Our Camping Trip to the World

[Andy too]

12/15 - 12/22

Our first trip to WDW

The cast:

Me: Dad and Disney Planner. Directionally challenged.
Mom: Wife and map reader extroidinaire
DD1: 8 year old ready to try anything
DS1: 7 year old autistic son
DS2: Our 4-year old "chicken"
DD2: 13 month old

The site: Fort Wilderness in a tent

 

[Marla Hellwig]

Sounds like a nice time was had by all - any other details you wish to share with us?

 

[Andy too]

Getting there and day 0

We took off from Cincinnati about 4:30 Thursday afternoon. Barely fit everything in. We had a TV/VCR combo for the car (a Christmas present we opened early) which made a huge difference in keeping the kids entertained. We stopped the night in a town just north of the Georgia border. Took off at 4:30 the next morning and arrived at Fort Wilderness around 2:30 Saturday afternoon. The kids were really excited when we went through the "Welcome to Disney World" sign. I think the 4-year-old was convinced we were never really going to get there. Got the tent set up and were ready to go at 4:30.

Headed to MGM hoping to catch Fantasmic. Purchased our AP's and were in the gates at 5:00 where we got our first shock. This was supposed to be the off season, right? Looked packed to us. Did we goof up? Was DS1 going to be able to handle the crowds? We headed right for the Fantsmic thetre and got good seats in the Simba (I think - just right of center?) section. Fantasmic was great. DS1 loved it. He was jumping up and down the whole time. DS2 was wimpering the whole time and saying he wanted to go back to the tent. Of course when it was over he was asking when he could see it again. We then went to see the Osborne lights which were really cool. It was shoulder to shoulder, completely packed and I was getting worried about crowd levels for the next week.

Sunday we slept in. We don't do the parks on Sunday for religious reasons, so we had a relaxing day planned. Basically walked around and enjoyed the sights of Fort Wilderness.

Tomorrow - Day 1: The Magic Kingdom!

 

[nativetxn]

Great beginning. I can't wait to read about the rest of your trip. Fantasmic is awesome, isn't it?

Katholyn

 

[pumba]

love Fantasmic......one year my husband and I went back three times to see it......Now that is alot of LIKING......thanks again and am anxious to read the rest

 

[Andy too]

We were up early and chowing down the cereal. We were in the 1500 loop and decided to walk down to the marina to catch the ferry to the Magic Kingdom. By 8:30 we're on our way! We were overjoyed to find out we didn't have to fold the stroller on this ferry (I know it must seem that we are easily pleased, but you haven't seen the size of this stroller). One short stop at Wilderness Lodge and we're at the turnstiles. It was VERY exciting to finally be there!

We got into the castle just in time for rope drop and were on Dumbo's first flight of the day. We then did Pooh, Peter Pan and It's a small world. We headed over to Legend of the Lion King where we had our first DS1 break down. He was getting tired and the preshow wasn't working so he lay on the floor and yelled pretty much straight until they got us into the theatre. Even then I had to take him out until he heard the Lion King music. This was cute and well done, but I don't think we'll be in a hurry to go again next time (unless someone can tell me we should do it to see the preshow).

We then did carousel and teacups and headed to tomorrow land. We were very relieved because it was about 11:00 and crowds seemed to still be light. Maybe we hadn't come at the wrong time after all! We headed for tomorrow land and space mountain, but it wasn't up, so we got fastpasses and rode buzz. This was the ride DS2 had been really looking forward to and he wasn't disappointed. It was a very fun ride. We had some time until our Space Mountain Fastpass return time, so we rode Tomorrowland Transit Authority and headed over to Toontown. In retrospect, this was a mistake. We should have hung out and gotten some Ice Cream or done something else relaxing until our return time and then headed back for our break. We ended up riding barnstormer and touring Minnie's house, then went and rode Space Mountain. We decided to ride the train around the circuit and then go.

Well something about the train bothered DS1 immensely. He started screaming at every stop until the train started again. DD1 then had a breakdown on the way home. Lesson learned: the kids are good for about 3 hours in the parks without a break. We went back to the campsite and had lunch and relaxed for a while. Seemed to put everyone back in a good mood. We headed to MK and rode Jungle Cruise then hopped on the monrail to head for the contemorary and Chef Mickey's.

Chef Mickey's was great. The kids loved the characters (except DD2 who cried whenever they got too near). We were early (5:15) and it wasn't very crowded, the food was good and plentiful, the characters made it around at least 3x each. After dinner we watched the MK fireworks from in front of the Contemorary and then had a swim at the pool at FW. Overall it was a good day and we learned a valuable lesson.

Next up: Animal Kingdom.

 

[pumba]

to write this report......you know we have been to disney before and alot of kids have melt downs.....we are pooped and we are adults......so don't worry.......we all do need a break at lunch time and have a little rest or a swim......thanks again

 

[Andy too]

On to day 2!

(but first a minor correction to day 1: We did Pirates of the Carribean in the afternoon, not Jungle Cruise)

It's up early and chowing on the cereal again, hopefully a little wiser. We catch the 8:30 bus to Animal Kingdom. The kids all seem to be handling things well, but we're on the lookout for the first signs of meltdown (still a little hypersensitive from Monday). In line I let DD1 handle her own AP (which she's been begging to do) - uh oh, big mistake! We get through the turnstyles and I'm putting AP's away in the fanny pack, but she doesn;t have hers. We go back to look for it and a nice man picked it up for us and gave it to us, but in the hubub I let go of DS1 and he's no where to be seen. He is completely non vocal, so this could be a big problem.

We split up (you go that way!) and start looking, but not for long. Safari Mickey was out to greet the crowd and DS1 was busy accosting him. He was holding tight to his hands and jumping up and down very excitedly while the handler and the poor families waiting patiently in line to see Mickey are trying to figure out what to do with this kid who won't respond to them at all. Stammered apologies, a red face (but elated to have found him) and we're on our way to Kilamanjara Safari. We were in quickly and it was a very nice ride. The kids really enjoyed it.

After the safari, we took our time going through the Pangani Forest Trail. Then we headed over to festival of the Lion King which had just started. We started out in standing room, but then the usher got my wife and the boys some seats right under the Giraffe. Dad and the daughters stayed standing. This show was a real favorite for everyone. I think we'll do it again in June.

On the way out we stopped to watch the tumblers perform. They were excellent. We headed over to Dinoland and rode triceritops spin. There was no line so we rode it again. I know many people are disappointed with this ride, but it was a real favorite of our kids. Dad and DD1 then headed over to get fastpasses for Dinosaur (but it was a walk on, so we just rode it) while the rest headed for the boneyard. I really liked Dinosaur. DD1 did fine, but said she didn't want to ride it again. We met up with the rest of the family digging away in the boneyard. We were REALLY impressed with the boneyard. I think our kids could have spent all day there.

Having learned our lesson the day before, we decided to head back for our break while everyone was happy. We grabbed ice cream on the way out and caught the bus back to FW. We had lunch and a swim and let the kids lie down and watch a short movie. We then went and caught the ferry to the MK.

At MK we did the Jungle Cruise, Treehouse, Aladdin and Tiki Birds. I do not like the new Tiki birds show, but the kids did. We then headed over to Haunted mansion. Mom and DD1 did it first while the rest of the family went and rode the Caurosel. Then Dad and DD1 did haunted mansion while mom took the rest of the kids back to fanasy land.

After we got out of Haunted Mansion, they wouldn't let us into fantasyland because they were getting ready for MVMCP. We went to the gates, but never found the rest of the family. It was a very frustrating end to an otherwise very good day, but we finally got all safely back to the tent.

Next up: Magic Kingdom (see a pattern here?)

 

[nativetxn]

How terrifying to lose a child at WDW. Such a huge place to lose a small child. Thank goodness you found him safe and sound.

I enjoyed reading about your day, thanks for taking the time to post this for us.

If you would start a new post for each installment it would be easier for us to make sure we don't miss any installments

Katholyn

 

[Andy too]

The Magic Kingdom again (and it's not the last time!)

We have reservations at the Castle, so it's up and catching the 7:00 bus. We had to wait at the TTC until 7:30 when they let us on the resort monorail. A little wait later and we're through the turnstyles and to the castle. It was very cool to get to go up into the castle. The princesses all came by first thing, but seemed to need to hurry on. DS1 did not like the face characters at all and protested whenever one got near him. We were a little surprised given how much he enjoyed the other characters. Belle spent a little more time at the table than the others had which was fun. We got a family picture with the fairy godmother on the way out. Overall, we did not enjoy this as much as Chef Mickey's. I am glad we did it once, but we probably won't do it again for a few years.

Rope drop happened right after we got downstairs, so once again we were on Dumbo's first flight of the day. There was still no line, so we rode again. I think that due to the MVMCP the night before, the park was practically deserted. We did pooh, teacups. and buzz, then headed over to frontierland. We rode big thunder railroad and did baby swap so the kids got to all ride twice. I rode the second time and my wife went to get spots for the castle show. The surprise was that DS2 (aka chicken boy) decided he wanted to ride Thunder Mountain. He was barely tall enough, and he really enjoyed it. The castle show was really good and the kids enjoyed seeing the characters again. After the show we went and rode splash mountain which chicken boy once again enjoyed. We then headed over to Tom Sawyer Island and got ice cream at Aunt Polly's. We figured we'd better quit at this point, so we headed back to the camp for a little nap.

We really wanted to catch the Christmas parade at the MK, so we headed back there after our rest. We just missed a ferry and ended up not getting to MK until 3:10. Luckily the parade was ending on main street, so we got seats on the curb right across from the car barn. The kids (especially DS2) REALLY enjoyed the parade. After the parade we caught the Country Bear Jamboree which is a real favorite of mine. We did one more ride on Splash and ended up with Buzz. We watched the fireworks and Tinkerbell's flight then headed back to camp.

Overall a great day. Tommorrow : AK and Epcot

 

[campingcorgi]

Enjoying reading your reports! It sounds like y'all were 'happy campers'! Isn't FW the best!!

Barbara
150 days till I go 'home' to FW

 

[Andy too]

Thursday and back to Animal Kingdom!

We decided to drive to AK today. We've become proponants of the theory that shile at FW, it's easiest to take your own car everywhere except MK (especially with our monster stroller).

Today we were planning on doing the few other things we had wanted to do at AK but hadn't gotten to. We headed first for the Maharajah Jungle Trek. It was deserted and we got to take it real easy. This was a very nice exhibit. We then headed back to dino land and rode the Triceratops spin a few times. We then went in to the boneyard and let the kids spend a while digging. We drove back to the campsite for some lunch and I took the kids swimming while mom did some laundry.

We weren't planning on doing much at Epcot, but we wanted to at least see it. We went that evening and spent a few hours walking around. We had some beaver tails and looked around world showcase at the architecture and watched the drumming in Japan. We had planned to stay for the fireworks, but the kids were just too beat. Next trip we plan on spending the first full day at Epcot. The fountain looked like a lot of fun, but it was too cold for the kids to get in it. I think they'll really enjoy it in June.

Next : The last day
MK and MGM

 

[LindaBabe]

this way, Andy! It's much easier to find all the parts then to have to go hunt for them. I wish it were always so easy.

You almost make me want to take my next trip in my tent . . . ALMost!

 

[Andy too]

Our last day

We were once again on the 8:30 ferry to the MK and for the third time on Dumbo's first flight of the day. Today was a day to redo favorites. We did all 3 mountains, Buzz, teacups, it's a small world and Pooh. The only thing on our list from MK we didn't get to was the steamboat. We'll try to hit it in June.

Back to the campsite for lunch (bye bye MK ferry, see ya in June) and packing up the tent and then on to MGM. We wanted to try to do Tower of Terror and Rock N Roller Coaster. Tower of Terror had a posted wait time of 13 minutes so Mom and DD1 went to ride while I went to get fastpasses at Rock N Roller Coaster. While waiting, we got some ice cream for the kids. By the time they got back, the posted time wa 45 minutes, so I didn't get to ride. Tower of Terror was DD1's favorite ride. I then did Rock N Roller Coaster with DD1 and DS1. What a blast! This was a great ride and I can't wait to do it again in June! Mom and DD1 then went on Rock N Roller Coaster while the rest of us got some McDonald's fries and drinks. When $10 for 2 drinks and 2 orders of fries starts to seem like a great deal, it's probably time to leave the World.

Overall, we really had a blast. There were a few wrinkles and melt downs, but I think we learned from them.

Thanks to all of you for your tips and hints. It really made a HUGE difference.

Can't wait to head back in June!

 

[Andy too]

camping corgi:

We loved Fort Wilderness! It was very nice. I hope on the next trip to spend a little more time enjoying it.


lindababe:

We had a great time in our tent, but a lot of that was due to the weather. We really lucked out. I'm a little apprehensive about the heat in June, but we'll take the afternoons off and hopefully survive.