Is this the craziest question EVER!!??

[Nanabug02]

My husband and I have planned a trip to WDW for 6/26-7/5 and were planning on staying at the Wilderness Lodge.

Now, due to financial reasons, we are thinking of camping instead (tent style) at Fort Wilderness. It would save us at least $1,000.00. We have always been avid campers, and I've camped several times before at FW.

However, here is my problem:

We can't drive there (too many miles) and we have already purchased non refundable plane tickets. Have you EVER heard of someone flying to WDW and then camping? We wouldn't have a car, so we would have to bring minimal camping gear in our luggage. We really want to stay as close as we can to the MK area and I know this is the least expensive option.

I've just never heard of anyone doing this or if it is even possible. The only other thing we could do is fly and then rent a car at the airport to drive over to Fort Wilderness, but I'm sure the $$$ it would cost to keep the car that long would cancel out the point of it.

Please give me some opinions on this!! I would love to hear what everyone thinks!!!

 

[lulugirl]

I'm not sure what your budget is, but have you considered staying at a value or moderate resort? Using a code (check Mousesavers.com) you may be able to get a reasonable rate. I've never camped at WDW, so I can't help you there.
Also, some of the downtown Disney hotels offer reasonable rates and also have reliable (I think free) transportation.
Whatever you decide, you'll have great time because you'll be in Disney! Enjoy!

 

[Disney_1derland]

at one of the value resorts to make the trip feasible. By the time you fly down there, rent a car buy what you'll need to camp with plus the fee for the camp space you'll be at what it would cost you to stay at a value (at least I would think you would be). Just a thought.

good luck, I hope everything works out!

 

[zurgswife]

What about rent a car from National or Alamo for just one day. On your arrival day and departure day. We have done this before and it works out fine. You have a cheaper very convient ride to and from the airport and a car to pickup grocery items and then you can return it at the Dolphin or the Car care center. It would definately be cheaper then a car service.

 

[hipporina]

I personally would look for a cheaper hotel. I can't imagine being stuck in the heat all day and night! I know people do camp, but I know I would be miserable without AC at night for an entire trip. I would personally opt for a value resort with AC over a closer location to MK. (But I also hate to be hot when I sleep and am not much of a camper!)

 

[Kallison]

I don't understand how you would pack a tent, sleeping bags, etc. in your luggage? I would look at the value resorts or downtown disney resorts. Good luck.

 

[Shelle&Dave]

Check out the camping board. I remember reading a thread about someone who flew down and camped. She put most everything in big duffel bags I believe and checked them in as luggage.

 

[FloridaCat]

Nanabug02
You may consider shipping your camping gear to FW office. You can call them and make the arangements to hold it for you. On my fishing trips from FL to MN, I Fedex or UPS everyhing. I also request a return lable and slap it on when I leave for home.

 

[Wenda]

I have stayed at Fort Wilderness in July in one of the trailer homes. I can't imagine doing it in a tent. It was very, very hot and at night the bugs were horrendous. When we checked in we were given free sample of bug repellent and boy was it needed. We have stayed at All Stars and I would much prefer that over camping in Florida at that time of year.

 

[KerriL]

I don't know where I read it, but I think you can rent tents and camping equipment from outdoor suppliers like Eastern Mountain Sports or similar down in Florida.
Kerri

 

[bobcat]

I second posting on the camping board. There have been a few people over the years that have done just what you are suggesting. Since you most likely won't be bringing a ton of camping gear you should be able to fit a small tent, inflatable mattress and some sleep sheets in a duffle.

I tent camped in August and I wouldn't do it again. It was very hot and muggy and I never felt clean since we had no way to cool off at night. I will definately camp at FW again but never in summer without airconditioning.

 

[disneycrazy730]

STAY AT POP OR ASMU