First time tent camping @ FW

[MrsRideGuru]

We just booked our campsite at FW for the end of July and we are planning on using tents (unless a miracle happens and we find a popup) for 5 nights. What are some suggestions of what we should bring? This is our first time camping as a family besides in our backyard. There's 4 of us (3 adults/1 child age 6). I know the basics of camping, I went a lot when I was younger, but that was many moons ago. Thanks for all the help!

 

[snowmedic]

For tent camping at Disney the end of July, I would bring a portable A/C if you have room in your tent. I was there in Oct. a couple years ago and a good friend brought his down for me to us and it was much needed and appreciated. Before that we would use satin sheets and have 2 fans.

 

[MrsRideGuru]

I believe our tent has an A/C boot so we are planning on utilizing it. We hope to bust out the tent for an inspection and seam seal next weekend so I'll have a better idea if it does have a boot. Sadly, the tent hasn't been used in 3 years and I can't remember all the luxuries it has.

 

[bama_ed]

Mrs,

I see you are from the Florida Panhandle area so you understand summer weather in Florida (even Central FL). I admit I'm not a fan of Disney in summers (one look at my signature and you won't see a Fort stay in June-Aug). The Fort is a great place to tent camp but in July, no - not for me.

Yeah, check that tent for seam leaks and keep cool in July. Good luck!

Bama Ed

 

[MrsRideGuru]

Mrs,

I see you are from the Florida Panhandle area so you understand summer weather in Florida (even Central FL). I admit I'm not a fan of Disney in summers (one look at my signature and you won't see a Fort stay in June-Aug). The Fort is a great place to tent camp but in July, no - not for me.

Yeah, check that tent for seam leaks and keep cool in July. Good luck!

Bama Ed

Bama Ed,

We are originally from Saint Cloud (10+ years there) so we fully understand the heat of Central FL. Spoke to DS, who bought the tent, he says we have 2 A/C boots so we will be bringing window shakers. That should help with the heat otherwise I think it would be too hot.

Thanks

 

[North of Mouse]

Window shakers??? Had to look up that term as I'd never heard it before! Too funny!

 

[Scherzermk]

Not trying to steal the thread, but what size a.c. would you recommend? Will the homemade ice box kind do any good for nights?

 

[bama_ed]

Bama Ed,

We are originally from Saint Cloud (10+ years there) so we fully understand the heat of Central FL. Spoke to DS, who bought the tent, he says we have 2 A/C boots so we will be bringing window shakers. That should help with the heat otherwise I think it would be too hot.

Thanks

That's a relief. Maybe twice in the last few years, we have had the new Fort Wilderness guests who tent camped during their summer vacation but HATED it because it was so hot/muggy/humid/wet during their stay and come on to the Camping Forum. But if you are prepared and have a plan, it's doable.

Sounds like you have a plan so I bet you'll have a great time!

Bama Ed

 

[MrsRideGuru]

Window shakers??? Had to look up that term as I'd never heard it before! Too funny!

North,

Really? I've only ever called them window shakers. What do you call them?

Not trying to steal the thread, but what size a.c. would you recommend? Will the homemade ice box kind do any good for nights?

Scherzermk,

We are using a/c units we already own, as for a homemade ice box I'm not sure because I've never made one so I don't know how efficient one is. Hopefully someone else can answer your question.

That's a relief. Maybe twice in the last few years, we have had the new Fort Wilderness guests who tent camped during their summer vacation but HATED it because it was so hot/muggy/humid/wet during their stay and come on to the Camping Forum. But if you are prepared and have a plan, it's doable.

Sounds like you have a plan so I bet you'll have a great time!

Bama Ed

Bama Ed,

Yes, that is the biggest thing about summers in Central FL, you have to have a plan. The summers are so unpredictably predictable (it will rain in the afternoon, just don't know how long) that without planning for such a thing I can see it ruining a trip. Thanks for the confidence.

 

[amcc]

A tarp over the tent to protect from rain is helpful. I camp in a popup in July and I've seen more than a few tents collapsed while the owners were away because rain was collecting on it.

 

[MrsRideGuru]

A tarp over the tent to protect from rain is helpful. I camp in a popup in July and I've seen more than a few tents collapsed while the owners were away because rain was collecting on it.

Thank you amcc I have added tarps to our list.

 

[North of Mouse]

North,

Really? I've only ever called them window shakers. What do you call them?

Guess we always said 'window AC's' or 'window AC units'!! Funny how different regions use different common names for the same thing! Just struck my funny bone, I guess!