Lots of Questions?

[SWM]

Hello all,

After lurking around this web site and others for about a year now we have decided to drive our motorhome down to Fort Wilderness. We will be coming down from WV and staying the week of 6/7/09. I have read many things about the pool and which campsites to stay at. I keep reading about renovations and the pool not being open, which brings me to my questions. Will the pool renovations be done by the time we get there? For my kids it is a must to have a pool nearby. My next and most important question is which area and campsite to be on. I'm pretty sure that I want a premium site and I know that I want to be close to the pool and the ferry. I would prefer a site without pets and lots of space. I have read so many posts and still can't come to a decision on where to request! Another thing on my mind is do I need to pull my toad with me, will I even need it once I get there? Lastly I have not traveled these distances in our motorhome (2008 Pace Arrow 38P). I know it will take us two days to get there and I don't know about where to stay in a safe place over night, if anyone has any suggestions I would love to here them. The drive is 800 miles from home and about 13 Hrs non stop. We are very avid campers and can't wait to get on the road, I just told my girls (3 and 6) and they ask everyday if we are leaving tomarrow.

Thanks
Shawn

 

[Live4FW]

Hello all,

I keep reading about renovations and the pool not being open, which brings me to my questions. Will the pool renovations be done by the time we get there? For my kids it is a must to have a pool nearby.

I'll tackle this one for you. The pool renovation is done and they have added a hot tub which is also done. They are currently in the process of adding a childrens water play area that is probably a bit over 50% done and is expected to be completed this month. From everything that I have heard it will be open prior to Memorial Day weekend.

However, rest assured the pool is open!

See this link for pics

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2059347

 

[Tri-circle-D]

Welcome to the Disboards!

As far as what type of site to request, first you should find out what is available. With a trip only a month away, it is likely that your choices will be limited.

Since you have never visited before, I would not get all worked up about making a specific loop request. All of the loops are nice. Some folks like particular things about certain loops and locations, but that doesn't mean that you will.

As a first time visitor, you will have lots of things to experience and explore. Don't worry about where you get assigned.

As for a stopping point on your trip, I think we have a lot of folks here on the board from the PA/VA/WV area, so I am sure that one of them can give you suggestions about a nice place to stop for a rest.

About your toad. Maybe leave it at home. You don't need a car at Disney World. Again, since it's your first time, and you are traveling further than you are used to, why not enjoy the free transportation at the Fort, and not mess with the toad? You can always bring it on your next visit.

Have fun!

TCD

 

[Shan-man]

Welcome to the camping boards Single White Male... err, what? Oh? That's not what it stands for? Err, um I mean Shawn, welcome...

If you get a premium site, the one that probably best fits the bill will be 1400... which appears to be a non-pet loop, and is walking distance to the pool and marina. Your rig is on the larger side so some sites may be a bit snug, so I would not expect to pitch a tent in addition to the moho. You asked about bringing your dinghy, and while you certainly can, and it will speed up trips to AK, DHS and Epcot, it is not a necessity. I find the bus service at the Fort to be a perfectly viable option. And not having it means more room at your site. As for places to overnight, you didn't tell us where you're coming from so that makes it a bit tough. Do you know about where you might want to stop?

 

[VAN]

Agree that you shouldn't worry so much about what campsite you are assigned ... I think people spend a lot of energy on this. We do have loops we prefer, but it is not the end of the world or the ruination of the vacation if we don't get located there.

If you haven't booked your site at this point, I think that would be the first thing to do ... see what is available.

 

[retired and happy]

As you may know the 1400 loop is a double loop and is adjacent to the Meadows which has the pool, night entertainment, and a trading post. The Marina is several loops away, but my wife and often walk it pushing four wheelchairs. You might want to consider renting a golf cart for moving around the Fort, to explore the other loops for future trips, and to get to the Marina for the nighttime water parade and fireworks. There's also another trading post near the Marina as well as eating and show places.

1400 is supposed to be a non-pet loop, but there were several dogs there when we were there over Christmas/New Years. For the most part they were well behaved, but it was evident the pet regulations were not being enforced.

Now I wish I were going there instead of Wyoming for the summer.

 

[SWM]

Where is the best place to call and book your reservations? Should I call the main Disney number or is there a better place to book Fort Wilderness thru...

Shawn

 

[SWM]

Thanks for all of the advice, I have decided not to bring the toad. I will be traveling from West Virginia if that helps anyone with advice on where to stay during travel down...

Shawn

 

[Shan-man]

You can book either online or by calling the main Disney number (CRO - Central Reservations Office).

 

[VAN]

I always call Disney reservations directly.

 

[Born 2 Fish]

WELCOME to the boards !

Ya'll are gonna hav'a GREAT time at the Fort!
Bring'n the toad with you is pretty much up to if ya'll wanna go off Disney property or not.
But I can tell you that you should bring some worms anna fish'n pole. You can fish any place you find water at the Fort. But remember, it's catch and release only.

Happy trails !