Non-Camper here...Give it to me straight...

[3floridarays]

DS has never been camping and he’s been bugging us to death to go. Now, let me put it right out there that I am not a “happy camper”. I’ve tried it. Didn’t work out so well. DH & I had every intention of becoming campers once upon a time. We bought all the best equipment and headed off on our first trip, with a beautiful weather forecast and a state park with good amenities. An unexpected cold front blew in – it was 23 degrees the first night. I slept in the car the second night. We were told there were great restroom facilities. Only problem is they were half a mile from the campsite…and the plumbing was broken. I had to get up in the middle of the night to…um…use the facilities. Had to go in the woods. In the dark. There was a coyote howling somewhere. Did I mention it was 23 degrees?? The camping gear went into a garage sale the next weekend. Now my idea of “roughing it” is a hotel that doesn’t provide a hair dryer and room service.

Wellll…we were staying at WL last weekend for the first time in 8 years. On our first day the bus picked us up to go to Epcot…but went to Fort Wilderness first. Drats. I had forgotten they share a bus. I had conveniently not mentioned to DS that WDW had a campground. And go figure…we saw 2 deer on the way there and then saw all the horses in the stable area when we pulled up. You can just imagine what I’ve been hearing ever since then.

Now, I would do almost anything in the world for DS, even throw myself in front of a Disney bus…but camping??? Is it completely delusional to think that someone with a solid camping-phobia could have a good time? Or even survive?? I need someone to give me the cold, hard truth about camping at WDW. The good, the bad, the ugly…the plumbing...

And if your honest advice includes me telling DS that his mom is better off just re-booking at the WL, that's okay...I can take it.

 

[big kahuna1]

Well, there are 2 people you can rent trailers from on this forum. One will rent a Pop-Up and the other is a Fifth Wheel but unfortunately, I am currently having a brain fart and cannot remember their web sites but I am sure someone will post them shortly. Both options are a great way to go if you really do not want to tent it.

 

[Born 2 Fish]

Well, there are 2 people you can rent trailers from on this forum. One will rent a Pop-Up and the other is a Fifth Wheel but unfortunately, I am currently having a brain fart and cannot remember their web sites but I am sure someone will post them shortly. Both options are a great way to go if you really do not want to tent it.

I agree with you Steve,,thats a great way to give camping a second try,

 

[tobikaye]

Maybe you could compromise with your son. Stay at FW in a cabin for the majority of your trip, but maybe plan on camping for a night or two at the end of the trip. That way, you are not having to be out there for the whole trip.

I have stayed at FW in twice before in the, then, trailers and am staying again in May in the cabins. I have always wanted to camp at FW, but have not had the opportunity yet to try. This upcoming trip is not the chance to give it a go, but I am planning to scout out more information while I am there. I have been researching various options from tent camping to renting a RV or trailer to give it a try.

It sounds like the biggest issue you had was the weather and the comfort stations. If you look at the maps that you can find around here for FW, you will see that there are actually lots of comfort stations that do not look to be too far spread out. As for the weather, unless it rains, many people of mentioned taking heating or cooling machines to put into their tents.

I think what the others have suggested in looking at renting trailers may be the best option for you.

 

[mnsprk]

As tobikaye said, I'd go with the cabin and possibly even, at first, for the entire stay. The cost should be slightly less than the Lodge and it will give you a chance to "scout things out". You could even talk to some of the campers(at least the ones with the "lime green Mickeys") and get their opinions and experiences.

 

[ElementCamper]

My vote is for the cabins too, you get the benefit of being at the Fort but your own pottie.

I am a non-phobic camper, in my youth wouldn't hesitate to throw the tent up or sleep in the back of the truck just to be 'outside'.

Then, I started getting older, the tent did not look so good any more. I started adding additional layers of air mattresses (there might be a pea and I'd feel it)!

Added a heater, later air conditioning, now I'm up to a trailer with A/C, Heat Pump and a backup furnace and queen size bed. Only thing it lacks is a real bathroom but does have a porta potty. I do have to walk to the Comfort Stations.

So I hear ya, camping is not for everyone but you can fulfill your DS wish and stay at the cabins, it's camping without the 'outside'.

 

[AuburnJen92]

www.makecampingeasy.com (they have a pop up and a fifth wheel available)

www.campingatthefort.com (they have a 5th wheel available)

 

[3floridarays]

Oooooooo....cabins! I would never have thought of that! Can you tell I have avoided any and all research involving Fort Wilderness?

The really ironic thing is that I work in the environmental field...I've spent lots of times wading through swamps, stepping on snakes, doing wildlife surveys...but actually sleep out in nature??? Yikes!

I'm gonna take a look at the cabins right now. Baby steps...it's all about baby steps...

 

[ElementCamper]

Pssssst! Hey, keep this to yourself, they have cable tv and a coffemaker too! Oh, and maid service on alternate days! Now keep this to yourself and don't let it get around.

 

[3floridarays]

Pssssst! Hey, keep this to yourself, they have cable tv and a coffemaker too! Oh, and maid service on alternate days! Now keep this to yourself and don't let it get around.

 

[Born 2 Fish]

One word for you,,"otters".

watch out for them,

 

[kazlac4]

Oooooooo....cabins! I would never have thought of that! Can you tell I have avoided any and all research involving Fort Wilderness?

The really ironic thing is that I work in the environmental field...I've spent lots of times wading through swamps, stepping on snakes, doing wildlife surveys...but actually sleep out in nature??? Yikes!

I'm gonna take a look at the cabins right now. Baby steps...it's all about baby steps...

Glad to hear you will be checking out the cabins. I would bet that if you took the chance and tried the Fort for a camping trip (whether cabin or tent), you will realize that there is nowhere else like the Fort. I am sure you will be hooked and will be checking your calendar to see when you can go back!. Besides, think of all the great memories you will get to share with your son.. I am sure he will think you're the "best" for trying something out of your comfort zone .

If the Fort can't make a camper out of you..no place will ..but I am sure you will fall under the Fort's spell.

 

[BigDaddyRog]

www.makecampingeasy.com (they have a pop up and a fifth wheel available)

www.campingatthefort.com (they have a 5th wheel available)

ooooops....she meant www.CampAtTheFort.com .....not "camping"..no "ing"

 

[5stljayhawks]

Maybe I am a puriset with a travel trailer, but disney or not, take the kid camping. Sure your butt will be dragging at the end of the trip, that happens if your in a hotel or not.

And the bathroom thing, FW bathrooms are nicer than some $500K houses I have been in. There should be no worries and I am 100% sure others will back me up on that.

I recommend start camping in the back yard or local campground. There is nothing wrong with car camping. It's a great way to work out the kinks for a longer trip. Even if you suffer a little at FW, aren't the family memories worth it?

 

[zakerdog]

The only way I will "camp" is in our motorhome, Fort Wilderness is my favorite campground and the one that we head to more than anywhere else. The comfort stations are great and there is so much to do that somedays you don't want to leave to go to the parks. I agree the cabins might be your first step but seriously think about renting a travel trailer/RV/5th wheel.

 

[3floridarays]

Thanks for all the great advice! You guys are great!

We have a WDW trip booked for May and I'm going to talk to DH about going over to the Fort while we are there to look around.

 

[SandrA9810]

I love tent camping at the fort. We started doing that when prices at the value started to be getting too much.

I'd go with the trailer rental over a cabin to get the best experience of the fort. And I've never had a bad experience at the comfort station. Besides the time they decided to stick me in the site next to one that was under refurb. Plus there was a bunch of work trucks on the site... so we got moved.