Not really a camper.....

[7RUs]

I love the sites, smells, and beauty of outdoors, HOWEVER I have never camped outside... EVER....EVER!

We are a family of 7, scrambling on a budget to fit in our 5th Disney experience before DS#1 graduates next year. The amazing DIS forum genious' recommended we look into the Fort Wilderness option and rent a camper.

We have stayed at Movies,POP (3xs), and CBR and love being on property.

I am SO EXCITED that this is saving us money and providing an awesome option.

However...... I'm also nervous about the experience.

1. I'd like to buy the tickets from a different place and have them added to our magic bands (I saw someone post that's possible)
2. Will all "on property" benefits apply to us at that point?
3. I saw driving to parks except MK is quicker

I'm pouring through these threads but overwhelmed. Any specific advice for my LARGE family??????

 

[hornjb]

Fort Wilderness is great! We visit every year. You can get your tickets from an outside source such as undercover tourist which will save you a few dollars and add those to your magic bands. Everything in the campground is inclusive with a room only package. We have loads of fun. There is a lot to soak in at the Fort. I would recommend Fiesty's Fun Time Travel for reservation details. She is who we always go through and she always gets us the best discount. She only specializes in Disney World. You should be able to find her information on the boards in here. If you can't let me know.

 

[tina.tina]

DH & I camped one time and were miserable in our too small tent and inadequate sleeping pad. Inspired by our visit to FW when we went to the HDDR & the friendly people in this forum, we are planning to tent camp at our local State Park this year. We are borrowing a tent (and an air mattress) to try out before we buy our own in anticipation of future visits to FW.

I have been really researching online camping tips and I'd advise you to do this, too. That way, you could think of things you might need to make your stay more comfortable- like a tote to store shoes in outside the door, chairs for sitting outside or an easy up canopy in case of rain.

One of the sites I looked at said that over packing is key to being happy as a new camper. Of course, it recommends trying out camping near your home but that might not be the same in your case.

For us, one of the perks of being on site is not having to drive. We didn't mind the buses. If you don't mind them either, maybe FW's bus system won't bother you. Recently, someone asked about walking to the main bus stop and the boat and someone replied that it is very doable. Renting a golf cart will cut into the money you're saving.

We would be really interested in riding bikes around the campground. I've seen that some of the camper rental places also rent bikes (or you could take your own). I've seen on this site that you have to have lights on your bikes at night. (in case you want to ride bikes and leave them at the marina or bus stop and ride back when you return from the parks at night.)

I would definitely take some time to relax at the campground and go to the Chip & Dale sing along!

 

[bama_ed]

I love the sites, smells, and beauty of outdoors, HOWEVER I have never camped outside... EVER....EVER!

We are a family of 7, scrambling on a budget to fit in our 5th Disney experience before DS#1 graduates next year. The amazing DIS forum genious' recommended we look into the Fort Wilderness option and rent a camper.

We have stayed at Movies,POP (3xs), and CBR and love being on property.

I am SO EXCITED that this is saving us money and providing an awesome option.

However...... I'm also nervous about the experience.

1. I'd like to buy the tickets from a different place and have them added to our magic bands (I saw someone post that's possible)
2. Will all "on property" benefits apply to us at that point?
3. I saw driving to parks except MK is quicker

I'm pouring through these threads but overwhelmed. Any specific advice for my LARGE family??????

Wow! Good for you. With 7 in the family, does that mean previous stays at WDW hotels meant booking two rooms to hold everyone? That gets pricey.

Yes, we Fort Wilderness guest get all the on-site benefits. There is a stereotype on the DIS Resorts board where some folks looks down on us campers but trust me when I say some of the RVs at the Fort cost more than those poster's homes! I'm happy because I can take my popup and go nearly every year and it doesn't cost me another body organ to go.

Driving to the other parks is usually quicker (other than MK) but I'm going to try to go to Epcot via boats and monorails next trip. Just to try it.

I saw the same thread about linking tickets bought from authorized non-Disney sites. Sounds like you can (although I am still learning Magic Bands).

You obviously want a large trailer like one with a bunkhouse (a bedroom in the back with two bunk beds on either side). There is probably also a master bed for the parents and a couch or kitchen table that folds down so that everyone can sleep. I would advise leaving a day (or two or three) to relax and enjoy the Fort. I enjoy just being outdoors, walking the Fort or riding bikes, going looping (going through the various loops to look at other people's campers and setups), relax at the pool, enjoy the fireworks show and EWP on the beach at night, go to the Campfire singalong/movie with Chip & Dale. The Fort also offers daily kids activities around the Meadow Pool area in the afternoons. Some games, some crafts, some corny fun.

I predict you will love it.

Bama ED

PS - rent a Disney golf cart on a 24 hour basis during one of your Fort days and that makes looping fun (although they only seat 4-a few 6 seaters are available though).

 

[7RUs]

Thank you Bama! You made me even a touch bit more excited, if thats possible.

As for expense...its just gotten so high
First trip was honeymoon (one room off site)
Second trip only 4 of us (Movies)
Third trip DD1 was only 6mos (CBR)
Other trips required two Value Resort rooms and I just happened upon great deals including a free dining plan once.....

THIS will be a whole new experience!

 

[7RUs]

One of the sites I looked at said that over packing is key to being happy as a new camper. Of course, it recommends trying out camping near your home but that might not be the same in your case.

For us, one of the perks of being on site is not having to drive. We didn't mind the buses. If you don't mind them either, maybe FW's bus system won't bother you. Recently, someone asked about walking to the main bus stop and the boat and someone replied that it is very doable. Renting a golf cart will cut into the money you're saving.

I would definitely take some time to relax at the campground and go to the Chip & Dale sing along!

We have only struggled with the bus system once in our visits and that was at the CBR. This sounds similar! But we may try it first and see.
Thank you for the packing advice and thoughts about golf carts. Walking never hurt anyone (except my 17yr old!)

 

[7RUs]

Fort Wilderness is great! We visit every year. You can get your tickets from an outside source such as undercover tourist which will save you a few dollars and add those to your magic bands. Everything in the campground is inclusive with a room only package. We have loads of fun. There is a lot to soak in at the Fort. I would recommend Fiesty's Fun Time Travel for reservation details. She is who we always go through and she always gets us the best discount. She only specializes in Disney World. You should be able to find her information on the boards in here. If you can't let me know.

Looking for her NOW! Thanks!

 

[bama_ed]

Fort Wilderness is great! We visit every year. You can get your tickets from an outside source such as undercover tourist which will save you a few dollars and add those to your magic bands. Everything in the campground is inclusive with a room only package. We have loads of fun. There is a lot to soak in at the Fort. I would recommend Fiesty's Fun Time Travel for reservation details. She is who we always go through and she always gets us the best discount. She only specializes in Disney World. You should be able to find her information on the boards in here. If you can't let me know.

No you won't be able to find her. Not at the Fort any more, anyway.

She was kicked out of the Fort several months ago by WDW management (had been there a while running her TA business from the campsite) and is not welcome back for a LONG time. Our Original Poster 7RUs is so advised.

Read this entire thread on our DIS Camping Board:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3217792&page=2

Pay attention to post #26. Her issues are with WDW management and not anyone on any board.

Bama ED

 

[amcc]

Thank you Bama! You made me even a touch bit more excited, if thats possible.

As for expense...its just gotten so high
First trip was honeymoon (one room off site)
Second trip only 4 of us (Movies)
Third trip DD1 was only 6mos (CBR)
Other trips required two Value Resort rooms and I just happened upon great deals including a free dining plan once.....

THIS will be a whole new experience!

Family of 6 here We love FW. To us, it is Disney how it was originally envisioned - fun, relaxed, friendly, and welcoming. We don't rent a golf cart and get around everywhere on bikes. We have rented a bike or two from Disney and the only problem is that you have to return it every night. I really wish they would do a length of stay rental.

We go in the summer so we never visit the parks. There is so much to keep you busy at the resort - I'm sure you will have a GREAT time!

 

[redrosesix]

I love the sites, smells, and beauty of outdoors, HOWEVER I have never camped outside... EVER....EVER!

We are a family of 7, scrambling on a budget to fit in our 5th Disney experience before DS#1 graduates next year. The amazing DIS forum genious' recommended we look into the Fort Wilderness option and rent a camper.

We have stayed at Movies,POP (3xs), and CBR and love being on property.

I am SO EXCITED that this is saving us money and providing an awesome option.

However...... I'm also nervous about the experience.

1. I'd like to buy the tickets from a different place and have them added to our magic bands (I saw someone post that's possible)
2. Will all "on property" benefits apply to us at that point?
3. I saw driving to parks except MK is quicker

I'm pouring through these threads but overwhelmed. Any specific advice for my LARGE family??????

Being in a camper isn't really camping, unless you're talking about at pop-up. We're seasonal in a campground at home and I spend my summer in a park model trailer, which is more like a condo with hidden storage space on wheels. I think it would be a good idea to find out exactly what you're renting -- if they don't give you pictures and a layout of the camper you can easily find them online if you know the make and model. You will know where everyone is going to sleep and put their stuff. If your camper has an awning, it's a good idea to make sure you know how to use it before you set up at your site.

We seriously considered camping at FW and if we weren't coming from Canada we would have done it. It has the same amenities as staying in a room in wdw without the penalty for having a larger family, so an excellent choice for you.

DH & I camped one time and were miserable in our too small tent and inadequate sleeping pad. Inspired by our visit to FW when we went to the HDDR & the friendly people in this forum, we are planning to tent camp at our local State Park this year. We are borrowing a tent (and an air mattress) to try out before we buy our own in anticipation of future visits to FW.

I have been really researching online camping tips and I'd advise you to do this, too. That way, you could think of things you might need to make your stay more comfortable- like a tote to store shoes in outside the door, chairs for sitting outside or an easy up canopy in case of rain.

One of the sites I looked at said that over packing is key to being happy as a new camper. Of course, it recommends trying out camping near your home but that might not be the same in your case.

For us, one of the perks of being on site is not having to drive. We didn't mind the buses. If you don't mind them either, maybe FW's bus system won't bother you. Recently, someone asked about walking to the main bus stop and the boat and someone replied that it is very doable. Renting a golf cart will cut into the money you're saving.

We would be really interested in riding bikes around the campground. I've seen that some of the camper rental places also rent bikes (or you could take your own). I've seen on this site that you have to have lights on your bikes at night. (in case you want to ride bikes and leave them at the marina or bus stop and ride back when you return from the parks at night.)

I would definitely take some time to relax at the campground and go to the Chip & Dale sing along!

Totally agree with all of this Having good gear is often the difference between having a great trip and a lousy one. We do backcountry camping by canoe after our trailer season ends, and have been able to borrow or rent any gear that we don't have. Love the idea of the tote for shoes -- no matter how big your tent or trailer is, there is never a good place to put shoes.

 

[7RUs]

no you won't be able to find her. Not at the fort any more, anyway.

She was kicked out of the fort several months ago by wdw management (had been there a while running her ta business from the campsite) and is not welcome back for a long time. Our original poster 7rus is so advised.

Read this entire thread on our dis camping board:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3217792&page=2

pay attention to post #26. Her issues are with wdw management and not anyone on any board.

Bama ed

thank you!

 

[hornjb]

Thanks Bama. I was not aware of all of this.

 

[retired and happy]

One poster above said everything at the Fort is included. That is only sorta true. There are many amenities and activities available for "free" at the Fort, but there are also other things you can choose to participate in or not, at extra expense. Some of these are archery lessons, Segway tours, Horseback rides (very controlled). When you check in you will be given a packet of information including Fort rules, activities scheduled during you stay, a map (it's a big place), and other assorted info.

I don't know if the busses are really slower than driving, but we have NEVER driven to any attractions at WDW. Relax and let the CM's do the driving for you. Internal busses run from the Outpost (check-in area) to the settlement (Marina, Trails End, Crockets Tavern,, etc). External busses run from the Outpost to the Parks, DTD, and water parks.

As Bama Ed indicated, experience the various modes of transportation Disney provides... the launch from the Fort to MK, the Ferryboat between the TTC and MK, the monorails, one runs around the Seven Seas Lagoon resorts, and one runs to EPCOT from the TTC. There is also a smaller boat that runs between the Fort, WL, CR, and GF which might provide some different dining experiences.

And I miss Fiesty being at the Fort with the wide array of decorations that she always had displayed at her site.

 

[MattFromPA]

Just returned from our third trip to FW. First time was in a cabin tent, the last two we had a rented popup (family of four, 1 DD and 1 DS, 4 and 2 years old).

I agree that a large travel trailer is no longer true "camping". We own a TT besides, but the popup was the cheapest RV rental we could find. I would advise looking closely at your total cost to determine if it is saving you money over staying on property elsewhere. Not that I would discourage anyone from trying FW, but you did say your motivation was trying to save a little. In our case we spent $65 per day on the popup rental, plus the FW site (varied from about $45-$55 per day, weekends are more than weekdays). We figured that in the end we spent more than a Value resort would have cost (thinking Pop Century).

A large TT is going to run you at least $700 for a week ( I glanced at Greenberg RV's site to check), and then you're going to need a full hookup site. Don't know when you're going, but we lucked out and went during the cheapest week of the year.

One way you can definitely save by camping is by doing your own cooking and packing food into the parks. We brought a 50 lb bag full of dry food and our rental folks bought groceries for us. We had exactly one sit-down restaurant meal (Trails End breakfast, highly recommended!). If you're inclined to forgo a meal plan, figure that into your calculations.

Because we value the FW experience and love camping/RVing, there is no other way we would go to Disney. I would advise spending a weekend camping close to home with a rented TT to see how it suits you.

 

[tina.tina]

Just returned from our third trip to FW. First time was in a cabin tent, the last two we had a rented popup (family of four, 1 DD and 1 DS, 4 and 2 years old).

I agree that a large travel trailer is no longer true "camping". We own a TT besides, but the popup was the cheapest RV rental we could find. I would advise looking closely at your total cost to determine if it is saving you money over staying on property elsewhere. Not that I would discourage anyone from trying FW, but you did say your motivation was trying to save a little. In our case we spent $65 per day on the popup rental, plus the FW site (varied from about $45-$55 per day, weekends are more than weekdays). We figured that in the end we spent more than a Value resort would have cost (thinking Pop Century).

A large TT is going to run you at least $700 for a week ( I glanced at Greenberg RV's site to check), and then you're going to need a full hookup site. Don't know when you're going, but we lucked out and went during the cheapest week of the year.

One way you can definitely save by camping is by doing your own cooking and packing food into the parks. We brought a 50 lb bag full of dry food and our rental folks bought groceries for us. We had exactly one sit-down restaurant meal (Trails End breakfast, highly recommended!). If you're inclined to forgo a meal plan, figure that into your calculations.

Because we value the FW experience and love camping/RVing, there is no other way we would go to Disney. I would advise spending a weekend camping close to home with a rented TT to see how it suits you.

Can I ask why you rented a pop up after you stayed in a tent?

 

[MattFromPA]

Can I ask why you rented a pop up after you stayed in a tent?

Sure. We went with family on our first trip, and they usually take the Amtrak Auto Train. So we went ahead and bought a cabin tent, a dining tent, etc. and packed the SUV to the gills. It was a lot of work, especially set-up and tear-down, with two little kids. The train trip is 16 hours also. We got great airfare deals for the next two trips so renting an RV became the only option (cabins are too expensive).

We would gladly tent camp again if the train is cheaper than flying. When the kids are older we may tow our TT down (nearly 1000 miles).

 

[tina.tina]

Sure. We went with family on our first trip, and they usually take the Amtrak Auto Train. So we went ahead and bought a cabin tent, a dining tent, etc. and packed the SUV to the gills. It was a lot of work, especially set-up and tear-down, with two little kids. The train trip is 16 hours also. We got great airfare deals for the next two trips so renting an RV became the only option (cabins are too expensive).

We would gladly tent camp again if the train is cheaper than flying. When the kids are older we may tow our TT down (nearly 1000 miles).

Thank you! I know what you mean about the cabin prices. We loved Pop but we visited FW when we saw the HDDR and camping really intrigued us. We are looking at camping at FW next year. Our kids are a little older and we'll put them to work!