Premium Campsites...Worth it?

[limedelsol]

We are traveling to WDW in October 2010 to get married!!! I have booked all of our guest into the All-Star Sports Resort, however, my father is pulling his camper with his large F250 Ford.
I am paying for the accommodations and just wanted to get a poll on whether or not the Premium Campsites are worth the extra bucks.
I was looking through all the photos but could not tell what was the premium, preferred, and just full-hook up We have always stayed in a WDW hotel, so this is our first experience with the Fort Wilderness Campgrounds.

Thanks

 

[bradisgoofy]

Some people must think so. When we were there in May there were tents on Premium sites. The main advantage is size, they are wider and longer, so getting a big rig backed in is easier.

 

[polkadotsuitcase]

We've never stayed in one, and still managed to have a premium time!

Congrats on your marriage!

 

[big kahuna1]

If you have a larger rig then they are definately worth it. Of course, even if I did not have a large rig I still would prefer them but to each their own.

 

[figmentfan1]

We like the premium for the bigger sized concrete pad and the extra space... my kids track in less mess and have more room to play (and color the concrete with chalk )

Like the previous poster said, to each his own!

JE

 

[retired and happy]

Premium sites have replaced the sand with more concrete, so the pad is longer and wider and the entrances are usually wider, all making for easier entry. There is no sand to anchor a tent or canopy. There is a larger square dining table and a cover on the grill, for what that's worth. And of course they all have all utilities.

Worth it? We think so with a 37 foot MH and a cargo trailer, an awning and a slideout.

 

[limedelsol]

Does anyone have any good pictures of the premium campsites?

 

[Robert6401]

Does anyone have any good pictures of the premium campsites?

I know it's not a good excuse, but I'm usually too busy having fun at the Fort to think about taking pictures. I would say that you should spring for the Premium site though. Cost wise it is probably still less than you are paying for your other guests to stay at the Sports resort? And more importantly, if he does have a large rig like many of us do, he may truly not be as happy in a smaller site. The premium sites are big enough, but they aren't huge. I've stayed in many that are larger at other campgrounds.

If you can give us some details about his camper, we might be able to give you more accurate advice. But even looking at a picture probably won't tell you very much. Otherwise, I would think your best insurance is to go with a premium site so you won't have to worry about it.

 

[Tri-circle-D]

OP- Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

Here are some photos of the premium campsites at Fort Wilderness:

Here are a couple shots of empty premium sites on the 400 loop:

Here is a premium site on the 500 loop:

You mentioned that in looking through photos, you couldn't distinguish between the various levels of sites. That is because there are only three things that make a premium site premium:

1. The sand pad that you see on the full hook-up and preferred sites is paved with concrete;

2. The grills have a lid and a shelf (except for some reason the grills in the 500 loop are missing the shelf); and

3. The premium sites have the square picnic tables that you see in these photos, instead of the traditional rectangular picnic tables that all the other sites (and the cabins) have.

That's it.

As all who have posted have already said, the main reason why some folks prefer premium sites is the extra pavement. If your dad has a big trailer, he might appreciate it.

But, for tent campers and those with smaller trailers (like me), I absolutely do not think the premium sites are "worth it." Typically, the price difference between a partial hook-up site and a premium site is over $35 a night. It is not worth it to me. Think of all that you could do at WDW with that $35. And that is for one night. If you are staying a week, you are talking about a significant amount of money. But, the price difference between a preferred site and a premium site is typically about $11.00 a night. That probably would be worth it if there is a need for extra space.

The last thing I will add is that it might be cheaper to get your Dad a room at the All Star Resort than to pay for a premium campsite. The Fort ain't cheap. You might want to check on that.

Have fun whatever you decide to do.

TCD

 

[limedelsol]

OP- Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

Here are some photos of the premium campsites at Fort Wilderness:

Here are a couple shots of empty premium sites on the 400 loop:

Here is a premium site on the 500 loop:

You mentioned that in looking through photos, you couldn't distinguish between the various levels of sites. That is because there are only three things that make a premium site premium:

1. The sand pad that you see on the full hook-up and preferred sites is paved with concrete;

2. The grills have a lid and a shelf (except for some reason the grills in the 500 loop are missing the shelf); and

3. The premium sites have the square picnic tables that you see in these photos, instead of the traditional rectangular picnic tables that all the other sites (and the cabins) have.

That's it.

As all who have posted have already said, the main reason why some folks prefer premium sites is the extra pavement. If your dad has a big trailer, he might appreciate it.

But, for tent campers and those with smaller trailers (like me), I absolutely do not think the premium sites are "worth it." Typically, the price difference between a partial hook-up site and a premium site is over $35 a night. It is not worth it to me. Think of all that you could do at WDW with that $35. And that is for one night. If you are staying a week, you are talking about a significant amount of money. But, the price difference between a preferred site and a premium site is typically about $11.00 a night. That probably would be worth it if there is a need for extra space.

The last thing I will add is that it might be cheaper to get your Dad a room at the All Star Resort than to pay for a premium campsite. The Fort ain't cheap. You might want to check on that.

Have fun whatever you decide to do.

TCD

Thanks so much for the photos and the info...VERY helpful!! I booked my dads premium site this morning and got a great discount with the wedding room block so we are good to go!

 

[Magicbus]

This photo might give you a sense of scale. 40' MH plus a car with room to spare. There are slides on the side you can't see, one of which is 3' deep. Fiends, please notice the green ears on the windshield.