First Time Camper....

[mdacko]

hi all. this is my sister and i's first time camping at FW. We've always stayed with our parents at the grand floridian, but since this is our first trip by ourselves, FW was more within our budget.

we shipped down a box of supplies early this week, food, tarp, sleeping bags, cooking supplies, etc. we're carrying the tent on the plane. im a little nervous since im not really a camper to begin with, and im used to the luxury/conveniece of the GF

if anyone could help me out with a few questions it'd be greatly appreciated.

i read that there are buses within the campsites just to take you to the bus that goes to the MK. is the campsite too big to walk across?

how long is the boat ride from FW to MK? how often to the boats pick up??

are the prices really high at the little convenience stores? we were gonna pick up some hot dogs, lunch meat, milk etc, just wondering what to expect.

how private are each of the campsites? can you see your neighbors or is it pretty surrounded? im assuming theres a firepit on the site, correct?


is the mickeys back yard bbq worth the 40$? it sounds great, unlimited food/beer, but it would mean missing a night at one of the parks.

ok i think thats it for now....wish me luck, i'll be there in 6 days!

 

[Jeff Spencer]

i read that there are buses within the campsites just to take you to the bus that goes to the MK. is the campsite too big to walk across?

how long is the boat ride from FW to MK? how often to the boats pick up??

are the prices really high at the little convenience stores? we were gonna pick up some hot dogs, lunch meat, milk etc, just wondering what to expect.

how private are each of the campsites? can you see your neighbors or is it pretty surrounded? im assuming theres a firepit on the site, correct?


is the mickeys back yard bbq worth the 40$? it sounds great, unlimited food/beer, but it would mean missing a night at one of the parks.

ok i think thats it for now....wish me luck, i'll be there in 6 days!

The campground is big. From the entrance where one checks in to the marina area it's approximately 1.25 miles. Going to the MK, I would recommend you take the boat from the Fort Wilderness marina to the marina in front of the MK. Board a Purple, Yellow or Orange Settlement bus which will take you from your bus stop to the Settlement Depot bus stop. From there it's an easy 2-3 minute walk to the marina.

The boat ride takes anywhere from 11 to 15 minutes, depending on traffic and stops. Boats generally depart every 15 to 20 minutes.

The grocery prices at the Settlement and Meadows Trading Post are really high on some things and not so bad on others. Here are prices I wrote down during our trip last Spring:

1/2 gallon milk - 2.95
1/2 gallon OJ - 3.60
2 liter soda - 3.50
6 pack sodas - 5.85
6 pack beer - 8.40
1 can beer - 2.00
Bottle of Ecco Domani Pino Grigio - 11.00
Bottle of Kendall Jackson Chardonnay - 14.00
Bottle of Beringer White Zinfandel - 8.00
6 pack Smirnoff Ice - 20.45 (YIKES! )
6 pack Corona beer - 12.78
loaf bread - 2.79
Hot dog buns - 1.99
Hamburger buns - 1.99
Can of Spaghetti and meatballs - 1.89
Campbell's soup - 1.35
11.5 oz bag of BBQ potato chips - 2.99
Tombstone frozen pizza - $5.50
Bagels - 3.16
English muffins - 2.79
Bologna - 2.25
Ham (8 oz) - 4.98
Pack of hot dogs - 3.95
Sliced cheese - 2.95
Dozen eggs - 1.39
8 oz bacon - 2.99
11 oz box of Fruit Loops - 4.69
7 oz box of Special K - 3.59
15 oz box of Frosted Flakes - 5.35
16 oz spaghetti - 1.75
14 oz jar of Prego spaghetti sauce - 2.15

Privacy on campsites is pretty good but can vary. There's a fair bit of space between sites too which helps. If you get a site that seems unsuitable to you don't hesitate to go back to the check-in area and ask if something else is available. Campfires are not allowed at the campsites, except in the Group Primitive camping area. There are BBQ grills at each site. You must supply your own charcoal, lighter, etc.

I've not done Mickey's Backyard BBQ myself but from what I have heard from others, it's probably more suited towards families with kids. Of coures if those in your party are big character fans, it may be just the ticket for you!

Good luck!

 

[mdacko]

wow $3.50 for a 2liter!!

good thing we shipped a few down. i didnt realize there werent fires allowed on each site. guess we wont be making any smores....do you happen to know if they sell charcoal/lighter fluid there or do we bring our own. i dont think the airline would like finding lighter fluid in my suitcase....

 

[clkelley]

Yes, they do sell charcoal/lighter fluid at the Trading Posts.

One thing you might check out is www.wegoshop.com. For a small fee, they will go shopping at the store of your choice and deliver your groceries/supplies to you at Ft. Wilderness. The savings by having them shop at Wal-Mart or Publix should more than make up for the fee!

Also, if you want to roast s'mores, take your supplies over to the nightly campfire, sing-a-long, and Disney Movie and roast to your hearts content!!!

This is held every night at dusk near the Meadows Trading Post, Bike Barn. It is directly across from the 1500 Loop.

Carol