there before but in a motorhome not a tent. Now tuition is getting more expensive so I am looking at tenting.

Here's the Specifics as I currently know them:
Traveling in July or August
Tenting
Flying from Minnesota and usining the ME bus
Might just be me.
Would be packing light but may want to bring laptop for picture download
Ask for anything else - brain is sort of shot from Organic Chem

What are the campers facilities like? Showers, Bathrooms ect.?
Where could I keep my laptop?
How are the bugs and pests?
I know FL in the summer is hot and humid (minor understatement) any tips on camping?

As you can tell this is a new thing for me especially since I was there the first time in 1994 and was only about 10.
Thanks for the help.
Minnesota

 

[ftwildernessguy]

I know there are a couple of tent campers on this board who will help you out, and some have flown down so will be a real help to you.

I just wanted to offer my sympathy re. O Chem. Although it was some 30 years ago that I took O Chem, I remember it as if it was yesterday, and the memories are not good ones.

I believe, under the circumstances, a camping trip to FW is just what you need.

 

[minkydog]

If you can take the heat and the yellow flies, go for it. Not my cup of tea, but I was a starving student once so I know how hard it is to find the time & cash to get away.

If it's just going to be you, get a small dome tent, forget the sleeping bag,and get something cool to sleep on. Pack light. Bring a towel, some swim trunks that can double as shorts, a cooler for your milk,healthy snacks,a few shirts, sunscreen ,quarters and laundry powder for washing. You can buy ice next to the comfort station. If you have space for some plastic sheeting to throw over the tent it will keep things dry during the sudden summer rains. the local on-site quickie mart has fresh fruit and canned food that you can supplement you diet with, so you don't have to eat every meal in a restaurant.

I don't know where you could keep your laptop. I probably would leave that behind so as to keep it safe and not take up space.

 

[ftwildernessguy]

You know I think I would agree with the laptop issue. I would probably get another memory card for my camera. These are getting pretty cheap for some impressive memory, and sure would be less expensive than buying a new laptop because someone "borrowed" mine.

 

[clkelley]

It will be hot, so an electric fan and a 40ft outdoor extension cord is a must.

A power strip is handy for computer, alarm clock, camera charger, cell phone charger, fan.

The shower facilities/comfort stations are among the best in the country. Very clean, plenty of hot and cold water, lots of AIR CONDITIONING.

I have flown and tent camped several times.

Obviously bring a tent, some sleeping linens, an air mattress and electric pump. Bring a sheet of plastic for inside your tent and under your tent. (A 6 mil roll of painters plastic works well. Cut each piece to fit the bottom of your tent). Make sure your tent is large enough that you have room for you and your stuff. When I had a smaller tent, I actually brought 2, one for me and one for my stuff.

If you can, bring a shelter to put in front of your tent for sitting outside. If not, bring a large tarp and some rope and bungies and suspend from trees. (Just make sure you slope it enough to drain water instead of collecting water)

Most airlines you are allowed to check two 50lb bags. You are also allowed a carryon and a personal item (laptop case).

One of my checked luggage is a plastic locking footlocker. (Available at Wal-Mart). I lock my laptop inside that in the tent. For extra security, you can actually lock the footlocker to a tree with a long cable. (I have attached straps to the plastic footlocker to help keep it closed during air travel, I don't lock it until I arrive at Ft. Wilderness)

My other piece of checked luggage is a large duffle that is long enough to hold one of those folding chairs. Nice addition for the trip.

You also need a small bag to carry toiletries and change of clothes to the comfort station. You will need to bring your own shampoo, soap, razor, etc. Towel and washcloth also.

Flashlight, battery lantern, Coleman Tent Light is very nice. Extra batteries.

I usually pack anything that is heavy, but small in my carryon. Anything large, but light goes in the checked luggage.

Shower Shoes are a good idea.

Laundry detergent and dryer sheets, plus quarters for laundry.

Then just your normal park clothes. Only a couple of changes are necessary. I usually drop my laundry in the wash on the way to shower each night, then drop it in the dryer when I get out, then go to the tent for a bit and check email (I have a Verizon aircard), then go get my clean laundry, then off to bed.

An inexpensive thin towel will work better than a thick fluffy towel for the shower as it will dry hanging out quicker. Also, if you bring a towel that is almost at the end of it's life, you can just ditch it for the trip home.

I have some pictures of my tent setup from a couple of years ago when I flew and camped. I have a different tent now, but it will give you an idea.

If you send me a PM with your email address, I will be happy to send pictures.

 

[TomM]

You might think about packing some of your camping gear in a cooler then gray tape it closed. (If you need a cooler.)

 

[clkelley]

I wouldn't tape it, as TSA tends to go through camping gear more frequently than regular luggage as it shows "weird" on the x-rays, also if your camping gear has been near a campfire it will set off their alarms.

I would put straps around it.

 

[Minnesota]

All good to know - especially the campfire and TSA combo. Any other tips anyone?
Minnesota

 

[stevenpensacola]

I'd try to go by WalMart on the way to the Fort, and purchase the smallest, cheapest little window air-conditioner they have...then just rig it so it blows in the door/window of your tent.

a fan will nothing for the humidity.