OK, it's final! Tent camping in December!

[UrsulasShadow]

I'm so glad I made these backup plans! I planned a trip to WDW this Dec. because friends of mine said they needed a tourguide, and honestly, any excuse to get back to the world is a good one!

So, naturally, they cancelled. Luckily, I had the foresight to book alternate plans. Since I love camping, and I've never camped at FW (although I have stayed in the cabins), I figured that's what I'd book. Now I'm working on the logistics.

I'm solo, so there's no extra luggage allowance nor extra hands to carry gear, so I checked into it and I'm allowed to ship things down ahead of time. I figure the things I really need to ship are the heaviest, most awkward items, such as tent, screen house, camp stove and lantern (I'll buy propane when I get there, I figure). Any ideas from those who have done this? Any estimates of the cost?

 

[dizneydiva2005]

Sorry, I can't get passed the tent camping in Dec. I've been to Disney in December and it gets quite chilly - like in the 30's at night. I have no idea on costs... but I think you can 'rent' a tent- it might be cheaper than shipping one? Or staying at a value?

 

[UrsulasShadow]

Not during Pop Warner, I'm afraid...not taking that particular risk. Besides, it's twice the price, and I'm trying to keep costs down. And as far as tent rentals...anyone have any more info on that?
I'm bringing an electric blanket for the tent, though, so I should be pretty snug.

 

[CottontailCurl]

Not during Pop Warner, I'm afraid...not taking that particular risk. Besides, it's twice the price, and I'm trying to keep costs down. And as far as tent rentals...anyone have any more info on that?
I'm bringing an electric blanket for the tent, though, so I should be pretty snug.

Sounds like fun, tent rental is $30 a night (if it hasn't changed) and the tent is a very thick canvas. That brings you back up close to AS & Pop price range, though.

 

[Jennyfyar]

We camped at FW in Feb. several years ago. It was pretty chilly at night, but we were very cozy in our tent. (Not canvas.) We had an electric space heater for our 12x18 tent. I wish I had hat for my ears though, I remember them being cold in the early morning.
If you ship your tent, and you would just need a small one ($40-60$), you could secure a tarp on top on it to keep in some extra warmth and rain protection.
There is another Diser who solo tent camps at FW and posts about her adventures. Do a search to find her posts, we found them very informative and helpful.
Good lucK!

 

[Katie Dawn]

Sounds like fun! I don't have experience cool weather camping at FW but have heard several people mention bringing space heaters.

And I agree with PP -- wearing a hat (like a knit cap) of some kind is VERY helpful as that is where we lose much of our heat. You could do a great job keeping everything else warm and still be cold because your head is cold. We always wear hats when fall camping. I was just telling DH that we'll need to do that when we go to FW in November.

Good luck! clkelley is the person that used to tent camp and fly her stuff down.

clkelley ... if you read this ... would you consider posting a link to one of your fabulous threads about tent camping in the FAQ sticky? That way any of us could direct them to it pretty easily.

Good luck!!!

 

[emoose]

I have done this several times and am doing it again this friday

I bring my DW and DD so we get a total of 9 check bags.

I have flown by myself (not to Diz my family would kill me) and camped. I get 3 check bags and a small carryon.

the baggage limit for southwest is 50 pounds and 62" total dimension. L x W x H.

I have found that the Large size Rubbermaid containers (properly loaded) fit these dimensions. You could load 1 tub with gear, another with cloths and dry food and take a tent as your third check bag.

If you tent is small enough you may be able to put it in one of the rubbermaids with some other gear or purchase a large sports duffle and combine the tent with some other gear.

When I use the rubbermaids I drill small holes in the lid by the handles (where there are already holes) and run zip ties through them. TSA WILL open these so I also duct tape a few extra zip ties to the lid of the rubbermaid so they can re zip them after they inspect. They have always re-zipped them for me without me even asking them to. I also tape a notecard to the top with a list of contents noting camping supplies and specific items so they don't freak out over extension cords and what not.

BE careful with the stove. I saw you mention a stove. ANY fuel stove will get you in hot water. A propane stove is fine but you cannot bringe canisters on an airplane. With disney and electric camping I usually bring a hot plate, electric kettle, and a crock pot. I havn't starved yet.

I always weigh my stuff at home on a bathroom scale to make sure I dont' get to airport check in and find out that I have 51 pounds. This happend to me once before and I had to repack right on the airport floor or pay $50.00 overage charge.

That is one last consideration I have before you ship. If you want you could pay $25.00 each way for an extra bag (southwest policy - I don't know what the other airlines charge but probably similar) It may be cheaper and more convenient than shipping. I would call and ask your carrier.

As far as winter goes. If you bring a good solid 30+ sleeping bag and long underwear you will be fine. But since you have a tent you could bring a small electric heater (DANGER DANGER don't forget secure and keep away from tent walls!!!) or whats called a catylitic heater like a Mr. Heater. http://www.mrheater.com/productdetails_extended.asp?catid=41&id=24

These work great in tents and IMHO are safer than electric. The don't produce a flame. The propane is burned in an element. The other good option is a nice electric blanket. Safe and warm.

That reminds me. I leave Friday so I better go start weighing rubbermaids.

Have fun on your trip. Camping by air can be great! I love camping in FW in December.

 

[OK GRUMPY]

I tent camped last year in December! I had the space heater and electric blanket. I had a problem with the ground getting real cold. I also had a problem with my air mattress and ended up going to Walmart and replacing it with a mattress that kept me off the ground. We also used the tarp under the tent as well...
I hope you have a great adventure. December is such a beautifull time to go! Let us know how it goes!