OFFICIAL OCTOBER 2017 pretrip and trip report!

[snowmedic]

Well this month we have not been able to do to much, work wise. I got hurt at work at the beginning of the month so I have been on light duty, go back to the doctors this Thursday and should be able to get back to full duty. Working 40 sucks because that gives me no extra money to pay on my vacation. Will have to work extra hrs. to make up for it, which I don't mind.

Haven't bought anything new for the trip yet, since getting hurt we had to put off buying the new tent, the one we have now is in good shape, we just wanted a bigger one. Trying to decide if we want to do MNSSHP one night or not. That is about all that is happening here in NW VT.

 

[wilkeliza]

Hi all! Glad I found this thread. I'm doing my first Fort Wilderness trip this October. I'll be there from the 19th to 22nd. I'm at the cabins with my 4 closest friends/relatives. It is my batchelorette party actually and since we all have a connection to Disney as a group we decided to have a girls (and 1 guy) weekend instead of just dinner the night before the wedding. 3 of our did our CP together so it will be extra special for us to be back together again at the place we met.

I already rented a golf cart and got on the waitlist for the 6 person instead of 4. I know we have a kitchenette. Is there anything I should know about the Fort? I haven't decided what to do the first night as we are all arriving at different times but the focus of the trip is Animal Kingdom and Epcot.

 

[peg110]

Is there anything I should know about the Fort?

Well, that's a loaded question. The Fort has a lot to offer in and of itself. Many folks find they can get more enjoyment at the Fort without going to the parks.

Things of importance to note, however, is that you really cannot drive around the Fort with your car/truck plus it's against the rules, so it's a good thing you have a golf cart if you want to go "Looping". There are 2 pools. The main one by the meadows with a water slide and a smaller one in the cabin areas. I have not used the smaller one, but it's my understanding that you can pretty much use that one when ever you want but there is no life guard. There is also no crowd (for the most part).

Trail's End is a great restaurant down by the marina and you can also get take outs at PJs that are pretty good too. A "GAG" (Giddy-up And Go) meal is enough to feed an average family of 4 (8 pieces of Fried Chicken served with Cornbread and your choice of two Sides: Coleslaw, Macaroni and Cheese, or Mashed Potatoes) and at a very reasonable price at under $25.

Their Pizza is marginal. Some love it, most accept it, many hate it. I am in the "Accept it" group. It's certainly not my favorite. I did have it once and it was great. That was my first time. twice after that, I have to say it didn't taste very good.

Lots other activities as well.... Bama Ed usually posts (and it ends up as a "Sticky") the activity calendar in this forum, so you can look at that too.

 

[wilkeliza]

Well, that's a loaded question. The Fort has a lot to offer in and of itself. Many folks find they can get more enjoyment at the Fort without going to the parks.

Things of importance to note, however, is that you really cannot drive around the Fort with your car/truck plus it's against the rules, so it's a good thing you have a golf cart if you want to go "Looping". There are 2 pools. The main one by the meadows with a water slide and a smaller one in the cabin areas. I have not used the smaller one, but it's my understanding that you can pretty much use that one when ever you want but there is no life guard. There is also no crowd (for the most part).

Trail's End is a great restaurant down by the marina and you can also get take outs at PJs that are pretty good too. A "GAG" (Giddy-up And Go) meal is enough to feed an average family of 4 (8 pieces of Fried Chicken served with Cornbread and your choice of two Sides: Coleslaw, Macaroni and Cheese, or Mashed Potatoes) and at a very reasonable price at under $25.

Their Pizza is marginal. Some love it, most accept it, many hate it. I am in the "Accept it" group. It's certainly not my favorite. I did have it once and it was great. That was my first time. twice after that, I have to say it didn't taste very good.

Lots other activities as well.... Bama Ed usually posts (and it ends up as a "Sticky") the activity calendar in this forum, so you can look at that too.

It is loaded. I've visited the fort but have never been around the campgrounds or cabins. The GAG meal sounds like a good deal for sure. Might be worth grabbing to go and have as late night snacks haha. I have done Trail's End a couple times before and it was nice. I'm not sure what our days are going to be like but am hoping to enjoy the fort a little either our first day or the last day.

 

[ruthies12]

Well I'm back from my short girl's weekend to Universal. Had an awesome time overall and a lovely evening at Disney Springs last Friday night. Here's a little something I enjoyed from Dockside Margarita's. Just 141 days til I'm back!!

 

[snowmedic]

Here's a little something I enjoyed from Dockside Margarita's.

Oh sure, rub it in. I love Dockside. Every night we go to the Springs I have to have me a margarita, and DW and DD have to have the Flamingo Frost from Joffery's, and a pretzel from Wentzel's. I can feel my wallet draining while I type.

I have 153 days before checking into the Fort.

 

[mtnminnie]

snowmedic...is it really going to be that hot in a tent during your stay that you think you need AC? I am asking b/c we will also be in a tent and we thought we would just bring fans.

 

[snowmedic]

snowmedic...is it really going to be that hot in a tent during your stay that you think you need AC? I am asking b/c we will also be in a tent and we thought we would just bring fans.

When we where there in Oct. a few years ago I was glad that a good Dis friend brought his portable a/c unit up for use to use. We didn't use it during the day but it was really nice to have for sleeping. We also have a stand fan that we run in the tent at all times to circulate the air.

 

[tiggerdad]

When we where there in Oct. a few years ago I was glad that a good Dis friend brought his portable a/c unit up for use to use. We didn't use it during the day but it was really nice to have for sleeping. We also have a stand fan that we run in the tent at all times to circulate the air.

No problem. Always available if we are camping at the same time.

 

[tltay2005]

Well I went through the motions and made some ADRs at the 180+10 mark.

I don't know if I am going.

I don't know who else might be going IF I get to go.

So I made reservations for four people.

I chose the MK for our one park day this trip during Halloween week. Given I want to avoid the MNSS party nights, that limits me so I chose the Thursday after Halloween (which is on a Tuesday this year). I made an 1120am ADR at The Plaza (they go walk-up only for a couple hours after that time) because it's not only one of the more affordable Table Service restaurants, I actually like the menu choices there. Reubens, meatloaf, etc. We ate there a couple trips ago and enjoyed it.

I made a second ADR at 550pm that same night for Table Service and the Jungle Scupper's Canteen. The menu has been overhauled to where there are some acceptable choices. I know the food snobs in the DIS Dining Forum look down their nose at anyone who didn't go for the original wild menu. Hey, there were talking about ME! My tastes are pretty simple. But I hadn't eaten at it yet - I have done BOG at dinner 3X the last couple times so I'm over that (loved it but ready for something different).

I do have one question ahead of my October visit.

Concerning the the new soft opening of Main Street and some shops there an hour before the official opening: if MK officially opens at its standard 9am rope drop time and the front gate therefore opens at 8am, is the first big boat from the Fort pier departing around 830am (for the rope drop) or 730am (for the soft opening)? I know the little boat starts around 630am and runs FW-WL-CR in some direction and that I can ride THAT to CR and walk it in but if the big boat left around 730am for a 9am rope drop, I would be fine with that.

I am coming into Lake Louisa State Park on Saturday night, early Sunday over to the Fort with a Preferred site reservation (aiming for one of my 4 favorite sites in 100 loop), hang at the Fort mostly Monday and Tuesday for the Halloween activities, Wednesday who knows, Thursday MK, Friday who knows, Saturday soak up some SEC football, Sunday head home.

I hope I get to go! I hope to see several of you there. Or else Terri might get my site if I have to cancel...

Bama Ed

I do want a site, but not on your expense. I would love to get to visit with you and your wife again. Halloween is really fud, I hope you get to come and I hope I get a ressie.

 

[bama_ed]

I do want a site, but not on your expense. I would love to get to visit with you and your wife again. Halloween is really fud, I hope you get to come and I hope I get a ressie.

Well I'm all about having fud!

Bama Ed

PS - yeah, I know, typo....

 

[Tlat1270]

so we are 135 days out...leaving Ky on October 6 and arriving at the Fort on the 7th. This will be our 2nd trip to the Fort. Last year we tent camped in the 1500 loop for 9 nights. This time we are staying 13 nights in our pop-up. Hopefully 1500 Loop again. It will be me, DH, son 9, grandson 9, granddaughter 7. Absolutely can not wait! I learned so much from this forum and reading trip reports, I don't believe my experience would have been as rewarding had I not been somewhat prepared. Thank You Disboard members!!!! our plans so far are: We will be eating Breakfast most mornings at the camper and will be taking our lunch most days we are at the parks.

Oct.7: setting up camp and letting the kids swim. GAG for Dinner
Oct.8: MK ADR The Plaza for Dinner
Oct. 9: AK Lunch Yak & Yeti café ADR T-REX Dinner
Oct.10: Epcot Lunch World Showcase ADR Coral Reef Dinner
Oct.11: MK Rope Drop ADR Liberty Tree Tavern Dinner
Oct.12: Fort Day ADR Trails End Dinner campfire and Movie
Oct.13: HS ADR Sci-Fi Drive-In Dinner
Oct.14: MK ADR Be Our Guest Dinner.
Oct.15: HS Dinner outside of Disney
Oct.16: AK Dinner will be Yak & Yeti again ( my 9 year old has requested this)
Oct.17: Epcot Dinner will be Quick Service
Oct.18: MK Dinner will be Quick Service
Oct.19: Fort Day ADR Ohana Dinner
Oct.20: Checkout and Drive 12 hours Home.

 

[JETS70]

Teresa and I will be at the Fort 10/9 thru 10/13. Couldn't get a front end or back end weekend so we will be staying at Lake Louisa on Saturday and Sunday prior and also Friday and Saturday after checking out of the Fort. We have also decided to do the quick service dinning plan.

UPDATE.......Was able to add on days at the end. Now checking out on the 15th.

 

[nnw]

Hello!
My three boys and I, children ages 17 and 9 and husband, will be staying at the cabins at Fort Wilderness Oct. 18 - Oct. 29.

Our Itinerary is as follows: (If anyone has any suggestions or comments please let me know. i.e. I would never go to that restaurant because, blah blah blah. Or this might be a better suggestion for this or that day)

Wed. Oct. 18 - Check in. Stopping at the grocery store for food and such and picking up a pizza for dinner. The husband and I will head out to Universal's Halloween Horror Nights and the boys will hang back to go to the campfire movie night.
Thurs. Oct. 19 - Animal Kingdom! Breakfast at Boma and an early dinner at Yak & Yeti.
Fri. Oct. 20 - Hollywood studios - A light breakfast at the cabin, early lunch at 50's Prime Time Cafe and dinner at the Hoop De Doo Revue!
Sat. Oct. 21 - Chill Day. Tubing at Sammy Duvall at the contemporary. Breakfast at Trails end and dinner at Paddlefish.
Sun. Oct. 22 - Chill Day. Breakfast Brunch at The Top of the Contemporary. Mini-golf and swimming. Then the husband and I are going back to Halloween horror Nights at Universal.
Mon. Oct. 23 - Universal - Park-to-Park tickets. Three Broomsticks for lunch and Bob Marleys for dinner
Tues. Oct. 24 - Magic Kingdom and MNSSHP! - Breakfast at Trails End and Dinner at Skipper Canteen.
Wed. Oct. 25 - VOLCANO BAY! - We rented a cabana for the day will eat whatever we can have delivered to us Afterward I would like to stop for a milkshake at Toothsome.
Thurs. Oct. 26 - Universal - Park-to-Park tickets. Three Broomsticks for lunch and Antojito's for dinner
Fri. Oct. 27 - EPCOT! - Bon Voyage Character Breakfast (Outside terrace please, no characters for us) and for dinner Tappon Edo.
Sat. Oct. 28 - Chill Day. Swimming and doing laundry. etc. Breakfast at Trail's End and a fancy meal just for me and the husband at Artist Point.

 

[ruthies12]

Woohoo, I see a couple other disers are going to be at the fort at the same time as me, hope we get to meet up!

I just completed one of my projects in preparation for the trip- made personalized autograph books for both of my girls! They turned out really cute, I put pictures of them with all the characters we've seen on past trips and made signature pages for each character, plus a few empty pages in the back for any new ones. I think it will be really fun, my 8 year old is looking forward to showing Goofy the picture from the time he stole her ice cream from her at Chef Mickey's so she can yell at him again for it Anyway got a great deal on snapfish and the books were only 13 bucks each with shipping, so only a few dollars more than a generic Disney autograph book.

Now onto my next project- trying to build my own beach cart for our trip to Destin at the end of July. I'm not very mechanically inclined so this is not easy but I have grand ideas for what I want this beach cart to do including a built in table and umbrella holder. Wish me luck!!

 

[dalir]

Well I went through the motions and made some ADRs at the 180+10 mark.

I don't know if I am going.

I don't know who else might be going IF I get to go.

So I made reservations for four people.

I chose the MK for our one park day this trip during Halloween week. Given I want to avoid the MNSS party nights, that limits me so I chose the Thursday after Halloween (which is on a Tuesday this year). I made an 1120am ADR at The Plaza (they go walk-up only for a couple hours after that time) because it's not only one of the more affordable Table Service restaurants, I actually like the menu choices there. Reubens, meatloaf, etc. We ate there a couple trips ago and enjoyed it.

I made a second ADR at 550pm that same night for Table Service and the Jungle Scupper's Canteen. The menu has been overhauled to where there are some acceptable choices. I know the food snobs in the DIS Dining Forum look down their nose at anyone who didn't go for the original wild menu. Hey, there were talking about ME! My tastes are pretty simple. But I hadn't eaten at it yet - I have done BOG at dinner 3X the last couple times so I'm over that (loved it but ready for something different).

I do have one question ahead of my October visit.

Concerning the the new soft opening of Main Street and some shops there an hour before the official opening: if MK officially opens at its standard 9am rope drop time and the front gate therefore opens at 8am, is the first big boat from the Fort pier departing around 830am (for the rope drop) or 730am (for the soft opening)? I know the little boat starts around 630am and runs FW-WL-CR in some direction and that I can ride THAT to CR and walk it in but if the big boat left around 730am for a 9am rope drop, I would be fine with that.

I am coming into Lake Louisa State Park on Saturday night, early Sunday over to the Fort with a Preferred site reservation (aiming for one of my 4 favorite sites in 100 loop), hang at the Fort mostly Monday and Tuesday for the Halloween activities, Wednesday who knows, Thursday MK, Friday who knows, Saturday soak up some SEC football, Sunday head home.

I hope I get to go! I hope to see several of you there. Or else Terri might get my site if I have to cancel...

Bama Ed

Well I went through the motions and made some ADRs at the 180+10 mark.

I don't know if I am going.

I don't know who else might be going IF I get to go.

So I made reservations for four people.

I chose the MK for our one park day this trip during Halloween week. Given I want to avoid the MNSS party nights, that limits me so I chose the Thursday after Halloween (which is on a Tuesday this year). I made an 1120am ADR at The Plaza (they go walk-up only for a couple hours after that time) because it's not only one of the more affordable Table Service restaurants, I actually like the menu choices there. Reubens, meatloaf, etc. We ate there a couple trips ago and enjoyed it.

I made a second ADR at 550pm that same night for Table Service and the Jungle Scupper's Canteen. The menu has been overhauled to where there are some acceptable choices. I know the food snobs in the DIS Dining Forum look down their nose at anyone who didn't go for the original wild menu. Hey, there were talking about ME! My tastes are pretty simple. But I hadn't eaten at it yet - I have done BOG at dinner 3X the last couple times so I'm over that (loved it but ready for something different).

I do have one question ahead of my October visit.

Concerning the the new soft opening of Main Street and some shops there an hour before the official opening: if MK officially opens at its standard 9am rope drop time and the front gate therefore opens at 8am, is the first big boat from the Fort pier departing around 830am (for the rope drop) or 730am (for the soft opening)? I know the little boat starts around 630am and runs FW-WL-CR in some direction and that I can ride THAT to CR and walk it in but if the big boat left around 730am for a 9am rope drop, I would be fine with that.

I am coming into Lake Louisa State Park on Saturday night, early Sunday over to the Fort with a Preferred site reservation (aiming for one of my 4 favorite sites in 100 loop), hang at the Fort mostly Monday and Tuesday for the Halloween activities, Wednesday who knows, Thursday MK, Friday who knows, Saturday soak up some SEC football, Sunday head home.

I hope I get to go! I hope to see several of you there. Or else Terri might get my site if I have to cancel...

Bama Ed

We ate at Jungle Canteen just a week ago. We all loved it. Adventurous and tame tastes all found something good. I can give good reports on the pork, grouper, chicken, mac and cheese, hot and sour soup (very flavorful), and the two desserts offered.

 

[dalir]

We will be there Oct. 6 though 9. In the past, we have made it to Disney about every 3 or 4 years. This year we decided to become annual pass holders, We just finished an 8 day trip this June, we will visit for a few days in October (we have reservations for Not So Scary & are super excited about Food and Wine), and we have a week reserved in December. We have always been the folks that are at the park first thing and then stay until closing time. We are exhausted after a trip! We are hoping to become more relaxed and allow ourselves to focus on the smaller delights of Disney. We will be in our Pop Up and a tent.

 

[snowmedic]

Now onto my next project- trying to build my own beach cart for our trip to Destin at the end of July.

We love Destin . Nice white sand beaches, plenty of bars to have drinks , and lots of good restaurants also. My parents and sister live there and when we go to Disney we always go there first. Destin is the one place that I would love to snowbird at, even if it means staying with my parents for a couple of months every winter .

Check out the Harbor Walk while there, lots of nice shops.

 

[bama_ed]

We ate at Jungle Canteen just a week ago. We all loved it. Adventurous and tame tastes all found something good. I can give good reports on the pork, grouper, chicken, mac and cheese, hot and sour soup (very flavorful), and the two desserts offered.

Thanks for the personal review, dalir. That's reassuring. I'm looking forward a new place like Canteen and an old favorite like The Plaza on our MK day.

Bama Ed

 

[ruthies12]

We love Destin . Nice white sand beaches, plenty of bars to have drinks , and lots of good restaurants also. My parents and sister live there and when we go to Disney we always go there first. Destin is the one place that I would love to snowbird at, even if it means staying with my parents for a couple of months every winter .

Check out the Harbor Walk while there, lots of nice shops.

Yeah we love Destin too, been several times. Harborwalk is not my favorite place because of the dang traffic trying to get there but we will be there one day regardless because my DH and oldest DD are going on a snuba tour (for anyone who doesn't know that is not a typo, it is a cross between scuba diving and snorkeling lol).

We like to camp at Topsail State Park, beautiful campground (and super cheap!) and beautiful beachfront that is actually part of a nature preserve (at night you are only allowed to use red flashlights on the beach cause it is a baby sea turtle hatching ground).

My one issue with it is the campground is a quarter mile from the beach. It's an easy bike ride and doesn't seem like a big deal- unless you have small children who require everything plus the kitchen sink to be carried to the beach for them. So trying to haul everything on a bike cart and then switching it to a beach cart that can roll on the sand is a HUGE PITA. I've seen several people with homemade carts made out of PVC pipe and decided to try it myself so I can have one cart to pull behind the bike and take on the beach.

It's a brilliant idea but a lot harder than I thought it would be!