Quick Thanksgiving Trip Report

[proudmomof4]

Hello everyone, we were back at the Fort for Thanksgiving. I know you all like photos, and I'm sorry to disappoint, but I have no photos to share, only my thoughts.

We left home at noon on 11/24, got the camper from storage and pulled in to the Fort at 2:00. We had received our text while on I-4 that we were assigned to site 513, it ticked all the boxes for us, so we headed straight to the site. We got set up, walked the dogs and headed to MK around 6:00pm.

Our plan did not include any rides, we just wanted to take in the holiday atmosphere and try some holiday goodies. Well, we learned that some of the places that serve the special holiday goodies are not open for the full hours of the park, so we were out of luck on the one thing one of my sons wanted to try. The holiday decorations are beautiful and definitely provide that special holiday feeling. The castle projections change every 15 minutes, we heard later that there were brief fireworks with each projection change, but we did not witness that. There were quite a lot of people gathered in front of the castle to watch for the changes, so social distancing there can be a challenge.

I'm not sure if this has been mentioned before, but the Fort and Lodge boat docks at MK have been moved to where the GF and Poly docks used to be, off to the side of the monorail ramp, and the GF and Poly have now taken over where the Fort and Lodge boat docks used to be.

We got back to the site around 9:00pm and I decided to walk the dogs around the loop. There was a group around on the other side of the loop, the kids (around 8 of them) were riding electric razer scooters and bikes around the loop, it was very dark and every time they came whizzing by me, they scared the heck out of my dogs. When I finally got around to where their sites were, they had a really bright blinding spotlight pointing into the road. Now, I get why they had it, but it was blinding for me, I can't imagine anyone driving around the loop and being blinded by that, not to mention the poor neighbors. They also had an unattended campfire going just a few feet from the edge of the road, 4 golf carts parked at one site along with 2 cars.

Wednesday 11/25 was AK day, once again, we didn't plan on any rides, we wanted to focus on seeing the animals that we never stop to see. We've been watching the Magic of Disney's Animal Kingdom on Disney+ and realized we'd been missing out on a lot. I ordered food from Flame Tree while hubby and the 2 sons who were with us ordered from the Yak and Yeti quick serve. We were able to all sit together to eat though. We took our time walking around, stopped for drinks at the Dawa Bar, shopped and headed back to the site early. We ordered P&J's for dinner, the fried chicken was different, the coating was thicker and tasted like cardboard. I've heard the same from others and, apparently, it depends on the chef on duty. Luckily no issues with the large group around the loop.

Thursday 11/26, Thanksgiving! Other than to walk the dogs, we never left our site. I cooked a small turkey and a small ham in an electric roaster, made mashed potatoes and stuffing on the camper stove, steamed veggies in the microwave. Someone posted on FaceBook about a non-Fort sanctioned golf cart parade to start at 9:00pm. They had 75-80 golf carts driving around the loops, honking their horns, some had air horns, loud music, yelling, etc. until just after 10:00pm. There were some really mad people, their kids had been woken, dogs had been scared and were barking like crazy. I think people would have been more understanding if it had all happened earlier in the evening.

Friday 11/27, Epcot day. We took our time getting up and ready, leaving the loop we had an issue with that same group again. They were all loaded into golf carts which were part way in the road, there was a bike in the road, kids jumping on and off the golf carts. We were sitting there in our truck waiting for them to move, pick up the bike, tell their kids to get out of the way, but no, they just sat in their golf carts looking at us. It took me taking off my seat belt and opening the truck door before one of the moms jumped off her golf cart to pick up the bike and tell the drivers of the carts to move out of the way, and then there was still a kid on a bike weaving back and forth on the road. We made it to Epcot right at the 11:00 opening and went to The Seas, once again this was because of the Animal Kingdom show. After that we headed to the World Showcase where we ate and drank ourselves silly.

Saturday 11/28, we didn't have any plans today other than a late lunch at Whispering Canyon. I took the dogs for a walk around the loop before heading to the Lodge and, guess what? Yes, that group again! They had pulled all of their camp chairs to one site and made a big circle with the chairs out into the loop road. I just don't understand why some people think they're the only ones there and have no regard for the comfort and safety of others. Whispering Canyon was great! We spent the rest of the day sitting by the campfire just relaxing and watching TV.

Sunday 11/29, we got up early, packed up and pulled out of site 513 at exactly 9:00am, pulled into my driveway at 10:30 while hubby headed to the storage with the camper.

Overall we had a really good time even though we had some inconsiderate people there, it just burns me up that the actions of some people are so selfish.

We have reservations for Thanksgiving 2021, I'm not sure if we'll keep them or not, time will tell. I don't have any other Fort trips booked until then though.

 

[PaHunter]

People, the main reason I try not to camp on the major holidays. Unless we are doing GSP for a dismeet.

 

[bama_ed]

It's my unscientific belief that the fall holidays (Halloween time, Thanksgiving time, Christmas time) is overrun with folk who come every year and basically spend their time at the Fort rather than at the parks. They may have AP and may spend time time in the parks (based on blackout dates, etc.) but based on my recent stay in October 2020 (particularly on weekends during this 90-day time frame) there are LOTS of folks staying at the Fort who AREN'T in the parks and do the stupid group/kid/golf cart thing at the Fort at all hours of day and night.

As PaHunter says, if your goal is a peace-and-quiet stay at the Fort (even if it's full), these popular holiday times is NOT the time to be there. If you want to be in the hub-bub, the action, the go-go of the Fort buzz, that's the 90 day period for you (weekends mostly and weekdays in the three holiday weeks).

I have been to the Fort more-often-then-not in the late winter and early spring when it's mainly snowbirds and Marathon week folks (like I was). Spring break rates (early March through Easter week) are so high I now I refuse to pay them (but yes, I can afford them). However, it's still a nice quiet time to be at the Fort even if it's full mostly.

So mom, I take it you're a pseudo-local who can make a quick trip over a long weekend. 500 loop in recent reviews had the "Premium" party label (I don't book Premium loops because I don't need to). You might want to avoid 500 (Premium Party loop), 1400 (Premium Meadow party loop), 300 (Preferred party loop), 2000 (Tent party loop - although does run into 1500), and all the Full Loops (least expensive loops with sewer hooks and can all be "Party Central" at times).

The Fort management won't enforce the rules of behavior unless they have to so like PaHunter says, avoid those time or grit your teeth and trigger your car alarm at 5am for your rowdy neighbors the next morning. I've never done that (on purpose that they can prove).

Bama Ed

 

[proudmomof4]

It's my unscientific belief that the fall holidays (Halloween time, Thanksgiving time, Christmas time) is overrun with folk who come every year and basically spend their time at the Fort rather than at the parks. They may have AP and may spend time time in the parks (based on blackout dates, etc.) but based on my recent stay in October 2020 (particularly on weekends during this 90-day time frame) there are LOTS of folks staying at the Fort who AREN'T in the parks and do the stupid group/kid/golf cart thing at the Fort at all hours of day and night.

As PaHunter says, if your goal is a peace-and-quiet stay at the Fort (even if it's full), these popular holiday times is NOT the time to be there. If you want to be in the hub-bub, the action, the go-go of the Fort buzz, that's the 90 day period for you (weekends mostly and weekdays in the three holiday weeks).

I have been to the Fort more-often-then-not in the late winter and early spring when it's mainly snowbirds and Marathon week folks (like I was). Spring break rates (early March through Easter week) are so high I now I refuse to pay them (but yes, I can afford them). However, it's still a nice quiet time to be at the Fort even if it's full mostly.

So mom, I take it you're a pseudo-local who can make a quick trip over a long weekend. 500 loop in recent reviews had the "Premium" party label (I don't book Premium loops because I don't need to). You might want to avoid 500 (Premium Party loop), 1400 (Premium Meadow party loop), 300 (Preferred party loop), 2000 (Tent party loop - although does run into 1500), and all the Full Loops (least expensive loops with sewer hooks and can all be "Party Central" at times).

The Fort management won't enforce the rules of behavior unless they have to so like PaHunter says, avoid those time or grit your teeth and trigger your car alarm at 5am for your rowdy neighbors the next morning. I've never done that (on purpose that they can prove).

Bama Ed

Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, even though we are local, we aren't able to do weekends or long weekends at the Fort due to hubby's job, he doesn't work M-F with weekends off. We use our vacation time to go to the Fort.

I was well aware the Fort would be crowded, I was just hoping that people would have more respect for the others around them, but I guess that was hoping for too much, even during this time.

I did consider the 6:00am car horn, but then that would have disturbed other folks too and I didn't want to do that either.

We have been going to the Fort as a family 3-4 times a year since the early 90's (for me, since the early 80's), and have seen the popularity of it skyrocket. I was a DRC cast member for a couple of years in the late 90's, and when people were calling in for NYE for Y2K, the only thing we had to offer was the Fort, but no one wanted it back then.

We still love the Fort but we think we will start scaling back on our visits, let our APs expire and save our vacation time for when travel opens up again and we can visit our son in Boston, and then eventually, cruise again and then the UK and Europe in a few years.

 

[Stork]

...Overall we had a really good time even though we had some inconsiderate people there, it just burns me up that the actions of some people are so selfish...
...We have reservations for Thanksgiving 2021, I'm not sure if we'll keep them or not, time will tell. I don't have any other Fort trips booked until then though.

Sorry for your unpleasant experiences, Mom.

I've tried the noise early in the morning thing, but then I feel I'm down at their level. And I am always afraid of being forced to vacate the CG because of my actions. They could NOT get away with that at any other campground...barking dogs and loud children (or adults for that matter) will get you booted from most campgrounds. So why does Disney put up with it?

Would a call or visit to the front desk solve the problem? Failing that, a call to the Sheriff might produce the desired change in behavior, or at least make Disney re-evaluate the situation. Which begs the question, wouldn't Disney intervene to protect the enjoyment of other patrons?

 

[proudmomof4]

Sorry for your unpleasant experiences, Mom.

I've tried the noise early in the morning thing, but then I feel I'm down at their level. And I am always afraid of being forced to vacate the CG because of my actions. They could NOT get away with that at any other campground...barking dogs and loud children (or adults for that matter) will get you booted from most campgrounds. So why does Disney put up with it?

Would a call or visit to the front desk solve the problem? Failing that, a call to the Sheriff might produce the desired change in behavior, or at least make Disney re-evaluate the situation. Which begs the question, wouldn't Disney intervene to protect the enjoyment of other patrons?

Honestly the barking dogs and crying children didn’t bother me, that was mostly caused by the unauthorized golf cart parade. I did call the front desk on that one, as did many other unhappy campers whose children had been woken and dogs frightened. I didn’t get to see it but I heard that security came out, along with other personnel and some Disney suits.

I didn’t report the group in our loop, in hindsight, I should’ve taken out my camera and filmed them.

 

[proudmomof4]

I forgot to share some pixie dust that happened at Epcot.

We had purchased gift cards to use at the food booths, I used mine at one with no issue, but when I tried at another it didn’t work. The cashier was asking me for another form of payment, but before I could open my purse another CM came up, asked what I ordered and said it was on the house. I got $20 of free food!

Then we were in Morocco, I found a gift card on the ground, I went to the next food booth to turn it in but also ordered something to eat. The CM said it was on the house since I had turned in the gift card I had found.

In the UK, I went into the tea shop to purchase some items, I had a $25 virtual gift card to use, but I still owed a few more dollars. When I tried to pay the difference the register froze up, after 20 minutes of them trying to fix it, they handed me the bag and said don’t worry about paying the rest.

Finally, my son went to the UK fish and chips shop and said he just wanted chips, no fish. They charged his gift card for fish and chips, a supervisor had to come over because they were having a hard time refunding to the gift card. They finally gave him cash and said the chips were on the house.

 

[Sjm9911]

Tbh, i was expecting more noise at night when i went during halloween. It didnt happen, basicly at 10 pm everyone was silent. Maybe i got lucky? It was a tent site ( on halloween anyway). Yea, loud after like 10 or 11 would be my limit. I do have a bit of understanding for some, but i will agree people just think about themselves now a days. If people put a little thought into how or what they do effect others, pretty much every campground gripe would dissappear. Its good to have a little empathy, but it should go both ways. At least you had some good stuff happen also, almost a zen like ballancing act!

 

[Bishoparc]

The couple of weekend trips we've taken (and times we've been on the weekend) are definitely similar to what you're describing. It's pretty much the wild west in the Fort with little to no enforcement of any sort of rules. I'm not there to be a party pooper but folks could have a little respect. The nonstop golf cart horns after 11PM, 10 year olds driving golf carts through the loops like they're on the Nascar circuit, campsite parties with loud music, etc... I've ended up having to call security 2 out of the 3 trips we've taken to the Fort since they re-opened. The other rule I'm surprised they aren't even trying to enforce is the closed top firepit. Most of the firepits I've seen at the Fort recently have had wide open tops, just your standard run of the mill firepit and of course, as you said, always left burning and un-attended.

 

[rml0win]

The couple of weekend trips we've taken (and times we've been on the weekend) are definitely similar to what you're describing. It's pretty much the wild west in the Fort with little to no enforcement of any sort of rules. I'm not there to be a party pooper but folks could have a little respect. The nonstop golf cart horns after 11PM, 10 year olds driving golf carts through the loops like they're on the Nascar circuit, campsite parties with loud music, etc... I've ended up having to call security 2 out of the 3 trips we've taken to the Fort since they re-opened. The other rule I'm surprised they aren't even trying to enforce is the closed top firepit. Most of the firepits I've seen at the Fort recently have had wide open tops, just your standard run of the mill firepit and of course, as you said, always left burning and un-attended.

I agree with you on both counts. We have seen carts driven by way to young drivers whose only speed it full throttle and have recently seen open top firepits. At least two on our last trip were situated right at the road. Also, I've noticed that more and more do not leave at the 11:00 am time and is not enforced by Disney. In the past we were never directed to overflow and we usually arrive at 2 or 2:30 only to wait in overflow until our site is ready. Advanced check in has not helped either.

 

[proudmomof4]

We lost our dear sweet Duke to pneumonia at 10:30pm on 12/14/2020. Our lives won't be the same without him, camping at the Fort won't be the same without him.

 

[garneska]

@proudmomof4 oh no I am so sorry and sad for you. He was precious. ok 2020 enough let’s be done. peace and hugs to you.

 

[2goofycampers]

RIP Sweet Duke. Hugs to all those that loved him.

 

[Sjm9911]

Sorry for the loss of your fur baby. Remember the memories with him and know hes in a better place now.

 

[Stork]

So sorry to hear that. And so close to Christmas too. We all share your pain.

 

[friendofeeyore]

Sweet Duke is so cute. I know he is running with all his fur friends & well. Praying for you & the family. So hard to lose our fur babies. My Suzy was gone 2 yrs. on the 13th. She died while we were @ The Fort. I was in rehab from a fall breaking my right hip. Just overnight she was seriously ill. Arnold took her to the vet hospital, which was amazing & the cancer was too aggressive, so she took her journey over the rainbow bridge. I still miss our sweet Suzy everyday.

 

[NOLA_Tink]

Hi, @proudmomof4! We were your neighbors with the 2 little kids next door (site 510). I'm so sorry to read about Duke. My daughter loved petting him and he was such a wonderful dog. Sending hugs to you and your other pup!

 

[proudmomof4]

Hi, @proudmomof4! We were your neighbors with the 2 little kids next door (site 510). I'm so sorry to read about Duke. My daughter loved petting him and he was such a wonderful dog. Sending hugs to you and your other pup!

@NOLA_Tink, I remember you and your family, your kids are so sweet. Thank you for remembering Duke and your kind words. We miss him sooo much.

 

[cruising spud]

So sorry to hear about Duke. My thoughts are with you and your family.