Positives/Negatives of flying down and renting a motor home?

[rutgers1]

I see that there are some places where we could rent in the Orlando area. For the price, we could stay at a Disney hotel, but the chance to relive my childhood (We had a motor home) would be awesome.

I was just wondering if anyone has experience renting and, if so, if there is anything I should be wary of.

 

[North of Mouse]

I see that there are some places where we could rent in the Orlando area. For the price, we could stay at a Disney hotel, but the chance to relive my childhood (We had a motor home) would be awesome.

I was just wondering if anyone has experience renting and, if so, if there is anything I should be wary of.

No, we have no experience renting a MH, but we do have one, and have camped at FW since 1972. Can well understand the nostalgia that you must be feeling.

But, just my 2 cents, renting an RV just wouldn't get it for me. If I'm going to be staying in someone else's *house* I'd rather be at a nice hotel for the price you would be charged for a MH + campsite rental.

Also, an alternative, staying at FW in a cabin. You could also just visit FW.

But, if the cost is no object, there are places around that you could rent from. Hope you have a great stay.

 

[rutgers1]

I have to be strategic, as I am a DVC member and pour a lot of money into that. If I were to go the motor home route, it would be yet another expense. The problem is that I think I would never forgive myself if I didn't take my kids there once. Well, we did go when they were really young (in my dad's motor home), but they can barely remember it. They are at a perfect age now, so I have to give it some thought.

 

[North of Mouse]

In that case, sounds like you would enjoy the rental route. I guess I just can't wrap my mind around it personally, as our MH is a personal extension of ourselves.

Instead of the MH route,(which would be more expensive) being as you would not be driving it far, why not look into trailers, which they will set up/take down for you on your site?? A MH's high rent would be based on a certain amount of mileage usually (some friends here have rented before).

You would still get the same experience, just not have the *motor* attached, which you aren't getting any benefit from anyway. Anyhow, JMHO. Hope you enjoy the experience and know you will enjoy FW, no matter which route you take.

Just be sure to get some feedback from any rental company you choose, as there are some that have had bad experiences from some rentals in the area (Tina Edmunds RV rental being one).

 

[Howes1387]

We have rented the last three years for our March trip and it was great. We also have our own mh but it was snow stayed in our driveway, 1800 miles away. We really enjoyed the experience and would not have done it any other way. Now this year we took our mh down and left it for the winter at a friends place but that is simply because dw is on mat leave and she had the time off to drive down too.

 

[thinktinkmom]

If your interested in renting a camper & having it set up & waiting on you. Try Florida camper rental. William is the owner & it is a great way to camp if you don't have your own!

 

[patches4me]

I have to be strategic, as I am a DVC member and pour a lot of money into that. If I were to go the motor home route, it would be yet another expense. The problem is that I think I would never forgive myself if I didn't take my kids there once. Well, we did go when they were really young (in my dad's motor home), but they can barely remember it. They are at a perfect age now, so I have to give it some thought.

Use DVC to for the cabins.

 

[patches4me]

I see that there are some places where we could rent in the Orlando area. For the price, we could stay at a Disney hotel, but the chance to relive my childhood (We had a motor home) would be awesome.

I was just wondering if anyone has experience renting and, if so, if there is anything I should be wary of.

We're actually selling our truck and 5th wheel. We've been camping at the FW for over 18 years, but sites are just way to expensive, and so is gas. We're just going to use our DVC from now on.

 

[bama_ed]

I have to be strategic, as I am a DVC member and pour a lot of money into that. If I were to go the motor home route, it would be yet another expense. The problem is that I think I would never forgive myself if I didn't take my kids there once. Well, we did go when they were really young (in my dad's motor home), but they can barely remember it. They are at a perfect age now, so I have to give it some thought.

rutgers1,

there is a way to use your DVC points for a site at the Fort. It's been discussed here in the past. If you use the "Search This Forum" link I bet you could find it.

There are a number for folks who run trailer rentals into the Fort if you want your family to have a camping experience.

On my last visit to the Fort I noticed a number of Class C RV's (cabover style) from two large rental companies, Cruise America and Camping World.

They are more expensive than the "trailer only" rental groups but if you are looking to give your kids that "driving into Fort Wilderness in the RV" experience, these both have locations in Kissimmee just about 5 miles east of WDW. It's not cheap but it's an option to consider (maybe if you can use DVC points for the site).

Good luck and I think it's cool you want to give your kids the same experience you had.

Bama ED

 

[MommaluvsDis]

I vote for using the points to rent a cabin. We've done it several times and really enjoyed it. Just remember that the $95 exchange fee will apply. Also, a little more difficult to cancel.

We actually lucked up one time and got the elusive cabin #118!

 

[bama_ed]

We actually lucked up one time and got the elusive cabin #118!

Wow. Aren't you special. It must have been kewl.

Bama ED

 

[MommaluvsDis]

Sad thing is that, at the time, I didn't even realize what a big deal it was!

Other than, of course, location, the only difference between #118 and the others I've stayed in is that the dishes all matched!

 

[ABitDistracted]

We rented an RV in Dec. 2011. Although we had a great time, I will never do it again. We camp frequently as a family (me, DH, and 3 young kiddos), and we will always stay at The Fort, but from now on a cabin is the way to go.
1. We didn't get the unit we reserved.
2. The one we did get has "issues" and was really dirty, which is no good with a 1 year old.
3. Never received our security deposit refund despite multiple emails and phone messages. And I know we left the unit better than we found it.

DH and I are headed down (without kids!) for a quick getaway on Monday and we are staying at POP which freaks us out. LOL. Have a feeling we will be logging some time in the rocking chairs to relax and feel at home. And plan for our next family vacation in Dec. 2013 with the family

 

[PookaJean]

We rented an RV in Dec. 2011. Although we had a great time, I will never do it again. We camp frequently as a family (me, DH, and 3 young kiddos), and we will always stay at The Fort, but from now on a cabin is the way to go.
1. We didn't get the unit we reserved.
2. The one we did get has "issues" and was really dirty, which is no good with a 1 year old.
3. Never received our security deposit refund despite multiple emails and phone messages. And I know we left the unit better than we found it.

Who did you rent from?

 

[ABitDistracted]

It's water under the bridge now, so I prefer to not say. If you PM me questions, I will be happy to answer privately.

It seems that other companies have filled in where this one stumbled. Things happen.... Our trip was still a blast and we loved being in the middle of all the Christmas decorations! That alone made it worth it. We will be back in a cabin in December - you will be able to find us easily b/c we are bringing all our decorations