I survived my first camping trip!

[Tri-circle-D]

Thanks for the feedback on Garden Grocer. One of these days, I plan on comparing prices from the Trading Post to those at the nearby grocery stores and also Garden Grocer. It sounds like Garden Grocer may be a very good option for folks who fly in for their Fort stays.

As KFK already mentioned, one of the best features of the EE attraction is the giant Animatronic Yeti. WDW regulars gave her the nickname Betty the Yeti. When EE first opened, and the Yeti operated properly, you would see this huge creature moving and screaming and swiping its big arm at you as your train went through the last cave. It really was impressive. But, from what I hear, there was a problem with the foundation for the Yeti cracking, so they stopped the Yeti from moving, and just used strobe lights to light it. If you didn't know it was there, and blinked at the wrong moment, you wouldn't even see it. Now, I hear that the Yeti is completely dark, and possibly behind a construction cover. Hopefully this means it is being repaired, as it really is supposed to be the grand finale of the ride.

About your towels- when you asked about towels before your trip, I have to confess that I started to suspect that you were a troll yanking some chains. I mean, who worries about a towel? For your future trips, I will tell you what I do- I pack two beach towels per person. These can be used at the comfort stations, pool, and water parks, if you go. After the towels are used, we hang them up to dry. Usually, they dry out fine, and are ready for the next use. But if it is rainy, or particularly humid, we use the washers and driers as needed. Works great for us, and I don't think this would add too much weight to your luggage.

TCD

 

[katiekomo]

Love the Jesus Jet. Some don't, but I do.

There is an animatronic yedi on EE. You must've had your eyes closed.

I love the Kali River if I don't have to wait. Sorry the tiger was tired. We actually saw at least five a couple of years ago. They were beautiful and I got great pics.

IMHO, you didn't miss much at Conservation Station. We went once. It was more than enough for us. Sounds like you made a good decision on that one.

Glad you got a great Safari. It rained once while we were on and it was FANTASTIC! The animals were running everywhere! Even the lions were moving. The rain blowing into the truck just added to the excitement.

Love your pack up plan! Looking forward to hearing about your interesting morning. BTW, great TR. It's been a lot of fun!

I love Jesus, but I'm kind of neutral about the Jesus Jet. Kind of like LKs. I don't feel overly positive or overly negative about it. Come to think of it-- that's how I feel about a lot of things!

I'm glad we like the pack up "plan"-- can't wait to tell you about the "actual pack up".

Thanks for the feedback on Garden Grocer. One of these days, I plan on comparing prices from the Trading Post to those at the nearby grocery stores and also Garden Grocer. It sounds like Garden Grocer may be a very good option for folks who fly in for their Fort stays.

As KFK already mentioned, one of the best features of the EE attraction is the giant Animatronic Yeti. WDW regulars gave her the nickname Betty the Yeti. When EE first opened, and the Yeti operated properly, you would see this huge creature moving and screaming and swiping its big arm at you as your train went through the last cave. It really was impressive. But, from what I hear, there was a problem with the foundation for the Yeti cracking, so they stopped the Yeti from moving, and just used strobe lights to light it. If you didn't know it was there, and blinked at the wrong moment, you wouldn't even see it. Now, I hear that the Yeti is completely dark, and possibly behind a construction cover. Hopefully this means it is being repaired, as it really is supposed to be the grand finale of the ride.

About your towels- when you asked about towels before your trip, I have to confess that I started to suspect that you were a troll yanking some chains. I mean, who worries about a towel? For your future trips, I will tell you what I do- I pack two beach towels per person. These can be used at the comfort stations, pool, and water parks, if you go. After the towels are used, we hang them up to dry. Usually, they dry out fine, and are ready for the next use. But if it is rainy, or particularly humid, we use the washers and driers as needed. Works great for us, and I don't think this would add too much weight to your luggage.

TCD

That's so funny! I do agree-- I mean towels? At least I didn't send out a poll asking how many pairs of underoos do people bring!! But with a 50lb limit and both bags being 2 and 3lbs shy of the limit... I was counting every ounce! Towels can be heavy and take a lot of space-- and at home I use two every morning! I planned on it raining every day so I was worried about them not getting dry. Now having been there, I realize I kind of worried over nothing... but at least it worked out! At the time I was trying not to use the dryer (being cheap and all...) but like the ice, I think I should have just rolled with it. A few dollars is worth a dry towel!

 

[katiekomo]

Part Two of June 10th, 2010

I was in the mood for a waiter again. (I just felt like a herd of cows sometimes going through those QS lines!) So I pulled out my trusty UGCC and sushi again sounded good. We wanted to keep it cheap (ish), so we chose Kimonos at the Dolphin. We took the bus to DHS and the ferry to the S&D. Dinner was delightful. There were no kids, no characters, so stressed out parents… just people eating dinner. The sushi was good and the price was reasonable. I planned on taking DH there when we go back… but then BradyBz12 mentioned that place in the Poly. So we might do that instead.

We took the ferry back to DHS where we saw the largest crowd yet! I had done a good job of zigging when the crowd zagged so far this trip… but I guess Fantasmic brings the crowds! We got there around 8:30pm and the 9pm show was already full. I kind of expected that. I thought maybe we’d be able to get a FP for any ride… but nope. So we got in line for the Great Movie Ride (remember it broke down last time we were in the studios). We were near the loading point and the CM asked if there were two so we shot our hands up and snagged two final seats. We were both wearing mouse ears and I’m sure we were quite the sight. Then, when they got to the Mary Poppins scene we both exclaimed, “Mary Poppins!!” like little kids. So fun!

Everything else was a huge wait so we went over to the Prime Time Café Lounge and had a drink, then ordered a drink to go and headed over to Fantasmic. Yesh. Mass amounts of people. Mass amounts of sweaty people. Mass amounts of sweaty tired people. We managed our way to our seat and I snagged some photos of the crowd:

You can see in the second photo that there was a blank section to the far left. It just felt like a lot. A lot of tired, stressed out people. It could have been that we were nearing our end and that we knew we had an early morning.
I seem to remember liking the show more six years ago, but when I worked there they ran nightly shows so the crowds weren’t so bad. And honestly, if it was just the "before show" crowds, I might feel differently… but I don’t think that another Fantasmic show is in my future. Don’t get me wrong—I liked the show a lot, but not worth it.

We did our best to weave through the crowds and finally made it back to the bus. Up until this point we hadn’t had any problems with the buses, ferries, trains or monorails. The bus was standing room only—which didn’t bother me at first. Then a grouchy man walked in with his family. The baby (really toddler) was fast asleep in the stoller, but the bus driver said she couldn’t ride like that. The mom lifted her heavy baby and braced herself to stand for the ride home. LP and I couldn’t believe no one was offering her their seat!! Finally, someone did. Meanwhile the father was trying to fold up the stroller, but there were cups in the bottom so he couldn’t. Loudly in the crowded bus he exclaimed, “This wouldn’t be so hard if you didn’t keep your sh*t in here!” to his pre-teen daughter. It was just not the magical ending we were looking for. Then we all stood on the bus while we fought traffic out of there and finally made it home at 12:30am. Yeah—not really looking to do that again!

Although—LP and I did devise an alternate plan (if I were to change my mind). Take the ferry (it was still running) over to the boardwalk. Have a drink or two while the crowds thin out. Then either walk through Epcot and take a bus straight to FW or walk into a hotel take a bus to DTD and back to FW. Up until that night we both thought people who rented a car were crazy (we loved all the transportation and never had a problem with it) but that night… it all became clear! Although those people in their cars still had to fight the traffic… but they didn’t have to deal with Mr. Grouchy and his potty mouth!

I had called the front desk and requested a time for the van to take us to the Outpost so we could make our 6am ME. They called back and said they would send someone at 5am. I called back and said do you have a better offer. We agreed on 5:45am. LP and I set our alarms for 4:45 (knowing that we’d snooze for 15 mins) then quickly fell fast asleep. The plan was to get out of bed at 5am and have plenty of time to break down the campsite and shower.

 

[BradyBz12]

...we chose Kimonos at the Dolphin. ...The sushi was good and the price was reasonable.

Good to know! This is the one place @ WDW we haven't tried the sushi yet. It's on my list for November.

 

[Tri-circle-D]

… but I don’t think that another Fantasmic show is in my future. Don’t get me wrong—I liked the show a lot, but not worth it.


I had called the front desk and requested a time for the van to take us to the Outpost so we could make our 6am ME. They called back and said they would send someone at 5am. I called back and said do you have a better offer. We agreed on 5:45am. LP and I set our alarms for 4:45 (knowing that we’d snooze for 15 mins) then quickly fell fast asleep. The plan was to get out of bed at 5am and have plenty of time to break down the campsite and shower.

Interesting comments about Fantasmic.

The TCD gang has visited WDW more times than I can count.

And, we have enjoyed Fantasmic exactly once.

And, I am only saying enjoyed to be polite.

We, also, did not like the whole cattle-herd feeling surrounding this show.

Once has been enough for us so far.

I didn't know that you could arrange for a van to pick you up from your site.

I guess I never thought about it.

On occasion, I have seen people dragging their luggage onto the internal buses.

So, apparently, I am not the only one who didn't know about the van service.

TCD

 

[katiekomo]

Good to know! This is the one place @ WDW we haven't tried the sushi yet. It's on my list for November.

Haha-- and I'll be visiting the sushi place YOU recommended in October!!

Interesting comments about Fantasmic.

The TCD gang has visited WDW more times than I can count.

And, we have enjoyed Fantasmic exactly once.

And, I am only saying enjoyed to be polite.

We, also, did not like the whole cattle-herd feeling surrounding this show.

Once has been enough for us so far.

I didn't know that you could arrange for a van to pick you up from your site.

I guess I never thought about it.

On occasion, I have seen people dragging their luggage onto the internal buses.

So, apparently, I am not the only one who didn't know about the van service.

TCD

Yeah-- it's a shame because it's not a bad show. When they had it every night it wasn't so bad. But two nights a week created quite the crowd monster! I had planned to do the Brown Derby/F! dinner package with DH in October, but I've since canceled the ADR. Even being able to skip the pre-show mania... the post-show stuff was just as bad!

When we arrived, we thought we'd be lugging our bags to the camp site and were super pleased to hear they would have a van take us! We just assumed they'd extend the same service for when we left. Sure enough, there was information in our ME packet that instructed us to call the front desk to schedule the van pick-up. It worked fairly well... as you'll see in my next post...

 

[kampfirekim]

Part Two of June 10th, 2010

I was in the mood for a waiter again. (I just felt like a herd of cows sometimes going through those QS lines!) So I pulled out my trusty UGCC and sushi again sounded good. We wanted to keep it cheap (ish), so we chose Kimonos at the Dolphin. We took the bus to DHS and the ferry to the S&D. Dinner was delightful. There were no kids, no characters, so stressed out parents… just people eating dinner. The sushi was good and the price was reasonable. I planned on taking DH there when we go back… but then BradyBz12 mentioned that place in the Poly. So we might do that instead.

We took the ferry back to DHS where we saw the largest crowd yet! I had done a good job of zigging when the crowd zagged so far this trip… but I guess Fantasmic brings the crowds! We got there around 8:30pm and the 9pm show was already full. I kind of expected that. I thought maybe we’d be able to get a FP for any ride… but nope. So we got in line for the Great Movie Ride (remember it broke down last time we were in the studios). We were near the loading point and the CM asked if there were two so we shot our hands up and snagged two final seats. We were both wearing mouse ears and I’m sure we were quite the sight. Then, when they got to the Mary Poppins scene we both exclaimed, “Mary Poppins!!” like little kids. So fun!

Everything else was a huge wait so we went over to the Prime Time Café Lounge and had a drink, then ordered a drink to go and headed over to Fantasmic. Yesh. Mass amounts of people. Mass amounts of sweaty people. Mass amounts of sweaty tired people. We managed our way to our seat and I snagged some photos of the crowd:

You can see in the second photo that there was a blank section to the far left. It just felt like a lot. A lot of tired, stressed out people. It could have been that we were nearing our end and that we knew we had an early morning.
I seem to remember liking the show more six years ago, but when I worked there they ran nightly shows so the crowds weren’t so bad. And honestly, if it was just the "before show" crowds, I might feel differently… but I don’t think that another Fantasmic show is in my future. Don’t get me wrong—I liked the show a lot, but not worth it.

We did our best to weave through the crowds and finally made it back to the bus. Up until this point we hadn’t had any problems with the buses, ferries, trains or monorails. The bus was standing room only—which didn’t bother me at first. Then a grouchy man walked in with his family. The baby (really toddler) was fast asleep in the stoller, but the bus driver said she couldn’t ride like that. The mom lifted her heavy baby and braced herself to stand for the ride home. LP and I couldn’t believe no one was offering her their seat!! Finally, someone did. Meanwhile the father was trying to fold up the stroller, but there were cups in the bottom so he couldn’t. Loudly in the crowded bus he exclaimed, “This wouldn’t be so hard if you didn’t keep your sh*t in here!” to his pre-teen daughter. It was just not the magical ending we were looking for. Then we all stood on the bus while we fought traffic out of there and finally made it home at 12:30am. Yeah—not really looking to do that again!

Although—LP and I did devise an alternate plan (if I were to change my mind). Take the ferry (it was still running) over to the boardwalk. Have a drink or two while the crowds thin out. Then either walk through Epcot and take a bus straight to FW or walk into a hotel take a bus to DTD and back to FW. Up until that night we both thought people who rented a car were crazy (we loved all the transportation and never had a problem with it) but that night… it all became clear! Although those people in their cars still had to fight the traffic… but they didn’t have to deal with Mr. Grouchy and his potty mouth!

I had called the front desk and requested a time for the van to take us to the Outpost so we could make our 6am ME. They called back and said they would send someone at 5am. I called back and said do you have a better offer. We agreed on 5:45am. LP and I set our alarms for 4:45 (knowing that we’d snooze for 15 mins) then quickly fell fast asleep. The plan was to get out of bed at 5am and have plenty of time to break down the campsite and shower.

We are in agreement that while Fantasmic is a good show, the crowds take the joy out of it. Even if you live through the pre-show cattle herding process. The post-cattle herding process is much worse. Dad likes the show, actually he likes it ALOT, so he is the only reason it is done. He doesn't ask much...but this is a BIG one.

I always find it great fun to be trapped in a confined space...such as a Disney Bus after a day of magic...and hear a grown man, such as Mr. Grouchy, use obsenities toward his kids. Magical end to a magical day. Fortunately, we haven't witnessed it too many times at Disney. I guess we've just been lucky that way!

I respect your towel concerns ....it is one we share. I bring wayyyyy to many towels on trips.

Loving your TR. Hope you're gonna share the breaking down of the campsite w/us! Keep it coming. I'm with you til the very end.

 

[katiekomo]

Part One of June 11th, 2010

LP said that the alarm went off at 4:45am, but I never heard it. As planned, she hit snooze once. Right at 5am we barely started stirring when I heard tire wheels. I couldn’t believe someone was checking in that early in the morning! Then I saw van lights coming toward our site. What the what?? Still half asleep I stumbled out of the tent to meet CM Matt. He told me he was here to pick us up! I explained to him that we were expecting him in 45 mins. I guess the time change message didn’t get to him? He said that 5:45am was cutting it close, but he’d be back in 30mins.

The second he left LP and I went into high gear. We had to break down our beds, pack the tent, pack the air mattresses, fold up the tarps, break down the lights and finish up all the lagniappe items from the day before. So we did. We were exhausted, it was dark and we had to be super quiet. Just as I was zipping the last compartment on my bag, CM Matt came driving down the loop again. We did it! Kind of…

Wearing little more than the clothes we slept in (and missing our showers) we got to the Outpost. While waiting on the ME to arrive (10 minutes we COULD have used at the campsite) we took turns going to the restroom to brush our teeth and wash our faces (in the Outpost restroom!). As I was trying to discreetly put on deodorant I turned to see a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed family (surely they had stayed in the cabins) watching me in shock. At that point I started wishing we had taken a cab back to the airport… surely we wouldn’t need ALL this time at the airport? Right? (The ME picked us up 3 hours earlier than our flight.)

After a nap on the ME bus, we made it to the airport (where the sun was rising). The line to check our bags was insane! Just as we got to the back of it, an employee told us we could go to curbside check-in. That was much faster, but my bag was 3lbs over the limit!! The guy was kind enough to let it slide (I’m pretty sure our tip didn’t hurt). THEN we got to the security line. Another nightmare! We were in the far right lane (next to where the airport employees check-in). After a few minutes, the woman manning that line lifted her little rope and said the first five people could skip ahead! LP and I wasted no time—an airport FP!!

Even with the curbside check in, the bag forgiveness and the security line FP, we still made it to the gate with only about 5 minutes to spare! I guess those ME people know something about getting there early after all…

And thus concludes our Disney Camping Adventure Trip. We finished that up with 4 days at the beach with our husbands and family (and an un-welcomed guest: oil). Then back to the real world.

Thanks for reading, I hope I helped someone make a more educated decision on their FW tent-camping experience!

Oh! I almost forgot! So on our way driving back from the beach (with LP and our DHs in the car) I casually mention that WDW has a ½ marathon race that’s going on a day before we are to arrive in October. Wouldn’t it be fun to change our flight, spend a few extras days and I can run in the race?? DH rolled his eyes, turned around and said, “KK, there’s no way you would have the stamina to spend 3 months training for a ½ marathon.” So… guess who signed up for the Wine & Dine Half Marathon?!? Silly DH… when will he learn?

 

[Robert6401]

Thanks for sharing the memories, and good luck training for the 1/2 marathon!

 

[Tri-circle-D]

So… guess who signed up for the Wine & Dine Half Marathon?!?

I'll take a guess!

Is it DH?

No?

OK, this is probably harder than you thought.

J/K

I was going to say "You Go Girl!",

But I didn't want to look un-manly.

Seriously, though, thanks for a wonderful TR!

It was great, all the way up to and including your fun-filled last morning.

You did great on your trip and on your report, too.

I hope to read another one from you some day.

TCD

p.s. Here's a final question: What did you do with your coolers? I ask, because there was a pair floating around on the 1500 loop that weekend. I wondered if these had been yours.

 

[katiekomo]

I'll take a guess!

Is it DH?

No?

OK, this is probably harder than you thought.

J/K

I was going to say "You Go Girl!",

But I didn't want to look un-manly.

Seriously, though, thanks for a wonderful TR!

It was great, all the way up to and including your fun-filled last morning.

You did great on your trip and on your report, too.

I hope to read another one from you some day.

TCD

p.s. Here's a final question: What did you do with your coolers? I ask, because there was a pair floating around on the 1500 loop that weekend. I wondered if these had been yours.

Thanks! I once ran a 5K without training... but that's a little shorter than this new venture. Ug. How do I get myself into these things?! I need to buy new running shoes (I bought my current ones because they are pink!) but the hardcore training won't start until July 5th. But I'm in it to win it! Well, I'm in it to finish it.

We put our coolers, extra drinks and Christmas lights next to the trashcan across from our site (1510). I hoped someone would take and make good use out of them! Especially the Diet Cokes... What do you mean by floating around? At first I thought you meant like in the canal! But then I re-read? Were people using them, then passing them on to other campers?? I hope so!! I would have offered our items to our neighbors, but I thought they might not appreciate the early morning wake-up call.

 

[Tri-circle-D]

What do you mean by floating around?

Were people using them, then passing them on to other campers?? I hope so!! I would have offered our items to our neighbors, but I thought they might not appreciate the early morning wake-up call.

Yes, that's exactly what I meant.

I noticed these two coolers being used by two different groups of campers, and then saw them again at the curb on Monday morning.

I thought about taking them to use for some future event, but I already have plenty of coolers.

And, they were gone soon after I saw them.

So, your coolers live on.

Maybe they will still be in circulation when you return!


TCD

 

[mgsmom]

What a fun report! I am SO impressed that you guys broke camp at 5:00 in the morning on very little sleep! Awesome!

Good luck on your 1/2 marathon! If you are interested - go to the WISH boards here on the Dis and there is probably a thread of other people training for it. I just did a triathlon and have been on a tri board. It has been a great place for information and support!

Next time I'm in TX I'll think of the groucho girls! I have family all over TX, closest to you would be Angleton.

Your report made me look forward to my trip in July even more! Can't wait to see the Fort for the first time!

 

[Lil' Lisa]

Yea!!

Thanks for the great report. I'm looking forward to your next report in October!

 

[katiekomo]

Yea!!

Thanks for the great report. I'm looking forward to your next report in October!

Etiquette question: since my October Trip won't be at the Fort will I need to post that trip report in a different forum?

(We're using points to pay for a Hilton for the original portion and DH is treating me to POR for the added portion.)(I did try to convince him to let us stay at the Fort, but even with the AP discount, free is cheaper).

I hope not... some of those other forums scare me...

 

[YodaGirl]

Thanks for the TR. Glad ya'll had fun!

 

[rm0530]

Etiquette question: since my October Trip won't be at the Fort will I need to post that trip report in a different forum?

(We're using points to pay for a Hilton for the original portion and DH is treating me to POR for the added portion.)(I did try to convince him to let us stay at the Fort, but even with the AP discount, free is cheaper).

I hope not... some of those other forums scare me...

I think I speak for all of us when I say your stories are certainly welcomed here! I can't wait to see what sort of disguise you're able to keep on while running a 1/2 marathon

I know what you mean about the other forums. I get exhausted just looking at them sometimes. They could all use a little bit of Fort magic and relax. Congrats on becoming a camper!

 

[Lil' Lisa]

I think I speak for all of us when I say your stories are certainly welcomed here! I can't wait to see what sort of disguise you're able to keep on while running a 1/2 marathon

I know what you mean about the other forums. I get exhausted just looking at them sometimes. They could all use a little bit of Fort magic and relax. Congrats on becoming a camper!

I agree! You are one of us redneck campers now!

 

[katiekomo]

I think I speak for all of us when I say your stories are certainly welcomed here! I can't wait to see what sort of disguise you're able to keep on while running a 1/2 marathon

Hooray!!

Although I don't have my disguise ready, I HAVE already planned my running outfit! I can't wait to show it off! Of course, I haven't started training... I might want to get on that...

 

[2goofycampers]

Hooray!!

Although I don't have my disguise ready, I HAVE already planned my running outfit! I can't wait to show it off! Of course, I haven't started training... I might want to get on that...

Sounds like the party is gonna end, at least for a while.