First Trip with the grandparents and to FW

[carj]

We are coming to the Fort July 30-August 4. Our party will consist of:
Me- 30 something
DS- 9
DD 7 (the week of our trip)
My mom and step-father ages 69 and 72
My husband is not making the trip but I could add him later if it works out that he can come.

I know that it will be hot. We are from Texas so there will not be any surprises there. I am doing what I can to make this trip as memorable, relaxing, fun and easy as possible for my parents. I am also trying to purchase as much as I can before we go so they don't see how much I am spending or try to pay for stuff.(Need a sneaky smiley here!)

Here is what we have so far:
We are driving from Texas, making stops with relative in Alabama, Ocala and the Nick Hotel.
Free QS dining, upgraded to regular dining plan
I have made dinner reservations for each night
1900 Park Fare
Hollywood and Vine Fantasmic Package
Hoop de doo Revue
Chef Mickey's
We plan on doing the parks in the morning, FW in the afternoons and resting, dinner in the evenings and nightime entertainment at the parks and FW.

I have reserved a golf cart and we are renting an ECV for step-father, and I have reserved an accessible cabin as well.

We do plan on making a grocery stop on the way to pick up drinks and snacks.

What else am I missing? Should I try to get lunches rather than dinners for our table service meals? Which do you think would be more relaxing?

I appreciate all the tips on this board. I wish we were already there!

 

[retired and happy]

Do you plan on cooking/grilling any at all? What are your plans for lunch? I personally don't like to go back to the parks after i have wound down during the day, so I prefer to cook at the campsite....just MY opinion.

 

[lklasing]

We were there over spring break and had both a cabin and a camper. There were 10 of us spanning 3 generations like you. It was a great trip. What worked for us was to hit a park hard in the morning, return to the cabin for lunch, and then usually hit another park in the afternoon. Each family is different, though, so you'll have to just find what works best for you.

My trip report is linked in my signature if you want to see what our trip with grandparents and grandkids (and everyone in between) was like.

Have a great time!

Leslie

 

[indimom3]

I would stick with dinners for your TS meals since you're on the DP. The only thing I would consider is having a meal at Trail's End - lunch or dinner. We always enjoy eating there at least once while we're at the Fort, it tends to be a nice quiet meal, and the fried chicken can't be beat. You'll get similar food at the HDD, though.

We'll overlap you by a day! We check out on the 31st.

 

[carj]

Thanks for the input!
I think that we will keep the dinner reservations for now. It sounds like that will work out well.
Maybe I should look at Trail's End for lunch one day.

What about counter service at Fort Wilderness? Are there some good options there, or should we plan on using our CS credits in the parks?

I am really not sure about keeping the Fantasmic package. I just have a feeling that will end up feeling more like a chore to have to stay that late. I am going to hold onto the reservation until we tell the kids. I will see if it is a "must-do" or not for either of them. We saw it last summer at Disneyland so I think that they might be okay with skipping it. Once we tell the kids, I can firm up those decisions.

I can't wait to get there!

 

[ftwildernessrick]

Thanks for the input!
I think that we will keep the dinner reservations for now. It sounds like that will work out well.
Maybe I should look at Trail's End for lunch one day.

What about counter service at Fort Wilderness? Are there some good options there, or should we plan on using our CS credits in the parks?

I am really not sure about keeping the Fantasmic package. I just have a feeling that will end up feeling more like a chore to have to stay that late. I am going to hold onto the reservation until we tell the kids. I will see if it is a "must-do" or not for either of them. We saw it last summer at Disneyland so I think that they might be okay with skipping it. Once we tell the kids, I can firm up those decisions.

I can't wait to get there!

Unfortunately, eating at Trails End does count as a TS, with some exceptions with to go orders. Though, the food is good & very reasonable - buffet style with a salad bar & deserts. It is a relief to do TE after you get tired of hot dogs, chicken strips, & hamburgers in the parks.

The Meadows Snack bar at the pool at FW has the CS type food, but your best bet is to use your CS credit in the parks. The CS option at FW has always been a sore point with all.

 

[BradyBz12]

What about counter service at Fort Wilderness? Are there some good options there, or should we plan on using our CS credits in the parks?

Unfortunately CS at FW is sorely lacking. The only real location is the Meadows Snack Bar and they're open limited hours. TE is considered TS unless you do take out - which doesn't qualify for CS.

WL has a really nice CS location if you don't mind a boat ride over, otherwise your best bet is probably CS in the parks.

One thing to note, you can use your snack credits at both FW Trading Posts for most food items under $4. Just be sure to tell the cashier - they don't always ring it up that way automatically.

Have a great trip!