Looks like a private party in the 700 loop tonight

[clkelley]

If a group of us here on the disboards contacted FW and asked for a particular loop with all of us together, as long as all campsites were paid for in advance, there is no doubt they would close-off the loop for us too - even though we don't all own Prevosts.

Actually we do book "group" reservations quite often, but they never get it right. We have always been split up and have never gotten all of the requests we put in.

 

[LORNADUCK]

Yea like this week!!!!

 

[DisCamper]

I think 1 time we had around 18 Disboarders in group. Disney had us all over the place most where in 900, some in 800 and me and 4 others in 700. Disney never blocked off the loop for us but we did a great job doing it our self. I was there in 2007 and Disney blocked off the loop setup tents and supplied security. So guess money does talk.

 

[Lil' Lisa]

Very true! When we camped with our hybrid back in '06 I think we were the only hybrid in the Fort. Several people stopped and asked if they could take a look - including our neighbors with the super snazzy MHs. I joked that DH should start charging for "behind the scenes" tours.

We were the only truck camper in the whole place when we were there in September, but nobody cared or asked to see it. I just don't understand why???

 

[caveat lector]

This thing sounds pretty cool. Wonder if Keystone has a similar group. Doubt it. I actually like the fact that these things happen at the Fort. I'm betting it's a cash cow for the Mouse. As such, it will help to illuminate, what an important cog in the Disney machine, that the Fort really is. Bean counters love big margins.

 

[Lil' Lisa]

We were the only truck camper in the whole place when we were there in September, but nobody cared or asked to see it. I just don't understand why???

Oh wait! I forgot that I gave Lorna a tour. It was a really quick tour. I think I said something like "well, here's the whole camper" right as we walked in the door. She took a quick look and said, "yup, that's everything!" Then I got out so that she could too.

(Well, maybe it wasn't quite like that, but there isn't much to show in a truck camper)

 

[iuki]

Actually we do book "group" reservations quite often, but they never get it right. We have always been split up and have never gotten all of the requests we put in.

In that case, when I go there in December, I'll try to remember to ask them why the "Prevost" group were all together and the loop blocked out to others in FW, and why the disboards groups were not put together.

iuki

 

[clkelley]

In that case, when I go there in December, I'll try to remember to ask them why the "Prevost" group were all together and the loop blocked out to others in FW, and why the disboards groups were not put together.

iuki

Actually I do know why our group reservations have less priority to be placed together than the Marathon Prevost groups (and other large groups). It is the type of group reservation we have. Ours is set up where we have so many sites blocked out and each individual person makes their own reservations directly with the Disney Group Reservations office with individual cancellation policies on each site. No one person is really responsible for the money.

However, there is another type of group reservation where one person calls and says I need "Loop 700" for x number of nights and we want these benefits, then Disney gives them a price. Then that one person is responsible to pony up the money whether they get the convention booked or not. THAT's how you get a loop blocked off. Since none of us are willing to take that type of risk and there are probably additional fees with that, then we go with the less exclusive group reservation. They actually do try a little harder to get us together than they would with just general requests or Grand Gatherings, but still no guarantees.

 

[LORNADUCK]

Ok now I don't feel so bad about not all being together, I don't want to pay for everyone's site. But I might have to pick a fight with group reservations, because I emailed today saying I know there were 2 cancellations and if I was responsible in any way. The person I am dealing (not the one who booked who is so nice) said well if they don't resell!!! I asked her if she put them back into the rese system, because I know people were looking for sites. Haven't gotten an answer yet, but you all might hear my loud squeeky voice tomorrow.

 

[clkelley]

Ok now I don't feel so bad about not all being together, I don't want to pay for everyone's site. But I might have to pick a fight with group reservations, because I emailed today saying I know there were 2 cancellations and if I was responsible in any way. The person I am dealing (not the one who booked who is so nice) said well if they don't resell!!! I asked her if she put them back into the rese system, because I know people were looking for sites. Haven't gotten an answer yet, but you all might hear my loud squeeky voice tomorrow.

Lorna, you won't have a problem at all. Donnie had tons of cancellations on his, and I had some last year, not a peep!!!

 

[LORNADUCK]

That's right I forgot about wet Memorial Day and that some cancelled on you. This girl I'm dealing with that has no idea what the fort is. When the group was transfered to her, she sent me an email asking me what time all the guests were arriving. Also asked us how many of us would need Magical Express. My answers were, we are all coming on different days and have no idea. And do any of the Magical Express Busses hold travel trailers or motor homes? I would save us all some gas!!!! She still didn't get it and asked me again, I could understand if we had booked cabins and maybe a tenter would be flying in, but for the most part we are renting campsites!!! She still didn't get it!!!!!

 

[iuki]

Actually I do know why our group reservations have less priority to be placed together than the Marathon Prevost groups (and other large groups). It is the type of group reservation we have. Ours is set up where we have so many sites blocked out and each individual person makes their own reservations directly with the Disney Group Reservations office with individual cancellation policies on each site. No one person is really responsible for the money.

However, there is another type of group reservation where one person calls and says I need "Loop 700" for x number of nights and we want these benefits, then Disney gives them a price. Then that one person is responsible to pony up the money whether they get the convention booked or not. THAT's how you get a loop blocked off. Since none of us are willing to take that type of risk and there are probably additional fees with that, then we go with the less exclusive group reservation. They actually do try a little harder to get us together than they would with just general requests or Grand Gatherings, but still no guarantees.

Well, now we know. That makes sense. Thanks for the info.

I'm sure that the Prevost group had to pay in advance to their "organization" like they do with Good Sam Samborees - which means, if they don't show, they lose their money (no refunds). No one person pays for the whole group. Everyone is "prepaid."

iuki

 

[Lightgician]

There's a Prevost in the site next to us in the 1000 loop and it's beautiful. I'd love to see the inside of it. The couple are about 30 years old with a young daughter. I'm guessing it's probably not theirs.

Have an acquaintance whose wife works at Liberty Coach down here in Stuart FL They encourage their employees to take the Coaches out for long weekends. Nice Benefit.

 

[LORNADUCK]

Oh wait! I forgot that I gave Lorna a tour. It was a really quick tour. I think I said something like "well, here's the whole camper" right as we walked in the door. She took a quick look and said, "yup, that's everything!" Then I got out so that she could too.

(Well, maybe it wasn't quite like that, but there isn't much to show in a truck camper)

BTW I loved your camper, I think it's great, yes it's small, but you have everything in it. And yes I did want to see it because I had never been in one before.

 

[Lil' Lisa]

BTW I loved your camper, I think it's great, yes it's small, but you have everything in it. And yes I did want to see it because I had never been in one before.

We do too! We actually do like showing it off too. People are most interested in it when we take it off the truck and then put it back on. They like to watch.