First time tent camping? Good idea

[growinupdisney]

well, we sold our popup a couple of years ago and have just been staying onsite hotels in WDW, but I'm really wanting to head back to the fort we are planning on going during the week after Easter again this year but have never just had tents. Is this a good idea? Weather wise in late april first of May? Thought about getting a large screen room and putting tents inside for extra protection if it rains. Im trying to convince my DH this will work he loves FW especially likes staying there vs hotels but he isnt so sure about just having tents! So help me convince that it will be ok!

 

[Born 2 Fish]

My answer to your question,

"Yes",,,,,,,

hope that convinces your husband.

 

[ftwildernessrick]

Weather is always an unknown factor.

The extra protection with a large screen room is a good idea, or a good tarp well secured above the tents.

Buy your set up & test it out first to make sure it does what you want it to. Be sure to put some extra water repellant on the seems, etc.

 

[KristinU]

I think I'd look into a pop-up rental (or some other camper rental) if I were in your shoes. So prior to the PUP you didn't do any tenting? To be honest, getting a comfortable, good night's sleep in a tent takes a while to get dialed in as far as setup and gear goes...at least for me and my aging bones Which was one of the reasons we decided to get our lil pop-up camper a few years ago.

Not saying it can't be done, I just feel like if you're just planning on buying gear for a single trip, you might be better served renting a camper.

 

[MICKEYLOVINMOMOF5]

I spent a week in October with 4 kids in a tent and it was perfect! I honestly do not know about the weather in April, however we will be there the 10th through the 16th and if you do find a canopy big enough to cover a tent I'd love to know. This was also my first camping experience AND my first trip to Fort Wilderness. We had an awesome time, slept like babies everynight. Check out my trip report (I'm sorry I dont know how to link it) to see my set up. It took a little work to get everything the way I wanted it but I'm convined I'll never do another hotel room at Disney again!

 

[growinupdisney]

I think I'd look into a pop-up rental (or some other camper rental) if I were in your shoes. So prior to the PUP you didn't do any tenting? To be honest, getting a comfortable, good night's sleep in a tent takes a while to get dialed in as far as setup and gear goes...at least for me and my aging bones Which was one of the reasons we decided to get our lil pop-up camper a few years ago.

Not saying it can't be done, I just feel like if you're just planning on buying gear for a single trip, you might be better served renting a camper.

We already have the tents and other equipment we always use them in the past our kids liked to sleep in the tents but we always had the popup incase the weather was bad they could get into for cover. we have blowup matresses etc. so being comfortable is not what I a worried about because we have tent camped before just not for a week and in rain....(which is what I was worried about) and maybe alot of wind with the rain!

 

[growinupdisney]

I spent a week in October with 4 kids in a tent and it was perfect! I honestly do not know about the weather in April, however we will be there the 10th through the 16th and if you do find a canopy big enough to cover a tent I'd love to know. This was also my first camping experience AND my first trip to Fort Wilderness. We had an awesome time, slept like babies everynight. Check out my trip report (I'm sorry I dont know how to link it) to see my set up. It took a little work to get everything the way I wanted it but I'm convined I'll never do another hotel room at Disney again!

I went back and looked at your set up!! and saw you had some concerns about the crowd levels just wanted to let you know since my oldest dd got in high school we had no choice but to go during spring break, the last 3 years have been during Easter and before that usually we went in Nov. I really enjoy spring break, weather has always been nice and crowds have been high but if you go at rope drop you can usually have everyhing done by 2 or 3 we have NEVER waited in line more than 20 min for a ride and I have been to disney 30+++++ times.

 

[AuburnJen92]

We have one of these screen houses. It is wonderful and huge and not that much money. This spring we will waterproof it as well. We have actually sat in it during a rainstorm and it is not that terribly bad.

http://formosacovers.com/20ftx12ft-beige-screen-house-back-instock-p-72.html

 

[ilovemickeymost]

I loved my tent experience @WDW. Am doing it again in May. My biggest suggestion is having air mattresses. Didn't last time & it was like sleeping on the street. Also, there really isn't anywhere to put your luggage. Our tent is bigger than we need. Half is used as clothing storage & changing area & the other for sleeping.

 

[clkelley]

...........

 

[KristinU]

We already have the tents and other equipment we always use them in the past our kids liked to sleep in the tents but we always had the popup incase the weather was bad they could get into for cover. we have blowup matresses etc. so being comfortable is not what I a worried about because we have tent camped before just not for a week and in rain....(which is what I was worried about) and maybe alot of wind with the rain!

Ahh, gotcha. I misunderstood your title and original post. In that case, I agree with everyone else that your idea of a screen room, or at least an ez-up type awning would be a great thing to bring along.

 

[mikeymouse1]

You'll be fine!!!April is usually pretty mild

 

[Ginamarie]

I'd totally do it! In fact, we're planning to do the same thing this summer. We couldn't afford to take a WDW vacation next year until I looked into driving and tent camping. Now we're planning to come down for two weeks!

We've tent camped before, so I know we'll be fine, and the campground is beautiful. We're going to set up a large tent as well as a screenhouse and another open sided tent to keep some camping gear under while we're outside that will be shaded.

Have a great time!

 

[Sheepdog23]

we spent many years in a tent at the fort, sometimes even in January, and enjoyed it. I know that it was easier back then if it rained because the contemporary had a huge game room and movie theater, but you can make it work. I would definitely have air mattresses as a pp said and bring the screen house or a tarp, and a clothesline. Check out your site when you get there to make sure that it doesn't look like there is a spot where the rain gathers, and then if it does start to rain, it is easy to dig small drainage canals to lead the water away with just a kids shovel. we survived several years in a tent and loved it, I am sure you guys will have a great time. one tip is that we did put up a small tent for all of our luggage so we had more space in the tent and it was easier to keep the sides free if it rained.

 

[arielmomma]

We tent camped at FW in July with 2 small children and no A/C and still had an absolutely wonderful experience. We are heading back in 3 weeks.

If you have the equipment, you'll be fine. As for rain, there were several pretty good downpours while we were there and we didn't have any troubles with just our tent (no extra tarps or canopies). We did seal it before we went, of course.

You should be fine. I say go for it. You'll have a great time.

 

[djblu883]

go for it you will have a blast! extra waterproofing is improtant and a screen tent is a nice addition! I'd also suggest you get some totes for your gear you take along as well. Have a magical trip!