New Pricing to Effect Winter Campers

[des1954]

I heard from 4 different winter campers this weekend, all of which are going to shorten their winter stay's due to the new site prices going into effect in 2008.

Up until 2006-07, over 1/4 of the sites at FW were occupied by winter people from October to March. For a number of years, until 2005-6, they used to offer "Winter Settler" rates for any campers staying 30 days or longer. The discount was considerable, and they did NOT go up during the peak times. The "snowbirds" are really grumbling, now!

We have made quite a few friends at the Fort that are snowbirds, but, I think the new pricing, although high at times, is more fair in the long run.

Years back, they used to limit your stay to two weeks (when there were fewer loops) and you had to leave for (I believe) 10 days, before you could come back in.

 

[LarryJ]

I heard from 4 different winter campers this weekend, all of which are going to shorten their winter stay's due to the new site prices going into effect in 2008.

Up until 2006-07, over 1/4 of the sites at FW were occupied by winter people from October to March. For a number of years, until 2005-6, they used to offer "Winter Settler" rates for any campers staying 30 days or longer. The discount was considerable, and they did NOT go up during the peak times. The "snowbirds" are really grumbling, now!

We have made quite a few friends at the Fort that are snowbirds, but, I think the new pricing, although high at times, is more fair in the long run.

Years back, they used to limit your stay to two weeks (when there were fewer loops) and you had to leave for (I believe) 10 days, before you could come back in.

I agree with the new pricing policies, $100/nite for the 20 to 31 or 1/1 period is more than reasonable and is only like $500 more during that time frame if you're staying for an extended period. We've stayed at FW for from 21 to 30 days and this time for 45 around 10 times now. $50 a nite to camp at FW is a good value.

Larry

 

[djblu883]

I camp year round as a traveler with my job and what you are describing isn't a good value to me!!!

 

[LarryJ]

I camp year round as a traveler with my job and what you are describing isn't a good value to me!!!

Well for a WDW resort I would like for you to beat it We're not talking about just spending the nite somewhere on the road or in PooDunk for a month. Just check out even the KOA rates for the 12/20 to 12/31 time frame ... we have since that's where we're having to stay for 3 days in the middle of our upcoming trip since we can't get FW ressies yet for 12/29 to 12/31. I'll want anyone to get ressies for a 45 day WDW resort stay for the approx $2200 that we're reserved for. I also notice you choice to stay at FW for your upcoming Oct trip while the Kissimmee KOA would be cheaper

Larry

 

[kimluvswdw]

I agree with the new rates and say it is about time. One fourth of the sites occupied by people who stay over the winter is alot. This is a Disney resort and there are a number of people trying to come for a vacation and can not get a site. I hear countless stories of people being desperate to get a site. Maybe now they can.

For those just traveling for business, maybe they can try Tropical Palms or the nearest KOA.

 

[John VN]

For Pete's sake, WDW is a Billion Dollar complex. Staying at FW is still a bargin compared to WDW Resort rates.

 

[des1954]

I agree with the new rates and say it is about time. One fourth of the sites occupied by people who stay over the winter is alot. This is a Disney resort and there are a number of people trying to come for a vacation and can not get a site. I hear countless stories of people being desperate to get a site. Maybe now they can.

For those just traveling for business, maybe they can try Tropical Palms or the nearest KOA.

Tropical Palms is a very nice resort & close to Disney. The KOA on 192E is kind of "junkie" and has absolutely no security, privacy, some concrete pads that are cracked & heaved, all for about $5.00/nite less than the Fort. There is a nicer KOA in Davenport, which is about 15 miles from WDW, but then you have to consider the parking charge at the parks - which is now $11.00/day unless you have Annual Passes. Add it all up, and the price of the Fort is still a good value for your dollar.

When I first saw the 2008 rates, I sort of choked. But when you look at the BIG picture of everything you get (transportation, absolutely beautiful surroundings, miles of roads to bike, walk, jog, or -my fave- golf cart ride on, spotless comfort stations & laundry rooms - oh, I could keep going) you simply can't beat it!! The Fort is like no place else on earth!!!

I know the new prices will exclude some people from camping there, and I really feel for those folks. However, that's what overtime & second jobs are for... so you can afford to camp at the Fort!

 

[kimluvswdw]

I agree. The fort is the best place we have ever camped and I can't wait to go back in December. I got a great rate for then.

 

[Gatordad]

Being a weekend camper, I like the new policies.

 

[ftwildernessguy]

It makes no business sense to fill up campsites with campers staying at a discount when the demand for these sites is so high.

With fewer snow birds, does that mean there will be more sugar packets by the coffee at TE and the Meadows?

 

[Gatordad]

lol

 

[drafthorsecrazy]

Alot of winter campers come just for Jan. & Feb. With the new prices the major increase is for only the last 2 wks of Feb. This will be just a few hundred dollars more. That wont stop me from staying. What I dont know is how it will effect the long term campers (4-6mo.) There are some that another couple thousand for the winter wont mean alot. However, I'm sure there are many, that budget the entire year to be able to spend the winter at the fort and the new prices will force them to limit their stay. Will be interesting to hear onsite reports of how full the fort is this coming Jan, Feb, Mar. and Dec (08).

 

[Colson39]

I have to agree, this makes it more fair to the average camper, and allows more people to stay at the Fort. It will basically also mean increased revenue for Disney as well, so it's a smart business move on their part.

I love the long term campers, but the thing is the Fort just isn't meant to hold a large amount of them. It basically comes at the expense of everyone that actually are trying to get to Disney World and not just a place to stay. I wish there was a happy medium, even if/when the Fort grows, it still won't be enough.

It's already becoming crazy trying to get reservations, and we're experienced Fort Nuts!!! It seems all the secrets aren't as secret as they used to be

 

[becky1960]

I was just online checking for Dec 22-30, 07 and no camping site, but they have "ALL" resorts available for those dates, maybe the new pricing has slowed the resorts down.

 

[Colson39]

Well, just because they show "ALL" resorts doesn't mean they're all available. Quite often they'll show "ALL" resorts available until you actually click on them, and then it will actually do a real check and let you know.

Plus, let's not forget, the resorts can normally hold a bunch more people, they normally don't fill up nearly as quick as the Fort.

 

[PenskeSth1]

I think the rates are pretty fair beings how these are the rates for one of our favorite campgrounds up in D.C area. Mind these sites DO NOT HAVE Concrete slabs and this campground is not even close to as nice as FW (although we like that it is kind of out in the country but NOT). If I remember right the premium sites are by the pools and they have a patio area made out of red brick and they have a small dining table and chairs at them.

Current Standard Rate Rates per Day Effective: 03/01/2007
Campsite or RV Site Standard Full Hookups Weekday Weekend
Standard Rates $52.00 $52.00

Campsite or RV Site Standard Pull-Thru Full Hookups
Standard Rates $57.00 $57.00

Campsite or RV Site Premium Full Hookups
Standard Rates $62.00 $62.00

Campsite or RV Site Tent Only Electric Only
Standard Rates $40.00 $40.00

 

[Colson39]

Yea, Disney has REALLY reasonable prices when you think about the prices of most campgrounds, especially for what you get!

 

[des1954]

With fewer snow birds, does that mean there will be more sugar packets by the coffee at TE and the Meadows?

How about hazelnut half-n-half at TE or soda at Meadows? THAT would be something!!

 

[jason_rving]

For Pete's sake, WDW is a Billion Dollar complex. Staying at FW is still a bargin compared to WDW Resort rates.

If you calculate extra gas, the cost of a nice RV (I do), insurance for your rig, extra big tow vehicle, etc, etc. It is not a bargain. I do still prefer it though.

Back to the main topic... yeah, I'll hate it when I become a snowbird but Disney is for families and families can't get in when the snowbirds are living there. They used to also give Canadians a big discount...not sure why. Fort Wilderness has been a challenge to get into for years. A family going down for a week will spend more overall money at Disney than the average snowbirds do in a month.

 

[des1954]

It's already becoming crazy trying to get reservations, and we're experienced Fort Nuts!!! It seems all the secrets aren't as secret as they used to be

We must band together and keep our mouths shut, then!!!

No sharing secrets, anyone!!!