I survived my first camping trip!

[Tri-circle-D]

Sorry, I can't figure out how to do multiple quotes the right way (also known as the TCD way-- you're, like, my TR hero!)

You are pretty smart for a newbie.

Flattery will get you everywhere.

Let me help you out with the multi quote.

It's easy.

When you are logged in, and reading a thread, there will be three symbols at the bottom right corner of each post. Going from left to right, the first of these is a rectangular box that says quote, the next, in the center, is a square box with a quotation mark in it, and the third, all the way to the right, is a square box for the quick reply function. When you want to multi quote, click the square quotation mark button for each post you want to quote (the middle button). When you get to the last one, click the rectangular quotation mark button. Then you will get a box to type your response with all of the quotes in it.

Try it. It's certainly easier than posting photos, and you have that down.

I LOL'd at that photo! The disguise on Minnie is a nice touch!

TCD

 

[katiekomo]

What a fun report !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sounds like a GREAT trip so far!!!

Great job!

Yay! A summer tent-camping story. I CAN'T WAIT to read all about it

I can't wait to hear about this trip.

Glad you had a good time and I'm looking forward to a TR with pics.

Good for you, You Go Girl!

Good for you! Don't ever let someone tell you that you can't!! It sounds like you had a good time, and probably excited to come back. YOU GO GIRL!!!

I'm loving your report

Gotta say I am impressed. You did great for a first camping trip and considering you flew in to boot you gals did a great job.

Great job so far. Thanks for sharing. Looks like professional work, I'm beginning to have my doubts about the "City Mouse" label you put on yourself!

Looks like you had a fun time. I'm glad you're writing a report for us. I'm enjoying it!

Anyways, great report so far, very detailed.

It has already been said, so I am just repeating that you really did a great job with this trip! You are doing a great job on this report- keep up the good work. TCD

You are pretty smart for a newbie. Flattery will get you everywhere.

How's that??? And yes, I most def went through and pulled out all the compliments to use as my practice for quoting. Tee hee! Wait, is that a little narcissistic? I promise I won't do it again...

Question, though-- how do I just quote a portion of a post? I went through and deleted the non-compliments after it was already in my "reply to thread" white box. Is there a way to highlight just what you want to reply too, or do you need to delete once it's in the white box?

 

[katiekomo]

I LOL'd at that photo! The disguise on Minnie is a nice touch!

Gasp! How did you know it was her?? I thought for sure you'd be thrown off by the disguise!

 

[Tri-circle-D]

How's that??? And yes, I most def went through and pulled out all the compliments to use as my practice for quoting. Tee hee! Wait, is that a little narcissistic? I promise I won't do it again...

Question, though-- how do I just quote a portion of a post? I went through and deleted the non-compliments after it was already in my "reply to thread" white box. Is there a way to highlight just what you want to reply too, or do you need to delete once it's in the white box?

Nicely done.

Yes, it is a little narcissistic.

But, according to DaveInTN, Disboarders are narcissistic.

I don't think there is any way to only quote a portion of a post, other than to edit out the parts you don't want to quote after you have the post in your reply box.

TCD

 

[WannaBeImagineer]

Just wanted to say great job with the trip report and the first camping trip. Ya'll did a great job, especially since you had to fly in. I've tent camped all my life and have to say flying and camping is much harder than when you drive. Also I'm going to be using your TR for motivation soon, my girlfriend has never camped before, her first time will be in November at the Fort so I'm going to get her to read your report for tips and encouragement.

On a side note I noticed your name and that you’re from Houston. I’m originally from the Lake Charles area, that Komo name sounds like a Louisiana name, although spelled different. Not trying to be nosey just curious if you were a native Louisianan.

 

[novdisneydreams]

I just want to say that you are doing a GREAT JOB on your TR

Were you actually getting any sleep in the tent? Was it like an oven in there?

You are totally inspiring me, too. I can't believe you flew in.

I keep thinking that if you could flywith all of your stuff then surely I could fit my husband, 3 kids, and camping stuff in my escort and drive down

Keep up the great work. I am loving reading about your adventure

 

[redandblue]

Great TR. I want to go to Disney with the kids just before DD turns 3 (why pay when they won't remember) and I can't decide if I want to camp or do the resort. We have a travel trailer so I can't decide.

 

[katiekomo]

Yes, it is a little narcissistic.
But, according to DaveInTN, Disboarders are narcissistic.
TCD

I have found my people! And I do mean MY people... me, being narcissistic and all...

Just wanted to say great job with the trip report and the first camping trip. Ya'll did a great job, especially since you had to fly in. I've tent camped all my life and have to say flying and camping is much harder than when you drive. Also I'm going to be using your TR for motivation soon, my girlfriend has never camped before, her first time will be in November at the Fort so I'm going to get her to read your report for tips and encouragement.
On a side note I noticed your name and that you’re from Houston. I’m originally from the Lake Charles area, that Komo name sounds like a Louisiana name, although spelled different. Not trying to be nosey just curious if you were a native Louisianan.

The pre-trip had to be more planned and the getting and leaving there was a little rough (just wait until I get to my last day...) but overall, it wasn't that hard. Since this was my first time, I don't know how easy it is to drive... but I would guess that lends itself to over-packing. We had to stay light and I still had things I wouldn't bring again (like the Crazy Creeks).

Totally tell your GF that I camping is the way to go! KK approved! And just to give you a point of reference as to how out of my comfort zone I was... let me share with you actual quotes that I said TODAY in our very own backyard, "I'm hot!" "Ew! I think I stepped in an ant bed!" "Ah!! There are ants on my flip flops!! Get them ooooffff!!!" "Now I'm itchy" "Is that a mosquito?" "Throw those flip flops away, I can't wear them now that there were ants on them." "AHH! I bug! Wait, it's a dragonfly. AHH! A dragonfly! Can those sting me?" "Can we go inside yet??" So if I can do it-- ANYONE can do it!! I much prefer FW to my backyard!!

I so drank the kool aide that I'm trying to convince DH to pay for us to go to FW in October (the plan is to stay for free on his hotel points). I'd rather pay to be at the Fort than stay for free in a really nice hotel. What the Fort Wilderness has happened to me??

LOL! If I were from Louisiana it'd be Katie Komeaux! Actually, you're half right... my DH is from Louisiana. Although we're still in Texas (and I'll ALWAYS be a Texas girl), I've really gotten into the South Louisiana culture and love spending time there! The katiekomo is actually from an old nickname I got in high school.

Were you actually getting any sleep in the tent? Was it like an oven in there?
You are totally inspiring me, too. I can't believe you flew in.
I keep thinking that if you could flywith all of your stuff then surely I could fit my husband, 3 kids, and camping stuff in my escort and drive down

Yes, at night it was actually quite nice. Here's what helped: fitted sheets on the air mattress. I would start on the fitted sheet with the fan blowing in my face. I would wake up a few hours later a little cold eek so I then put the sleeping bag over me like a blanket. Slept great! Naps, however, no... we had to get creative... (see upcoming post).

Great TR. I want to go to Disney with the kids just before DD turns 3 (why pay when they won't remember) and I can't decide if I want to camp or do the resort. We have a travel trailer so I can't decide.

See my comment above about choosing FW over a FREE hotel room. I'm getting nervous. My DH called me a hippie (no lie) for suggesting it. I told him that most of the Dis Board posters are anti-hippie. He said he doesn't know what I'm talking about, but he trusts those who don't trust hippies. One step closer, my friends!

 

[katiekomo]

Part Two of June 8th, 2010
Leaving DHS, we boarded the boat to head over to the Boardwalk. The first stop, however, was the Yacht Club and being the adventurers we are, we decided to check it out. We walked in and stumbled upon a really neat CM—Woody. He looked about my dad’s age and but had a grandfather quality about him (come to think of it my dad is a grandpa…because I do have a nephew… so maybe he did remind me of my dad…?).

So we told Woody that we wanted someone to serve us our food (I was just ready for a waiter after all this QS!) and we wanted something tasty. (It’s was about 3pm at this point.) He pointed us to Beaches & Cream. Before we left, however, I asked to see his pins and we got into the neatest pin trading discussion. Stupid pins! I’ve now bid on (and won) a lot of 100 for when I go back in October. How do you explain the need for a pin budget to a non-Disney (yet!) DH??

Beaches & Cream totally hit the spot. I had the classic burger and fries. Served to me by a delightful waiter. LP had the same, but with a milkshake. She was quite excited about the milkshake…

Since my DH is from Louisiana, we decided to head over to Port Orleans. LP and I are not the only two sisters-in-law… there is also JJ. She is not a camper (I tried to tell her that neither am I, but she still declined our invitation for this trip) and if we were to ever come back, I thought PO would be a good place to stay. We first went to the French Quarter side and saw a group of alligators second lining down the road:

(I wonder just how many photos there are of people doing that exact pose?)

Having spent a LOT of time in the real Quarter, we were impressed with how many of the details were the same—right down to the street sign decorations! But it quickly dawned on us that something was wrong… there was something off… then it clicked this place was immaculate! No trash, no homeless people! Disney, where is your sense of realism?? Don’t worry, we fixed that right away…

But first we went to the Riverside. We were very tired by then, but it was already 6pm. So we found two lovely benches, used our handy backpacks as pillows… and took a snooze! Tada! Homeless people at Port Orleans! You’re welcome, Disney! I was surprised that no one stopped us. You would think we’d be pretty suspicious looking, what with the glasses and all...?

After an hour (we are nap experts!) we headed back to the bus. That’s when we ran into the stressed out family from the Epcot RD line! I’m sad to report the parents were still bickering and no one looked much happier. LP and I spent many conversations talking on how we could avoid being that family when we all come back. It just bums me out to see people unhappy at the happiest place on earth! (But, really, what are the odds that we would run into them again??)

We went back to FW and gathered up some snacks and headed out to the beach. I had never seen the fireworks anywhere but in the parks or at California Grill, so I was excited to experience it. First we got our chairs. Then we got our beers. Then the Water Parade started:

I thought the end was pretty cool. I enjoy simple things. And America. So that simple American light change—right up my alley!

But then the fireworks started. Wow! It was probably our best night (well, Jellyrolls was really fun too…)(there I go trying to play favorites again!). It was neat seeing all the families enjoying the show. They piped the music in and it was timed perfectly. I’m not sure I ever want to watch the fireworks in the park again! I will def be taking DH to the Fort to watch the fireworks when we come back in October. I had a photo of the fireworks, but TCD has MUCH better shots. So on the off chance that you’re not reading his TR too (and if you’re not, what’s wrong with you?!) go over there and look at his photos of kids’ silhouettes as they are playing on the beach during the fireworks.

After that perfect evening we went to bed… we were hitting MK’s RD the next morning!

 

[kampfirekim]

I have a bad habit of proving people wrong. The best way to get me to do something, is to tell me I can’t…

Me (KK) and my sister-in-law (LP) traveled to FW for a week in June. I had never been camping and she had never been to WDW—so it was the perfect fit!

And just to set up a little background on me and my fellow adventurer: we are late twenty-something Southern women with general positive attitudes.

As a southern girl myself, I agree that the best way to get us to do something is to tell us we can't! I believe a southern gal can do ANYTHING!

I've been out of town and just found your TR. Nice work! Looks like you and your sister in law had a blast!

I may be able to shed a little light on the growing phenomenon of the LK's. Very often children w/Autism disorders are "runners", so parents will use the "leashes" to keep them from bolting into dangerous situations. I know because I have such a bolter, but we've never used the leashes as he would never put up with it. This isn't the case w/all LK's but you can bet its true for a large percentage. Hope this gives you an additional perspective on the various child restraint methods you might see at WDW.

Looking forward to more of your TR! BTW, I have a Safety Sam too!

 

[mgsmom]

What a fun TR!! You really must tell me how you do the groucho glasses. My DH is a Safety Sam, too.

My DD is a LK too - she is two so she is easily distracted, doesn't listen well, and runs A LOT. It's just easier than trying to hold hands in 90 degree heat. Hers is a backpack style, though, and she thinks she's Dora when she wears it... Whatever works...

I'm looking forward to more of your report! This really takes me back to our pre-DD trips we used to make. LOVE that you provided the homeless ambiance for PO. We all must do our part...

 

[Tri-circle-D]

We went back to FW and gathered up some snacks and headed out to the beach. I had never seen the fireworks anywhere but in the parks or at California Grill, so I was excited to experience it. First we got our chairs. Then we got our beers. Then the Water Parade started:

I thought the end was pretty cool. I enjoy simple things. And America. So that simple American light change—right up my alley!

But then the fireworks started. Wow! It was probably our best night (well, Jellyrolls was really fun too…)(there I go trying to play favorites again!). It was neat seeing all the families enjoying the show. They piped the music in and it was timed perfectly. I’m not sure I ever want to watch the fireworks in the park again! I will def be taking DH to the Fort to watch the fireworks when we come back in October. I had a photo of the fireworks, but TCD has MUCH better shots. So on the off chance that you’re not reading his TR too (and if you’re not, what’s wrong with you?!) go over there and look at his photos of kids’ silhouettes as they are playing on the beach during the fireworks.

After that perfect evening we went to bed… we were hitting MK’s RD the next morning!

Hey- thanks for the plug! We can start our own mutual admiration society here. Your EWP photo is great. I actually have a few from my most recent trip which I will be posting. I wanted to show the perspective from another location to view the fireworks.

I am still amazed that you did so well for a rookie. The EWP and fireworks from the beach are a must do at the Fort, but a lot of folks overlook these.

Keep up the good work!

TCD

 

[katiekomo]

As a southern girl myself, I agree that the best way to get us to do something is to tell us we can't! I believe a southern gal can do ANYTHING!

I've been out of town and just found your TR. Nice work! Looks like you and your sister in law had a blast!

I may be able to shed a little light on the growing phenomenon of the LK's. Very often children w/Autism disorders are "runners", so parents will use the "leashes" to keep them from bolting into dangerous situations. I know because I have such a bolter, but we've never used the leashes as he would never put up with it. This isn't the case w/all LK's but you can bet its true for a large percentage. Hope this gives you an additional perspective on the various child restraint methods you might see at WDW.

Looking forward to more of your TR! BTW, I have a Safety Sam too!

Haha-- what is it about us that can't hear we can't do it?? This has sometimes gotten me into trouble... thankfully this time it opened me up to a whole new part of the World!

I spoke with a friend who teaches at a special needs school and she also mentioned what you did about the LKs. I was worried posting that because I didn't want to come across as anti-LK... for all I know I'll have a whole brood of them! I had just never seen so many in one place-- so we made a game out of it, no particularly positive or negative opinions-- just the sheer number of them made for a fun game. (Although, in the counts-- Fanny Packs (FPs) were the number one spotted, then LKs, then Camel Toes (CTs) then Men in Mouse Ears (MEs). Just what we need-- more letters for the alphabet soup!)(In October I might add to two of the counts: FPs-- the backpack got HOT and MEs-- if I can get DH to wear them!!)

What a fun TR!! You really must tell me how you do the groucho glasses. My DH is a Safety Sam, too.

My DD is a LK too - she is two so she is easily distracted, doesn't listen well, and runs A LOT. It's just easier than trying to hold hands in 90 degree heat. Hers is a backpack style, though, and she thinks she's Dora when she wears it... Whatever works...

I'm looking forward to more of your report! This really takes me back to our pre-DD trips we used to make. LOVE that you provided the homeless ambiance for PO. We all must do our part...

Yes, we decided that being homeless characters was better than throwing our trash everywhere.
The groucho glasses are really easy-- on photobucket I just hit the "decorate" tab then I add a sticker. One of the stickers are the great glasses! The other option is to carry them around and take two photos each time-- one without the glasses for the family albulm and one with the glasses for your TR. But that might get a little tedious...

 

[katiekomo]

PS-- Can I just mention that I'm honored the the starter of the "Best Thread in 2010" posted on MY TR??

I might have to do another compilation of compliments! No? Too much? Well... ok...

 

[WannaBeImagineer]

The pre-trip had to be more planned and the getting and leaving there was a little rough (just wait until I get to my last day...) but overall, it wasn't that hard. Since this was my first time, I don't know how easy it is to drive... but I would guess that lends itself to over-packing. We had to stay light and I still had things I wouldn't bring again (like the Crazy Creeks).

Exactly when I drive I over pack...I guess that's why I think its easier cause I bring so much stuff, if I even think I might need it I throw it in the truck lol.

Totally tell your GF that I camping is the way to go! KK approved! And just to give you a point of reference as to how out of my comfort zone I was... let me share with you actual quotes that I said TODAY in our very own backyard, "I'm hot!" "Ew! I think I stepped in an ant bed!" "Ah!! There are ants on my flip flops!! Get them ooooffff!!!" "Now I'm itchy" "Is that a mosquito?" "Throw those flip flops away, I can't wear them now that there were ants on them." "AHH! I bug! Wait, it's a dragonfly. AHH! A dragonfly! Can those sting me?" "Can we go inside yet??" So if I can do it-- ANYONE can do it!! I much prefer FW to my backyard!!

Thanks I'm going to get her read this from the sounds of it you and her have very similar comfort zones....actually I I think I've heard her say those same words before.

LOL! If I were from Louisiana it'd be Katie Komeaux!

LOL Very true!

 

[seals]

But then the fireworks started. Wow! It was probably our best night (well, Jellyrolls was really fun too…)(there I go trying to play favorites again!). It was neat seeing all the families enjoying the show. They piped the music in and it was timed perfectly. I’m not sure I ever want to watch the fireworks in the park again! !

Me too. We saw them once in the park -- I was so tired I had to sit on the ground and people were standing all around me, then in front of me, then almost stepping on me (although I was too tired to care). We saw them twice at the Fort and it was great -- once sitting in chairs and once on the dock because we'd just gotten off the boat. So nice...

 

[kampfirekim]

Haha-- what is it about us that can't hear we can't do it?? This has sometimes gotten me into trouble... thankfully this time it opened me up to a whole new part of the World!

I spoke with a friend who teaches at a special needs school and she also mentioned what you did about the LKs. I was worried posting that because I didn't want to come across as anti-LK... for all I know I'll have a whole brood of them! I had just never seen so many in one place-- so we made a game out of it, no particularly positive or negative opinions-- just the sheer number of them made for a fun game.

Yes, we decided that being homeless characters was better than throwing our trash everywhere.
The groucho glasses are really easy-- on photobucket I just hit the "decorate" tab then I add a sticker. One of the stickers are the great glasses! The other option is to carry them around and take two photos each time-- one without the glasses for the family albulm and one with the glasses for your TR. But that might get a little tedious...

My ears can't even hear the words "YOU CAN'T"! On the off chance they do hear the words, my reply is "Don't tell ME what I can't do!" HAHAHAHA!

Not to worry about the LK's, I took no offense. You appeared to be more inquiring than judging. You probably haven't seen so many in once place because there's nowhere else where there are more CHILDREN in one place.

I haven't yet worried about the KFK photos being seen so far. If someone decides to stalk me...here's their notice. KFK is probably packin'! Watch out! POW!

PS-- Can I just mention that I'm honored the the starter of the "Best Thread in 2010" posted on MY TR??

I might have to do another compilation of compliments! No? Too much? Well... ok...

I've enjoyed following along. Maybe on your next adventure, you could just hop on a Greyhound and travel half way across the country and end up...oh in St. Louis or something. I'm not sayin' I did that........ but I will say that the kampfireparents were never closer to heart failure!

Didn't you notice already how narcissistic we Fort Fiends are? We never shy away from compliments or high praise!

 

[mgsmom]

I saw how you might go to the fanny-pack wearin' side... backpacks do get pretty sweaty and annoying. I used one of those back packs that just have the drawstrings that go over your shoulder - do you know what I'm talking about - and they cinch up? Makes it easier to sling over one shoulder if you want to get it off your back a while. I also have used a Vera Bradley hipster that has some convenient pockets.
Not that I have anything against fanny packs... DH actually has a really nice one (snicker) that he got when he was coaching - it has the NFL emblem on it and it's navy and very discreet looking. I make him carry the money and camera in it. I'm such a good wifey...

 

[Dizneydawn]

I want to start by saying I totally owe you a depth of gratitude!

We are going in October for a few days followed by a drive to SC and have decided to tent I do believe. Our original plan was staying at BWCL so as afar as you can get on WDW property as far as cushy life goes.

But here is the deal, I adore the deluxe properties but often find I do not adore the deluxe property people.

I am a simple girl who enjoys the simple beauty of places and do not care how much your pocketbook carries or what the square footage of your home might be.

Had a pop up for a long time, would like to move to a RV as soon as the college age children stop sucking the life out of me - which is many moons away because they are 19, 16 & 14!

But we have tents and I enjoy camping and the people who are campers so why not enjoy it at WDW?

Literally the price difference is almost $2,600 between a tent site and the same amount of days (4) at BWCL. That discrepancy would be a nice chunk towards a RV wouldn't it?

I was thrilled to read of your adventure and even more how much you did not regret your choice.

Thanks for helping me make my mind up. My fiance more than anyone will be your biggest fan after I go and tell him the news.

Probably a good thing you disguised yourself because he might want to stalk you with a list of other things he hopes I reduce the budget on!

 

[kampfirekim]

We are going in October for a few days followed by a drive to SC and have decided to tent I do believe.


But we have tents and I enjoy camping and the people who are campers so why not enjoy it at WDW?

Where in SC are you headed? You just might be coming somewhere near me!

Amen to camping and people who are campers. No greater people in all the world and no greater place than FW to enjoy the camping and those who camp. Have a magical trip!