RV to disney world? Anyone tried it? Would you do it again?

[TENIA66]

I was wondering if we should rent a RV for our trip to disney in the spring. Has anyone tried this? What were the pros and cons? How much did it cost? Were there hidden costs or surprises? Where there benefits you never dreamed of? THanks

 

[TaraPA]

How old are the kids (if any) going along? I had to chuckle at this post - this is quite irrelevant but in the late 80's we piled the whole family plus grandma & grandpa & a cousin into the big ole brown Suburban & pulled the RV behind us from PA to FL. It was the most awful trip I remember! We were sandwiched in the truck, it was 100 degrees & grandpa refused to use the AC & we had to double up to sleep in the RV (and I don't think the beds were even twin size). I was cranky & moody & just wanted to go home. My mom said I was so miserable I had to stay in the RV one whole day with grandma because my sourpuss mood was ruining it for everyone else. We took the trip to FL slow - we stayed overnight twice on the way down (at some VERY cheesy & scary campgrounds). Now in hindsight & as an adult who lost those same grandparents both within the last year I would give my right arm for another trip with them - no AC & everything! I realize this is off topic but I guess be forewarned if you have teenagers that won't enjoy the RV - I sure remember hating every minute of it, and supposedly everyone in the family remembers ME making it miserable for them as well!

 

[TENIA66]

my kids are 12, 6, and 3

 

[Olaf]

I ran into a guy at swim team practice who did this every year for about ten years. His family loved it. He also said that the Fort Wilderness camp grounds are beautiful. I'd post your question at the campling forum.

Link

 

[DISshopkeeper]

LOL, TaraPA! Sorry, struck me funny! How old were you??

I hope to so this some day, without kids!

 

[CampingMom]

Hi fellow camper!
You might want to post on the Camping subforeum. I know I saw some posts in the past on this subject. Now, I have gone with my 31ft TT from Staten Island, NY to Ft. Wilderness at least 5 times - the last being Feb. - March 2005. There is nothing like Ft. Wilderness. It could use a pool upgrade but everyone and everything is clean and friendly. Easy commute to MK via ferry - great to return after park closes - no one usually on the line !

Now, I also have camped at the 1,000 trails with friends and Tropical Palms - definitely recommend Tropical Palms if Fort too expensive.

If you are going to rent a trailer/motorhome, where are you coming from? The cost per mile will be a killer . There is at least one local rental RV place. It might be better to come down with your vehicle, rent the RV down there and drive it to the campground. This way you cut the mileage greatly and have your own vehicle to get around in - easier to park if you know what I mean . Also, you could bring the kids their bikes - great to get around as you can only use your vehicle to go in and out - not around.
If you have any more questions, just ask! I leave Friday - Adults Only! And a hotel - am I going to be spoiled or what??!!!!

 

[Jynohn]

DH and I love Fort Wilderness and have been considering buying an RV. We looked into renting one a couple of years ago to drive to Disney and see how we liked it before we took the plunge of buying our own. Sorry to say, the price was ASTRONOMICAL! It was all the extras that did us in. The rental itself wasn't too bad, but then you had to add in insurance, mileage, generator fees, etc. (not even getting into the price to fill the thing with gas!) We figured out that we would still come out way ahead if we bought airline tickets and paid for a hotel and meals vs. renting the RV.

This was a couple of years ago, and I hope that you find the case to be different, but just a warning to read all the fine print to see the real cost before deciding to go this route. Sorry to be a downer