Renting RV and Camping at FW....?'s ?'s ?'s

[mickeysaver]

So, our dogs came out of their boarding experience during our 3 day jaunt to WDW ok, but really stressed. Two of them have health issues that makes it very important for them to not be stressed. So, I have to ask these silly questions.

First, has anyone here rented an RV and traveled to WDW in it? Did you drive/fly into FL and rent in FL so that you didn't have to drive the RV quite so far? If so, where did you rent from and was it a good experience?

Second, if you stay at FW with pets, are you allowed to leave them in your RV during the day/night? I know that Disney has kennels, but do the dogs have to stay there?

Third, do you still feel that being at the campgrounds in an RV is magical? I have no idea what to expect.

Thanks for indulging me with these questions. I have never thought of going RV before, but I doubt that I will get to stay onsite anytime soon unless the dogs can stay with us. Maggie

 

[ynottony99]

So, our dogs came out of their boarding experience during our 3 day jaunt to WDW ok, but really stressed. Two of them have health issues that makes it very important for them to not be stressed. So, I have to ask these silly questions.

First, has anyone here rented an RV and traveled to WDW in it? Did you drive/fly into FL and rent in FL so that you didn't have to drive the RV quite so far? If so, where did you rent from and was it a good experience?

Second, if you stay at FW with pets, are you allowed to leave them in your RV during the day/night? I know that Disney has kennels, but do the dogs have to stay there?

Third, do you still feel that being at the campgrounds in an RV is magical? I have no idea what to expect.


Thanks for indulging me with these questions. I have never thought of going RV before, but I doubt that I will get to stay onsite anytime soon unless the dogs can stay with us. Maggie

We live in Florida so I can't help with your first questions.

But yes you are allowed to keep your dogs in the RV with you as long as you are in a 'pet' loop. Many leave their dogs in the RV while they go to the parks, and make a trip or 2 back to check on them and let them out through out the day.

We use to tent camp, then popup, now travel trailer. Now we enjoy FW more than ever!!!

 

[annakris1973]

Fellow ATL gal here. I checked into RV rental once when DH wanted to make a trek out the the Grand Canyon as our summer road trip. Just keep in mind that you pay for milage after you surpass a certain amount. I would also check into the rental company's pet policy. Just food for thought!

PS> I am a big Bert's Big Adventure fan, too! Kudo's for posting the link in your siggy!!!

 

[mouseketeer_mom]

I think if you read through the reviews and comments on FW in this forum, you will know that a stay at FW is Disneys most Magical vacation for people who enjoy an RV vacation. As far as I'm concerned, there is no comparison between being able to return to our RV after a long day to relax or just going back to a hotel room. It's wonderful to head back after a long day doing anything and be able to watch a little TV, read, go for a walk, nap, play a game with the kids.... whatever and know that I am not confined to indoor space.

As far as driving or flying, that's really up to you. I did come across a pretty neat company on the net. They are located in Orlando, they rent pop-ups and very nice travel trailers with all the amenities. They will take your rental unit to Fort Wilderness and set it up for you! The only thing I would suggest that you keep in mind is that with a travel trailer, you may have some "extras" to pack that would make flying in a hassle.

I really think you would enjoy this kind of vacation. Only other thing I would suggest is that you leave the few weekends after you come home free... I think you will be shopping for your own unit

 

[ftwildernessguy]

This question has been dealt with many times before. It seems the common outcome is:
1. Most of the rental places don't allow pets
2. The cost of this type of vacation works out to be more expensive than staying at another, conventional resort.

RV rentals have a lot of "hidden" costs, like bedding and kitchen utensils.

Wouldn't flying your pet in be at least as stressful as staying at a kennel?

If you do decide to do this, you would be required to stay on a pet loop for an additional 5 dollars per night. You can leave your pet in the RV, but if it barks and annoys other campers, you will be required to kennel during the day. My concern with leaving a pet in an RV is a power outage - a frequent occurrance in Florida. Inside temps in an RV can climb quickly if the AC goes out. The FW kennels are air conditioned and staffed, so if there is a problem they can take care of it.

 

[TuckandStuiesMom]

I did come across a pretty neat company on the net. They are located in Orlando, they rent pop-ups and very nice travel trailers with all the amenities. They will take your rental unit to Fort Wilderness and set it up for you! :

This is a VERY interesting option! Would you be able to share their name or URL, please? Has anybody here actually tried this option? I was looking at CruiseAmerica's site yesterday but it didn't say anything about setting up the camper -- only renting them. THANKS!

______
To FWGuy's point re: animal well-being -- For what it's worth, I'd be concerned about the impact of a power outage on my pets too -- I'd vote for the kennel.
To FWGuy's point re:cost -- Yeah, you're right of course -- there are less expensive hotel options but then... you're not at the Fort. (I currently have a 3 day ressie at one of the FW cabins -- really don't need all that much room and it is pretty pricey too) A 3 day pop-up rental would be great for our visit purposes.

 

[mouseketeer_mom]

This is a VERY interesting option! Would you be able to share their name or URL, please? Has anybody here actually tried this option? I was looking at CruiseAmerica's site yesterday but it didn't say anything about setting up the camper -- only renting them. THANKS!

______
To FWGuy's point re: animal well-being -- For what it's worth, I'd be concerned about the impact of a power outage on my pets too -- I'd vote for the kennel.
To FWGuy's point re:cost -- Yeah, you're right of course -- there are less expensive hotel options but then... you're not at the Fort. (I currently have a 3 day ressie at one of the FW cabins -- really don't need all that much room and it is pretty pricey too) A 3 day pop-up rental would be great for our visit purposes.

I tried to reply in both posts and private message with the links to those sites but it won't allow me to share URLs... help

 

[TuckandStuiesMom]

I tried to reply in both posts and private message with the links to those sites but it won't allow me to share URLs... help

I think it's because you only have seven posts under your belt so far -- I will PM you with my email address. If you then send me the URL, I will see if I can post it. THANK YOU AGAIN!

 

[rer1972]

This question has been dealt with many times before. It seems the common outcome is:
1. Most of the rental places don't allow pets
2. The cost of this type of vacation works out to be more expensive than staying at another, conventional resort.

RV rentals have a lot of "hidden" costs, like bedding and kitchen utensils.

Wouldn't flying your pet in be at least as stressful as staying at a kennel?

If you do decide to do this, you would be required to stay on a pet loop for an additional 5 dollars per night. You can leave your pet in the RV, but if it barks and annoys other campers, you will be required to kennel during the day. My concern with leaving a pet in an RV is a power outage - a frequent occurrance in Florida. Inside temps in an RV can climb quickly if the AC goes out. The FW kennels are air conditioned and staffed, so if there is a problem they can take care of it.

I've looked into this also, and it does seem to get pretty expensive to rent. Sounds like it wouldn't hurt to find out for sure. Maybe you can even let us know what you find out?

 

[TuckandStuiesMom]

the link to the agency that will set your rental trailer up at Fort
Wilderness is: http://www.onfreewheels.com

if you click on travel trailers you can see photos of what they have
available for rent, interior pics, and layout... out of curiosity I asked
about prices, (one week) this was what I found out..

rental $700.
tax $49.
ins $80.
set-up/tear down plus delivery $100.

they will also rent you all of your towels, sheets, blankets, pots, pans,
plates, utensils, toaster, coffee maker etc... all for $50. per adult, $25.
per child

If you add these up, plus your site rental (at $600. per week) a grand total
of $1529 plus any amenities... we are a family of 5, so two rooms at a
value for a week $1,386. We would more than make up the difference in food
savings and enjoy Fort Wilderness so much more than the value resort..


well, I guess I've rambled long enough... thanks for listening to my
rationalizations... I just think it would be a great way to vacation and if
you have more than 4 people in your family, I think you could make it very
cost effective.

We have a motorhome and we love RVing... such a great way to vacation. so
much nicer than hotels

 

[mickeysaver]

But yes you are allowed to keep your dogs in the RV with you as long as you are in a 'pet' loop. Many leave their dogs in the RV while they go to the parks, and make a trip or 2 back to check on them and let them out through out the day.

Ok, we are off to a good start! Thanks for this bit of info. Maggie

 

[mickeysaver]

Fellow ATL gal here.
I would also check into the rental company's pet policy. Just food for thought!

PS> I am a big Bert's Big Adventure fan, too! Kudo's for posting the link in your siggy!!!

Howdy neighbor! I did find an RV rental company in Jacksonville, FL that does allow pets. They are pretty reasonable about the whole issue.

As for Bert's Big Adventure, I have to love it. It's a local charity, they spoil some families that definately need to be spoiled, and it's got a Disney connection.....what's not to love?!?! Maggie

 

[mickeysaver]

I think if you read through the reviews and comments on FW in this forum, you will know that a stay at FW is Disneys most Magical vacation for people who enjoy an RV vacation. As far as I'm concerned, there is no comparison between being able to return to our RV after a long day to relax or just going back to a hotel room. It's wonderful to head back after a long day doing anything and be able to watch a little TV, read, go for a walk, nap, play a game with the kids.... whatever and know that I am not confined to indoor space.

As far as driving or flying, that's really up to you. I did come across a pretty neat company on the net. They are located in Orlando, they rent pop-ups and very nice travel trailers with all the amenities. They will take your rental unit to Fort Wilderness and set it up for you! The only thing I would suggest that you keep in mind is that with a travel trailer, you may have some "extras" to pack that would make flying in a hassle.

I really think you would enjoy this kind of vacation. Only other thing I would suggest is that you leave the few weekends after you come home free... I think you will be shopping for your own unit

Sounds sweet! I would love to have the info on the place that you know of in Orlando. One point that I guess that I should have made clearer is that we would be driving down to FL in my car and picking up the RV in FL to use at WDW. The whole idea of renting it in FL is in an effort to cut down on our chance of wrecking it and the number of miles that we would rack up! Maggie

 

[mickeysaver]

This question has been dealt with many times before. It seems the common outcome is:
1. Most of the rental places don't allow pets
2. The cost of this type of vacation works out to be more expensive than staying at another, conventional resort.

RV rentals have a lot of "hidden" costs, like bedding and kitchen utensils.

Wouldn't flying your pet in be at least as stressful as staying at a kennel?

If you do decide to do this, you would be required to stay on a pet loop for an additional 5 dollars per night. You can leave your pet in the RV, but if it barks and annoys other campers, you will be required to kennel during the day. My concern with leaving a pet in an RV is a power outage - a frequent occurrance in Florida. Inside temps in an RV can climb quickly if the AC goes out. The FW kennels are air conditioned and staffed, so if there is a problem they can take care of it.

I appreciate your concerns. If this idea doesn't work out, then we have resigned ourselves to staying offsite until our health compromised pets have gone off to Heaven. I am steadily working the local home rental option too. When I priced out a week in a house that allows pets, I found it to be comparable to what I would be spending to board the pets with the same place that we just used and only staying in a Value resort. The house that we price compared against was not even as nice as some others that I have found with better amenities and even lower prices......and of course, they are all pet friendly! Maggie

 

[mickeysaver]

the link to the agency that will set your rental trailer up at Fort
Wilderness is: http://www.onfreewheels.com

if you click on travel trailers you can see photos of what they have
available for rent, interior pics, and layout... out of curiosity I asked
about prices, (one week) this was what I found out..

rental $700.
tax $49.
ins $80.
set-up/tear down plus delivery $100.

they will also rent you all of your towels, sheets, blankets, pots, pans,
plates, utensils, toaster, coffee maker etc... all for $50. per adult, $25.
per child

If you add these up, plus your site rental (at $600. per week) a grand total
of $1529 plus any amenities... we are a family of 5, so two rooms at a
value for a week $1,386. We would more than make up the difference in food
savings and enjoy Fort Wilderness so much more than the value resort..


well, I guess I've rambled long enough... thanks for listening to my
rationalizations... I just think it would be a great way to vacation and if
you have more than 4 people in your family, I think you could make it very
cost effective.

We have a motorhome and we love RVing... such a great way to vacation. so
much nicer than hotels

This is why I love the DIS! There is always someone....or a group of someones.....that can find the most awesome options imaginable and then shares the info with the masses with a !!!! Thank you! Maggie

 

[ftwildernessguy]

the link to the agency that will set your rental trailer up at Fort
Wilderness is: http://www.onfreewheels.com

if you click on travel trailers you can see photos of what they have
available for rent, interior pics, and layout... out of curiosity I asked
about prices, (one week) this was what I found out..

rental $700.
tax $49.
ins $80.
set-up/tear down plus delivery $100.

they will also rent you all of your towels, sheets, blankets, pots, pans,
plates, utensils, toaster, coffee maker etc... all for $50. per adult, $25.
per child

If you add these up, plus your site rental (at $600. per week) a grand total
of $1529 plus any amenities... we are a family of 5, so two rooms at a
value for a week $1,386. We would more than make up the difference in food
savings and enjoy Fort Wilderness so much more than the value resort..


well, I guess I've rambled long enough... thanks for listening to my
rationalizations... I just think it would be a great way to vacation and if
you have more than 4 people in your family, I think you could make it very
cost effective.

We have a motorhome and we love RVing... such a great way to vacation. so
much nicer than hotels

You failed to add in the fees you quoted for linens, kitchen stuff etc. For a family of 5, assuming 2 adults and 3 children, this would add another $175 to the rental cost.

 

[mouseketeer_mom]

ftwiledernessguy, you're right! I did forget to add the rentals in. I guess since we carry our own, it slipped my mind. I also noticed I forgot to add the taxes in for the hotel stay. ooopps! sorry about that.

either way I look at it, for as much as we enjoy camping and the atmosphere it provides, I think even if we had to rent, it would be worth it for our family.

mickeysaver: I don't know if this would be an option for you but growing up our family boarded our dog for most vacations. A St. Bernard named Sam. We always used a kennel close to home. Our family found a kennel we really liked, staff was just wonderful. Sam became accustomed to his own "vacation" spot and would nearly knock you down to get in the door when we would pull in. He loved it. I wonder if the consistency of using the same kennel every time you go out of town would ease the stress on your pets?

Good luck in your search for a better option.

 

[mickeysaver]

mickeysaver: I don't know if this would be an option for you but growing up our family boarded our dog for most vacations. A St. Bernard named Sam. We always used a kennel close to home. Our family found a kennel we really liked, staff was just wonderful. Sam became accustomed to his own "vacation" spot and would nearly knock you down to get in the door when we would pull in. He loved it. I wonder if the consistency of using the same kennel every time you go out of town would ease the stress on your pets?

Good luck in your search for a better option.

We were happy with the facility that we chose to keep the dogs. We have 4 Chihuahuas. One has epilepsy and the other has a heart conditon that causes her to pass out and have seizures when she gets over excited, barks too much, or runs. At home, they are crated when we are not home and they are in a quiet space. They need their rest or else they have a tendency to have increased health issues. For the most part, Deuce, our epilepsy dog is ok on his meds, but there is a link to stress and lack of rest to his seizures. For Beanie, my bad heart baby, when she is rested, she doesn't pass out as often. If she has a pass out, it's important for her to be able to rest.

With that said, the facility that we boarded them at ran the tv all day long in their room. They shared a space. Each had their own beds and blankets. They were really spoiled by the staff there. But, they came home completely exhausted after a 4 night stay. Deuce was having some small seizures where he just sort of stares off into space for the first 3 days that he was home. Luckily, he has gotten some good rest and never had a grand mal. Beanie, did really well overall with them. She only passed out once and she did go into a seizure, but she came out of it quickly. Last night, she finally was starting to have energy again.....the whole boarding thing just wore her out.

The other dogs, Perdita and Cinderella did fine. I think they would go back to "camp" in a heartbeat. lol Thankfully, both of them are healthy! I would consider boarding Cindy & Perdy and just taking Beanie & Deuce with us to FL. They both travel well. Maggie

 

[mommyintn]

the link to the agency that will set your rental trailer up at Fort
Wilderness is: http://www.onfreewheels.com

if you click on travel trailers you can see photos of what they have
available for rent, interior pics, and layout... out of curiosity I asked
about prices, (one week) this was what I found out..

rental $700.
tax $49.
ins $80.
set-up/tear down plus delivery $100.

they will also rent you all of your towels, sheets, blankets, pots, pans,
plates, utensils, toaster, coffee maker etc... all for $50. per adult, $25.
per child

If you add these up, plus your site rental (at $600. per week) a grand total
of $1529 plus any amenities... we are a family of 5, so two rooms at a
value for a week $1,386. We would more than make up the difference in food
savings and enjoy Fort Wilderness so much more than the value resort..


well, I guess I've rambled long enough... thanks for listening to my
rationalizations... I just think it would be a great way to vacation and if
you have more than 4 people in your family, I think you could make it very
cost effective.

We have a motorhome and we love RVing... such a great way to vacation. so
much nicer than hotels

Thanks so much for sharing that, we haven't invested in a trailer yet but have rented them in the past and loved it. Just a thought about the extras like towels and sheets couldn't you just ship a box to Ft. Wilderness like people do to the resorts?