New campsites

[tderonne]

All the talk of the new campsites has me thinking about an idea I think I've mentioned here before. Gotta bring it up again.

Why not make a Motorcoach Resort in the style of Outdoor Resorts (and others like them) near the racetrack in the Magic Kingdom parking lot?

Disney could surely do it right. Full hookups (of course), pull through, room service, concierge, parking/hookup service, outdoor kitchenette, firepit/fireplace, awning/canopy with table and chairs, a few nicely manicured palm trees, the works.

 

[Shan-man]

If Disney were to do this, I would think a prime location would be along the stretch of lakefront between River Country and Wilderness Lodge. There is already road access, it could use the Fort's existing infrastructure and services (transportation, registration and maintenance) the view would be exquisite. There is currently only a sandy "nature trail" in this area, and the area seems to be solid ground, not marshy. I think this would be ideal. Matter of fact, I have considered drawing up a proposal and sending it to DVC development.

 

[tderonne]

Oh man, on the water! Rates just doubled!

A bit more work/investment, that's never scared Disney.

 

[LONE-STAR]

If Disney were to do this, I would think a prime location would be along the stretch of lakefront between River Country and Wilderness Lodge. There is already road access, it could use the Fort's existing infrastructure and services (transportation, registration and maintenance) the view would be exquisite. There is currently only a sandy "nature trail" in this area, and the area seems to be solid ground, not marshy. I think this would be ideal. Matter of fact, I have considered drawing up a proposal and sending it to DVC development.

I always thought this would be a good spot for water front sites. I had read somewhere on the net before that Disney at one time had some drawings and ideas about running a train between the Lodge and FW. Between the 2 there would be a stop at a wild west themed board walk type place with shops and food on the water front. But it never happened.

 

[AuburnJen92]

I know some nice trains in stages of restoration that would love to come back to the Fort and be of service again...I also know of many retired train engineers who would beg for a chance to run them as well...

 

[DaveInTN]

It's a good idea, especially if drawn up as an ownership resort. The OP mentioned Outdoor Resorts. I believe they and others like them (such as Traverse Bay RV Resort in Michigan) sell sites to individuals, either wholly or fractionally. It seems these days, Disney doesn't like to build new resorts unless they are DVC resorts. They sell 30-40 years of use with an upfront payment, plus charge the annual fees. Cash is king. I would think if they could add an upscale rv resort and cover a lot of the debt service in the short term through fractional or time share sales, it would be a compelling case for management. In my mind though, unless it was somehow incorporated into the existing Fort development it wouldn't have that Disney "magic". I like Shan-Man's location. Draw up that proposal Shannon! Maybe the good folks at WDC will give you a cut.

 

[Shaun and Amy]

Those Motorcoach places drive me crazy. The ones I've seen, only motorhomes are allowed. That just doesn't make sense. They are clearly doing it so everything looks uniform and they can try to keep a certain "style". I can't go there with my brand new fifth wheel, but a 1985 run down motorhome can go there. They've tried to make them an exclusive high style campground, but even though I've spent the same or more money then some motorhome owners, a trailer is not allowed. I think a motorcoach resort would be a BAD idea.

 

[DaveInTN]

Those Motorcoach places drive me crazy. The ones I've seen, only motorhomes are allowed. That just doesn't make sense. They are clearly doing it so everything looks uniform and they can try to keep a certain "style". I can't go there with my brand new fifth wheel, but a 1985 run down motorhome can go there. They've tried to make them an exclusive high style campground, but even though I've spent the same or more money then some motorhome owners, a trailer is not allowed. I think a motorcoach resort would be a BAD idea.

I can't disagree with you Shaun...and I should clarify from my post above that when I said "It's a good idea...", I was speaking from Disney's point of view; that being CASH FLOW and PROFIT$. From the standpoint of selling such an idea to the board, the argument would be similar to the DVC resorts they have built IMO.

Personally I've never stayed at a motorcoach only resort and don't plan to, but many people enjoy them and would likely use one, or buy into one, if built at WDW. Some of those folks might not stay at the current FW as it's "too rustic" for some tastes. (Sounds crazy...I know). So, such a resort might pull in people that wouldn't currently stay onsite at WDW. I think it could be financially successful.

 

[Shaun and Amy]

I can't disagree with you Shaun...and I should clarify from my post above that when I said "It's a good idea...", I was speaking from Disney's point of view; that being CASH FLOW and PROFIT$. From the standpoint of selling such an idea to the board, the argument would be similar to the DVC resorts they have built IMO.

Personally I've never stayed at a motorcoach only resort and don't plan to, but many people enjoy them and would likely use one, or buy into one, if built at WDW. Some of those folks might not stay at the current FW as it's "too rustic" for some tastes. (Sounds crazy...I know). So, such a resort might pull in people that wouldn't currently stay onsite at WDW. I think it could be financially successful.

Well you are correct. It would certainly draw in another group of people. When looking at it from a Disney profit side it could work out well for them. For me.......it's the Fort all the way!

 

[Tigger1966]

The motorcoach resorts that the Travel Chanel reviewed also had an age limit for who was allowed in. If you had an older coach that was restored perfect they could make an exception but I think it was 4 or 5 years old was the limit.

 

[des1954]

I reside in a Motor Home resort with everything from simple pads, to luxury pads with grills and cabanas, to RV ports with a small attached cabana, to exquisite homes with RV ports. What gets me is.... on the pads with no ports, you can only have a Class A RV. RV ports can only have Class A, Class C, Class B or 5-er's. No travel trailers of any kind are allowed. BUT...you are allowed to keep any kind of utility trailer on any kind of home site. I've inquired at a few home owner meetings why a utility trailer is different from a travel trailer? Especially when we have a storage area that utility trailers can be kept in. I keep hitting a dead end on that because too many board members own utility trailers. I'm not going to let it rest until utility trailers either have to be stored or they allow TT's on pads & in ports.

As always, the intention is to keep things uniform and nice looking to protect property values. There were never any conditions written in the HOA rules addressing utility trailers nor the condition of the RV's. Consequently, we have one home with a 1978 Class C that is a real POS, and we have a pad with a 1987 Chieftain - which also looks like crap and they have an equally crappy utility trailer, but they fit the parameters & are allowed to stay. Yet...if I wish to sell my Itasca & get a nice TT, I would be forced to put the TT in storage while the POS's can remain in full view. Where's the logic in that?

 

[dtum]

Not sure about a motorcoach only resort, but a little more modern resort might be nice. The premium sites are getting close, but maybe wider, pull-thru sites, a fitness center like the other resorts for those of us who feel the need and possibly, just MHO an age limit. As we get a little older we're not always "feeling" the warm feeling for other people's kids running all around in golf carts, messing in the shower houses, etc. Sometimes it seems people just let their kids go crazy at the fort and feel they don't need to supervise them. Oh, and maybe free wi-fi (sure that will happen ) Don't kill me, just me opinion.

 

[Tigger1966]

Even if they did the age thing for a section that wouldn't stop the kids from invading that area. I do wish they had a fitness center.

 

[69RoadRunner]

I'd like to see an area with a maximum age. At my age, I just don't want to see liver spots and Bermuda shorts with black, knee-high dress socks and sandals.











(tongue firmly in cheek)

 

[Boomer1]

I'd like to see an area with a maximum age. At my age, I just don't want to see liver spots and Bermuda shorts with black, knee-high dress socks and sandals.











(tongue firmly in cheek)

 

[Shan-man]

If I were "the guy", I would certainly design it with long pull-thrus (big rig plus trailer), each site with a pavilion including an outdoor fireplace and built-in grill. A full-blown clubhouse with a fitness center, a lounge area, and a bar (complete with bar food!). Comfort stations with extra large showers and dressing area, and dispensers for premium soaps and shampoos (like other DVC resorts). How about a quiet pool with towels provided?! Oh, and FREE ICE, FREE INTERNET, AND FREE PET-STAYS! Sorry, I got a little crazy there!

 

[FlaFortCampster]

Well let's see. How about the land between Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge. We'll call it Port Wilderness. You could have the old River Country swimming pool renovated.
You could have the 2 check in lanes to the right of the regular check in at the outpost that aren't used much converted to high end check in only.
You could use the road that goes through the cabins and turn left past loop 2000 and group camping. The road will bring you out at the road between the Lodge and the Fort. Perfect for big rigs.
You could have private docks, so bring your own boats. Ummm, how about a mini mall next to the fitness center with a full time PT. Wow, think you have it made.
You can come visit me over at the old Fort anytime though. I'll be in loop 2000 in my little popup.

 

[tim5055]

Comfort stations with extra large showers and dressing area, and dispensers for premium soaps and shampoos (like other DVC resorts). How about a quiet pool with towels provided?! Oh, and FREE ICE, FREE INTERNET, AND FREE PET-STAYS! Sorry, I got a little crazy there!

Actually, the big rig loop would not have a comfort station. In all of my experience, the folks in the "high end" rigs don't go to the comfort station - they use the facilities in their own rig.

Now, for the free items, yes. This loop should be all inclusive..

 

[unctigger]

Sounds good to me, but I will have to wait to borrow the one someone I know plans to get someday.

How 'bout it bro---can I reserve a week?

 

[DaveInTN]

If I were "the guy", I would certainly design it with long pull-thrus (big rig plus trailer), each site with a pavilion including an outdoor fireplace and built-in grill. A full-blown clubhouse with a fitness center, a lounge area, and a bar (complete with bar food!). Comfort stations with extra large showers and dressing area, and dispensers for premium soaps and shampoos (like other DVC resorts). How about a quiet pool with towels provided?! Oh, and FREE ICE, FREE INTERNET, AND FREE PET-STAYS! Sorry, I got a little crazy there!

Oh I don't know...doesn't sound too crazy to me. Crazy would be kungaloosh piped to each site, with a tap integrated into the outdoor fireplace.