Is this posible?

[debbiej]

Hi I'm from the UK. It costs a fortune to fly and Im trying to keep the prices down. Do you think it's possible for me to fly, stay one night in a hotel while I go to walmart to buy camping equiptment and then tent camp for ten days at fort Wilderness. It looks so nice and my kids love camping and we are going in April. Do you think I would be risking getting to Walmart and there being no tents! I know I'm prob mad! Any advice would be great!
Thanks
Debbie

 

[Donna]

Hi I'm from the UK. It costs a fortune to fly and Im trying to keep the prices down. Do you think it's possible for me to fly, stay one night in a hotel while I go to walmart to buy camping equiptment and then tent camp for ten days at fort Wilderness. It looks so nice and my kids love camping and we are going in April. Do you think I would be risking getting to Walmart and there being no tents! I know I'm prob mad! Any advice would be great!
Thanks
Debbie

Not sure about Walmart, but isn't there a Camping World in Kissimmee? Will you just ship it home then at the end of your trip?

Remember what Walt said, If you can dream it, you can do it!

 

[debbiej]

No, we'd just leave the stuff, far too many nice clothes I want to bring back. Any way would just buy cheapest camping equiptment.

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

If you search through the Camping forum you'll find the method others use to fly their equipment with them.

Of course maybe you are looking to take advantage of the 2:1 ratio of the pound to the dollar...I guess buying cheap Ozark Trail gear would be dirt cheap at that rate. If that's what you are doing I would suggest that you see if someone on this board would be willing to make a few calls for you. Walmart around here (Atlanta Metro) tends to carry camping gear year round. Target also carries it. My opinion would be that there'd be no risk at all in your plan but of course I don't live in Florida (that's why you'd want a local to find out for you).

Another possibility would be to contact one of the grocery delivery services and see if they would make a run to Walmart for you.

Finally back to my original suggestion. As inexpensive cheap camping gear can be, gear that you get from friends that they don't want anymore is cheaper...I'd probably look into putting together some lightweight gear and including it as luggage...at least the basic tent and sleeping stuff.

You might also pose your question on this Yahoo groups message board.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tentcamping/
I get the feeling there arent that many tent campers on this board and you'll need a plan to cope with whatever the weather would be like when you plan to come over.

 

[proudmomof4]

Hi I'm from the UK. It costs a fortune to fly and Im trying to keep the prices down. Do you think it's possible for me to fly, stay one night in a hotel while I go to walmart to buy camping equiptment and then tent camp for ten days at fort Wilderness. It looks so nice and my kids love camping and we are going in April. Do you think I would be risking getting to Walmart and there being no tents! I know I'm prob mad! Any advice would be great!
Thanks
Debbie

Hi Debbie!

A few years ago we were tent camping at FW when a freak storm came through and we ended up at Walmart after midnight buying a new tent, they had plenty to choose from so I don't think what you are proposing would be a problem. The stores here in Florida carry camping equipment year round and if you are thinking of going in April that is when they are getting the new models in to gear up for the next "camping season".

And if you don't want to keep everything after you are done see if someone at the fort can take the stuff off your hands when you leave or if they can recommend a local scouting troop you can donate to.

 

[debbiej]

thanks so much for your replies. getting so excited about it now it seems poss! Will def pass equiptment on.
thanks
Debbie

 

[becky1960]

Did anybody mention that Disney has tents at FW and they set them up for you. Depending on time of the year they may a little hot.

 

[Rhonda]

Did anybody mention that Disney has tents at FW and they set them up for you. Depending on time of the year they may a little hot.

Yes - that's a great idea! Fort Wilderness will rent you all the equipment you need -- they'll even have the tent all set up and ready for you! You have to call them directly to set this up. 407-824-2900

 

[wee-haggis]

This is a expanation on how to rent a tent from FW taken from allearsnet.com

Can you rent camping gear at FW?

Yes. The official policy for Fort Wilderness is that rental tents and cots are only available to groups of 20 or more using Creekside Meadow, the primitive camping area. However, official policy and practice seem to differ. Individuals have rented equipment before and I've called FW myself and been told they do rent equipment to individuals if they have it available and a group hasn't already made arrangements to rent it. Tents are $30 per night, cots are $4 per night, so it's not cheap. Also, if you do stay in Creekside Meadow, the cost is $10 per person (20 person minimum). For group reservations, call (407) 939-7807 Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

 

[donatalie]

Have you considered ordering your equipment from Walmart.com and having it delivered to the local store? It should be ready for you to pick up when you arrive and there are no shipping fees.

 

[bradisgoofy]

I say, go for it. You will never regret staying at FW. When in April? We are going to be there the first two weeks in '08.

 

[ntsammy5]

Yes - that's a great idea! Fort Wilderness will rent you all the equipment you need -- they'll even have the tent all set up and ready for you! You have to call them directly to set this up. 407-824-2900

WOW. That's really good to know! Thanks Rhonda