Questions from Newbie

[CAFarmerGirl]

I am sure these have been asked, but I am apparently not very good with the search function, as I did not see any answers.

1) What is the difference between full hook up, premium and there was one other, up my session just timed out so, I don't even know what my options were! We have a 24 foot travel trailer.

2) Anybody drive from CA to FL? Any good stops? Our kids are 9 and 11.

3) What should we expect in July? Will we be able to ride any rides without a 2 hour wait? Unfortunately, my hubby is a teacher (well, it is fortunate he has a good job that he really enjoys) and we can only travel during peak times.

4) Can you request certain loops/sites? Do you have to call in for that? Is payment required in advance?

Thanks in advance! Really looking forward to a road trip!

 

[gillenkl]

#1 - for types of sites - here is a description:
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/campsites-at-fort-wilderness-resort/rates-rooms/

#2 - east coaster so I can't help with that one

#3 - we always go in the summer and have never waited more than 15 minutes. That being said, I'm a firm believer in www.tourguidemike.com and his methods of touring disney. We have used the his touring plans and least crowded parks charts for 5 trips and I wouldn't consider going without tour guide mike. Some don't like it, but I'm a believer

#4 - you have to pay 1 night lodging in advance - if you have AAA - be sure and ask if there is a AAA discount available during your stay.

 

[tim5055]

I am sure these have been asked, but I am apparently not very good with the search function, as I did not see any answers.

1) What is the difference between full hook up, premium and there was one other, up my session just timed out so, I don't even know what my options were! We have a 24 foot travel trailer.

There are 4 levels of campsites at Fort Wilderness:

Standard, which includes electric and water and cable TV. This class of site is for tents and pop up campers. This includes the 1500 and 2000 loops.

Full Hook Up, which includes electric, water cable, and sewer.

Preferred, which includes electric, water, sewer and cable TV. . See the section on "Internet Availability" below. The preferred sites are also in loops situated closer to the settlement which includes the marina, beach, restaurant, and many other activities.

Premium, which includes electric, water, sewer and cable TV. The sites feature an expanded parking area over other sites. They are wider (up to 24 ft), and deeper (up to 60 ft). They also feature new upgraded picnic tables and grills and new landscaping to allow more privacy and better appearance. The exact size and shape of each campsite depend on Mother Nature. While all the campsites in this new category are enhanced, the final dimensions will be based on the limitations of the natural surroundings for each individual site.

Also, if you plan on using the cable TV hook up, remember to bring a long coaxial cable to hook up with. If you don't have one Disney will be happy to sell you one.

2) Anybody drive from CA to FL? Any good stops? Our kids are 9 and 11.

I won't even touch this one, are we there yet?

3) What should we expect in July? Will we be able to ride any rides without a 2 hour wait? Unfortunately, my hubby is a teacher (well, it is fortunate he has a good job that he really enjoys) and we can only travel during peak times.

Yes, you will wait for rides and it will be hot! Read up on Fast Pass.

4) Can you request certain loops/sites? Do you have to call in for that? Is payment required in advance?

Just by the level of site you book you will be in certain loops as each loop is all one level. If yo book full hook up you will be in 1600 -1900 loops as those are all the full hook up loops (my favorite by the way). Yes you can request, but nothing is guaranteed. My opinion on loop/site requests is to make your site selection known when you make your reservation so they can note it on your reservation. You are much better off requesting the things you like about the site/loop rather than the site/loop itself. For example, if you like the site because it is near a comfort station, then request that, if you like it because it is in the back of the loop and is quieter request that. The problem with asking for a specific site/loop is that the site assigners really don't know why you wanted that site/loop. If your request is not available they really don't know what you might find as a comparable site.

eservations at Fort Wilderness are easy to make as Disney has a large full time reservations center which handles reservations for thousands of rooms on the WDW property. No toll free call here, 1 407-W-DISNEY (1-407-934-7639) is central reservations.

Some things to keep in mind when making a reservation at Fort Wilderness. The folks who answer the phone (i.e. reservations cast members) have differing levels of expertise regarding Fort Wilderness. Think about it, there are tens of thousands of Disney hotel rooms fitting into a few categories such as Value, Moderate and Deluxe and most rooms, no mater what property have similar size rooms, room capacities and rules regarding the room. So, the reservations cast members have most of the information regarding rooms in their head. Except for the exceptional reservations cast members, for Fort Wilderness they usually read what is on the screen in front of them. You may need to guide them with your reservation as you may actually know more about the campground then they do. At the very least, make sure they note the following things in the comments for your reservation:

Type of camping unit (i.e. trailer, tent, motorhome/coach etc.)

Length of your entire rig including tow vehicles and toads

Number/location of all awnings

Number/location of all slides

Let them know if you are bringing pets


As to payment, unless you book a package you only need to give one nights deposit.

 

[CAFarmerGirl]

Those were very helpful posts!

Now, how long should we stay? We were planning on arriving on a Wed and leaving on a Wed. Is that enough time given the summer crowds? I know it varies person to person, but I don't want to leave feeling like I need to come back in a year for everything we missed. This will likely be our only trip for years due to time and expense. We do have Disneyland out here, so we have ridden all of those rides and my kids are in no hurry to go back (crazy, huh?!?).

Also, is there any *must* see attraction in Northern Florida? My kids are 9 and 11 and love science, nature, music and history.

We figured we would give 2 nights in Pensacola on our way in and 1 day at Universal Studios on our way out to see Harry Potter. And, then off to Atlanta, Georgia to start our trip back home.

Also, when looking to book a campground in Pensacola, why is everything still available? In CA, we are booked solid and it is almost impossible to get state camping unless calling the day the reservations open. Is camping near the beach ok in July? I am getting a little nervous...

 

[TuckandStuiesMom]

Are you driving I-10 or I-40? Either way, try to do west Texas at night.

 

[CAFarmerGirl]

We will be coming down (across?) 10 and driving from Tuscon to Fort Stockton in a day...so, 8 hours of driving and my husband does not want to drive that route at night (he said he has watched Border Wars on TV one too many times ).

From there we will go to San Antonio which is only a 4-5 hour drive in the morning. That will give us a little time to stretch our legs, see the Alamo, maybe eat a steak dinner. Then, we will drive from San Antonio straight through to Baton Rouge (7.5 hours). Have no idea what driving through Houston will be like...at least it will be a Saturday.

 

[2goofycampers]

1 week at WDW trying to see everything is gonna be tough. There will be some lines. If you can squeeze in more time it will be helpful. In July heat a break in the middle of the day is almost a necessity.

 

[teetee830]

Those were very helpful posts!
Also, when looking to book a campground in Pensacola, why is everything still available? In CA, we are booked solid and it is almost impossible to get state camping unless calling the day the reservations open. Is camping near the beach ok in July? I am getting a little nervous...

I'm new to the FW Boards and have not camped there (yet) but, I have camped many times in Pensacola and all up and down the gulf coast. We never book this early out, normally not till after the first of the year for a summer trip. We have never run into a problem with sites. I do recomend the Fort Pickens Campground in the Gulf Islands National Seashore on Pensacola Beach or nearby Gulf Shores Alabama. Don't miss the Navel Aviation Museum if you have time.

 

[gillenkl]

I would stay at the Fort 10 days - 5 disney park days, 1 Universal Studios, 2 Sea World/Aquatica. If you don't want to do Sea World/Aquatica then I'd do 7 disney park days with waterpark option (so you'd do 5 days of parks and then 2 waterpark days) and the 1 day at Universal. That leaves you with a few days of down-time to just relax at the Fort and enjoy all that it has to offer.

 

[PrincessNana]

We will be coming down (across?) 10 and driving from Tuscon to Fort Stockton in a day...so, 8 hours of driving and my husband does not want to drive that route at night (he said he has watched Border Wars on TV one too many times ).

From there we will go to San Antonio which is only a 4-5 hour drive in the morning. That will give us a little time to stretch our legs, see the Alamo, maybe eat a steak dinner. Then, we will drive from San Antonio straight through to Baton Rouge (7.5 hours). Have no idea what driving through Houston will be like...at least it will be a Saturday.

You can skirt downtown Houston by taking the Sam Houston Tollway. I think it would be about 5 tolls going south on the toll road and you would exit on I 10 on the other side of town. Houston on a Saturday won't be too bad...but I"m not sure about Baton Rouge. Where are you planning on staying in Baton Rouge?

 

[CAFarmerGirl]

There are tolls?? How much are they? Yikes! Not used to that in CA unless we are driving over the Bay Area bridges.

As for staying in Baton Rouge....we don't know. It will be a layover day so we can spend a day in New Orleans. I am totally open to suggestions!!

 

[CAFarmerGirl]

I'm new to the FW Boards and have not camped there (yet) but, I have camped many times in Pensacola and all up and down the gulf coast. We never book this early out, normally not till after the first of the year for a summer trip. We have never run into a problem with sites. I do recomend the Fort Pickens Campground in the Gulf Islands National Seashore on Pensacola Beach or nearby Gulf Shores Alabama. Don't miss the Navel Aviation Museum if you have time.

I saw Fort Pickens but was afraid of the flooding warning. Would that be an issue in July? Gee...can you tell I have never been to the south east??

 

[CAFarmerGirl]

I would stay at the Fort 10 days - 5 disney park days, 1 Universal Studios, 2 Sea World/Aquatica. If you don't want to do Sea World/Aquatica then I'd do 7 disney park days with waterpark option (so you'd do 5 days of parks and then 2 waterpark days) and the 1 day at Universal. That leaves you with a few days of down-time to just relax at the Fort and enjoy all that it has to offer.

Is Sea World similar to the one in San Diego? If so we will pass. We have Marine World near us (except, it is called 6 Flags or something these days) and San Diego Sea World was cute, but we went last year.

 

[PrincessNana]

There are tolls?? How much are they? Yikes! Not used to that in CA unless we are driving over the Bay Area bridges.

As for staying in Baton Rouge....we don't know. It will be a layover day so we can spend a day in New Orleans. I am totally open to suggestions!!

You only have to pay the tolls if you take the toll road around downtown Houston...but you don't have to. I 10 through Houston shouldn't be too bad on a Saturday. When you go through Baton Rouge, you should take 1 12 and it will hook back up with I 10 around Slidell, LA. There is a nice state park... Fountainbleau...between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Its close enough that you can go into New Orleans and eat or tour the French Quarter. There's a Jellystone Park in Robert, LA (between BR and NO) but they usually require a 2 night minimum. On the plus side, there is alot for the kids to do. I can't give you any first hand info on any rv park in New Orleans or Slidell.
Back to tolls though....The Florida Turnpike is also a toll road, so you need to be prepared for it.

Now, as far as Disney World, I agree that you need at least 10 days. Your coming a long way and if you aren't going to be coming back in a while, you'll enjoy your trip alot more if you stay longer. It took my daughter in law and granddaughter an entire day just to see the Harry Potter land at Universal. Other than that, unless your kids like the real thrill rides, they didn't like anything else at Universal. Fort Wilderness is awesome and you'll find plenty to do there without even going to the parks. And, if you can swing it, I would suggest renting a golf cart...at least for one day so you can loop around the fort. There are several outside vendors who deliver excellent service and are half the price of Disney Golf Carts. If you're going to be there over the 4th of July, there is a golf cart parade through the campground complete with beads and candy. Check it out on YouTube. You and your family will have a great time no matter when you come. Our long vacation is in July also, so thats when we always go.

 

[connor2002]

We stayed 11 nights June 2011, and just book June 2012. We did get AAA discount but had to push it. The cancellation/change policy is great at this location. My family really enjoyed the campground about as much as the parks, so grab as many days as possible because you may want to relax at the campground too. We stayed in loop 1400 but we are going to try to get loop 600 next June. Southern Alabama, Western Florida was nice to stay at. We went through Dauphin island (ferry) and it was nice. If you go I-10 ,Texas is a pretty long haul.....What city are you leaving from and how many miles do you plan driving per day?

Those were very helpful posts!

Now, how long should we stay? We were planning on arriving on a Wed and leaving on a Wed. Is that enough time given the summer crowds? I know it varies person to person, but I don't want to leave feeling like I need to come back in a year for everything we missed. This will likely be our only trip for years due to time and expense. We do have Disneyland out here, so we have ridden all of those rides and my kids are in no hurry to go back (crazy, huh?!?).

Also, is there any *must* see attraction in Northern Florida? My kids are 9 and 11 and love science, nature, music and history.

We figured we would give 2 nights in Pensacola on our way in and 1 day at Universal Studios on our way out to see Harry Potter. And, then off to Atlanta, Georgia to start our trip back home.

Also, when looking to book a campground in Pensacola, why is everything still available? In CA, we are booked solid and it is almost impossible to get state camping unless calling the day the reservations open. Is camping near the beach ok in July? I am getting a little nervous...

 

[CAFarmerGirl]

You only have to pay the tolls if you take the toll road around downtown Houston...but you don't have to. I 10 through Houston shouldn't be too bad on a Saturday. When you go through Baton Rouge, you should take 1 12 and it will hook back up with I 10 around Slidell, LA. There is a nice state park... Fountainbleau...between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Its close enough that you can go into New Orleans and eat or tour the French Quarter. There's a Jellystone Park in Robert, LA (between BR and NO) but they usually require a 2 night minimum. On the plus side, there is alot for the kids to do. I can't give you any first hand info on any rv park in New Orleans or Slidell.
Back to tolls though....The Florida Turnpike is also a toll road, so you need to be prepared for it.

Now, as far as Disney World, I agree that you need at least 10 days. Your coming a long way and if you aren't going to be coming back in a while, you'll enjoy your trip alot more if you stay longer. It took my daughter in law and granddaughter an entire day just to see the Harry Potter land at Universal. Other than that, unless your kids like the real thrill rides, they didn't like anything else at Universal. Fort Wilderness is awesome and you'll find plenty to do there without even going to the parks. And, if you can swing it, I would suggest renting a golf cart...at least for one day so you can loop around the fort. There are several outside vendors who deliver excellent service and are half the price of Disney Golf Carts. If you're going to be there over the 4th of July, there is a golf cart parade through the campground complete with beads and candy. Check it out on YouTube. You and your family will have a great time no matter when you come. Our long vacation is in July also, so thats when we always go.

Odd question....but, what exactly is there to do at FW? I just saw it as a place to sleep. Could we get around on bikes instead of the cart? Or are things really far apart?

We will be there mid July. I always host a family party on the 4th, so we are obligated to be here (not that I mind!!).

I will look into the state park near New Orleans. Thanks!

 

[CAFarmerGirl]

We stayed 11 nights June 2011, and just book June 2012. We did get AAA discount but had to push it. The cancellation/change policy is great at this location. My family really enjoyed the campground about as much as the parks, so grab as many days as possible because you may want to relax at the campground too. We stayed in loop 1400 but we are going to try to get loop 600 next June. Southern Alabama, Western Florida was nice to stay at. We went through Dauphin island (ferry) and it was nice. If you go I-10 ,Texas is a pretty long haul.....What city are you leaving from and how many miles do you plan driving per day?

We are leaving from the Sacramento area and our trip is shaping up to look like the following:


Trip There:
Blythe, Ca (9 hours)
Tuscon, Az (4 hours)
Fort Stockton, Tx (8 hours)
San Antonio, Tx (4.5 hours)
Baton Rouge, La (7.5 hours): stay add'l night
Pensacola, Fl (4 hours): stay add'l night
Orlando, Fl (7 hours)

Trip Back:
Atlanta, Ga (7 hours)
Nashville, Tn (4 hours): stay add'l night
St Louis, Missouri (5 hours): stay add'l night
Lincoln, Ne (7 hours)
Cheyenne, Wy (6 hours)
Wells, Nv (9 hours)
HOME (7.5 hours)

 

[PrincessNana]

Odd question....but, what exactly is there to do at FW? I just saw it as a place to sleep. Could we get around on bikes instead of the cart? Or are things really far apart?

We will be there mid July. I always host a family party on the 4th, so we are obligated to be here (not that I mind!!).

I will look into the state park near New Orleans. Thanks!

FW is huge, but you can very easily get around on bikes or by using the internal bus system. I don't even know where to start with what there is to do at FW... so I'll expect everyone to chime in with everything I forget..
There's swimming, fishing. hiking, biking. nightly campfire and movie, horseback riding, pony rides for small children, Tri Circle D ranch , carriage rides, beach, boat rentals, game room, Pioneer Hall, Hoop de Doo Revue, Mickey's Back Yard BarBQue, kayaking and canoeing, watching fireworks and electric water parade from the beach, archery...the list goes on. Needless to say, there's plenty to do at FW.

 

[teetee830]

I saw Fort Pickens but was afraid of the flooding warning. Would that be an issue in July? Gee...can you tell I have never been to the south east??

It shouldn't be that big off an issue this July Hurricane season won't have kicked into gear yet and as far as I know there hasn't been a big storm this year. One thing I like about Fort Pickens is from the campground you can walk to beaches either on the gulf side or the sound side and the breezes in are nice. You can also walk or bike to the fort. Plus, it is a cool drive out there because you really keep thinking your going to run out of island before you get to the campground,

There are some really nice state parks a bit east in Gulf Shores or Daulphin Island in Alabama that are less than an hour from Pensacola as well.

 

[CAFarmerGirl]

It shouldn't be that big off an issue this July Hurricane season won't have kicked into gear yet and as far as I know there hasn't been a big storm this year. One thing I like about Fort Pickens is from the campground you can walk to beaches either on the gulf side or the sound side and the breezes in are nice. You can also walk or bike to the fort. Plus, it is a cool drive out there because you really keep thinking your going to run out of island before you get to the campground,

There are some really nice state parks a bit east in Gulf Shores or Daulphin Island in Alabama that are less than an hour from Pensacola as well.

I think I'll go with Fort Pickens; it looked really neat! The beaches and water here in Northern CA are freezing cold in the summer (for the most part)!