Favorite Memory at the Fort?

[Us3]

My favorite memory at the Fort had to be while we were camping last April. It was fairly hot and humid all week and then the BIG chill that swept the nation blew in Friday night. My dd8 and I took a mother/daughter evening walk down to the launch to watch the fireworks from the beach. We grabbed a couple of lounge chairs and wrapped a blanket around both of us (while wearing jeans and t-shirts!). The wind was blowing about 40 mph, from the north, across the lake, and directly on us sitting on the beach. It was COLD in Florida (the wind chill was freezing!) We huddled together, laughed and peeped out of the blanket to watch the water lights parade. If one of us lost our grip on the blanet, it would launch in the wind like a parachute. We laughed and cuddled trying to keep our blanket from flying off of us, then watched the fireworks. My dd8 and I had the best time and it's a special memory that I will never forget.

So this is my favorite memory at FW...what is yours?

 

[lrab1126]

that is so sweet ! I will have to think about mine for a bit, i have several great memories

 

[campingcorgi]

Us3--love that story of you and your DD. You'll both always remember that.

Can't decide which is my favorite memory, but here is one of mine:

On our first ever rv trip to FW (we'd stayed in the cabins several times previously) we were in a borrowed travel trailer. Gunnar, the camping corgi, was not along. We were tucked in the trailer late one night when my sister (middle-aged, librarian, very straight-laced person) went out to get a round of cold drinks (not beer, you guys!) from the cooler. The next thing we knew my sister was standing on top of the picnic table shouting a 4-letter word repeatedly. We all rushed out laughing, thinking she was wearing the ice from the cooler. After we all calmed down we got the story--she had pulled the cooler out from under the edge of the tt and saw a little black nose pop out right behind it. She started to pet Gunnar, and then realized that he was back home in Tennessee!! Somehow she learned to fly when she met that raccoon!!

 

[stacktester]

Our best memory had to be the 1st time at the fort. DD and I were there for Thanksgiving weekend 2004 and went to all the parks. I took her to the Carousel of Progress and that song was stuck in our heads. I'm trying right now not to sing it as it will happen again lol. We rented a golf cart and were riding around looking at xmas decorations singing that song over and over. Even though we've now been 12 times to the fort I think the 1st is always special. I have pics of our camper on the site. It was a sad day leaving the fort. I will always remember that weekend. Probably the most fun since we started camping. We went down to the beach and saw the fireworks too and were freezing. DD brought this little blanket with horses on it about big enough for a crib lol and we were constantly pulling on it. There's just something great about making memories at the fort. I've traveled a lot and no other place is always on my mind like the fort.

 

[magical mommy]

My favorite memory was on the way to the Fort. It was our first time taking our new RV to Disney and we got to the main entrance to let us in Disney World and we took one of the inside lanes and while exiting the booth my husband was alittle to close on the passenger side and he nearly took out the whole booth!

The poor kid working at that booth nearly jumped two feet in the air (he was hanging outside trying to help us get through.)

Fortuntaly all the damage we had was a nice pink paint mark about 2 inches on the back side of our passenger mirror. But the rest of the trip all my husband kept saying was I can't believe I hit that booth!

 

[Us3]

Ah, I love hearing all of these stories. It's so hard to describe to non-Disney folks how easy it is to get "bit by the Disney bug". FW is undoubtedly one of the most special places on Disney property!

 

[ntsammy5]

Back in December 2001, we were visiting WDW for the first time at Christmas. We were staying at SOG, but my sister had her RV at FW (where I will stay in a few months) and we came back to the campground just about every night. I had been activated for the WTC and was really feeling depressed after an 8 week deployment to NYC. Driving around in the golf cart with DW, DSis and DBil, playing Christmas carols and looking at all the decorations was just what I needed. DSis just reminded me -- and drinking beer! Not exciting, but it's my favorite memory of FW.

 

[Mr Man]

I have been lurking on these boards for the last 2 years. Just finally found some time to start posting. Better late than never I suppose.

Our 1st visit to Fort Wilderness (btw the BEST campground in the world bar none) was in May 2004. We knew absolutely nothing about the campground other than what was on the Disney website, my brief conversation with CRO with assurance that DDP was included & a quick golf cart rental.

Our first full day turned out to be our "Immaculate Day of all Days". Here is what we did.

We (myself and 4yr old DS) got up and played with bunny rabbits outside our TT while DW got ready. Weather was absolutely perfect. Blue Sky, moderate temp avg 78degF day/58degF night.

Ate B-fast at Trail's End (paid OOP- newbys not dummies)

Went to Boat Dock. It was early so only the CR shuttle boat was running. We were the only ones on the boat. Got to "man the con". Took much pictures. DS got a pin (which we had no idea what it was-just said "um thanks" and pocketed it). BTW taking a boat/monorail to MK then riding the train is the coolest thing imaginable to DS. He actually enjoys this as much/more than some of the actual rides.

Took the Monorail around to MK. Sat in the front. DS got a pilot card of some sort & another pin (hey, these things are starting to pile up in my pocket).

Walked up to MK. Saw the train pull up with Mickey and Gang. Enjoyed the show and then made our way politely and reservedly through the turnstiles and into the park (Writer's embellishment.....we literally ran into the park.....got too excited......coffee high.......must get to Buzz Lightyear).

Rode Buzz. Got a free family picture. CM offered to send it to our resort. We graciously accept......and then proceed to ride Buzz 2 more times. Numerous rides etc etc.

Left MK and went to catch the boat. WARNING: following is not for weak stomachs (please ignore if easily offended): Boat departed from MK and 5 minutes into the ride, DS said he needed to "go potty". We told him, "just wait 10 minutes and you can go at Trail's End". He said ok. Next thing....we look down.........yup...... DOOKY!!!! Surprisingly, nobody noticed on the boat. We simply made an "unscheduled swim break" at the beach and continued on with our day.

Napped, swam, cruised around in our Golf Cart for a while. Kept finding cool stuff everywhere.

We grilled steaks at the campsite (my favorite), then went to Crockett's tavern for "adult refreshments" and finished off our night watching fireworks and the water light parade thingy (kind of hokey but in a good way methinks).

We decided before we went to sleep that this was only the first of many trips to Fort Wilderness (been 3 times since). Now all I need to do is pick out the perfect RV. To date, I have tried TT, Class A & tent......um, Class A is a clear winner but not in my budget for a while.

Nothing above is spectacular (or really out of the ordinary) but when combined made for a singular perfect day that I will always remember and will continue looking for on every trip I take to Disneyworld (except for the "incident" on the boat). Frankly, the idea that it was just a regular day and we were treated so well by CM, other campers etc is what sealed the deal.

Sorry so long. I type too fast.

 

[des1954]

We've been regulars at FW since 1974. Our first trip was our honeymoon in Oct 74, in a borrowed pop-up camper on the 400 loop. (Don't remember the site number).

Back then, the entire site was coquina shell (no pavement) and there were no paved side walks-they had "trails" with cypress mulch. There were Banty Roosters walking all over the place, and naturally, they crowed when the sun came up. I believe there were only 7 loops opened back then, but both Settlement & Meadow Trading Posts were there. Each morning a horse drawn chuck wagon went through the loops selling donuts, milk, eggs, bacon, sausage, cereal & whatever breakfast fare you wanted to cook or fix. I don't remember the prices being outlandish, either.

The very best thing at the Fort was the train!!! How I wish they still had that! There was a train depot in the area where the golf cart parking is for the Settlement Bus Depot, and another train depot where the Outpost bus depot is. At that time there was no charge for the train & you could just get on it and ride and ride and ride....

The entire cost for the week (6 nights, 7 days) was $300.00, and that included 5 days admission to the MK and a bunch of the various ride tickets (remember A,B,C,D & E tickets anyone?), the Polynesian Luau, brunch at the top of the Contemporary, and a bunch of miscellaneous meals and two hour rental of the little water boats. DH & I thought that was a FORTUNE!! But hey, it was our honeymoon!

We fell in love with FW on that very first trip! Even though we only live 30 miles from FW now, we still camp there as much as possible - and basically in 33 years, it's the only place we've camped at!

Ah....the memories!

 

[des1954]

"Now all I need to do is pick out the perfect RV. To date, I have tried TT, Class A & tent......um, Class A is a clear winner but not in my budget for a while."

Mr. Man....

You truly did have the perfect trip in 2004!!!

If I may be so bold to suggest that for a family, a Class C MH is probably the best option (IMHO). Class A's, while the largest and most luxurious, are really only designed for two adults. Class C's have the most family friendly options (bunk beds - cab-over bed, etc.) and they are very versitile and easy to drive and handle. My fav? A Winnebago!!! We've had every style of camping equipment except a 5er, and the class C is the best for kid-camping!

Another suggestion? Don't buy a new one! Let someone else take the beating on price! Just look for a clean, low-mileage, used rig. They are out there & can be had for a lot less than a new one! You will most certainly find a used one that is nice in an affordable price range.

Welcome to the addiction of Ft. Wilderness! It definitely spoils you and no other campground can even begin to compare!

Debbie

 

[Cndrsgrl]

I too have had many fond memories of camping at FW. I've always went with my parents and sister's family. Several years ago, we went for Christmas and New Year's. We had decided to spend New Year's Eve at EPCOT. I don't know if anyone remembers the 80,000+ people there but it was so packed. We had dinner ressies at Crown and had hoped to see the fireworks. Well, that didn't happen. The place just seemed to be so crowded and everyone was "too" happy.

We all agreed to leave and went to the beach at FW. Our kids were not happy but left with us. We watched the fireworks from the marina sitting on blankets and drinking hot chocolate. Everyone agreed later that was the best thing we could have ever done and really enjoyed our New Year's.

 

[Mr Man]

Debbie,

Quick hi-jack of thread to reply: We thought of the Class C as an excellent alternative. My only issue with motorhomes in general is they "feel" like bouncing, rolling, death-traps barreling down the hi-way. I just couldn't imagine (heaven forfend) a collision/impact in one of these behemoths while in motion. At least in a tow vehicle, we are all strapped in facing forward and have airbags galore (no plates hurtling towards the cranium there. I also have to factor in my overriding temptation to have the kids heat up hot-pockets in the microwave for me while I am taking a shower or watching movies and bouncing in the air in the back bedroom while DW & I Team drive maniacally all night to maximize time at Disneyworld..... I know I sound like a kill-joy and am probably overstating the risk. I'm actually quite reckless in non-freeway related situations (and have numerous dents in my noggin to prove it)

We will keep looking. Agreed on used RV provided somebody like me didn't "use" it first. In the meantime, we are planning on joining DVC in the near future to take the edge off of our RV indecisiveness. I will still have to have my Spring Breaks at Fort wilderness though. Absolutely love that time of year.

back to thread-

Thanks for your kind words. This is a very friendly message board. Looking forward to more stories.

Can't get the quotey thingies to work. Will go play with the interface on a test thread.

 

[ntsammy5]

Can't get the quotey thingies to work. Will go play with the interface on a test thread.

​

Mr Man,

It's fairly easy. You'll get the hang of it. Debbie has lots of opinions she always has! Sometimes she's even right! BTW where is Spring TX?

 

[kimluvswdw]

My favorite memory at the Fort is when we pull up to the entrance of the camp and see the Fort Wilderness sign.

 

[Mr Man]

​

Mr Man,

It's fairly easy. You'll get the hang of it. Debbie has lots of opinions she always has! Sometimes she's even right! BTW where is Spring TX?

ntsammy5,

In that case, let's try the quote function again. WOOHOO!

Spring is a large unincorporated area (suburban) directly North of Houston. It is one of the few parts of Houston that still has trees (6 to be exact) hehe.

BTW Rangers do lead the way! I was a Cav Trooper in my youth and worked often with "leg" Rangers (LRSD). Enjoyed every bit of it. I was at Pointe du Hoc a few years back during D-Day commemorations. It was striking the level of interaction and respect between the WW2 vets (who are so few now) and active duty personnel attending.

Debbie had good advice for me. This board is great.

Regards,

 

[festus105]

Best memory... when I was a kid my first WDW trip was in 1974 and we stayed at the Fort. It was great! Everything was brand new. The best part was the train... too bad it's gone. My other favorite memory was the marshmellow roast and movie at the Fort... in fact I remember more about the Fort than I do about visiting WDW.

Ken C.

 

[Us3]

...in fact I remember more about the Fort than I do about visiting WDW.

Ken C.

Funny that you mention this. We've made camping at FW our new spring break family tradition. This is a week we plan on spending at FW, not so much in the parks. There is so much to do and also so nice to have down time....no late evenings (unless we're checking out the fireworks on the beach), no waiting in lines...just good family fun at the Fort! Hopefully it'll be memories that our girls remember as much as we do!

 

[Matty_Disfan]

My favorite memory was in May 2003 when my wife and I went (prior to our engagement) for 10 days. One night we cracked some beers and donned our swim-trunks and headed over to the Meadow pool, the banjo music was still playing on the outdoor speakers (one of my favorite things about the meadow area) and we dipped into the pool, splashed around, sipped at our beers and just enjoyed each other's company safe in the knowledge that tomorrow would be another amazing, fast-paced day of fun and rides.

We are heading back when our children are 5 and 6 and we'll be making a WHOLE different set of memories then and maybe, just maybe, we'll look back on this time as lonely without them.....

However we'll more than likely look back at the peace and solitude fondly. It's a special place, that's for sure.

 

[Conan the Librarian]

Us3--love that story of you and your DD. You'll both always remember that.

Can't decide which is my favorite memory, but here is one of mine:

On our first ever rv trip to FW (we'd stayed in the cabins several times previously) we were in a borrowed travel trailer. Gunnar, the camping corgi, was not along. We were tucked in the trailer late one night when my sister (middle-aged, librarian, very straight-laced person) went out to get a round of cold drinks (not beer, you guys!) from the cooler. The next thing we knew my sister was standing on top of the picnic table shouting a 4-letter word repeatedly. We all rushed out laughing, thinking she was wearing the ice from the cooler. After we all calmed down we got the story--she had pulled the cooler out from under the edge of the tt and saw a little black nose pop out right behind it. She started to pet Gunnar, and then realized that he was back home in Tennessee!! Somehow she learned to fly when she met that raccoon!!

HEY! We librarians know all the right words, we just use them only in the right situations.

I have several favorite memories of the fort. Sitting at the front row center table of Hoop-de-do interacting with the folk on stage is one. Laying in the tent trying to go to sleep but can't because I can hear the sounds of the train and the Liberty Belle over at the Magic Kingdom. The Christmas music playing on the trail to Pioneer Hall.

It's a great place!

 

[LegoMom3]

My favorite memory is from when my DH and I went there pre-kids - it was the first and only time we did this (I was actually about 3 mos. along with our 1st!). We were tenting in the 800 loop, and one night we had turned in kind of early and we fell asleep listening to the Electrical Water Pageant music! It was neat to be in the tent and be able to hear that. To this day when I hear that music, I think of that trip. The other great memory from that trip was going to the Hoop-de-Doo, and we got this great little table for two right up near the front! It was a very special trip, just the two of us. Gonna be a while before that happens again!