Family of 8--never camped, but love the idea--help!!

[khanna]

DH and I have 6 kids--ages 12 to 6 years. 4 boys, 2 girls. We always stay deluxe at WDW--and boy is it expensive. We have stayed offisite and like the space, but the distance is tough. We have considered renting an RV --a big one--but just are unsure. Can you give us any suggestions if we go this route? Or will we just hate it being so close to each other and not having our own space? We really do enjoy having our own space so this makes me very unsure about an RV. Your thoughts? Thank you!!!

 

[tltay2005]

There is so much to do at the Fort, you won't be doing much except sleeping in the RV. You can set up an outside "living room" with chairs and they provide a picnic table and grill. If you go when the weather is nice, you can eat, read and just relax outside. We love the Fort and I am sure you will too.

 

[bama_ed]

khanna,

Sounds like you might want to rent a travel trailer for the Fort as you suggested. You reserve and pay for the campsite at Fort Wilderness and then you reserve the trailer separately. The trailer vendor will arrive before you do and set it up on your site then when it's time to go home you just drive off and they come out and take it all down and tow it away. You get the fun part - they do all the hard part. Sounds fair to me, amirite?

Some of the trailer rental names kicked around here are:

Moore http://www.mcrfl.com/fort-wilderness-packages

Greenberg http://www.greenbergrvflorida.com/camping-in-florida/fort-wilderness/

Florida Camper Rental http://www.floridacamperrental.com/fort-wilderness-campground/

Since I have my own camper, I have no personal knowledge of these companies but these names come up. For groups the size of your (8 people) and higher, the trailers usually have a mix of bunk beds, fold out sofas, or dinettes that make into beds to provide some of the sleeping capacity.

When my kids were young (your ages) they were always outside playing, swimming, biking, swimming, or exploring unless they were napping, eating inside during bad weather, or ducking rain (all with supervision of course). So there weren't space issues since the Fort is a very kid-friendly place. If someone needs a little "alone" time they can go inside the trailer. Your campsite is like your big living room as tltay2005 says.

Bring your bicycles if you can.

Bama Ed

PS - the Fort is a great place to leave a day or two in your vacation to hang out and relax and spend some down time not in the parks. If you're a theme park warrior family (rope drop till close every day), you will miss the best part of the Fort. We've had people here who got a Fort cabin, did the parks all day every day, and complained here. Then the Fort is probably not for you.

 

[KristinU]

The extra space to stretch out is one of the things we love about the Fort (and RV-ing in general). Down time isn't limited to sitting around a hotel room on the beds staring at each other or at the TV! Although the deluxes have a balcony, which is nice for down time or sure Think of the Fort as that extra breathing space x100. If anyone likes to do any fishing, bring along poles or pick up some inexpensive setups at Wally World. Bring bikes if you can. Plenty of chill-out stuff to do that is low key but fun and active!

 

[PaHunter]

There would be a few other considerations. You would need to bring more stuff with you, as the trailers may not provide towels and such. This may lead to the need to do laundry during your stay. You and your kids need to make up beds, and or tables, in the morning and at night depending on how many the trailer sleeps and its configuration, which takes time, and if everyone is beat from the day, it falls to mom and dad. If you drive in and have suitcases, they need to be stored somewhere. Just some additional thoughts.

 

[CottontailCurl4two]

DH and I have 6 kids--ages 12 to 6 years. 4 boys, 2 girls. Or will we just hate it being so close to each other and not having our own space?

Our kids were that age when we started camping and they were occupied exploring the campsite that they were never underfoot. Some of their favorite memories now (15+ years later) are of the things they did and found while at the campsite. When I gave them the choice of a hotel or FW this time, they said they couldn't imagine being cooped up in a hotel.

 

[4077]

I guess it could also depend what kind of space you mean you love me to have....I've stayed in 2 bedroom DVC resorts with 2 1/2 baths that are huge with lots of space. At the Fort, some of you (with that large a party) would probably have to be willing to walk to the comfort station for morning and evening showers, tooth brushing and such as the typical RV bathroom (even a 5th wheel trailer --which is likely what you would be renting-- has a relatively small bathroom/shower area for that large a group) is not super large. The comfort stations, however, are not very far and ARE super clean and very nice.

As others have said, as long as having your space doesn't mean everyone having to be inside to get it, the Fort is plenty good for spreading out.

I saw PA mentioned having to change tables and couches back and forth from tables and couches to beds at night and in morning to sleep that many, and this is true if you were intending to eat meals or do something else at a table or wanted a couch to sit on. However, if all your meals were out or a couch to sit on was not so important, I would think you could leave all the tables and couches converted to beds too to reduce that hassle.

Lot's to consider and lots of good points made here. I would also say that if you will be rope drop to close at parks, the Fort may not be the right place. I did that trip once in camper, and when using it just as a sleeping place and a place to get ready to head out again, it wasn't so relaxing...would've preferred the deluxe "space". However, if planning down time or if you don't intend parks from open to close and like to take breaks during the day, give the Fort a try for sure! I certainly don't want to dissuade you from trying, but do consider how you do Disney... Good luck with your research and decision!!!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) Your "own space" is over one-square-mile in area.
2) The sleeping space is not too much different than a resort room.
3) And, unlike a resort room, if getting "too close", just kick the kids out and tell them to go play.
4) As bama_ed mentioned, bring some bikes and let the kids and/or adults explore.
5) Yes, The Fort is a campground, but one of the best campgrounds you can imagine.
. . . more activities than a Disney resort
. . . friendlier people than at a resort
. . . great opportunity for your kids to meet other kids and "pal-around" during the entire stay
.
NOTE: If concerned about the size of a camper/RV, you could rent a cabin (12'x42') in order to sample The Fort experience.

 

[peg110]

Okay, Lots of good advice here, however, I have a slightly different view on some of it.

First let me say that we have our own Travel Trailer. The claim is that it sleeps 8, however, the reality is very much different. It could sleep 8 as long as at least 4 of the people are TINY.

The floor plan of our TT is below:

Now you can easily get 2 people on the queen bed and 2 on the bunk beds (1 on top limited to 150 pounds). However the sofa pulls out and folds down (like a futon) but I have had to sleep on it and I am here to tell you that there is no way Me and another would sleep on it. No room. Same with the dinette, it will collapse down to a bed but putting 2 larger people (teens/adults) on it will be very cramped and you will be cranky.

Last time we went to the fort (Thanksgiving time of 2014) it was Me, DW, DD9, DD17 and her BF20. DW and I were on the queen bed, DD9 was top bunk, DD17 was bottom bunk and BF20 was on folded sofa. We stayed at the fort for 8 days. It was cramped, there was not enough (easy) storage for clothes (BF20 kept his clothes in "Bins" stacked next to the sofa) and then there is the "Conversion" time (cleaning up the sofa from bedding and making it back to a sofa from a bed). Still, we were okay with it. It was more just for sleep time, an occasional meal, etc... If we wanted stretch out room, there was "Outside".

We are not "Rope Drop to End of day" folks. We might do Rope Drop or we might stay until end of day but rarely do both in the same day. We usually have a Down day at the fort (Pool, movies, etc...)

We also would frequently use the comfort stations. First, it's just easier and more spacious then our tiny Bathroom. (not enough room to change comfortably in private). Second, at least for me (the DH) and the BF20, waiting for the Ladies to do whatever it is they do (that takes them Forever) is just a waste of time for us. (in fairness typically only the DW and DD9 would shower in the TT). Third, with frequent use, the tanks (grey/black) fill up quicker and require frequent draining. (it's not advised to keep the drain pipes open because sewer gas can come back up)

So while we were okay with all of this, I mention it to illustrate what you could be faced with. With 8 people, even some of the nicest and largest RV's/TT/5ER will leave you "Converting" tables or couches to beds plus the storage space for clothes will be tight. Of course this depends on your kids and how flexible they are, how big they are, etc......

The downer may come if the weather is bad. You kind of get stuck with "Indoor" stuff. (TV in the RV or going to a mall or similar) and that's when tempers can flair if you are cramped inside a camper (although some of the fifth wheels are HUGE).

We did have some "Temper" issues which you will get anytime you are in closer quarters. I have never stayed at a deluxe so I don't know the difference in size/space. So some of the larger RVs might have enough space to really compare (especially since you get the Outdoor space)

Don't want to discourage you as this could be an awesome time. Only you know how your family is (their likes/dislikes/quirks, etc..) I think it would be an awesome experience for you and your kiddos and you would certainly miss out if you didn't even give it a shot. You will find that most of the RVs have many amenities that you would find in some of the nicest hotels (and even more, full fridge, Stove, Oven, Microwave, TV's, some even have (gas) fireplaces).

I might suggest trying to find a way to do a Short (weekend) trip to a local campground as a "test". I realize it's not always possible, but if you can do it, I think it would be worthwhile. Certainly figuring out some of this things that you might not have otherwise (Like Pahunter pointed out in his "Other Considerations")

Either way, good luck. I am sure you will have an awesome time at WDW either way.

 

[amylevan]

I'm not familiar with the floorplans that those companies rent out, but I can tell you what the experience for spreading out is like in our fifth wheel.

We have a master bedroom, the main living space (kitchen/sofa/tv area) and a bunk room. Obviously our master sleeps 2, has ample storage and a door to give us privacy. Our bunk room sleeps 4 (2 sets of bunks), has more storage and a door for privacy. The main living space has a sofa bed that sleeps 2 and a dinette (that incidentally only seats 6, so if we ever used all 8 sleeping spaces, eating inside would be difficult). Anyone who sleeps on the sofa would have little to no privacy.

Our bathroom has limited storage space. But I've used the comfort stations at FW just to speed up morning showers to get to the park and they are PRISTINE. I would not hesitate to make everyone shower there if we were as full as you'd be.

We are only a family of 4, but on rainy days where we are stuck inside, it can be tight. But on your average day, no one is actually inside except to sleep.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

I would suggest you watch for a camping show in your area, there are lots of them in the winter months. Look the units over and pick a few you think would best fit your family and then look into renting. Most dealers at the shows also rent units.

There ever you choose........enjoy your vacation.

AKK

 

[PaHunter]

Ok, so we own a Keystone Bullet 251RBS, it is designed to sleep six. The trailer is 26 feet long and 8 feet wide for a total of 208 square feet. Our bathroom is approximately 32 square feet. Six people in 208 Square feet, thankfully we never have more than 4. Now the trailer happily accommodates the DW and I. We take the nephews camping ages 12 and 4, and it gets busy. The couch pulls out in to a bed, the 12 year old sleeps here, now if the DW or I need to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night we have to crawl over the couch and most likely wake the 12 year old to get there. The couch extends all the way to our kitchen cabinets. The 4 year old sleeps on the kitchen table when it is converted to a bed. He is fine there and it is out of the way. But every night after we are done, it is make the dinette in to a bed, pull the couch out. First thing in the morning it is put it all away, just so we can have breakfast. Then of course there is no storage space for their clothing so they bring their duffle bags, and we are constantly moving, and shifting them while in the trailer. As was mentioned when it rains, whoa, our couch is only big enough for 3, so someone ends up sitting at the table to watch tv, or all of us are at the table to play a board game.
We love to camp with them and have a good time, but it is a whole lot easier to camp in our trailer when it is just the two of us.
The only thing I can say is space is at a premium in a RV, TT, or 5er, no matter how big they are. Good luck to you with your decision.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

I would suggest you watch for a camping show in your area, there are lots of them in the winter months

.

1) Always a good option.
2) Another, is to view campers/RVs at The Fort.
3) As an example, stay in a cabin and stroll the "loops" (streets).
4) When you see an attractive camper/RV, as the people to view the inside.
. . . Fort campers are a strange breed
. . . they usually LOVE their units - new, old, small, big, bling, no bling
. . . most will gladly let you check the unit
. . . you can get a good idea of something you might like for the future

 

[KristinU]

.

1) Always a good option.
2) Another, is to view campers/RVs at The Fort.
3) As an example, stay in a cabin and stroll the "loops" (streets).
4) When you see an attractive camper/RV, as the people to view the inside.
. . . Fort campers are a strange breed
. . . they usually LOVE their units - new, old, small, big, bling, no bling
. . . most will gladly let you check the unit
. . . you can get a good idea of something you might like for the future

Frankly, I think there is less space in a cabin than in many 5ers. I'd be concerned about feeling squished with 8 in a single cabin.

But, yeah, you're absolutely right...if you get the right person (like me) they'll show you whatever you want to see RV-wise. I was always taking down and putting up the Aliner when we had it, and I've even paraded strangers through our class C at a gas station once!

 

[Boopuff]

I couldn't imagine staying a in trailer without having any prior experience. We own a 31' TT. It can sleep 9 but we've never tried that. You'd really be tripping all over each other. Also if you're renting make sure the TT comes with some basic living things: Toaster, dishes, pots/pans, toilet paper, dish soap etc. Owning one you have everything on board and all the little things too! The one time we had 7 adults but 4 slept in a tent next to the TT. I also think the cost of renting seems pricey! 1100 for 7 nights plus the cost of the site plus tickets....

 

[peg110]

I couldn't imagine staying a in trailer without having any prior experience.

True but you have to start somewhere.

We own a 31' TT. It can sleep 9 but we've never tried that. You'd really be tripping all over each other. Also if you're renting make sure the TT comes with some basic living things: Toaster, dishes, pots/pans, toilet paper, dish soap etc. Owning one you have everything on board and all the little things too! The one time we had 7 adults but 4 slept in a tent next to the TT. I also think the cost of renting seems pricey! 1100 for 7 nights plus the cost of the site plus tickets....

I was going to suggest the "Tent Too" option, but with 2 adults and 6 kids, you'd probably have to have 1 adult inside with some kids and one outside with the others to really make it work Also if it's a premium site, no good place for a tent.

That said, however, an outside "Shelter to give more (somewhat) protected space (from sun or light rain) is good too. When we were younger, my parents would take us kids (4 of us, 1 girl 3 boys) camping, but we didn't have any of the FANCY RVs they have today. We had totally primitive sites. We had a pop-up (could easily sleep 8). One of the wings (by the door) was for my Sister with a screen to pull across for privacy, My oldest brother slept on the other wing (both of which are about queen size) and me and my other brother slept in the center section that was the table that folds down to a bed (this was about the size of a super king). No toilet, no fridge, no electricity. Our light was either flashlights or good ole propane lanterns. Mom and dad slept in a CANVAS (actual canvas, not the fake stuff) tent and we also had a "Canvas" Shelter (canvas top with netting all around the sides) which we would put around the picnic table for our "dining Room/Kitchen".

Ah those were the days, Campfire, Propane, water from a jug and a hike down the dirt road to the comfort station through the mosquitoes for that 2 am Pee!

 

[North of Mouse]

DH and I have 6 kids--ages 12 to 6 years. 4 boys, 2 girls. We always stay deluxe at WDW--and boy is it expensive. We have stayed offisite and like the space, but the distance is tough. We have considered renting an RV --a big one--but just are unsure. Can you give us any suggestions if we go this route? Or will we just hate it being so close to each other and not having our own space? We really do enjoy having our own space so this makes me very unsure about an RV. Your thoughts? Thank you!!!

You've gotten some good advice already, but just remember the number of people tt's 'say' they sleep is usually waaayyy inflated. Yes, wall to wall beds with all but maybe one having to be made each day to give room to even walk! But, that would get old, plus the enjoyment factor would be close to zero for me. Having your own space would totally be a 'far out' dream! Harsh news, yes, but better to be prepared than thinking it would have room for playing, etc.

My advice would be to get the larger size trailer, but bump out the two oldest to a tent. They would enjoy that, and give you a little more room inside. Whatever you decide, have a great trip!

 

[FtW Mike]

As another poster said going to a nearby show that showcases a wide variety makes and models is a worthwhile trip to get an idea of what sort of size and floorplan will meet your needs. If you have a local dealer a trip here is also very worth the time. If they rent units even better. Going on a short 2 - 3 night trip can help prepare you for what to expect in advance.
Didn't see a referal for them but I hear no personal experience sorry but My RV Hotel.com has a good reputation

 

[cruising spud]

About twenty years ago, one of my co-workers came back from a week-long camping trip with a rental rv. He told me he, his wife, and three daughters had just returned from the best vacation ever. He wouldn't shut up about how much fun they had camping. So, the following year, when our family-my husband, myself and two of our daughters, ages two and fourteen, decided to head up to Maine for a week, renting an rv seemed the way to go.

And, while I loved everything about Maine, I hated everything about renting a camper. I took a solemn oath that I would never, ever again go on a camping trip.

Fast forward to twelve years ago when we bought our first rv. In those twelve years I have learned to love camping and now hate almost everything about hotel rooms.

But, I would hesitate to say that you and your family should go to Disney and stay in an rv. Why?

First, eight people is a lot of people to fit into an rv. Even a big rv. And, since you have never camped in an rv before, there is going to be a lot of stuff that you don't know about rvs and camping. And, that could absolutely ruin any trip, even a trip to Disney. How the systems work, where to put all of your stuff, how to fit all of the food into the pantry, even just where to keep everyone's shoes, takes a lot of trial and error.

I would suggest that you look inside a few rvs and try to envision your family living in one for a week or so.

Please, I'm not saying this couldn't work. But, I am saying to give it a lot of thought.

And, whatever you decide, best wishes.

 

[peg110]

I have to agree with @cruising spud . Not that you cannot or will not have a good time, just be aware 8 is a LOT for an RV. Close quarters and trips can sometimes elevate tempers.

Either way, I hope you have an awesome time.