Is camping worth the cheaper price? "some other questions too"

[brocklesnar69]

I researched that this is the cheapest 'resort' (or whatever you call it). How is the expirience of doing this. Do you have to bring your own tent and stuff? What if you live out of state and have to fly into Florida? That would be terrible to take a tent onboard an airplane, so much more hassle. Is the whole camping thing worth the cheap price?

Does Disney give you a tent and stuff?

Is it better or more exciting than staying in an All Star Resort? (I dont mind the whole outdoor thing)

And how are you supposed to keep you tent locked up so people cant steal your things?

 

[klinlin]

Have you checked over on the camping board? You will probably get more/better info.

 

[brocklesnar69]

I researched that this is the cheapest 'resort' (or whatever you call it). How is the expirience of doing this. Do you have to bring your own tent and stuff? What if you live out of state and have to fly into Florida? That would be terrible to take a tent onboard an airplane, so much more hassle. Is the whole camping thing worth the cheap price?

Does Disney give you a tent and stuff?

Is it better or more exciting than staying in an All Star Resort? (I dont mind the whole outdoor thing)

And how are you supposed to keep you tent locked up so people cant steal your things?

It will be just me and one other person. And I was interested in doing the whole camping thing for 16 days. Is that possible too?

 

[MariaEllerºoº]

Definitely check the Disney Camping Boards! Also check out Jeff Spencer's wonderful FW Campground FAQ: http://home.hiwaay.net/~jlspence/faq_fw.htm

We always drove to Disney and had our tent, camping pads, sleeping bags and other camping gear with us. It's a wonderful place to camp...very safe and secure. When I was a single mom with 3 kidlets that's the only way I could take the children to Disney and we loved it!

 

[auntie]

I would think that if you don't already have camping equipment..and you are debating between Allstars and the campground..you might also consider the time of year you are going..and any discounts available ...codes or possilbe pins attached to your name(if you've been to Disney before this is possible). There are times when a site at FW can be close to as much as a room at Allstars. We haven't camped in FW yet..but hope to. We have a travel trailer..so I'm not sure how people who tent camp secure their belongings. I think they have a safe at the front check in. I have been to the campground and stayed in the "cabins"..but they are costly..and more the rate of a Deluxe resort. The campground itself is really lovely. Very laid back and peaceful. There are a host of amenities for the kids and adults a like. There are playgrounds and a pool and arcade. They are located at the Meadow Trading Post area. There is also a Settlement Trading Post which is located closer to the marina and beach area. The comfort stations are immaculate..and they have showers. I personally think they are some of the nicest restrooms in Disney.(probably more than you need to know there!) The marina..located on Bay Lake..where you can rent various watercraft. You can also watch the nightly Electric Water Pagent from the beach. FW is host to a couple of dinner shows also. Bikes are a pleasant way to get around. The Bike Barn has rentals for all ages. FW offers an internal bus system..and also bus transportation to the parks. However, the MK is only a water launch ride across Bay Lake.

 

[ynottony99]

You can rent a tent. Not sure about the price. You of course can't lock a tent. Depending on how much camping experience you have, my inclination is to recommend a Value resort this trip, and maybe check out FW while you are at WDW.

 

[FloridaTeacher]

The campground is fabulous. We always stay at Fort Wilderness in our motorhome. You do have to bring your own camping equipment. I think if you are staying there only to save $$$ and you have to buy tents and other camping necessities, you probably won't be saving.

 

[auntie]

I'd agree..if you don't already have camping equipment..then it's going to cost you to purchase that..and it would probably wind up less expensive to stay at the Allstars. If you are going to be purchasing the camping equipment anyway..or plan to use it again elsewhere..then maybe I'd consider it. I think people who dont camp are under the misconception that campers "camp" to save money..and I don't believe that's entirely true.Frankly..it's hard for me to say..since I'm not a tent camper. We have a Travel Trailer. I know I wouldn't want to camp in a tent in the hot summer months ..be it at FW or anywhere. I do know that there are people who have A/C for them also..but if you are looking to save money..that's not going to help you much either. I think that for a good many of those who are staying at FW have RV's. They aren't necessarily camping to save money..but that is the way they choose to vacation. It's more a life style. No one gets into RV'ing because it saves money, that's for sure. I would imagine if you are camping with a tent..you would save..but again..if you are only purchasing the tenting equipment..and that would mean everything from the tent to the bedding to cooking equipment..I would think that would be a huge expense. I think those that like to tent..do it for the outdoor experinece more than to save money..although that's probably a bonus.

 

[stacktester]

I was going to suggest if you have your tent equipment already you can ship it via UPS Ground to the fort. I ship equipment in cases a lot and if you do it ground and ask for the lowest rate it will be affordable. They will give you a guarantee date too so you will know when it will be there for sure. I've been told it will be held for you at the front. You can call for a pickup when you go home and just do it the same way. Hopefully this is a good idea for you.

 

[alloyd1170]

We stayed at FW last month. We (me, ds 5yrs and dd 1 yr) rented a 5 person rv from Cruise America. For the cost of the rv, and camp site for three nights we wouldve got about 1 night at CR where we normally stay. Basically the rv was about $99 a night plus the campsite (think it was about $60). Money wasnt an issue for us, but you can save by eating in your rv vs out.

The only real hassle was having to go pick up the rv and return it. However, I believe there is a rental company who will deliver it to your campsite, set it up, and break it down at the end of your trip. That is what we will do next time. We loved staying at FW and wished we had more time. My family used to camp there back in the 80s. It is so peacefull to wake up in the morning to peace and quiet, chirping birds, etc. A nice ferry ride will get you to MK or CR to catch the monorail, or you can take the bus.

alison

 

[clkelley]

It is possible to tent camp and fly. Each person flying can bring two 50 lb pieces of checked luggage a carryon and a personal item.

I've done it before. My two 50lb checked luggage was a footlocker and a large duffle bag. In those containers I packed two small tents, two small rain shelters, an air mattress, linens, a folding chair. In my carryon and personal item I had my clothing, and other small but heavy stuff I needed to camp.

Magical Express delivered me to my campsite and all my stuff was delivered to Ft. Wilderness shortly after I arrived.

However, as other posters have stated, if this is your first time camping and you don't have the "stuff" staying at the value resorts will be much less expensive.

Camping and flying really requires a good knowledge of what you need to go camping, and good knowledge of your gear and how to set it up.

Now, if you do decide you want to camp and fly, don't worry about locking your tent. I have never had anything bothered while I was out. As I said one of my pieces of luggage is a plastic footlocker. Anything I was remotely worried about, I locked in the footlocker while I was gone. They also have secure storage at the front desk if there is something you really need to have secure.

But your clothing, bedding, etc, no worries.

Also, as far as 16 days, yep, no problem!! My Ft. Wilderness trips are usually two weeks now, but I do drive down. and yes I've stayed that long in a tent!!

 

[1Venus]

I think if you are only looking into FW to save money, that you would be happier at one of the value resorts (All Stars or POP Century.) We go to the fort as a "camping experience" and not so much for doing Disney. We only camp once a year (Spring or late Fall to be comfortable without A/C.) We visit WDW about one long weekend a month, but we stay in values all but the one designated camping trip. On the other hand, if you love to camp, then you'll camp there regardless of the cost. It really is a nice place to stay.

 

[SundancePass]

I agree that the best way to stay at WDW is to camp at FW....but only when the night time temperature is at 65 degrees or lower.

We have been camping for 30 years at FW and have never lived in FL when we did it. We pack everything (tent, stakes, sleeping bags, air mattresses, hammer, tent fly, lantern (small), 2 towels, 2 plates, 2 coffee cups, 2 bowels and 2 each knife, fokr and spoon in one LLBean duffel bag with wheels. We are backpackers so our 10X12 tent doesn't weigh much. Neither do our sleeping bags. Even with airline restrictions, we get it all on and have a blast. We stay for 10-14 days each time.

However, if you don't have the equipment, try one of the All Star resorts or Pop Century.

Plus, it's too hot in the summer to camp for long anywhere in Florida.

 

[riaesq]

Just an additional FYI, I asked today how much it would be to rent a tent and was told $30 a day for a 4-person. Not sure if that includes setup or not; and it's in addition to site rental, of course.

 

[loriandmatt]

Plus, it's too hot in the summer to camp for long anywhere in Florida.

Ah - but that is the beauty of and AC unit in ones camper. have seen them rigged in tents too.

for the OP - i agree with others that if this is going to be your first treck into camping, perhaps you might want to book at a value resort and visit FW to get ideas. we did this our first trip. We fell in love with FW while staying at the All stars. We went home, bought camping equipment and got some camping experinece over the next year. Came back to the fort and it is now, without a doubt our resort of choice. (have stayed at every value, offsite and at one moderate. yes, moderates are nice, but i still don't get that layed back feel of a "true" FW stay.)

if you have the equipment and some camping experinece and find that you enjoy the experience, go for it. FW is the cream of the crop in camping venues.

 

[cerdafied7]

I agree with YnottonY99, if you have never been try the A-star. We have stayed there and they are nice to stay at for a first time and even if you want to save a couple of bucks you cant go wrong when you are staying at the resort. This year we are trying the camping grounds and we cant wait.
later - have fun!