First trip to the Fort and

[popupapparel]

We will be at the Fort for the first time May 25th thru June 3rd. We'll be in our Pop Up. Anything we should expect or plan for. I'm sure the crowds will be bad Memorial Day weekend. Should we get Tour Guide Mike. This will also be my first trip to Disney as a parent. Daughter age 10, Son 2, and the Misses.

Griff

 

[bama_ed]

Hey! We will be at FW in our Pop-up almost the same exact period as you. Crowd estimates that are made through statistical analysis are made at aweb site called "touringplans" and look for a link into their "best days" page. (I can't post urls yet).

We have kids in your age range and have been to FW 4 times in the last 5 years. Our kids can't do parks day after day - they get too tired. So we hang out at the Fort some days riding ponies, swimming, napping, visiting the trading post for a cold drink, riding bikes, playing on the playground, roasting marshmellows at the campfire. Kids also like to play putt-putt over by MGM and the second putt-putt over by Blizzard Beach. The fort has afternoon activities (scavenger hunts, bingo, talent shows) also geared toward young-uns.

I've been to FW 12 different times so I feel qualified to say it is one of the best places to stay on property with kids. I'm going to request a spot in the 900 loop as time gets closer. Look for the Jayco highwall with the football tacky lights. That'll be us....can't wait.

What kind of camper do you have?

Bama_Ed

 

[lawnspecialties]

Just a heads up, I believe that is also the same time as "Gay Days" this year. Might be crowded.

 

[popupapparel]

Bama, We are actually in the process of selecting a new pop up. Don't know yet what we will end up with. The Nashville RV show is coming up next weekend. Time to upgrade.

Is "Gay Day" a problem at the Fort? We had heard a rumor that this would be going on (didn't know when booking) and just planned on avoiding those parks on those days. Thought about just spending that day or two at the campground.

 

[rwenzel2]

Bama, We are actually in the process of selecting a new pop up. Don't know yet what we will end up with. The Nashville RV show is coming up next weekend. Time to upgrade.

Is "Gay Day" a problem at the Fort? We had heard a rumor that this would be going on (didn't know when booking) and just planned on avoiding those parks on those days. Thought about just spending that day or two at the campground.

As I understand it, "GAy Days" is actually the first week in June, and after hearing stories from my sister who inadvertently experienced it with her then 9 year old son, I wouldn't dream of taking my kids to any of the parks during that time frame. Just my opinion.

 

[popupapparel]

What is the Fort like at this time? It appears that the bulk of the "Gay Days" falls on the end of our trip. (Thursday and Friday) Am very worried about it. Anyone else besides Bama going at this time?

 

[michelle9343]

I would not worry about being at Disney during Gay Days. I have been at the parks and other then seeing a lot of people wearing red shirts there is not much more to be seen. I also doubt that many if any people who are attending, would be staying at FW.

 

[campingcorgi]

You will see some rainbow flags and decorations at the fort, too, but we've not had any concerns there. Now I'd skip the official day at the MK, due mostly to crowds and a little to the crowd behavior and dress. Other than the official day you won't notice a thing, though.

Have fun--it's a wonderful time of year at Fort Wilderness!!

 

[bama_ed]

Good luck on the upgrade. I hope you get a good deal at it. We have a show coming up end of February and I'll be going to just get ideas (our jayco is only a year old).

Seems like most of the Days are built around the weekend so I think you are correct that if it will have any impact at all it would probably be in the Thursday-Friday timeframe.

Personally, I'm looking forward to a couple days of doin' nuthin'!

Bama Ed

 

[popupapparel]

The Nashville show starts tomorrow, well see what they have to offer.

So Bama, you think the campground is still going to have that family feel to it at the end of the week? I figured it would that's why I've kept my ressie at the fort that week.

 

[bama_ed]

I think we'll both be fine!

 

[Paul in TX]

We have been to WDW numerous times during "gay " days when our daughter was younger and its really no big deal--have seen alot worse conduct from teens on senior trips--------what behavior we might have found questionable was minimal and not even noticed by our daughter----basically 4 guys skipping down main street in princess hats looked no different than two hetero couples wearing matching goofy top hats

hope this help

Paul in TX

 

[Gillian]

I think most of the wild stuff goes on after hours at offsite venues. There is a website where you can check the planned park days, so you can plan your own days around them if you want. http://www.gaydays.com/calendar/

With a 2 year old and a 10 year old I'd probably plan to take one swimming while the other naps in the afternoon. Or try letting the little one nap in his stroller. Kids often fall asleep at WDW!

Good books are Passporter and The Unofficial Guide to WDW. I don't know if you need tour guide mike, but it helps to read as much as possible! The DIs family board is great as well. Good advice on strollers, naps, meals, etc., with the kids.

Happy shopping!

 

[cyndilou01]

the actual official day of gathering is the first Saturday in June, at the MK.... so you can plan accordingly.., you may want to just hang out at the campground and swim, ride bikes etc... you will have a great time

 

[popupapparel]

Thanks for the information! You are all awesome!