New to camping and fort wilderness - I have lots of questions!

[imamom22gr8kids]

Hello Dissers! I am not new to Disboards, but I am new to camping. We bought a trailer last fall and are starting to plan a two - three week trip with our five and seven year olds for the month of June. We were discussing going to Disney and I remembered that they had camping at Disney. I did a bit of research on pricing and what Fort Wilderness has to offer, and that is where my questions come in.

When I check prices, I can just about stay at a resort for the same price, if not a bit less per night. I know I can save on food by eating at our site, but we usually eat reasonably anyways. So, am I missing something on the cost of Fort Wilderness? If it is just as much as a value resort, why do you choose to stay at FW over a resort? We will go into the parks a day or two, but what else is there for our children to do at FW? (please include approximate cost)

Thanks for all of your help and maybe I will see you in June!!

Michelle - mom to two great kids!! -

 

[monkeybug]

So I am probably the last person ever who should respond to your question as I have never been to FW or even WDW for that matter! I can tell you that we just switched from the GF to FW for these reasons
1. I can drive a golf cart...I mean who even needs the theme parks right??
2. Tons of kids activity's! Pony rides, campfire program, wagon rides, fishing, pool ect.
3. Boat ride to MK sure beats a bus, especially with little ones!
4. Can watch the fireworks and electric parade from the beach
5. I GET TO DRIVE A GOLF CART!!!!!

We kinda' feel like we are getting two vacations for the price of one!
Now I will let the helpful experts who actually know what they are talking about help you!

 

[BigDaddyRog]

Michelle...first off..WELCOME!!!

now, this thread will be flooded with responses of why so many prefer the Fort over ANYTHING ELSE....my personal #1 answer is

It aint a hotel! Staying at the fort is like a vacation of its own..without even factoring the amusement parks!! There are SO MANY GREAT ACTIVITIES for the kids that no other hotel or resort can even come close to. The Fort is not as popular as it is because of the money...because youre right...an AllStars resort is very comparable in price, but is there a nightly outdoor movie and campfire with Chip and Dale and great family singalongs? Can you ride bikes at the hotels? Can you jump on a horse drawn carriage, or go see the horses that pull the cars down mainstreet at Magic Kingdom, can you fish at the Pop Century? Can you go on nature trails and count bunnies, armadillos and wild deer? Have you seen wild turkeys walking around at the All Star Movies? Can you rent golf carts, or bring your own and cruise around the resort visiting with friends that youve met on this board? You can only do these things at the fort.

There are so many more reasons that others will chime in with...but choosing the Fort is a much better value for your entertainment dollar...and you relaxation dollar, and your Quality Family Time dollar.....its like a little land of magic in its own world...and once you feel that, you'll be hooked for life.

Give it a chance...you'll thank us for changing your life.

 

[cyberdeb]

I am sure you will get plenty of answers to this, so i will give you mine. Depending on when you go, you are right, resort prices are not that much different. There are different discounts you can get and different types of sites at varying prices. I cant remember what i paid last June when i was there, but i did price out one of the value resorts and it was definately cheaper for four of us. We had a full hookup but did not have a premium site. In fact I dont even remember if we had cable since i never watched the tv. Honestly i would rather stay at the Fort over any resort for a number of reasons. I feel that the Fort has more to do than any other resort especially for kids. There is a petting zoo, pony rides, beach, pool (that is being rehabed right now), horsback riding, boat rentals, bike rentals, lots of room to run around, nightly campfire/singalong and movie with Chip and Dale, more relaxed atmosphere, you can watch the fireworks from the beach, the electric water pagent, hiking trails, etc. These are only a few of the things to do there. You most definately will not be bored. In fact many people stay at the fort and never go to the parks. You get to sleep in your own bed and not one that millions of other people have slept in, you have your own things and can make meals at your campsite. And usually people there are very friendly and wont hesitate to say hello or wave to you when you walk by. We would usually eat breakfast at our site, pack lunches and put something in the crock pot and come back and have dinner ready for us when we get there. Now of course we would eat out occassionally but not every day. That alone saved us a lot of money. The kids will love it and most definately will make lifelong memories. If you like to camp in your trailer, you will love the Fort. It has to be one of the nicest campground if not the nicest campground in the country. It is the nicest one i have ever been to and i have been camping most of my life (I am 47). You wont regret going there.

 

[SunshineCamper]

#1 campgrounds in the world!

1) It's a "park" in itself and with the new upgraded pool it's home
2) I live in Orlando and every year (Value season) we camp at Ft. Wilderness (it's cheaper)
3) Ride you bikes and loop, ride over to WL
4) Walk to WL and take the boat back-grab a bite to eat at Roaring Fork
5) Catch the boat to MK
6) catch the boat to the Contemporary and ride the monorail around and over to EPCOT
7) watch the fireworks, and water show on Bay Lake
8) Catch Hoop Dee Doo Review
9) Eat at Trails End-and refill my mug
10) walk over to see the remains of River County (may it rest in peace-or upgrade the area)
11) Golf cart-rent and ride around-looping!
12) Sleep in my own "bed"
13) save money on eating at the campsite
14) check out the decorated campsites all times of the year (especially thanksgiving-christmas)
15) a Disney movie every night to entertain the kids (mine are 9 & 11)
16) campfire and smores every night if you choose
17) a new swimming pool!!!
18) You're neighbors are campers which usually equals to laid back quiet people vs. families coming back late (2am) from the parks walking down the hallway and up the stairs of the hotel-full of energy
19) you can venture on the monorail to the Poly and the GF as well as WL and CR-very convient.
20) it's closer to DTD and groceries
21) tennis, volleyball, basketball are all available not to mention FISHING
22) carriage rides and hayrides in the evening
23) FTW has it all...
24) It simply ROCKS!

What's not to like?

 

[DRWalum]

Michelle...first off..WELCOME!!!

now, this thread will be flooded with responses of why so many prefer the Fort over ANYTHING ELSE....my personal #1 answer is

It aint a hotel! Staying at the fort is like a vacation of its own..without even factoring the amusement parks!! There are SO MANY GREAT ACTIVITIES for the kids that no other hotel or resort can even come close to. The Fort is not as popular as it is because of the money...because youre right...an AllStars resort is very comparable in price, but is there a nightly outdoor movie and campfire with Chip and Dale and great family singalongs? Can you ride bikes at the hotels? Can you jump on a horse drawn carriage, or go see the horses that pull the cars down mainstreet at Magic Kingdom, can you fish at the Pop Century? Can you go on nature trails and count bunnies, armadillos and wild deer? Have you seen wild turkeys walking around at the All Star Movies? Can you rent golf carts, or bring your own and cruise around the resort visiting with friends that youve met on this board? You can only do these things at the fort.

There are so many more reasons that others will chime in with...but choosing the Fort is a much better value for your entertainment dollar...and you relaxation dollar, and your Quality Family Time dollar.....its like a little land of magic in its own world...and once you feel that, you'll be hooked for life.

Give it a chance...you'll thank us for changing your life.

BDR, You could'nt have said it any better !! IT AIN'T A HOTEL !! Weve stayed at alot of resorts @ WDW , but nothing beats the fort. I feel like a caged animal in a hotel room. When at the Fort my #1 goal is to STAY OUT of the parks It kinda PO's the wife off alittle bit , but she gets over it Have'nt been to FW since May 06 (had to cancel last years trip ). I would like to surprise the DW & take her up for mothers day this year Hit the F&G fest. on Sat.& on mothers day just treat her to a real nice day. Breakfast in bed [camper], swimming [refurbed pool] aft. BBQ , carriage ride [she has horses & would love this !!] ....................................


I think I just talked myself right into it



Oh thats right,this post isn't about me its about reasons to go to FW

 

[BigDaddyRog]

DRWalum...it doesnt take much to talk ourselves into a much needed fort fix, does it!!! Ya just cant get enough of a good thing...and a few days at the fort is definately a good thing.

 

[clkelley]

The original poster asked for approximate costs, so I will just amend this WONDERFUL list

#1 campgrounds in the world!

1) It's a "park" in itself and with the new upgraded pool it's home
2) I live in Orlando and every year (Value season) we camp at Ft. Wilderness (it's cheaper)
3) Ride you bikes and loop, ride over to WL Free if you bring your own bikes
4) Walk to WL and take the boat back-grab a bite to eat at Roaring Fork Free, plus cost of counter service meal (about $7 a person)
5) Catch the boat to MKFree
6) catch the boat to the Contemporary and ride the monorail around and over to EPCOTFree
7) watch the fireworks, and water show on Bay Lake Free
8) Catch Hoop Dee Doo ReviewThis one is pricey, at least $50 per adult
9) Eat at Trails End-and refill my mug $15.00 per adult, refillable mugs are $15??
10) walk over to see the remains of River County (may it rest in peace-or upgrade the area)Free
11) Golf cart-rent and ride around-looping!About $55.00 per day
12) Sleep in my own "bed"Free
13) save money on eating at the campsite Less than eating out!
14) check out the decorated campsites all times of the year (especially thanksgiving-christmas)Free
15) a Disney movie every night to entertain the kids (mine are 9 & 11) Free
16) campfire and smores every night if you chooseFree, cost of smores supplies
17) a new swimming pool!!! Free
18) You're neighbors are campers which usually equals to laid back quiet people vs. families coming back late (2am) from the parks walking down the hallway and up the stairs of the hotel-full of energy Free
19) you can venture on the monorail to the Poly and the GF as well as WL and CR-very convient. Free
20) it's closer to DTD and groceries
21) tennis, volleyball, basketball are all available not to mention FISHING If you have your own poles, it's free, you can rent cane poles
22) carriage rides and hayrides in the evening $8 - $45
23) FTW has it all...
24) It simply ROCKS!

What's not to like?

 

[imamom22gr8kids]

This is exactly the kind of information I was looking for - the real deal. Do we have an estimated time of completion for the pool rehab? Also, I mentioned that I have two little ones - five and seven - any suggestions on where in FW to stay? I looked at the map and have some ideas, but again, I like hearing the real deal from those that have been there. We will need a full hook-up site, but not a premium site, and would like to be close to but next to a play area or a shower house.

Thanks a bunch! I really appreciate the feedback - keep it coming!!

Michelle

 

[Shan-man]

Michelle, first lemme say Welcome. Second lemme say ditto to all the reasons listed above. Third I would add some advice: it sounds like you just got your trailer and may not have used it much. I would highly recommend a few long weekends in it before you embark a 2-3 week stay at FW to shake out the bugs and figure out what you really need to pack and what you don't. We used to substantially overpack the food and clothes, but I'd forget to bring basic tools - that kinda stuff.

The pool is due to be complete Mid-March. As for loop recommends, I would suggest 1600-1900 or 900-1300 since they are away from the marina (which can be loud at night) and yet close to the pool.

If you even THINK you might like camping (and you must, you bought a trailer) then you will LOVE the Fort.

 

[bxtx]

We have a trailer too, and boys aged 7, 4 and 1. We love to camp with the kids because

• You have space outside of the travel, you don't really have that with a hotel room. According to the Unofficial Guide, the average value resort room is 260 sqft. Well, my trailer is not much smaller than that!
• the kids settle much quicker because its their familiar bed, just the view out of the window changes
• it brings some 'normalcy' to a very crazy busy week at WDW!
• where else do you find a bird nesting in your camping chairs?
• if you don't want to cook, you can still get the Dining Plan which makes it a vacation for me too!

We just spent MLK weekend away in a hotel (not Disney), 2 rooms, with my parents and after 3 nights of sitting in the dark waiting for the kids to go to sleep in a strange bed, I was done! I would much prefer to be in my trailer, or even just sitting outside watching the people and animals go by!

Just my 2c

Bex

 

[Born 2 Fish]

OMG !! Did I not hear anyone mention fishing ??? I certainly hope I'm wrong !

Don't forget to pack a fishing pole !!

Disney camping is something that gets deep into your soul, it's more than a vacation, it's a way of life that you'll find yourself wanting to always live.

 

[texasmomoftwins]

Sigh....Why can't my vacation be tomorrow? I'm so excited to camp at the Fort for our 1st time ever!

 

[Born 2 Fish]

Sigh....Why can't my vacation be tomorrow? I'm so excited to camp at the Fort for our 1st time ever!

If your first time is even half as good as my last time , ya'll are goona have a FANTASTIC time !!

 

[lucy_love]

I agree with what everyone else said and I will add...

you have to rent a golf cart! It is so fun to go "looping" around FW. You don't have to rent one but it is a lot of fun, so much fun that we bought our own! If you do plan on renting one, call now! They book up fast

as for what loops, it's all about personal preference. We like to be by the marina-trail's end area so we prefer the lower numbered loops (like 300)

One of my favorite things to do is take the bike trail to WL and eat lunch, it is a nice little ride. My dad loves to ride the boat back and forth to the resorts and MK. My brother likes to ride the monorail around and my mom likes to get coffee and drink it on the trail's end porch. As you can see, there is something for EVERYBODY at the fort. THAT IS WHY IT IS THE BEST KEPT SECRET AT WDW

 

[Cyndee]

Thank you all for all that great information. I really appreciate it.

 

[dfchelbay]

Of utmost importance to me, I CAN BRING THE GIRLS (chihuahuas).

I love being able to bring my tiny dogs from the frigid winter cold to Fort Wilderness where they can go outside and bask in the warm sun. It makes me happy to see them enjoying the outdoor warmth, and riding in the basket of my skooter at the fort.

 

[CruisingCamper]

We will be going to camp at the Fort for the first time in March. After reading all the comments posted here, I am even more excited and ready to go.

I do have a ton of questions for more experienced campers to the fort.

1. We have a premium site booked. What loop is best? We like to be close to the action!

2. Laundry rooms?? Do they have them?

3. How are the bathrooms? Not that we'll use them at all, I am just curious as to how nice they are. Do they provide towels?

Thanks for any info you all can provide!!

 

[BradyBz12]

Laundry/bathrooms are located in the comfort stations. You can see where their located on this MAP

We've always found both to be neat and clean. I'm not sure if all the CS are setup the same, but the ones I've used (300 & 500 loops) had 6 washers/dryers and plenty of counter space for folding laundry.

It's $2 per wash/dry and there's also a vending machine for laundry supplies (although we always bring our own) and a change machine.

 

[Shan-man]

I find the bathrooms at the marina end of the campground a bit nicer than the ones in 1800 (for instance). They are all kept pretty clean. Towels are not provided either in the CSs or at the pool.