Help, family needs fort advice for last minute vacation planning

[holodoc]

I am leaving my current job around March 30 and starting a new one April 11. For many reasons now is the perfect time to drive down to Florida and do a trip at Disney with our 7 year old and 5 year old. We’ve been wanting to do this for a while. My wife and I have been to Disney many times and think our children would really like Epcot for two days. But, we need to make plans really soon once I get my official start date notice from my new company.

On this resort board, I would really like to ask everyone what their experience is at Fort Wilderness. My wife and I really like to camp and were thinking of just setting up out tent but if it rained it would make things difficult. We would maybe get a cabin if even possible at this late date. We are trying to keep costs down. We are also thinking of the pop resort but having a kitchen and eating well (organic) is a big advantage.

I’ve heard it’s a good idea to get a golf cart. Is this true? What advice can everyone give? How easy to get to Epcot? If we stay a third day what can the kids do at Fort Wilderness? If we did use a tent, how safe is it leaving up with stuff in it? (stuff like sleeping bags, etc) What kind of crowds will we deal with first week of April at Wilderness? Is it better for two or three nights? Discounts? I have put in an email with Dreams Unlimited for quotes. I've listened to the podcast just for kicks on my commute and they seem to run a good business. Experience?

Thank you all, you can search under my user name holodoc and see my other board entries for advice.

 

[AuntBJ]

I am leaving my current job around March 30 and starting a new one April 11. For many reasons now is the perfect time to drive down to Florida and do a trip at Disney with our 7 year old and 5 year old. We’ve been wanting to do this for a while. My wife and I have been to Disney many times and think our children would really like Epcot for two days. But, we need to make plans really soon once I get my official start date notice from my new company.

On this resort board, I would really like to ask everyone what their experience is at Fort Wilderness. My wife and I really like to camp and were thinking of just setting up out tent but if it rained it would make things difficult.

We would maybe get a cabin if even possible at this late date. We are trying to keep costs down.

Unless you could get a really good discount, a cabin will be quite a bit more than a campsite or a room in a value resort. The full kitchen is wonderful though if you plan to prepare many meals.

We are also thinking of the pop resort but having a kitchen and eating well (organic) is a big advantage.

I’ve heard it’s a good idea to get a golf cart. Is this true?

It does help to avoid the internal buses but it would really depend on how much time you will be at the Fort. For instance, do you return from the parks mid-day? Do you plan to go looping (sight-seeing around the fort?)

What advice can everyone give? How easy to get to Epcot?

I don't mind the bus ride to Epcot. Others may suggest you drive over. I also like to take the boat to MK and then ride the monorail to Epcot. Even though you have to switch Monorails, it is just fun to me.

If we stay a third day what can the kids do at Fort Wilderness?

Pony rides, Chip & Dale sing-a-long, marshmallow roasting, swimming. Also, you may want to go to Downtown Disney for a little while.

If we did use a tent, how safe is it leaving up with stuff in it? (stuff like sleeping bags, etc)

I wouldn't leave valuable electronics but normal camping stuff should be fine.

What kind of crowds will we deal with first week of April at Wilderness?

I don't think they would be terrible. Around here, Spring Break for schools are a little later in April and the weather should be wonderful.

Is it better for two or three nights?

Well, I am a Disney nut so I always say "go as long as you can." Seriously, if you can stay the extra day, it should be more relaxing.

Discounts?

Check out mousesavers.com to see what discounts there are right now. Also if you use Dreamunlimited, they will help you find any that are out there.

I have put in an email with Dreams Unlimited for quotes. I've listened to the podcast just for kicks on my commute and they seem to run a good business. Experience?

I think I have uses DU for every trip since 2002 and have had nothing but good experiences even when I have had to reschedule.

Thank you all, you can search under my user name holodoc and see my other board entries for advice.

Hope this helps.

 

[AuntBJ]

I forgot to add:

Can you going during the week? Rates are cheaper and crowds should be lighter.

Don't forget to check the park hours for the days you may be going to see if there are EMHs.

Are you going to eat in the parks at all or go back to your resort for all meals?

 

[gillenkl]

How many days will you be there? I'm reading 3. That will not be enough time to do all the parks - I would think 2 at the most and even that is pushing it in my opinion. Personally, considering the age of you kids I'd just concentrate on Magic Kingdom. I'd spend the rest of my time just enjoying the Fort - pony rides, pool, nightly water parade, campfire, etc.....I think you could also forego the golf cart and use internal buses for 3 days.

 

[dudelydude]

I certainly prefer the cabins, but I am not a camper. I gotta think that camping at FW is fairly upscale with the comfort stations and the pools and other facilities available to you.

I agree with the previous poster about young children and Epcot. Sure, they have done some things to Epcot to make it more kid friendly over the years, but you have at least 2 other parks (if not 3) that do a much better job catering to kids. You know your kids better than anyone, but I had to throw that out there.

As far as the golf cart goes, its a toss up. I haven't even been there yet, but I have looked at maps and satellite images to see exactly how incredibly VAST this resort is. No matter what, you are not going to be close to everything, which makes the cart such a huge benefit...but for 2-3 days???? I guess I'd have to agree that the internal bus system at FW will do the trick. I am sure that the rate you pay goes up as your stay become less (days) so you are probably looking at $40-$50 per day from ttimegolfcarts@aol.com, which is the email to the infamous "Kenny."

Any way you go, it's Disney World...just enjoy it.

Joe

 

[Goofy-dad]

If I am reading this correctly, your kids have never been to Disney? If that is the case, I agree with the others that they would most likely prefer the Magic Kingdom over EPCOT! I would at the very least schedule 1 day at MK. They might go away disappointed if they don't get to see the castle in real life! (I know I would! ) ...If its a toss up, go with 3 days if you can.

As far as the golf carts go, we don't rent those, because we always bring our own bikes. It is much, much cheaper and the kids LOVE riding them around! (we always go as a family, we don't let them ride by themselves) Our favorite ride is on the path over to Wilderness Lodge. It is very quiet, and we usually see a lot of animals along the way.

What ever you decide, I am sure you will all have a blast!

 

[retired and happy]

I'd do a full day at the MK, one at the Fort and DTD, and a half day at AK....see Lion King and Pocahontas. My family doesn't do rides except a couple in FantasyLand, so I can't advise on those, but there are some good ones everywhere. Also places to eat, shows to see, sights to see, characters to meet (get autograph books for each child). If you are going to spend a lot of time at the Fort I recommend a GC at least for one day. The Fort is a mile from front to back. And we always see Small World and ride the monorail, even for just a round trip. Most of all, enjoy, plan your next trip, and post a trip report when you are done.

 

[motherwild]

I vote for the FW stay as many days that you can afford. A day at MK a day at epcot and a day at the fort. There is plenty to do at the fort. Let us know how it works out for you. Wishing I could go too.