nostalgia

[SCtigercock]

I've been reading some posts/trip reports lately, thinking about our (hubby and mine) past trip in July and dreaming of when our (hubby, mine and youngest dobe) next will be. It has made me both feel old and wonder, how much of my memories of trips to FW when I was younger is skewed and how much has really changed at FW. And is it necessarily bad.

Background:
I was fortunate enough to start going to FW from 73 and maybe earlier if we count being in mom's womb. We visited every year at least once form SC. My parents had a converted breadtruck (you could call it a personalized motorcoach if you want to be snotty), travel trailer, then pop up. Yea, my folks are warped they went backwards in the progression of RVs, and I know where I get it from and my spiked eyebrows (Thanks a @#$% bunch, DAD). There were years in between some of the camping equipment and we rented trailers from FW and those were used too. Later in middle shool and HS we started using the cabins. After I graduated HS and went to college some years were skipped, but we still mostly used the cabins (Mom wanted to try out the B&Y and it was nice, but NOT FW. FW always called our names. The only other times I have been down not at the Fort, was a rescheduled shortened trip due to 9/11 and we stayed at the Contemporary. Since the trip was shortened in lenght and the parents didn't want to have to deal with the pu (those that pay the bill rules) and in 2003. My hubby can use the Shades of Green and since it was being totally refurbished (and at that time the family didn't own a RV) in 2003, the Contemporary was being used vice the SOG so we got a steal of a deal rate wise. Now my hubby and I have a small class C and enjoyed our first time at FW together in July while paying our own way.

First observation, Paying your own way SUCKS. I so much liked it when my parents paid. They just don't see it that way though now. Durn it. So now that I am footing the bill I see my expectations rising b/c it is MY money. With that said I don't think you can beat FW. Granted I was stupd this past time and didn't find a valid discount code prior to going but we don't need to tell the hubby that. So yes now the smalled crack, dust partical and misplaced item is noticed quicker. Plus I am taller and get to see more things too.


As a kid when is was only the MK, we would travel down, hit the park and maybe a second day for RC then head home. At first prior to the exansion of the interstate system that would be via US Hwys and not I-95 so sometimes we would stop in Brunswick and make it a two day travel. Now in my late thirties I shake my head since having moved to the lower part of SC, I can drive it in close to 8 hrs. And quicker if I don't obey them pesky speed limits. So technoligy and infrastructure wins. I really hate going US 301. My parents still cut over to 301 inside the Florida line and come in what they call the "back way". I detest stop lights. BUT each thier own and if we get to go to WDW and FW who cares!

FW itself. I seem to remember more foliage in my younger years. I really want to remember more trees around the meadows area. And the offerings in the stores seemed to be more upscale/solid. But if you look across the US, I think you see more plastic everywhere. Trails Ends has evolved too, but change is understandable. My mom really misses the old silver shop near the Hall of Presidents in the MK. She loved to shop there. Now Christmas decorations and plastic items. But Disney is a company that deals to the masses not just my mom's taste. So as a past stock holder I understand. Miss it, but understand.

RC; not going to beat a dead horse.

So you may ask why all the rambling, well I have realized that things change over time. Some necessary some not, but that is life. I love seeing more sites knowing more family and people can enjoy and experience the Fort. Since we dry camp at NASCAR races a lot, I love FULL hookups, no more dumping station. I think about different choices of material that may not be a perfect match but at least we don't have cracks and mildew.

So I guess what I am trying to say is the FW is what it is today and I still LOVE it! FW is in my blood and unless Disney goes completely off its rocker I will be back for hopefully years to come!

Off memory lane and soap box.

Have a magical week-end and SAFE and Thankful Thanksgiving.

PS, I know I am a realitive new person around here, and I appreciate yall letting me jump in on some conversations. So IF I somehow upset anyone with my wapred humor, blame my parents. They never sent me to finishing school, I got edumucated at FW.

PEACE OUT

 

[Miss Peach]

I understand what you have written all too well.

Although my experience with Fort Wilderness has been quite limited, we have only camped there one time--fifteen years, or so, ago. (Driving out from California is a LONG LONG trip!!) I have the same feelings about places that resonate with me.

I never wanted to be one of those cranky old people that claim that 'it was so much better in MY day', and 'THEY have ruined it now'. But there are some things that were just better 'back then'.

I go to Disneyland about 2-3 times a week, and it is getting harder and harder to put on my rose colored glasses and see it the way it used to be.

I know why your folks drive the same old route to FW, it recaptures the magic so they are driving into FW circa 1970s.

Well, I am making myself kinda sad here...

Cathy

 

[SC DAD of 2]

My fellow South Carolinian, I really enjoyed the walk down your memory lane

and your personal insights on the, “upgrades” Disney has made over the

years. I can only draw from 15 years of Disney trips, most spent at FW. In my

opinion Disney gets things right, then slowly they make changes, subtle

sometimes, but changes. Like the settlement trading post sign for instance,

looks like a flea market sign, nothing pioneer about it at all.

But nonetheless, the FORT is our favorite vacation spot in the whole world,

and yes “I’ve been everywhere man” even many trips To the Low Country.

Hope we can meet up at the fort sometime.

 

[SCtigercock]

I don't know what they were thinking with that sign. It is almost like, we got this blank left let's use it instead of being creative. Horrible.

Hope we can meet up, even if the wife is a SC fan.

 

[kampfirekim]

I don't know what they were thinking with that sign. It is almost like, we got this blank left let's use it instead of being creative. Horrible.

Hope we can meet up, even if the wife is a SC fan.

Watch it! You're outnumbered.

I completely agree with your soap box speech. There are changes I like and some not so much, but in the end I still have that wonderful "I'm home" feeling when we pull into the Fort.

I miss Musket Mickey and many of the other little touches that used to exist but the good still far outweighs the not so good by a country mile! There's still "no place like home" for us.

 

[disney4dan]

I remember road trips to FL with the parents, starting at age 3, nothing but state highways and state campgrounds. Love the memories and grainy old photos, especially the Spanish Moss and huge oak trees. They were so much more scenic than I-95.