First time at WDW, Staying at the Fort Feb 1-5

[Jon Paul]

First time going to WDW from Fe 1-5 2016. Staying at the fort in a tent site. I'm flying in and just want to bring the basics, its just me camping by my self. How packed is the Fort during the "off season" and how bad is the transportation both with in the camp ground and from the camp ground to the parks? Early in the morning are the bussess packed with people trying to be there right at the start?

In general are there any does or don'ts that might not be apparent for camping at the Fort? Since I don't have a car, if I end up taking anything I don't want to just leave in the tent are there lockers there on site or another way to secure them? Also since I'm flying in on that monday morning if my site is not ready is there a place I can store my luggage so I can still go to one of the parks? And is the Boat to the Magic Kingdom from there faster than the bus? Or do people do it just because its a nice expierience? Sort of off topic, but since i'm going by my self are there single person meet and great type events on the property any where?

Thanks for all the help!!!

 

[G719]

If you arrive before your site is ready, bell services can store your luggage. It's located on the side of the check in building.
We were at the fort Nov 14-21 which is supposed to be an off season week but it was still fairly busy. The internal busses run very frequently and you do not wait long at a stop before 1 shows up. We always took the boat to the MK. One morning we had a pre park opening reservation so we took the resort boat to the contemporary and walked over. We did not find the morning busses to the other parks to be over run with people. We never had to wait for a 2nd bus for a certain park and we rarely had to stand. I don't know about securing your things at the tent site. I suppose bell services may keep things for you but you'll have to check on that.
Enjoy your trip!

 

[tltay2005]

I am an AP and Feb is one of the slower times (if there really is one) at the parks. Unfortunately, there is no lockers. We have a camper, but my sister's family tent camps (we go about 3 times a year) and have never had a problem with anyone messing with their stuff. She brings zip ties and "locks" the zipper before going off for the day. Secure no, but any deterrent is better than none. If someone has to have a knife or scissors to steal your stuff, they are more likely not to. i think that the boat is faster, but that's just my opinion. You can always rent a cart or bicycle, which would allow you to skip the internal buses, which will save you time. Good luck and have fun.

 

[2goofycampers]

There are small lock boxes at the front desk to store valuables. I
There is also a Disney for adults and solo travelers forum on the Dis. They have meet threads there. Have fun!

 

[ilovedisneymm]

By flying in I assume you are bringing your own tent and blankets and not much beyond that.

You can purchase a small styrofoam cooler and other misc items at the Meadows and Settlement (little shops there at Fort Wilderness).

Theft has never been a problem for us.

 

[Bearikens]

Welcome to the DIS boards! You've chosen to camp at the best campground in the United States and for most of us, the single most important place to be in all the world! I've tent camped at the Fort multiple times and flown in with camping gear a couple of times and my best advise is to pack small, but efficiently. Here are some of my points of advice that I like to pass on to first time tent campers at the Fort. 1) tent sites have electricity and water, so your options related to light and cooking expand (not dependent upon propane or batteries). 2) the campground can be very dark after sunset, so plan on bringing a small flashlight (LED preferred) and some kind of exterior light(s) for your campsite (I like Christmas lights connected to a timer OR solar walkway lights) which are really nice when you are returning from the parks or comfort station after dark. 3) having something other than the picnic table to sit on is really nice (we've brought those folding camp stools). 4) anticipate rain, so plan on needing an umbrella and/or raincoat (raincoat can also double as warm jacket when the sun goes down). 5) ensure your tent has fresh waterproofing. 6) enjoy as much time as you can in the campground, there are a LOT of activities for almost any taste. 7) comfort stations not only have restrooms, but they have laundry, showers, house telephone, and newspaper machines.

I hope you have a great trip, let us know how it goes, and post photos too!