Fort Wilderness Camping...Has anyone done this?

[DisneyGirl928]

My DF and I wanted to add an extra night to Disney and we thought this would be an interesting way to add a night and it is cheaper too!...We were thinking of camping at Fort Wildreness in a tent for a night! ..Now we have never done this before and the thought of camping in a tent sounded interesting and it would only be for one night...Has anyone ever done this in a tent? If so, what was it like?

 

[irishbosoxfan]

We just came back from FW and we loved it--That being said I think to camp for just one night at the end of your stay wouldn't really be feasible given the amount of equipment you need----But if you just plan to rough it just the tent no tarp or groundcover or anything it may be ok!

When do you plan on going??

 

[DisneyGirl928]

We were planning on adding this one night before we check into our resort before the week and we are driving to so we will have our car with us. We are going Aug. 12-18th and we were going to add the night the 11th to the 12th before we check into our resort!...We weren't sure if many people camped with tents..we figured it was mostly campers

 

[irishbosoxfan]

If you have your car go for it!! LOTS of people tent camp...We did,and we flew there!

The basics would be a tent-enough for you and your SO,maybe an airmattress(pillows,sheets-Won't need a blanket as it will be hot), tarp for over your tent in case it rains so you won't get soaked--Groundcover for under your tent, something to wipe down picnic table---flashlight,portable light(propane or batteries,battery is better)so you can see at campsite at night

I think thats about it--If I remember anything else I'll let you know or if later you think of any ?? feel free to pm me!

 

[striker3636]

Check out the camping boards here on the DIS. Many of us do have campers, but there are plenty who tent at FW too. We love FW, but couldn't imagine such a short stay there (for us, I mean!). There are so many things to enjoy that you might miss, unless you are planning to spend some time at FW itself, rather than just as a place to lay your head!

 

[clkelley]

I LOVE to camp. However, I won't set up the tent for just one night. Won't do it, just too much work!!

Also, think of this. If you are doing the one night at Ft. Wilderness at the beginning of the trip, what if it is raining or really damp when you break camp. Where are you going to spread out your tent to let it dry before you pack it up??

Spread it inside your car?? Hang it up in your hotel room??

Opening up a damp tent once you get back home is a mess!! You might as well throw it out!!

 

[HeatherPage]

My husband and I tent camped one night in July several years ago (only once) it was hot!!! There was a huge Thunderstorm that day for about an hour (very common in the summer) we hung out in our car until it passed as we were at the campground when it happened. My husband was dripping sweat and tired by the time he put the tent up (did I mention it was hot?) and no where to really relax and get out of the heat coming back from the park during the day. More power to you if you think you'd enjoy it, but I think if we ever tried to tent camp again (anywhere, not just Ft. Wilderness) it would be in the Fall or Winter.

 

[Tickla]

We tent camped for 5 nights last December--it was great until our last night--it rained all day and night the day before and ended up staying in a cabin our last night. We had puddles INSIDE our tent--and it was a Coleman that was guaranteed NOT to leak. We had to pack up a SOAKED tent and drive home to Minnesota where it sat FROZEN in our cars trunk until April. Then we set it up to dry out, Febreezed it, and wouldn't you know we are headed back to tent camp again for 8 nights this coming January?!?! Are we crazy or what? But we are coming with some tarps this time!

 

[pixiewytch]

My family does a lot of tent camping, love FW, but I second the idea that camping for one night is really more trouble than its worth. I might do two nights but not one. It is a pain to set up your tent, bedding, and other items just to take it all down the next day. It doesn't seem like you would have much time to actually enjoy the experience. On the other hand I can see switching resorts for one night because there isn't any prep involved on your part. If you want a change of pace I would suggest doing that instead. You may not think tent camping, even for a night, involves a lot of packing or work but you might be surprised.

 

[rer1972]

The tarps are definetely a good idea. As much as it rains there I wouldn't set up camp without them. Tickla my cousin and I have got you beat on the craziness. We're flying to Orlando in February (he works for Continental so that's almost free), and tent camping at FW.

 

[irishbosoxfan]

The tarps are definetely a good idea. As much as it rains there I wouldn't set up camp without them. Tickla my cousin and I have got you beat on the craziness. We're flying to Orlando in February (he works for Continental so that's almost free), and tent camping at FW.

WELL we beat you to the craziness!! All 7 of us---Me,DH and 5 kids--- Flew to tent camp in FW in JULY!!! I think our crazy meter blew up!!

 

[rer1972]

WELL we beat you to the craziness!! All 7 of us---Me,DH and 5 kids--- Flew to tent camp in FW in JULY!!! I think our crazy meter blew up!!

Yes, but the memories?!?!

 

[irishbosoxfan]

Aaahhhh Priceless!!!!

 

[JJClemson]

DF and I tent camped for 2 nights in May 05. We decided last minute to add 2 nights to the beginning of our stay, so we chose FW for the $. DF is super-nature boy so he has all the camping gear and set it all up in no time. If your guy is like this, then I am sure setting up camp for one night would not be a problem. We did have fun, and it was a different way to do Disney, but I was happy to get to the BC when our 2 FW nights were over. We're going to Disney in Dec and DF wants to tent camp the whole time (5 nights), and I am not sure if I can do it...

 

[ConcKahuna]

You can also reserve a tent through FW. It's $30 a night (plus tax), but they set it up for you and take it down after you leave!

Camping, hassle-free!

 

[DisneyGirl928]

Just wanted to say thank you for all of your responses... but the other day my DF and I ended up booking an extra night at POP so my vacation is now from the 11th to the 18th!! yay i am soo excited!

 

[BarleyJack]

So.............we are finally going to DisneyWorld! We are avid campers, love to do it, but have never been camping in FL in the wintertime. We have booked a tent site at FW for 1/19-1/26 of '08 and while we are totally excited about it we really don't know what to expect. The CM on the phone asked if I had and preferences, I was like, ummmm could we be near Pioneer Hall? I had no idea what to request. I vaguely remember Pioneer Hall as a child, and have some memory of a boat trip to MK, but beyond that FW is totally foreign to me. Will we be comfortable in a tent in January? What loop is most convenient that is a basic site? Any info anyone could share will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Katie Dawn]

BarleyJack,
I would like to you suggest that you start a new thread and ask the questions that you asked above. You will probably get more response that way.
(I'd help but don't know the answers to you questions!)
Good luck to you!

 

[BigDaddyRog]

Wow...this thread is 11 months old on its latest post!!!! And its JUST finding its way to the camping boards!!!!

Tent camping at FtW is an incredible way to experience WDW!!! One NIGHT???? Maybe not....Id just cancel your reservation, and make the entire vacation at the fort......get a blow up matress for your tent, bring a small television and a folding chair...and you'll have more fun camping than hoteling it!!! I'll never willingly choose any other Disney resort over the fort for the rest of my Disney vacations.

 

[Millermouseketeers]

Tent camping for one night before moving on to POR was how we became addicted to the fort. We now will not stay anywhere else!