Labor Day 2009 - free dining? 4 for 7?

[lklasing]

I've been fairly absent from the boards lately, trying not to mope too much that I didn't have a trip to the Fort planned anytime soon. But, tonight DH and I were talking and are thinking about trying to do a fall trip. Based on the school's calendar, we may be limited to the Thursday or so prior to Labor Day through the Tuesday or so.

So, does anyone know whether any discounts have been released for that time? If not, when do you think they may come out? I've never done free dining, so I don't know what the best way to plan that is - go ahead and book and then hope for a discount, or try something else??

We'll be doing a cabin again if we can make the trip. I'd love any thoughts or tips for this time of year!

TIA!

Leslie

 

[BradyBz12]

Haven't seen anything yet - although they just extended the 4/3 deal into August, so who knows if they'll extend it further as the year goes on.

I keep tabs on the latest deals at Mousesavers - they have a great newsletter you can sign up for to

 

[Shan-man]

I know how you can save 26% or $68 dollars a night! Instead of a cabin, look into renting from CampattheFort.com. They deliver their spacious, deluxe 5th wheel trailer to your campsite and set everything up for you. They provide your linens and towels. You have the benefits of choosing what level of campsite you want, which means choosing what part of the campground to a certain extent. The savings I quoted above are for a Preferred campsite over the Labor Day weekend, and preferred means you would be right next to the marina... as opposed to the far end of the campground in the cabins! You could save even more going with a Full hookup, which is in a quiet and secluded corner of Fort Wilderness... and still closer to the action than the cabin loops! And, if you have any idea that you might some day like to own your own RV this is a great way to get a feel for the lifestyle, without the introductory headaches of learning how to back into a campsite and dealing with sewer connections and dumping operations! Just something to consider.

Oh, just so you can check my math: cabins in value season are $265, Tina's trailer is $135, a preferred site in value is $62 for a total $197 for a savings $68. Note that these prices are before tax. And I just looked for you, those dates are still available to book on her website.

DISCLAIMER: I have no business involvement with www.campatthefort.com and they neither encouraged nor approved this endorsement. I am simply a fan of the service and am excited about the value they offer. I evangelize them because I want to see them, and their business model, flourish!

 

[lklasing]

Thanks, Shan-Man! I've actually thought about renting from them before and am still definitely considering it for the trip following this possible one, when we have family that will be camping. That way we could be much nearer to them than the cabins are. I've looked at their pictures and they look great. Do you know how the sizes compare to the cabins? Also, don't they have 2 trailers - one bigger than the other? Which one did you price for me?

BTW, I enjoyed your "Shanta" TR from December!

On another note, does anyone know when they will announce whether they are doing free dining? How do you deal with that - do you go ahead and reserve now but modify the reservation if they announce they'll be doing it while we're there? I've never been there when that was offered.

Thanks for all the help!

Leslie

 

[Shan-man]

Hey Leslie, I really enjoyed your TR as well, got me all reved up for my trip!

As far as I can tell CampAtTheFort.com no longer offers the smaller camper anymore, the big 'un is the only one that shows on the site these days. I think there is a bit more space in the camper than the cabins. They are roughly the same size but the camper has slides that make for more elbow room. The camper has a bit more sleeping capacity (8), and the master bed is a queen instead of a full (cabins). There is also more privacy in the camper... 4 individual draped-off bunks for the kids and a separate master for the adults. If you are sleeping more folks, privacy takes a hit because the sleeper-sofa and dinette share the living room area. The only reason I'd even consider a cabin is if there were a big discount on cabins that made the price comparable, like 4/3 or free dining (which historically is not available to campground guests). Oh, since you are going during value season, it might be worth looking into AAA discounts.

 

[lklasing]

Thanks again, Shan-man! Do you know whether you can do free dining with the cabins? Also, we are AAA - do you know if you can do both AAA discount along with free dining or do you have to choose one or the other?

 

[tinah159]

I would book the cabin stay as soon as possible. After the offer is released you can call reservations back and add the free dining!

 

[2goofycampers]

Thanks again, Shan-man! Do you know whether you can do free dining with the cabins? Also, we are AAA - do you know if you can do both AAA discount along with free dining or do you have to choose one or the other?

You can only apply 1 discount per package, and free dining is available for the cabins.

 

[bama_ed]

Hey folks, slightly off-topic but the original poster (Leslie) was on local TV this morning. (At least, the name was the same and it looked like her).

Here is Birmingham this Sunday morning we had the Mercedes Marathon and Leslie's company/firm was hosting a water station. The local tv station covering the event had several reporter-ettes stationed around the course and would cut in live at each one from time to time at the water stops to talk to folks about volunteering, helping the event, etc. It looked like ya'll were downtown south of the tracks somewhere before the turn up 20th Street. Anyway, Leslie got a nice description in of her company, how many years they have supported the race which benefits many local charities, and the fun they were having. Based on some other interviews I saw this morning, hers was by far the most coherent!

I also got in 4-miles this morning (it was about 38 degrees at the start) but got back in time to see it on tv.

So Leslie, spill it girl, was that you?

Bama ED

 

[lklasing]

Bama Ed, you're killing me. I can't believe you saw that and recognized me! My company always is there for the marathon handing out water and gatorade and the news camera came since we had Elvis with us. I was supposed to run the half-marathon today, but my appendix ruptured a couple of weeks ago so that put me on the sidelines this time. But, I'm back running (just not the same distance as before my fun appendix came around), so I'll keep an eye out for you. One day we'll have to meet!

Leslie