Empty Sites at the Fort

[super_camper]

We tried for over 6 months to get a reservation from Dec 20 to Jan 1. We pieced together everything but Dec 31 when we left for the fort on the 17th, Dec 24 was very dififfcult to get but not as bad as the 31st, we tried dozens of times with no luck on the 31st.

We arrived at the Fort on the 20th and the CM checking us in added the last day, said there was 'lots' of availability. We were put into the 1200 loop even though we requested the 800 loop, no problem though as we had never stayed in this loop. Turns out we like the 1200 loop, seems every loop has it advantages

Anyway, my point is that there have been on average 10 empty sites each night in the 1200 and 1300 loops, one night last week (I think Wed) there were over 25 empty sites in these two loops, last night there are 12. We have been looping a few times since we got here and see empty sites everywhere.

I checked reservations and didn't find anything reservable, seems Disney isn't taking bookings to capacity, is this a normal thing? Do you think if you drive up without a reservation they will take you?

 

[rapriebe]

I totally understand your confusion, we are amazed by it also. You hear from people trying to get reservations that the Fort is totally booked and there is no availability yet you are there and can see all the empty sites. They sure seem to lose alot of money in lost reservations/empty sites. I know that all motel establishments always keep a small percentage of their inventory available for walk-ins but the fort sure has alot of empty sites. I'm sure you could drive up and get a site but who wants to plan their trip around a maybe??? site???

 

[ynottony99]

That is strange, especially with the holiday?? Have you been to the parks? How are the crowds?

 

[DisCamper]

Last year I learned a little about reservations. Site reservations are assigned 5 days in advance. So a site mite sit empty for up to 5 day before the people assigned show up.

 

[AuburnJen92]

I have heard through little otters and peacocks that it has been quite empty. Maybe the rates are finally topped out?

 

[rapriebe]

Last year I learned a little about reservations. Site reservations are assigned 5 days in advance. So a site mite sit empty for up to 5 day before the people assigned show up.

Huh? ? ?

 

[dtum]

I have heard through little otters and peacocks that it has been quite empty. Maybe the rates are finally topped out?

Was wondering when the rates would top out. I think you are right. There was an article in our newspaper about how much revenue DW is losing to US/IOA with the Harry Potter opening. That would effect not just the parks, but FW and other DW hotels as well I'd think. For us, renting a pool house has now become the most affordable way for us to do DW (and UA this trip). I know this is a big topic around here, but with a big extended family, price of gas towing and price of camping at the fort-we've had to move on leaving one more empty site for someone else in June.

 

[2goofycampers]

Disney definitely needs to fix their broken reservation system. There were empty sites all over The Fort on Christmas Day.

 

[djblu883]

We just got back from WDW on the 16 and was quite surprised at all the empty sites! We tried to book for next[ Oct. And was tokd there was no availability. Tried online and got exactly what I wanted. Not sure what is going on but I was sad to see how much less the campers had decorated the sites.QUOTE=dtum;39308082]Was wondering when the rates would top out. I think you are right. There was an article in our newspaper about how much revenue DW is losing to US/IOA with the Harry Potter opening. That would effect not just the parks, but FW and other DW hotels as well I'd think. For us, renting a pool house has now become the most affordable way for us to do DW (and UA this trip). I know this is a big topic around here, but with a big extended family, price of gas towing and price of camping at the fort-we've had to move on leaving one more empty site for someone else in June.[/QUOTE]

 

[4mickey2]

we were there a week ago and there were sites open. i had a feeling there would be some open this week, too. we weren't gonna pay that to camp. so, we left for a lesser price and will come back when it is lower. it definitely needs to be more reasonable.

 

[DisCamper]

Huh? ? ?

Sites are blocked 5 days in advance if there is any problem Disney has 5 day to fix it. Problems are reservation screw ups, VIPs, people who extend there stay, broken down RV’s and loops being unexpectedly closed. This system keeps the Fort from being over booked Disney knows 5 day in advance who is coming in and how many open sites there are.

 

[rapriebe]

we were there a week ago and there were sites open. i had a feeling there would be some open this week, too. we weren't gonna pay that to camp. so, we left for a lesser price and will come back when it is lower. it definitely needs to be more reasonable.

That's exactly what we do also. There is no way I'm gonna pay the exorbinate prices that they charge over the holidays to stay at FW plus it's too crowded to go to the parks. The value season prices are almost getting too high for me to justify our extended stays.

Now I understand the family that comes down for a week vacation to enjoy the disney experience for the holidays but for us "older folks" it's not necessary to be there during the high rate holiday time. We are currently camping in the Gulf with the ocean as our front yard. The beach is 20' from our camper and I'm only paying $25 a night. We went in and joined the players club at the Casino and they gave us a comp for a night so I'm paying $100 for 5 nights camping - less than 1 night at Disney. While I know it's not for everyone, this works for us and allows us to see more of the country during that 2 week high rate season.

 

[ynottony99]

Sites are blocked 5 days in advance if there is any problem Disney has 5 day to fix it. Problems are reservation screw ups, VIPs, people who extend there stay, broken down RV’s and loops being unexpectedly closed. This system keeps the Fort from being over booked Disney knows 5 day in advance who is coming in and how many open sites there are.

Though they look 5 days ahead, they don't keep the sites unoccupied for those 5 days. Of course it may work out that way due to overlapping and conflicting dates of reservations.

 

[DisCamper]

The Fort rates are very funny last year we paid $25 -116 a night for the same site

 

[des1954]

My husband does not agree with my theory on all the empty sites and the screwy reservation system. Let's see who might agree with me on this....

I think that someone, somewhere in Disney wants to justify closing the Fort. What better way to justify closing it than if bookings severely drop, and thus, a perceived loss of interest? The Fort might have been one of Walt's resort ideas, but Walt hasn't run the company since the 60's and his heirs no longer sit on the board of directors. So...why keep Walt's "dream" alive when there is more money to be made by building either another DVC or a resort. The Fort sits on some prime real estate and all the bean counters know there is more money to be made on hotel rooms than on camp sites. It's just my opinion, and I have nothing to base this on other than a jaded, gut feeling.

 

[dtum]

My husband does not agree with my theory on all the empty sites and the screwy reservation system. Let's see who might agree with me on this....

I think that someone, somewhere in Disney wants to justify closing the Fort. What better way to justify closing it than if bookings severely drop, and thus, a perceived loss of interest? The Fort might have been one of Walt's resort ideas, but Walt hasn't run the company since the 60's and his heirs no longer sit on the board of directors. So...why keep Walt's "dream" alive when there is more money to be made by building either another DVC or a resort. The Fort sits on some prime real estate and all the bean counters know there is more money to be made on hotel rooms than on camp sites. It's just my opinion, and I have nothing to base this on other than a jaded, gut feeling.

You may have a good gut feeling. Never thought of it that way, but look at what they did to TE. They seem to be really pushing DVC these days. They could put up "fancy" camper style rooms (like the tree house villas) and charge an arm and a leg (or whatever high point value they can put on htem) to DVC people for the privilege of staying in one.

 

[Live4FW]

We are currently camping in the Gulf with the ocean as our front yard. The beach is 20' from our camper and I'm only paying $25 a night. We went in and joined the players club at the Casino and they gave us a comp for a night so I'm paying $100 for 5 nights camping - less than 1 night at Disney. While I know it's not for everyone, this works for us and allows us to see more of the country during that 2 week high rate season.

Just curious, if you don't mind me asking where you are staying. We are looking for alternatives to the fort as well.

 

[manning]

Oh dear! I hope not!

And more than one company has been brought down by bean counters


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We cannot afford to build Splash Mountain --- Eisner

We cannot afford NOT to build Splash Mountain ---- Frank Wells

 

[DisCamper]

My husband does not agree with my theory on all the empty sites and the screwy reservation system. Let's see who might agree with me on this....

I think that someone, somewhere in Disney wants to justify closing the Fort. What better way to justify closing it than if bookings severely drop, and thus, a perceived loss of interest? The Fort might have been one of Walt's resort ideas, but Walt hasn't run the company since the 60's and his heirs no longer sit on the board of directors. So...why keep Walt's "dream" alive when there is more money to be made by building either another DVC or a resort. The Fort sits on some prime real estate and all the bean counters know there is more money to be made on hotel rooms than on camp sites. It's just my opinion, and I have nothing to base this on other than a jaded, gut feeling.

Debbie there has been talk about moving to Fort for year all of this mybe the first step time will tell.

 

[SCtigercock]

I have seen mention of moving/closing the Fort several times lately. What is all that about?

And IF they did where would it be relocated?