Fort Halloween Schedule?

[PJ]

Been having trouble tracking this down - saw some info on last year, but have they published this year's schedule for the 30th and 31st? Thanks for the help. A couple of WDW fanatic seniors checking in Sunday for a bucket list Halloween at the Fort.

 

[bama_ed]

Here ya go, PJ. I'll post it here since it's available in a couple places on the web.

Bama Ed

PS - is the 5k new for this year? Wish I had been able to do it last year...

 

[PJ]

Thx for the quick reply. That sounds later for the cart parade than last year. We've come the last few years for just dinner at trails end after the parade and our past reservations were earlier. Guess I better see if I can change our dinner time!

 

[bama_ed]

Thx for the quick reply. That sounds later for the cart parade than last year.

You're right, PJ - good catch. Last year's parade was on the calendar showing as from 4-5pm (but since I was in the parade last year I can tell you we started about 15 minutes late because Chip & Dale were late showing up to join us in the staging area. They are the Grand Marshals of the parade so you can't start without them. But once they rolled in we kicked it off.)

I have this 2018 October calendar and the prior four Octobers as well so my pack rat habits don't fill up the attic, so to speak, when the file is a digital version. But it means I can look up that kind of question and answer it.

Hope you can get your time moved. After the parade was over last year, the top 3 carts were parked down in the grass in front of Trails End for a few hours to allow people to vote on paper ballots for winner in each of three categories of judging - Best Fort themed, Best Overall, Best Disney themed.

Bama Ed

PS - This is why I tell people (as do others) that when folks ask about the plans for this year, I say you can use last year's calendar as a guide but nothing is for sure until each year's plans are finally released that month.

 

[PJ]

That's exactly why I asked again rather than go off last year's! And we were able to change dinner. Now its just just the usual stress over what site we get. (We live in a 45 ft motor home and don't fit everywhere). We've requested site numbers but haven't had much luck with that in the past!

 

[bama_ed]

PJ,

You can improve your chances of getting a site that fits by arriving as early in the morning on your arrival day as you can. That way the Front Desk folks have more sites to work with. If all the longer sites get given out that day to other arriving guests by the time you arrive, there is less for the Cast Member to work with. They swap pre-assigned sites quite a bit before you get your Early Check-In text (if you used Early Check-in on-line) or arrive in person and check in in person. Once you arrive in person (even if the site isn't ready yet) or the early arrival text goes out, that site is locked in as yours and not swappable.

So get there early if you can work your travel schedule to do so while they can still shuffle the deck. That's all you can do at that point. Good luck!

Bama Ed

PS - you probably already know this but I wrote it out for the benefit of those who don't

 

[friendofeeyore]

Bama Ed, Thank you!! We will plan on arriving early on Nov. 16 to hopefully get the site we want.

 

[PJ]

PJ,

You can improve your chances of getting a site that fits by arriving as early in the morning on your arrival day as you can. That way the Front Desk folks have more sites to work with. If all the longer sites get given out that day to other arriving guests by the time you arrive, there is less for the Cast Member to work with. They swap pre-assigned sites quite a bit before you get your Early Check-In text (if you used Early Check-in on-line) or arrive in person and check in in person. Once you arrive in person (even if the site isn't ready yet) or the early arrival text goes out, that site is locked in as yours and not swappable.

So get there early if you can work your travel schedule to do so while they can still shuffle the deck. That's all you can do at that point. Good luck!

Bama Ed

PS - you probably already know this but I wrote it out for the benefit of those who don't

Thanks Bama Ed! This worked - got here early today (just me - DH waiting to bring coach when site was ready). Told them site that fit was more important than getting on it early. They described 3 possible sites (no numbers) and I was able to pick the best fit. Got our 600 loop. And boy - are there some great decorations!

 

[bama_ed]

Thanks Bama Ed! This worked - got here early today (just me - DH waiting to bring coach when site was ready). Told them site that fit was more important than getting on it early. They described 3 possible sites (no numbers) and I was able to pick the best fit. Got our 600 loop. And boy - are there some great decorations!

Glad to hear it, PJ . The process generally works if you get there early, show some flexibility, and are patient.

Have a great stay!

Bama Ed

PS - another satified customer.

PPS - for those reading, the Fort CM have a 3-ring binder in the lobby and check-in lanes that describe the dimensions of every campsite along with some other info. So as PJ says, if you have a special request, they will check the sites available in the book (sometimes they tell you the numbers, sometimes they don't) and work with you. That's why early morning (anytime after 605am technically) is a good time to try.

PPPS - now me, I like 100 loop currently and have memorized every site location generally speaking (inside, outside, long, short) so I try to charm the CM to talk specific sites in 100. There are some great sites there and only two have I not gotten yet (depends on what's available on the morning I check in). EVen if somebody is on the site I want, if they aren't leaving that morning, too bad for me.