My recent FW trip

[jmanrambler]

The last week in February was our first trip to the fort; in fact it was our first trip to Disney as a family. I’m 28 and decided to take my mom dad and sister on an RV trip to the fort as a Christmas present. We all really enjoyed our vacation minus a little mishap. I own a 1997 Holiday Rambler class A with 30000 miles on her, before we left for our 2400 miles round trip vacation I had the spark plugs and wires changed. I ended up having an engine fire just before the Delaware memorial bridge (thank god I wasn’t on the bridge). To make a long story short, the shop that changed the wires did not clip on a plug wire to the coil pack properly; it shorted out and caught fire. I was able to put the fire out and save my motor home. Everyone was extremely shaken up; there really isn’t a way to describe the feeling when you see flames in your engine compartment. Anyways we weren’t going to let this ruin our first trip to Disney, We had the RV towed and repaired while we were gone, we rented a SUV and continued on our way. Naturally we had to change our reservations and see if a cabin was available at the fort instead of our original campsite. I was very disappointed the way reservations and the fort reacted to my problem. When I called the fort after we got the rental I explained what happened and that my motor home caught fire, the only response I got was a "ohh no". I asked if there were any cabins available and to my surprise there was but at the tune of an EXTRA 2000.00 bucks. Now I knew I was going to have to pay a little extra but 2000 was ALOT. Whatever happened to the magic of Disney? When I checked in I again told the gentleman what had happened and again I didn’t get much of a response. I wasn’t looking for a hand out but a little bit of a discount or a little sympathy would have gone a LONG way. I was extremely disappointed with how the fort handled my situation, seems as though no one really cared and just wanted my money. Anyways we were all bummed we had to stay in a cabin and quite honestly I was disjointed with it for 2600.00. We tried to forget about what happened and enjoy our trip. We had an incredible time, we loved the fort, we loved all the parks and all the memories we made. I have written a letter to Disney about my disappointment on how things were handled. I’m hoping to return to the fort with my motor home for a second family trip next February. Hopefully this one will go a little smoother.

 

[2goofycampers]

Welcome to The Dis ! Wow, bummer start to a trip. I would let the repair shop know they cost me $2000.00 extra on my trip. I'm glad you enjoyed WDW and The Fort. Next trip should be a breeze.

 

[Born 2 Fish]

Wow,,I too am surprized about the unexpected turn of costly (Disney) events,,and I am sooo sorry about what happened, fires are just horrible to experience.
I agree with Denise, ya need to share that xtra $2000.00 xtra Disney Magic with the repair shop that didn't get your wires right.

But am glad ya'll had a great Fort trip,

 

[stpetedisneydad]

WOW! That must have been very scarey. Thank god you were able to get it out quickly, it doesn't take long for an RV to turn into a pile of ashes.

I also am disappointed in Disney's response. I've read posts about others with last minute issues and Disney stepped up and sprinkled the fairy dust, guess it depends on who's in charge at the moment. I also agree that you should go after the garage that did the work.

 

[jeepfreak]

I can relate somewhat to your feelings. Was at the fort in late oct. 2000 when the DW's appendex burst and she ended up in Celebration Hospital for 11 days. We didn't tow the jeep down so had to rent a car . Also had to fly my DD and GD home. I asked if it would be possible to leave the MH on the site at possilbly a reduced rate. Well I guess you all know thier answer. They actually told me I was lucky to be able to have the site all past my reservation time. It's kind of amazing how they make feel like there doing you such a favor as you look around at all the empty sites.
But we've been down almost every year since then and are going again on 4/27 so it's water over the damn now.

 

[gillenkl]

I don't think it was Disney's fault that your wires weren't hooked up and caused a fire so I wouldn't really expect much "magic" from them - I would definately be contacting your shop that did that repair. Did you consider transferring your reservation to a value or mod resort? Glad to hear you still had a great time at disney and the Fort - and that no one was hurt in the fire.

 

[Bearikens]

I'm sorry about the fire and I'm glad no one was hurt. Your post got me thinking and I've come to a decision...the next time we tow our popup to the fort I'm also packing our 3 man dome tent. Heaven forbid IF something should happen to our popup on the way down then we will have shelter to use at the fort. Thank you very much for sharing your story...you've helped me to be better prepared.