Need Advice!! Planning our first trip

[momofqueenie]

We are planning our first trip to Fort Wilderness the second week of October. We have been to Disney World before, but never to Fort Wilderness. I have read a lot of information about the campground and looked at a map of the loops, but still don't have a clue as to which spots are better than others. I think we have decided to try for the 1400 loop. What specific site should I request? If there are no preferred sites available, then what loop do you recommend for full hookup? We have a 35 foot Cedar Creek travel trailer that we pull with a F-250 crew cab. We are a family of four me DW (38) DH(38) DD (8) DS(6). My kids love the pool, so I would like to be kinda of close to it. Which brings me to my next question. How necessary is a golf cart? I hate to spend that much money on a golf cart, but I will if I have to. Is Disney the only place to rent them or do other local companies rent them at better rates? Just curious. You guys are great!!! I have learned soooo much from reading these boards.

Kellie

 

[Lesia]

We've never requested a specific site, just a specific loop. They ask for the size of your rig when you book, we always fudge about 3 feet, just to make sure we fit.

We have never rented a golf cart, even when my boys were 4 and 6. We just use our bikes, or walk to the bus stop. There are off site places to rent, but you have to go get them, they can't deliver anymore. We just use our bikes to go anywhere. Or walk to the bus.

Others may know more about the off site golf cart rentals.

 

[elastigirlfan]

Hi, I have never requested a site but I did request this year to be in loop 300. That is the loop we stayed in last year and we loved it. We were able to walk to the marina, store and Trail's End. We would walk on the beach at night to watch the fireworks which was really neat (just wear bug stuff if you do that). We were able to walk there but it did take a couple of minutes - if we were tired or whatever we would just take one of the internal buses. So if you want to be close to the pool I think you picked a good loop -I've heard good things about loops 1400-1500. You'll also be close to the nightly campfire. I don't think you will need a golf cart. You could always rent one for a day or two if you are staying at the campground for a day. I would try first w/o one and see how it goes. I hope you have a great time. We love it there!

Alyssa

 

[LMC]

Hi! Your set up sounds alot like ours 35'TT and we pull with an excursion. The 1400 loop is preferred (cable and the works) and there are only a few spots large enough to accomodate you there. There is one really NICE spot next to the comfort station and walk to the campfire so if you get the 1400 loop maybe you can get that one when you check in.
We have never requested a specific site #. We only request loops. We have also stayed in 1000 (across from the meadows trading post/pool) and we also like the looks of 1200. We will request one of these for our May trip (these are full hook up sites --no cable). My main objective is location to pool and campfire and distance to the canals ('skeeters!).
When you check in the CM can show the the loop maps (just ask to see it) and you can eyeball where they sites are and they can tell you which ones you will fit into.
Don't worry about a golf cart. We used one last May when we did a camping only trip for our kids who were then 9,5,3. It is alot of $. Biking is very easy since vehicle traffic is low. Just remember the kids helmets.
Make sure you get a AAA or AP discount if you have either of those!

 

[christinou]

I also agree with everyone about the golf cart, we have never used one, we just use our bikes, when our girls were younger we just walked. We love Fort Wilderness and can't wait to go back this coming summer.

 

[Tri-circle-D]

Since this is your first time, I would suggest that you plan on renting a golf cart for at least one day, and plan on spending that day at the campground. You can easily see everything there is to see with a golf cart, and your kids will really enjoy seeing the sites this way. We always go for a weekend in late October, and some people have some great Halloween decorations up. I'm not sure if they will be up in the second week of October, but maybe. Last October, some people had elaborate graveyard scenes with fog machines, strobe lights and the works. There are tons of pumpkin displays, etc. It is fun to drive around on a golf cart at night and look at these. Also, you can drive your cart down to the beach to watch the fireworks and the electric water pageant. You definitely want to do that at least one night.

 

[striker3636]

We stayed in loop 1300 and our site was on the back of the loop, on the outside (#1321) so we were right across the canal from the playground which is right beside the pool. We just walked along the canal (no other sites beside to worry about walking behind) and in about 45 seconds were at the bridge to the pool/campfire and at the rear of the Trading Post. You can't get much handier than that unless you are in 1400. 1300 is a full service loop (no cable). We brought our bikes, and used the bus on our last day when we had everything packed up to go. We used a 'down day' from the parks to ride our bikes and explore FW, scoping out new loop ideas for the next trip and to go on the pony rides etc.

 

[VAN]

We always put in a request for a loop, but never a site #, at the time of the reservation. Like the others said, when I check in I may ask to see the loop map and they can switch me if others are available. Basically, because we request the 1500 loop which is small - there really isn't a bad spot on the loop.

The 1400 loop is right next door and is within an easy walk of the Meadowland Recreation area .... however, it is a pet loop.

We have been many, many times and usually don't go into the parks that much; i.e. we spend a lot of time at Ft. Wilderness ... we have never had our bikes, nor have we rented a cart. It was never a problem. Yes, it is fun if you can have bikes and/or a cart -- but it certainly is not necessary as the bus transportation is fine. If you are at the 1400 loop, you would only be a 1/2 mile walk from either the Outpost or the Settlement which is an easy walk if you are not in a hurry. Of course, the pool, store, campfire, are just across the street.

Have a great time!