Never camped before..considering it

[jog58]

Ok, I've never camped before. Ever. The idea sounds appealing but then the sleeping outside bit throws me off. Now after lurking around this board for a bit you guys have made it sounds really fun. I was contemplating the first week of December. It would just be me and my husband. Am I crazy to spend money to go to Disney and camp when it's something I've never done before? Should i do a "practice" camping trip near home to see if I like it? Any comments and thought are appreciated.

 

[Bdawgsc]

Ok, I've never camped before. Ever. The idea sounds appealing but then the sleeping outside bit throws me off. Now after lurking around this board for a bit you guys have made it sounds really fun. I was contemplating the first week of December. It would just be me and my husband. Am I crazy to spend money to go to Disney and camp when it's something I've never done before? Should i do a "practice" camping trip near home to see if I like it? Any comments and thought are appreciated.

I would DEFINITELY try it out first - but not because you're worried about if you'd like it or not.

If you drive/fly to Orlando from MA and don't have something, then you have to go and buy it. If you don't have a lot... then you have to go and buy A LOT.

I know that even if I haven't been in a year or so I tend to forget what I thought I should have taken the last time. I'm fully expecting to go through my dry run, think I have everything and then have to promptly head to the dreaded Wal-Mart once I set up camp at the Fort.

Just my opinion, though. Camping these days isn't anything like it was when I first started. At the Fort you have power, water, (free) comfort stations, etc, but I'm no expert on it, but I bet you'd love it.

 

[Tri-circle-D]

Camping is great.

Camping at the Fort is greater.

But, it's not for everyone.

So, yes, you most definitely should try camping out locally before driving or flying across the country to the Fort.

If you like camping, you will love the Fort.

If you don't like camping, you probably would be happier in a hotel.

Have fun whatever you decide.

TCD

 

[SCCamper]

I agree with everything that has been suggested so far...just beware. Sometimes people get bitten by the bug. First you start tent camping...then you move to a pop-up...then a travel trailer...then either a 5'er or motor home. Sometimes both. I'm at the travel trailer phase right now. Had a close one with the 5'er couple weeks back before coming to our senses...lol. I think it might be genetic because my parents went through the same thing when I was growing up.

 

[jog58]

Thanks for the words of wisdom everybody. Just talked to my dad and he says he has a tent so I am going to run by the hubby the idea of a dress rehearsal before it gets too cold up here. Thanks again everyone

 

[rm0530]

I don't think any visit to the Fort is crazy! It's a lot of fun and I enjoy sleeping outside. With the proper gear, camping is more relaxing than a cramped hotel room. A practice trip would be wise. Borrow whatever gear you can and see if you enjoy camping. It can be a lot of work but the pros outweigh the cons.

Let us know how things go!

 

[BradyBz12]

Can't say it better than has already been said.

But heed PP's warning well. We camped at the Fort the first time as kind of a fluke (long story, but the TT we bought was supposed to be just a camp in the woods, not a way of life). We quickly progressed from an occasional weekend in a van camper, to a 21' hybrid that made 4 trips to the Fort for a total of 10 weeks, to our new 33' TT complete with doggie dorm and bar, and which has already been used for 6 weekend trips since June and that's headed to the Fort for 3 weeks in just a little while (yippie!)

Camping isn't for everyone, but if you find it's for you.... you'll want to do it more and more!!

And the good news is that even if "roughing it" isn't your idea of a fun time. Camping at the Fort is about as far from "roughing it" as tent camping can get.

 

[DaveInTN]

I don't know where exactly you live, but your location is listed as "south of Boston". If you are anywhere near Foxboro, Normandy Farms campground would be a great place to try camping. It is "resort-like" with pools, including one indoor, and nice comfort station facilities. So, in a way it's similar to the Fort and you could see if you like camping without roughing it TOO much. The major difference is, there is no boat at Normandy Farms that takes you to the MK.

 

[jog58]

I don't know where exactly you live, but your location is listed as "south of Boston". If you are anywhere near Foxboro, Normandy Farms campground would be a great place to try camping. It is "resort-like" with pools, including one indoor, and nice comfort station facilities. So, in a way it's similar to the Fort and you could see if you like camping without roughing it TOO much. The major difference is, there is no boat at Normandy Farms that takes you to the MK.

We're in Quincy, so Foxboro is not very far. I will definitely check out Normandy Farms. Thanks for the tip!

 

[Running_Bell]

In agreement with everyone that you should try camping somewhere local first. We camp a lot in the state parks.... and love them. You could try a state park near you... most are around 20.00 a night, however, many do not have electricity though. But, if you find you enjoy that... well, you will LOVE the Fort. You have electricity AND cable . Do you like being outside? .... if you do, you should like camping. We probably did the opposite of most people here... we started out camping in a tent, then an Class A RV, then a Class C RV... then realized we love tent camping better. So... we're back in a tent. We LOVE it... there is something about waking up and being "almost" outside... the cool air...the sound of nature.

 

[kaguilbeau]

If you aren't sure you'll like it, I think a few of the 'comforts of home' would help:

1) Air mattress
2) Fan (if you have electricitiy) - and if you don't have electricity, you really might not like it!
3) Electric Heater if it's cold outside.

Even if you don't bring #2 and #3, be sure to bring #1

 

[KristinU]

I know I'm late to this thread, but since you're up in my neck of the woods I feel like I'd like to add my .02...we're getting late in the camping season up here, which means chilly nights, especially when you're tenting it. You'll want some good sleeping bags and lots of layers of jammies (and a stocking cap) to go with the air mattress for comfortable sleeping. A heated mattress pad would help a lot too. I have never been to Normandy Farms, but was thinking the same thing, that it might be a good trial for the Fort since it looks like it has a lot of the amenities the Fort does. The other thing to keep in mind for your trial up here is that days are much shorter now, and it gets chilly sitting around the campfire in the evening - again, you'll want to just be sure you've got warm clothes. Some folks love fall camping up here in New England, personally for our family we're not as crazy about it because the nights come so early and we end up just going to bed and reading a lot earlier than we do in the summer. Now, Normandy Farms has an indoor pool and probably movies and stuff, so there may be more evening amenities to take advantage of.

Have fun!

 

[Headlesshorseman]

Rent a cabin.....you'll be in the Fort.....and enjoy everyone around you....AND DECORATE till the cows come home....

HH