Returning to the Fort 10 years later with teenagers. Tips?

[rbork]

While visiting some colleges in Florida this spring, I have decided to camp again at FW with our pup. Heafty college costs are fast approaching. I thought we could take one more trip to Disney before the kid's fly the coop.
Camping was the most economical choice. We are planning on selling our beloved pup this summer since schedules don't allow much time for camping and frankly it was easier when they were smaller/younger. We started our camping adventures 10 years ago at the Fort and it seems nice (albeit a bit sad too) to be ending it with a trip there.

So what tips do you have for me to make it easier and more enjoyable for us parents? DH actually asked if we could go by ourselves.

I have two boys both over 6' tall. They are good campers overall but just so big that we barely fit into the pup. Moodiness also sneaks up on them...
btw- our Maltese is coming to WDW for the first time.

 

[loislane]

While visiting some colleges in Florida this spring, I have decided to camp again at FW with our pup. Heafty college costs are fast approaching. I thought we could take one more trip to Disney before the kid's fly the coop.
Camping was the most economical choice. We are planning on selling our beloved pup this summer since schedules don't allow much time for camping and frankly it was easier when they were smaller/younger. We started our camping adventures 10 years ago at the Fort and it seems nice (albeit a bit sad too) to be ending it with a trip there.

So what tips do you have for me to make it easier and more enjoyable for us parents? DH actually asked if we could go by ourselves.

I have two boys both over 6' tall. They are good campers overall but just so big that we barely fit into the pup. Moodiness also sneaks up on them...
btw- our Maltese is coming to WDW for the first time.

Not gonna lie - on our trip, the 17yo boy was the moodiest of the the 3 kids and got downright annoying at times.

Lifesavers for us were: 1. his ipod and headphones, 2. food, particularly Doritos, 3. the pool (he and his sibs spent many hours swimming).

There is actually a LOT to do and see at the Fort, so as long as your boys are willing to go out and do some of it (ours wasn't for the most part) they should have fun.

(I'm with your DH - my DH and I are waiting until the kids are older and we can go for another couples trip!)

 

[Teamubr]

My first thought is to put moody, large adults in their very own tent. Gives you and them a separate place if you need it. Put an air mattress in the tent and it will probably be more comfortable than 4 of you in the pup.

j

 

[rbork]

Thank you for the tips thus far.

Only 2 responses though.

Is there no hope for the dreaded mood change of the teen traveler?

I already tried the "How much fun would it be if you boys slept outside in your own tent?"
It was a no go.

Thinking about renting a golf cart for THEM to explore FW without us or the other way around.

 

[loislane]

Thinking about renting a golf cart for THEM to explore FW without us or the other way around.

They would probably enjoy that - but please make sure they use good manners and common sense. Lots of kids horsing around on carts when we were there.

Otherwise, I guess there isn't much advice different that what you'd do with them at home. Urge them to go out and do something - or YOU go out and do something and leave them "home" - LOL!

 

[tina.tina]

Thank you for the tips thus far.

Only 2 responses though.

Is there no hope for the dreaded mood change of the teen traveler?

I already tried the "How much fun would it be if you boys slept outside in your own tent?"
It was a no go.

Thinking about renting a golf cart for THEM to explore FW without us or the other way around.

Antidepressants in their cheerios? Just joking! I would get them involved in planning the trip itinerary, etc. With my whiny DD(almost 13), I had her do the research on zoos to visit this summer when she said she was bored on a snow day. It energized her and she took it seriously. For example, tell your DS's to find a good deal on a golf cart for your trip, plan a meal at your campsite or an ADR, or have them plan an alternate route to see new sights on your trip.

Reminding them that it might be the last trip you make together as a family will probably make them more moody- it did me when my parents said it to me. Growing up is hard!