I know this is probably a long shot, but...

[carengalletta]

I switched our reservation from a tent site to a preferred site, and lost our 2 last nights in the process. Really hoping to add the nights of 10/4/18 and 10/5/18 to our trip at a preferred site. If anyone is planning to drop, I would love to scoop them up!

Also, I’m assuming that the price difference between a tent site and a preferred site is worth it due to the proximity to the settlement, but would appreciate any advice and/or knowledge about the differences! (Was also wondering if staying in preferred would make a difference in whether or not we rent a golf cart?)

 

[2goofycampers]

If it's still in the budget I'd rent the golf cart.

 

[Teamubr]

We always booked a preferred because of the proximity to the Settlement. If you get in the 100 or 200 loop, you don't really need a cart. I never had a cart until I had to start getting a Premium site. (New 5er won't fit in a Preferred now).

As for getting your last 2 nights, keep checking the reservation site. Many on here have been able to piece together reservations during the busy times. Someone just did it here in the last week. It requires persistence. Check (or call) multiple times a day, especially as you approach the 60 day mark. That's when people with a package have to pay in full or cancel.

j

 

[carengalletta]

If it's still in the budget I'd rent the golf cart.

It is! I’ll keep our reservation!

 

[lodge]

If not the 100, 200, or 300 loop, how is Preferred any different than the others?

 

[himandher818]

We just got back, and had a preferred site in the 100 loop. We didn't get a golf cart, but there times when it would have come in handy. Our next trip is in a Full-Hookup, we will be getting a golf cart for that one.

 

[friendofeeyore]

Grumpyaggie pieced our Oct 2019 trip. He got the ext of a great rep which worked real hard to get us 10/23 thru Nov 6th, so keep trying & good luck.

 

[carengalletta]

I was able to pick up the night of 10/4 last night, so now I just need 10/5! I will definitely keep trying!

As far as the preferred site goes... does anyone have an opinion on whether or not the difference in price is worth it to be closer to the settlement or if it doesn’t really matter if we are renting a golf cart anyway? Are there other things we might miss by staying in a regular tent site and not preferred or is the only difference the proximity to the settlement?

 

[proudmomof4]

I was able to pick up the night of 10/4 last night, so now I just need 10/5! I will definitely keep trying!

As far as the preferred site goes... does anyone have an opinion on whether or not the difference in price is worth it to be closer to the settlement or if it doesn’t really matter if we are renting a golf cart anyway? Are there other things we might miss by staying in a regular tent site and not preferred or is the only difference the proximity to the settlement?

I think the price difference is definitely worth it. You will find the comfort stations are less busy in the preferred sites. And the carriage/wagon rides sometimes come through the preferred loops, it's kind of cool to see them and wave.

As for the golf cart, I really think is an individual decision. With the preferred sites being so close to the Settlement, you really wouldn't have that long of a wait for buses to the Outpost or Wilderness Lodge. Plus, the boat is a quick walk away.
If you are going to be at the parks for most of your stay, then the cart will just be sitting at the Outpost all day. If you are going to be hanging around the fort a good bit, then a cart is convenient to go looping, to the pool, etc.

I hope you get the last day you are looking for. Good luck!

 

[carengalletta]

I think the price difference is definitely worth it. You will find the comfort stations are less busy in the preferred sites. And the carriage/wagon rides sometimes come through the preferred loops, it's kind of cool to see them and wave.

As for the golf cart, I really think is an individual decision. With the preferred sites being so close to the Settlement, you really wouldn't have that long of a wait for buses to the Outpost or Wilderness Lodge. Plus, the boat is a quick walk away.
If you are going to be at the parks for most of your stay, then the cart will just be sitting at the Outpost all day. If you are going to be hanging around the fort a good bit, then a cart is convenient to go looping, to the pool, etc.

I hope you get the last day you are looking for. Good luck!

Thank you so much!! Very helpful information!!

 

[himandher818]

And the carriage/wagon rides sometimes come through the preferred loops, it's kind of cool to see them and wave

We didn't see a Carriage or Wagon Ride while we there, but saw 'evidence' of one coming home one night. Maintenance had it cleaned up by morning.

With the preferred sites being so close to the Settlement, you really wouldn't have that long of a wait for buses to the Outpost or Wilderness Lodge. Plus, the boat is a quick walk away.

And all of the internal buses go between the Settlement and Outpost, so pretty much the next bus (what ever it is) will get you there.