First timer at the Fort

[landryfam]

We are planning a trip in November to camp at the Fort. Each trip we have visited and said "next trip will be in the camper"... This time we are sticking to the plan

I have browsed thru the forum looking at pictures but was curious if anyone could give advice from their own experience.
Wondering if we can book a full hookup site.... We have 34ft 5th wheel with 2 slides and awning. Not going to set up tent. F250 truck
Certain full hookup loop better?

Thanks for the help!

 

[peg110]

I am pretty sure you can book that and get it, you just may not have a "PAD" (Concrete) to fit the entire 5er on. This generally isn't issue unless you need the sandy area for a tent. Just make sure you tell them when you book the size of your 5er so they can accommodate you.

 

[bama_ed]

landryfam,

I noticed you used the small letter "f" in the phrase "full hookup". I am not sure if you mean full as in electricity-water-sewer-catv/internet or the category of campsite at the Fort called "Full".

There are 4 categories of campsites (in order of pricing cheapest to most expensive): Tent, Full, Preferred, and Premium. All are equipped the same for hookups except the Tent sites do not have a sewer hookup. The other three have the sewer hookup. Full and Preferred are the same except for their location in the Fort (Preferred is down by the beach). Premiums are extra wide, extra deep, and can handle the biggest rigs. Based on what I've heard here, your set-up would fit in a Full/Preferred or Premium.

So Thanksgiving, huh? Have you secured a reservation? I plugged in arriving Sunday Nov 20, 2016 and departing Sunday Nov 27, 2016 and it showed no availability. Your dates may be different and you might get availability if you don't have a reservation already. If you don't have a reservation, keep trying. Even now there is turnover - some folks shooting for Halloween next year got no availability but kept trying and got one recently.

Bama Ed

 

[peg110]

Our trip will be for Thanksgiving 2016 as well (F-250 with 27' TT) but we already have our reservations (checking in November 24th and checking out on December 2. We love being there during this time of year. Plus, I celebrate my birthday during that time. This trip will be my third birthday at WDW.

 

[landryfam]

Thanks for quick replies
We are planning Nov 12-19. Full hookup meaning electricity/water/sewer. Just wanna make sure our rig can fit in the "full hookup" loops... Didn't know if needed to book a premium site based on size of camper.

Any advice on loop (1600-1900) or site selection?

I looked online yesterday and site had avail spots... Knew I should ask for advice here before booking. Thanks again!

 

[landryfam]

Our trip will be for Thanksgiving 2016 as well (F-250 with 27' TT) but we already have our reservations (checking in November 24th and checking out on December 2. We love being there during this time of year. Plus, I celebrate my birthday during that time. This trip will be my third birthday at WDW.

This will be our first time going in November. From what I hear the weather is nice that time of year!

 

[bama_ed]

Glad you have availability on your dates. The T-giving assumption was mine.

You don't need a Premium unless you want to pay for one.

My advice to people who ask about loops is "get what you want".

Want to be near the boat dock to MK? Get a Preferred - it's a short walk to the boat. I'm currently in a "Preferred" phase (been through a Tent and Premium phase already ) We go to the MK mostly and like the hubbub down by Trails End.

Want to be around the center of the Fort near the big Meadow Trading Post, main pool, and campfire/movie setting? Get a Premium as most loops in the center are Premiums.

Want a quiet, secluded, off-the-beaten path campsite? Full loops fit that description mostly (a few sites are waterfront along a canal - very scenic).

So it depends on what you want - reserve the site type that appeals to you. Of course there are "stretches" in each category: Full sites not far from the pool, Premiums not far from the boat dock, etc.

When early checkin becomes available to you 60 days before checkin, that's where you can specify a request for a specific loop number, or near a Comfort Station, or near an internal bus stop, or things like that. Don't get too hung up on specific sites because you can only get assigned an empty site, not a favorite that somebody might still be on. When you arrive at the Fort and REALLY want to ask about a site or two, you can ask then if it is available.

Bama Ed

 

[landryfam]

Glad you have availability on your dates. The T-giving assumption was mine.

You don't need a Premium unless you want to pay for one.

My advice to people who ask about loops is "get what you want".

Want to be near the boat dock to MK? Get a Preferred - it's a short walk to the boat. I'm currently in a "Preferred" phase (been through a Tent and Premium phase already ) We go to the MK mostly and like the hubbub down by Trails End.

Want to be around the center of the Fort near the big Meadow Trading Post, main pool, and campfire/movie setting? Get a Premium as most loops in the center are Premiums.

Want a quiet, secluded, off-the-beaten path campsite? Full loops fit that description mostly (a few sites are waterfront along a canal - very scenic).

So it depends on what you want - reserve the site type that appeals to you. Of course there are "stretches" in each category: Full sites not far from the pool, Premiums not far from the boat dock, etc.

When early checkin becomes available to you 60 days before checkin, that's where you can specify a request for a specific loop number, or near a Comfort Station, or near an internal bus stop, or things like that. Don't get too hung up on specific sites because you can only get assigned an empty site, not a favorite that somebody might still be on. When you arrive at the Fort and REALLY want to ask about a site or two, you can ask then if it is available.

Bama Ed

thanks for the awesome advice!

 

[tiggerdad]

You can cover the sandpad with outdoor carpet to cut back on the loose material in your camper. We keep two 20 foot long by 8 foot wide rolls for when we camp at locations that have gravel/sand. We just park the camper then roll out the carpet to cover the area in front of the camper. In this case you can back the camper in then cover the sandpad and just leave the pavement uncovered.

We did that same week in 2012. We came in and the Fort was dressed for fall, they completely changed it over to Christmas by our third day.

 

[peg110]

This will be our first time going in November. From what I hear the weather is nice that time of year!

The November is nice. Both times we went in November (late November into Early December) we had a broad range of weather. We had days we could swim (comfortably) and other days where if you didn't wear a sweatshirt, you'd regret it. Nothing totally unbearable though.

Didn't need the AC too much at night though. Had some nights where we definitely needed the heater. My advise to anyone going to Florida, is to be prepared for just about anything. Bring some "Light" and some "Heavy" clothes. No need to bring one of each for every day either. I think a "Layered" approach is best. Light clothes with warmer that can be pulled over top, and you should be good.

 

[landryfam]

Ok so I've been looking at the maps and not sure just how far things are spread out... I know the fort is rather big. Unsure of distance between areas..

Suggestions please... Pet loop near pool/campfire. Yes I need a site to fit the camper size but most important to me is my kids near the entertainment. What y'all think?

Guess yalls opinion will help me decide on full or premium

 

[PaHunter]

Fort is about a mile end to end. We were in the 1400 loop last year with our nephew, and it was a nice 5-10 minute walk to the pool, sing a long, and the bus stop was right out front. It was about a 15-20 minute walk to Trails End, Boat Dock from 1400. And the site was huge, had plenty of room for trailer and tow vehicle on site.

 

[JETS70]

Ok so I've been looking at the maps and not sure just how far things are spread out... I know the fort is rather big. Unsure of distance between areas..

Suggestions please... Pet loop near pool/campfire. Yes I need a site to fit the camper size but most important to me is my kids near the entertainment. What y'all think?

Guess yalls opinion will help me decide on full or premium

We stayed in the 900 loop and really liked it. It is a premium loop almost directly across from the Meadows Trading Post. Premium sites offer ample room for most RV's. (Room for slides, awnings and tow vehicle).Very short walk to the Meadows trading post area for adults and young kids alike. Here you can pick up supplies that you may have forgotten or run low on. They also sell "full" bags of ice. (Beware of the ice machines at the comfort stations as they don't always give you a full bag). Also a short easy walk to the Meadows pool and Chip and Dales Campfire Sing-a-long.

We have also stayed in the 100 and 200 loop which are preferred loops along with 300. These sites are somewhat smaller with less concrete and a sand pad at the rear of the site and could create an issue for bigger rigs with slides and awnings. They are nice due to being close to the boat launch to the MK. Close to Trails End and in a word "YUM"!! There is also a small playground next to the Trails End porch that offers the adults a nice break in a rocking chair (a favorite pastime of many Fort goers. There is a thread dedicated to sitting in the rocking chairs. http://www.disboards.com/threads/kickin-it-at-the-fort.3395574/ ) while watching their kids play. The Settlement Trading Post and Hoop De Doo are also located here for souvenirs, supplies and dinner show. We Always enjoyed walking down to the beach in the evening and finding a place to sit and watch the MK fireworks and the water pageant parade.

We enjoyed both type Sites. As stated earlier when making reservations, make sure you give them information such as length, slides and awnings on your rig.

 

[peg110]

We also stayed in the 1400 Loop (Thanksgiving 2014) and it's location (for us) was ideal. A 5 minute walk to the Campfire/movie location, just a little further down the path to the pool (bike and canoe rental as well) and just a bit further to the Meadows. I don't know if the 1400 loop is designated as a "Pet Loop" (okay, all loops "COULD" be a pet loop if WDW deems it necessary, but I don't know if it's primarily designated as a pet loop), as we did not have our pet with us on that trip. In 2012, we were in the 300 loop (this one IS pet friendly). It was closer to the Tradingpost and Trails End, but further from the Pool, campfire, meadows, etc...

Nothing is really all that unbearable of a distance. I suppose it's all perspective. I can tell you one time we took the internal bus to go to the boat dock (from the 1400 loop) to make RD. I realized after I got off the bus that I didn't have my Magic Band. Took a bus back to the meadows (as it was just getting ready to leave the Settlement) got off, ran past the pool to my campsite (1401) got my MB, and went back out to try and see if a bus was coming back to the Settlement. None was there or coming so I walked (and ran) to try and catch up to the rest of the family waiting for the boat. I managed to make this round trip in about 10 minutes (or so) and could meet back up with the family before the boat got there.

 

[bama_ed]

Ok so I've been looking at the maps and not sure just how far things are spread out... I know the fort is rather big. Unsure of distance between areas..

Suggestions please... Pet loop near pool/campfire. Yes I need a site to fit the camper size but most important to me is my kids near the entertainment. What y'all think?

Guess yalls opinion will help me decide on full or premium

Ok that's what we need: pet proximity to campfire/pool.

Based on that I would go Premium and recommend loops 600 or 900.

Premium loops are 400-1400.

Of those, Pet Premium loops are 400-900 IIRC.

600 is next to the Meadow TP on the pond (many waterfront sites there). Many of those sites are in the open (little shade) but that should not be an issue in November.

I have stayed in 900 for the reasons Jets70 laid out above. Shaded, small, bus stop at the entrance, with a Comfort Station, and across the street from the Meadow TP.

So that's my opinion - worth what you paid for it.

Bama Ed

 

[peg110]

worth what you paid for it.

I'd pay double that!

 

[tiggerdad]

We had the 900 loop this past October and will for sure request it again. It was very easy walk to the pool and Meadows. To get to the outdoor movie you simply walked just a short piece down the sidewalk and cut through the 600 loop and over the bridge and there you were. Speaking of 600 loop, you might as well say it is just as good.

I've stayed in the 1400 loop and it is very easy access to the movie. The trade off is a little further to the pool, but the walk is by no means long. I personally did not like the Little Bear Loop as getting around that thing with the other campers vehicles was a "real bear".


Actually, Ed's opinion is worth more than you would think. In fact, I won't be surprised to see a sales tax placed on it or even find it listed in Forbes or Fortune 500. There is even talk that it will soon trade on Wall Street.

 

[peg110]

In my earlier post, I was close to saying "Wait for Bama Ed to answer" as I knew he would have valuable information. I'd buy a few shares of it on Wall Street too!

 

[KristinU]

Landryfam, how old are your kids? And will they have their bikes along?

We've stayed on both 400 and 500 loops (both Premium pet loops), and we really liked both. If I had to pick one, I'd say 400. Easy enough to hop on bikes to get to all of the fun stuff at the Meadows area, and very easily walkable or bikeable to the Settlement area. We're staying Preferred for the first time this coming summer, so I can't comment, but the 400 "driveway" spits out in around the same area as the Preferred loops, so I'm assuming we'll like it there as well.

Oh, and just a note if you all bring bikes: you'll need head and tail lights on your bikes...easy enough to pick up at Wally World beforehand. Bikes are our favorite form of transport around the Fort. Especially nice if you have independent kids and not everyone wants to go the same direction all the time.

 

[landryfam]

All 4 of us have bikes... We enjoy riding them The kids will be 12 and 15. They'll prob roam the campground like they own it LOL. The crazy protective mom in me wants to be close enough to know a generalized area they should be in...

We have visited the fort but never camped. Hard for me to put in perspective just how big the park is. I don't want them having to ride from one end to the other to "hang out"... Really appreciate everyone's advice on the loops I should request... Very helpful advice!!