Pre TR | 2 tents & 17 days

[ilovedisneymm]

Well we are 20 days out from check in and either 18 or 19 days from departure depending on the weather here in the midwest.

It will be me (Melissa) stay at home mom/ homeschooling mom / pro baby photographer. I photograph newborns under 10 days of life.

Hubby (Daniel) farmer & our two little ones, Grace (6) & Daniel (4).

Our stay is from January 15 - January 31.

We are driving 16 plus hours and plan to do 14 hours in one day and 2 hours the second day so that we can arrive early at the Fort. Our kids travel well, in fact better than me! Hubby will be doing most the driving cause he is a rock star driver and me not so much. Gas is $1.99 here and expected to go down even more! We will be driving down in our mini van and towing a small trailer with golf cart and should average about 27 miles to the gallon give or take. Last year we came down in our RV and towed the golf cart. Fuel was $4.00 (plus) and we averaged 5 miles to the gallon with a round trip of 2400 miles.....$$$$.

Fuel for coming down in van (this year)… $176.00
Fuel for coming down in RV (last year)… $1992.00

See how much better tents are looking???

So this will be our third trip to the Fort coming annually now in January. January works for us. Hubby farms and winter time is his down time. He is full on go go go from Spring with planting, Summer with hay and more hay and even more hay and Fall with harvest then post harvest field work that takes him through the first week or two in December. Our vacation time is January and February. We homeschool through the summer time and take extended holiday break from December - February and do as much traveling as possible.

My first trip to DW was a kid (5) back in the 80s. I don't remember anything except the off site pool. Second trip I was a teen and we stayed at the Dolphin. Hubby's first ever trip DW was in 2013. We did Disneyland back 10 years ago but the World is the place to be. I like my Disney Bubble! So our first official complete family trip was a spur of the moment trip for 7 days and we stayed at the Cabins in 2013. I am so happy we decided to stay there cause that is when we discovered the Fort and it was a perfect match for our family

We loved it so much we got an RV and a golf cart and came back in 2014 for 11 nights. While it was nice while it lasted the fuel was insane and too much to deal with towing 1/2 way across the country and only able to go 50 mph. It had many great features but we both felt it to be a larger hassle than we wanted to deal with. Sold it! We are getting ready to build a new house in 2015 and hope to buy a pull behind trailer after the house is complete. I have my eye on some Rockwood campers.

For now we are coming down in 2 tents for 2015. It is simple and easy to travel with. We will be offically FW full circle campers. I'm not going to lie, I'm a bit worried about how this is all going to pan out but we are bringing a great deal of gear with us to be prepared for whatever mother nature brings our way. Accuweather has been calling for rain 12 nights out of the 17 we will be there but now the forecast is looking all clear with a small chance of rain for one day! Wohoo! Time will tell....

This will be our second time with the FP+ system and have mixed emotions about it. We are doing 10 day base ticket but probably going to upgrade to the park hopper and maybe to the annual pass. Not sure yet...I did stay up until midnight on our 60 day mark and scored 3 A&E meet in greet and 10 Mine Train FP. I have no idea what park we are going to be in on what day. That is just too much planning for us. I have an idea but plans change, daily and weather changes, daily so you just never know. I can easily plan an itinerary for a 4 - 7 day stay but when you are there for two weeks plus, I just can't do it. I don't even know what I'm having for dinner tomorrow....I did every day FP for MK cause I can always drop an A&E or Mine Train and pick up another park and if worse comes to worse......gasp.....wait...in...line.....for something else at another park. I was going a bit crazy for a little bit reading so many FP+ stress posts but in the end I just made it as simple as possible for us. Whatever will be will be with the FP+ system. I call my fast pass plan "FP+ insurance".

I have a few things planned…

I have a few 8 am BBB appointments for 9am MK opening (again BBB insurance) cause you never know what will happen or change. After BBB we have early morning A&E meet in greet FP and directly after A&E, Cinderella & Rupunzel FP then followed by Be our Guest FP for lunch. I have two days set up like this (only one FP for Be our Guest lunch) and call them our 1/2 princess days! After that we are all about the rides and Fort Wilderness. We will only be meeting the princesses once but have a back up ½ princess day just incase!

We have 5 ADRs planned and they are all for Trails End. How boring are we???
Hey, why mess with a good thing? We love it there! We plan to cook almost every breakfast (except the 8 am BBB appointments) at our site, eat twice at Be our Guest/ Beast Castle for lunch, daily quick service meals at the parks and sweet sugar heavenly treats daily! Dinner will consist of TE or TE to go and the rest we will cook at our site. We will be bringing steaks, roasts (crock pot) and I plan to pre-make a couple of small lasagnas and freeze some chili. Everything is flexible! If we see some place good to eat, then we will eat there. I would like to go over and try Whispering Canyons. Will see. I had a spa massage over there last year at Wilderness Lodge and the smells coming from that restaurant were wonderful!

The first day we arrive is also planned and I hope it goes a little like this…

Arrive at 8 – 9 ish on a Thursday and have an early check in. If site available great, if not then we will unload the cart and head down to a second breakfast at TE and then cruise the loops and breath in all that Fort Wilderness air until or site is ready. Once our site is set up we have a TE dinner ADR for 530. After that we will do the sing a long, a bit of the movie, watch the fireworks from the beach and also the water parade. Hopefully the first day will allow for some pool time.

The first weekend is MLK. So we plan to keep it low key and spend little time in the parks and more time at FW. Friday & Monday are FW days and Saturday & Sunday are light park days.

After Monday, crowd control should be light ranging from 1 - 4 and one day with a 5!

We have a check in day, 10 park days, 4 rest at FW days and a check out day with every single day flexible (i sure hope)!

Lots to do between now and then….

We are all really excited about coming down again and can’t wait to be back “home”!

If you see a family with two cabin style tents and a cream cart, stop by and say hello.

 

[5stljayhawks]

I stayed in a tent for two weeks a few years back and it was not all that bad. It was our family tent, while the rest of the party stayed in the RV. Things I found usefull

Broom and dust pan to clean shells/sand out of tent
2-3 extension cords with splitters. I used a stick shaped shop work light as my primary souce and it worked well.
Food - We precook some stuff, brought some and went shopping. I used LARGE rubbermaid tubs that I already had. These work great 1 keep food, 2 make for small end tables 3 keep cloths dry if tent leaks.

Tarps, it rained and rained. I had a large 18x20 tarp I used to cover my tent and it worked ok as it it pretty much just laid on the tent.

What are you sleeping on? I borrowed a cot. There is no way I would sleep on the ground for two week even on a thermarest. A few nights sure, but 17-20. Check out cabelas, bass pro or even walmart.

Awning - These 10X10 work great to get you out of the tents and on the table. Also a few chairs may not be bad. At least one for each tent.

Happy camping

 

[2goofycampers]

Sounds like you are prepared for anything that might come your way. That makes for a great trip. Love your baby pics !

 

[ilovedisneymm]

Great idea on the broom and dust pan. I just added that to my list.

I have a few outdoor extension cords but still need to get two spitters and a thingybop that makes the 50 amp convert to 30 amp (tip from a fellow dis camper).

We plan to stop by the local Walmart or WinDixie (I think is where we stopped last time) and pick up what groceries we need. Most likely we will need to make a second run sometime in the second week. Although I love stopping in at the Trading Post after we get of the boat and just look around. I love that place

As for clothes storage I have 3 plastic drawer storage units for a total of 9 drawers that I plan to use in our sleeping tent for clothes storage and bringing a small tv to sit on top of our "dresser".

In our sleeping tent I also have two cots (one for me and one for hubby) and two twin size air beds for the kids. In addition I picked up a queen size double high air bed just incase the twin air beds leak or one night we prefer the air beds over the cots or tstorm comes in and I have to sleep with the kids.

Electric blankets for everyone, three space heaters and two box fans for temperature control.

For our kitchen tent I have just a basic card table with 4 chairs to eat at. A folding table that runs the width of the tent and holds a two burner hot plate, an electric skillet, a crock pot, coffee pot and table top oven. I also have two plastic storage shelve stackers to hold all our dishes and dry goods. The extra large cooler can also stay in the kitchen tent.

For washing dishes, I'm planning on using the boy scout method. Three plastic tubs. One for washing, one for rinsing and one for sanitizing. I'm just going to boil water for the sanitizing method and skip the bleach/tablets.

For lighting I have two led lights that clip to the center top of the tent and it illuminates the inside at night very well. I also plan to buy a few strands of lights to hang outside the tent. Also 4 folding outdoor lawn chairs.

I bought all our camping gear over the summer time when it was available and we set everything up in our back yard for about a week so the kids would get familiar to how we would be staying on our next D trip. We had big storms that week and it rained almost an inch in one storm and we had just a little puddle of water in one of the "closets".

 

[snowmedic]

It's getting closer for you. We brought 2 electric tea kettles with use to heat water with instead of doing it on the propane stove. Think they are $10 at walmart. They heat water very quick, (with in about 4 min.). We also had a outdoor rug that we had in front of the tent to catch some of the sand and shells from the site pad before going into the tent.

Sounds like you have everything planned, have a safe drive and a wonderful vacation.

Snowmedic

 

[Teamubr]

Sounds like you plan like I do. Looks like you have most things covered though.

And I think I see one of the benefits/flaws with FP+, but I won't turn this into a FP+ thread.

Have fun on the trip and I hope it stays warm and dry for you. It was in the 80s this week!

j

 

[5stljayhawks]

The door mat rug is a great suggestion.. Get the one with wide/stiff brissles. as it allows you to brush feet then, shake it out.. its an everyday occurance. I also carry a leaf blower in my camper to blow off the concrete to reduce sand. $10 at a garage sale. If you dont have one, flag down a CM and they will gladly blow it off for you..

A small shovel in case of rain and you have to dig a trench. paracord and extra tent stakes with hammer or hatch. Rocks or an armadillo work in a pinch. I also used the paracord that has reflective material in it, which can reduce the trip hazard.

the box have several 15/20 amp plugs like normal wall outlets. I have not seen a 30 amp out to 15 in, but I have seen 15 out to 30 amp in - the later is so you can plug a camper into a 15 amp outlet.. I stand corrected - found these. Call local electrical shop or may HD/lowes
http://www.ebay.com/itm/RV-Electric...AMP-Female-for-Motorhome-Camper-/251723556194


Also don't forget the glowsticks...

 

[ilovedisneymm]

Electric tea kettles are a great idea, never thought about that. I'm hoping our new double burner hot plate will boil the water fairly quickly. I'm not a fan of using propane and plan to rely HEAVILY on the electric outlets.

Adding outdoor rug to the list

Thank you!

It's getting closer for you. We brought 2 electric tea kettles with use to heat water with instead of doing it on the propane stove. Think they are $10 at walmart. They heat water very quick, (with in about 4 min.). We also had a outdoor rug that we had in front of the tent to catch some of the sand and shells from the site pad before going into the tent.

Sounds like you have everything planned, have a safe drive and a wonderful vacation.

Snowmedic

 

[ilovedisneymm]

I am interested in hearing your opinion about my FP+ selections. Don't tease me....

Sounds like you plan like I do. Looks like you have most things covered though.

And I think I see one of the benefits/flaws with FP+, but I won't turn this into a FP+ thread.

Have fun on the trip and I hope it stays warm and dry for you. It was in the 80s this week!

j

 

[ilovedisneymm]

Hey jayhawks! I'm about 2 hours north of you.

We do have a leaf blower and thought about bringing it.

We looked last night at Home Depot for the outlet plugs, no luck. Hubby is ordering them today from our hardware store.

The door mat rug is a great suggestion.. Get the one with wide/stiff brissles. as it allows you to brush feet then, shake it out.. its an everyday occurance. I also carry a leaf blower in my camper to blow off the concrete to reduce sand. $10 at a garage sale. If you dont have one, flag down a CM and they will gladly blow it off for you..

A small shovel in case of rain and you have to dig a trench. paracord and extra tent stakes with hammer or hatch. Rocks or an armadillo work in a pinch. I also used the paracord that has reflective material in it, which can reduce the trip hazard.

the box have several 15/20 amp plugs like normal wall outlets. I have not seen a 30 amp out to 15 in, but I have seen 15 out to 30 amp in - the later is so you can plug a camper into a 15 amp outlet.. I stand corrected - found these. Call local electrical shop or may HD/lowes
http://www.ebay.com/itm/RV-Electric...AMP-Female-for-Motorhome-Camper-/251723556194


Also don't forget the glowsticks...

 

[ilovedisneymm]

Well we are a few days out from leaving and checking things off my list one by one, little by little and not fast enough!

The weather here slows everything down, -18 with the windchill today.

My house is starting to look good. I don't know about you all but I have to have a spotless house before going on vacation. (1) It feels good (2) Who wants to return to a dirty house? Not me! My OCD is in full force.

We were unsure what to drive down at first...
Hubby has a Dodge diesel dully but the thing is not very comfortable for long trips and no TV that I can flip on to dull my children's mind with. Plus the hum of a diesel puts me to sleep and I'm not very good at driving it (6 speed). We got our oldest an expedition when she turned 16, she just recently turned 18 (gulp). We wanted her in a full frame and to be as safe as possible. That would be an option to take down and be roomier and has a hitch, but she needs it for work and cheerleading. She also is taking college courses that she needs to be here for (proud of my baby). Gas in that thing is horrific too! So we are taking the mini van. The mini van is safe and comfortable and had the TV for the kids. But no hitch! The dealership wanted almost $400 for the hitch and to install it but hubby just went and got the hitch and installed it for about 1/4 the cost. He did a fantastic job too by the way! I was worried a big hitch would stick out the back of the van and look silly but he rigged it so it is not sticking out any! Gosh I love him

We have a few trailers for the farm, step deck, goose neck, flat bed and the only one that would work behind the van is the flat bed but it is just too much trailer for the little old minivan. So we priced some at Lowes and they wanted $600 plus for one. Hubby did some digging and found a trailer that would be a perfect fit and for $50 it was a deal. Tires are still good on it but it was not pretty to look at. I wish I would have taken a before picture. Hubby put a new grate on the back of it, I'm pretty sure a tire would have went through it if we had tried to drive the cart on in its original state.
So a new grate, a good cleaning and a few cans of spray paint later....







I had this sticker made for the front of our cart.



Our cooler fits perfectly on the back. We are totally going to look like the Beverly Hillbillies (before the oil money) on our trip down. My living room is stacked and packed and not sure everything is going to fit on the trailer and in the back of the van. I know the roof of the van is going to have to hold two tables and the double stroller. I imagine we will be playing some serious Tetris here soon.



Sorry the photos are a bit blurry, taken with an old iphone4.

 

[snowmedic]

Hubby did some digging and found a trailer that would be a perfect fit and for $50 it was a deal. Tires are still good on it but it was not pretty to look at.

Wow, that is a great find, and the trailer looks brand new, nice job.

Have a safe trip.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Well we are a few days out from leaving and checking things off my list one by one, little by little . . .

1) It sure does look like you are in readiness mode.
2) Will be a great break from the Midwest weather (we used to live & farm in NW Iowa).
3) Even if it rains during your trip, at least you don't have to shovel or scrape car windows.
4) And, you can leave the parkas, earmuffs, and mukluks packed for three weeks.
5) Looking forward to hearing more about the pre-trip and actual trip.

 

[blu]

We string white Christmas lights inside our tent across the ceiling. Plenty light enough in both weight and illumination and no one get blinded if they happen to look directly at the light and not nearly as many shadows as with a single light source

 

[tina.tina]

I'm really looking forward to your TR!

 

[Goofy14sure]

Your trailer looks great! Can't wait for you trip report, I love the pictures!

Hope you have a great trip.

 

[bama_ed]

Melissa,

Moms have the toughest job of all. Shaping young minds has no match.

Five ADRs at Trails End may be overload. It's not hard to hop a boat to the Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge, Poly, or Grand Floridian to try a different venue and view. I ate at TE (an old favorite) on my recent trip once and I enjoyed it but can't imagine doing it five times. All the resorts listed above have a counter-service/lower price alternative eating location that would be good to get out and about to. The monorail to GF/Poly/CR is good for the kids too. You can make and adventure out of it...

I think ADR's can be cancelled without penalty as long as you do it up till the night before. You can phone 407-WDW-DINE, use MDE to change dining reservations, or use the "oh so helpful" Concierge window to the left of the Hoop Dee Doo Review porch to make dining plans (you never know you will be the CM on the other side of the window).

I look forward to reading any update you provide. Of course, you're on vacation so have fun first, relax second, and if you have some time to throw us bone, we come third. Fun and family are what you are on vacation for so have a great time and I'll make a batch of popcorn, call my masked friends over, and be reading along.



Bama Ed

 

[ilovedisneymm]

Thanks for the compliments everyone on the $50 trailer make over. Hubby did 100% of the work on that and will pass on your nice words.

Will yesterday my OCD was in full rouge mode and cleaned every square inch of my house.

The plan was to go to bed around 10pm and be up at 330am with a AIS of 4am.
A$$ In Seat. Hubby slept like a log and I couldn't sleep a wink. Too much racing through my mind and then I would remember something and have to get up to write it down on the list. Last time I looked at the kitchen clock it was 230! I was still awake when the alarm went off and jump out of bed like a kid on Christmas!!! We pulled out of the driveway a little later than my AIS time but that's ok

Left Central Illinois and by the time we crossed the Kentucky line we heard " Are we there yet?" 432 times give or take.

Just fueled up and our trailer is pulling great behind the minivan. Fresh cup of coffee in one hand and listening to the good songs on the radio. This new country music makes me gag. Next stop I'm going to pick up some old school Alabama just cause it's been awhile. Maybe some Eagles and Petty too.

I work on an 27inch IMac and hubby has the same. I don't have a laptop to bring along with me to post pics with so sorry I will keep you all updated here and there and make up for my lack of pics when I get back from my desktop!

In the meantime I'm hot spotting from my iPhone to my iPad.

 

[snowmedic]

Have a safe trip and an awesome time at the Fort!

 

[Teamubr]

Have a great trip down! I've made the trip so many times. I bet we overlap routes from Mt Vernon on. And I remember the many times my only child asking "how much farther".

If you feel a real strong need to post pics while you're there, Photobucket has a good phone app that sends pics to your Photobucket account. Then it is a simple link to put those in a post on here. No need for a 26 in Mac screen.

j