Newcomer question about requesting sites, dogs and satellites

[Andyjunction]

Hi, everybody!

This is what's called "11th hour" stuff. I'll be getting to the Ft. on Thursday, October 7 for at least eight nights. I'm in a small class B motorhome with my dog and I'll be meeting my family who will be flying in and staying at a cabin.

Dog question: I like the 1500-1800 loops a lot for the quiet. And riding a bike to and from the dock is one of my favorite things about the place. From what I've read there's a dog park in the 300 loop. I remember seeing the signs when I was there before but was never able to find it by following them at the time. But there are other signs that tell you not take your pet out of the pet loop you're in. Am I okay to take my dog on the foot path from the 1500 area up Big Pine Dr. to the 300 loop?

I also travel with my Dish Network satellite setup and really like to get a site where I can get a signal. That means an unobstructed sky to the southwest. Has anyone ever seen a list of specific sites that are good for satellite reception?

Which leads to my last question, about requesting sites. I've always been assigned a site that worked out for satellite at check-in just out of luck. But that can't hold out forever. If I get assigned a site with no satellite reception, will it be possible, or difficult to request a new site for the full eight nights? I can easily ride my bike around and find a list of sites that will work with a handy compass to make it easier.

Maybe you can't tell but I'm pretty excited here and also to find a bunch of other people whole love Ft. Wilderness as much as I do!

 

[BradyBz12]

Am I okay to take my dog on the foot path from the 1500 area up Big Pine Dr. to the 300 loop?

I can answer this one.
You can walk your dog from 1500 to the dog park, which is located just before the entrance to 300, across the street from 500. Just turn right coming out of 1500 and follow Big Pine towards the Settlement/Marina - you can't miss it.

 

[Andyjunction]

Excellent! Thank you. I meant 1600-1900 loops I guess, but you know what I meant Those are also closer to the cabins so I can bug my little niece and nephew more!

 

[retired and happy]

When they built the Dog Park they kinda made it permissible to take your dogs to it. There are still some places pets are not permitted, but fewer than in days gone by.

I think it's hit or miss on positioning a satellite dish. I haven't carried mine in a couple of years, just use OTA or Disney cable. You might be able to find an unused site this time of year, and if so, they most likely will let you move.

 

[des1954]

By my own experience with Dish Network (and this was back in the 90's and well before all the clearing that took place at the Fort) we had great difficulty getting a signal at the Fort. We changed to Direct TV because of Dish's SW satellite configuration as opposed to Direct's southern configuration. Now, I'm just repeating what my DH, the techno-nerd, told me.

You won't find any list that I'm aware of that tells you what site is better than another at pulling in a signal. Just bring plenty of coax with you so you can place your dish where it gets the best signal. Also, bungee a gallon jug of water to your tripod to keep the dish from blowing over. I'm assuming you will be using a portable dish & not a roof mounted dish. I don't think I've ever seen a roof mount on a class B, but, I'll never admit to having "seen everything"!

 

[luckycharm19335]

We have Direct TV in our MH and have on occasion been assigned a site that we couldn't get a good signal.
If it is not to crowded they will work with you, and allow you to move sites. However, if it is very crowded your options would be limited.

 

[heathriel]

We've got two satellites (internet and TV) roof mounted on our Fifth Wheel - that's kind of like a Class B

And we use Dish Network/Starband, not Direct TV/Hughes, so we're way off kilter.

We know we're like totally um... at the fort.

 

[Andyjunction]

Not that I plan to spend much time watching TV while staying there in Paradise but NHL opening night in Thursday and I would be a sad puppy if I missed the season opener.

 

[des1954]

Not that I plan to spend much time watching TV while staying there in Paradise but NHL opening night in Thursday and I would be a sad puppy if I missed the season opener.

Depending upon which game you're going to watch, check and see if they will be broadcasting it at the ESPN Club at Boardwalk. Sports don't get any better than at the ESPN Club!

 

[caveat lector]

Not that I plan to spend much time watching TV while staying there in Paradise but NHL opening night in Thursday and I would be a sad puppy if I missed the season opener.

My priorities are very similar. I enter on my calendar like it's a holiday.