Hi!
I'm sort of new here. I've been lurking for awhile, but honestly I'm kind of overwhelmed by this site and still trying to find my way around. I'm a member on similar forums (cruisecritic and diaperswappers) so I know once I find my way around I will love it here.
:
I grew up tent camping in Wisconsin, and also spending a week at Disney every year. However it's been 15 years since I've done either. Now I have a 2 year old and a 3 month old and I really want to get back at both. And I'm totally overwhelmed. Please help! Posting Trip Reports is one of my favorite things ever, so I promise to return the favor by posting a lengthly review with lots of pictures upon our return from our first successful tent camping disney trip!
We don't plan on actually buying park tickets. We are FL residents and plan to make this a trip every year or two, and my oldest doesn't have a clue who disney characters are yet. We'll do it in the future. This just wets our appetites a little bit for Disney.
General camping questions:
1. we are tent camping and plan to buy a coleman prairie breeze (cabin style) mostly because my DH is 6'4" and we plan on having more kids, so the space will be needed. unless you can talk me out of it or recommend something else.
2. favorite websites for general camping tips? Since I only camped as a kid I'm having a hard time remembering the tips that make everything so much easier.
3. my kiddos will be 2 1/2 and 10 months at the time of our first family camping trip. favorite camping double stroller that is sand friendly and also won't break the bank? I'd love a BOB but I know it's unrealistic for our budget, so I'm looking at a babytrend. Any other tips for camping with toddlers?
4. Give me your most important camping packing tip - the thing that a newbie probably wouldn't bring but that makes things a lot easier.
5. If you have camped at other places in Florida, especially with toddlers, what are your favorites and why? Requirements include electricity at site, swimming/beach, NO crazy wild animals that might wander onto our site (ie bears), playgrounds would be great too.
Fort Wilderness questions:
1. Looking at reserving loop 1500, even though from my reading I know loop 2000 has bigger sites. It looks like it is really close to the meadow - close enough to walk? Estimated time it would take to walk from the loop to the meadow pool or playground? Exactly how long does it take to walk the loop? I have digestive issues and sometimes need to get to the bathroom fast
so, at farthest, how far away are the comfort stations? Neither DH or I love to bike, so we probably wouldn't take one unless necessary.
2. At first I thought I wanted to request a canal site - but perhaps a bad idea with two young ones? Obviously I'd have to keep a close eye so especially the youngest doesn't fall in - but would the kids be able to play in the canal or is it too dirty? I know my 2 year old would LOVE it! I already know if I hope my request to be honored to book early and to arrive early. Looking at booking the first week of March.
3. Favorite things to do while at FW with toddlers? My plans so far include to use the pool and the playground (can babies use the pool in a swim diaper?), the marina for the electric water show and pony rides, and take the boat and explore the contemporary and fort wilderness resorts, and then take the boat from POR to DD one night too.
4. I've read here and there that there are walking trails that connect FW to other resorts - anyone have a map or list of which are within walking distance?
5. My oldest will turn 3 during this trip. Will they do anything special? We plan on making all our meals on site, but if we do go out it will be to celebrate his birthday meal. So - if you had to pick one restaurant to celebrate a toddler birthday at (who doesn't know disney characters yet), which one and why? Sell me! I remember going to the hoop-de-do review a a child and I loved it - but I'm thinking my kiddos will still be too small and it costs SO much money for one meal!
Phew. I think that's it for now, but I'm sure I'll think of more. Thanks for all your help new Disney friends!

I'm sort of new here. I've been lurking for awhile, but honestly I'm kind of overwhelmed by this site and still trying to find my way around. I'm a member on similar forums (cruisecritic and diaperswappers) so I know once I find my way around I will love it here.

I grew up tent camping in Wisconsin, and also spending a week at Disney every year. However it's been 15 years since I've done either. Now I have a 2 year old and a 3 month old and I really want to get back at both. And I'm totally overwhelmed. Please help! Posting Trip Reports is one of my favorite things ever, so I promise to return the favor by posting a lengthly review with lots of pictures upon our return from our first successful tent camping disney trip!
We don't plan on actually buying park tickets. We are FL residents and plan to make this a trip every year or two, and my oldest doesn't have a clue who disney characters are yet. We'll do it in the future. This just wets our appetites a little bit for Disney.
General camping questions:
1. we are tent camping and plan to buy a coleman prairie breeze (cabin style) mostly because my DH is 6'4" and we plan on having more kids, so the space will be needed. unless you can talk me out of it or recommend something else.
2. favorite websites for general camping tips? Since I only camped as a kid I'm having a hard time remembering the tips that make everything so much easier.
3. my kiddos will be 2 1/2 and 10 months at the time of our first family camping trip. favorite camping double stroller that is sand friendly and also won't break the bank? I'd love a BOB but I know it's unrealistic for our budget, so I'm looking at a babytrend. Any other tips for camping with toddlers?
4. Give me your most important camping packing tip - the thing that a newbie probably wouldn't bring but that makes things a lot easier.
5. If you have camped at other places in Florida, especially with toddlers, what are your favorites and why? Requirements include electricity at site, swimming/beach, NO crazy wild animals that might wander onto our site (ie bears), playgrounds would be great too.
Fort Wilderness questions:
1. Looking at reserving loop 1500, even though from my reading I know loop 2000 has bigger sites. It looks like it is really close to the meadow - close enough to walk? Estimated time it would take to walk from the loop to the meadow pool or playground? Exactly how long does it take to walk the loop? I have digestive issues and sometimes need to get to the bathroom fast

2. At first I thought I wanted to request a canal site - but perhaps a bad idea with two young ones? Obviously I'd have to keep a close eye so especially the youngest doesn't fall in - but would the kids be able to play in the canal or is it too dirty? I know my 2 year old would LOVE it! I already know if I hope my request to be honored to book early and to arrive early. Looking at booking the first week of March.
3. Favorite things to do while at FW with toddlers? My plans so far include to use the pool and the playground (can babies use the pool in a swim diaper?), the marina for the electric water show and pony rides, and take the boat and explore the contemporary and fort wilderness resorts, and then take the boat from POR to DD one night too.
4. I've read here and there that there are walking trails that connect FW to other resorts - anyone have a map or list of which are within walking distance?
5. My oldest will turn 3 during this trip. Will they do anything special? We plan on making all our meals on site, but if we do go out it will be to celebrate his birthday meal. So - if you had to pick one restaurant to celebrate a toddler birthday at (who doesn't know disney characters yet), which one and why? Sell me! I remember going to the hoop-de-do review a a child and I loved it - but I'm thinking my kiddos will still be too small and it costs SO much money for one meal!
Phew. I think that's it for now, but I'm sure I'll think of more. Thanks for all your help new Disney friends!

