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[ilovedisneymm]

Hello all.

We’ve spent a great deal of time visiting The Fort in past Januarys, and created an enormous amount of childhood memories for our children. We have not been back in almost three years now and I do miss the fort. My two big kids learned to swim at the fort and my youngest is now asking when we are going to teach her. There is only one place I know that is perfect for teaching swimming! I know a place…. I’m considering a last minute trip toward the later half of January and curious about the updates and construction. I see there is a good bit of construction around the meadows & down at the settlement. If you’re currently there now, I’d love to see how things are coming along around the pool & dock. Also, does the construction work distract from the holiday mindset while at the meadows? Another thread shows long yellow construction materials around the canal. Is that still there? Are you able to canoe around the canal?

Any updated details, photos, and changes I need to be made aware of are much appreciated. The daddy daughter dumbo photos are long overdue.

 

[bjschil]

Hello all.

We’ve spent a great deal of time visiting The Fort in past Januarys, and created an enormous amount of childhood memories for our children. We have not been back in almost three years now and I do miss the fort. My two big kids learned to swim at the fort and my youngest is now asking when we are going to teach her. There is only one place I know that is perfect for teaching swimming! I know a place…. I’m considering a last minute trip toward the later half of January and curious about the updates and construction. I see there is a good bit of construction around the meadows & down at the settlement. If you’re currently there now, I’d love to see how things are coming along around the pool & dock. Also, does the construction work distract from the holiday mindset while at the meadows? Another thread shows long yellow construction materials around the canal. Is that still there? Are you able to canoe around the canal?

Any updated details, photos, and changes I need to be made aware of are much appreciated. The daddy daughter dumbo photos are long overdue.

 

[bjschil]

We are also making a last minute trip to Disney, Fort Wilderness on Feb 1.we will only be there for four nights, and doing one park. Then up to Fort Laudrdalemfor a two week cruise. Thought it would be good to leave the cold weather behind for February!!

 

[ilovedisneymm]

@bjschil it just seems wrong to tolerate a full Midwest winter doesn’t it? A cruise sounds lovely. We spent last February in Maui. That is wonderful to hear you and Bill will be there around the same time. I need to gather more info, see what window reservations we can get, and go from there.

 

[bama_ed]

These threads are helpful. Check the last 2-3 pages or so of each for recent stuff. First one is on the Zero Entry Pool being built in the Meadow field behind the Meadow Pool. Second one is the bland-but-offensive-eyesore behind Pioneer Hall.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/current-work-at-the-fort.3962118/page-18

https://www.disboards.com/threads/d...rmer-reflections-site-in-2027.3957946/page-20

 

[ilovedisneymm]

Thanks Ed. I’ll review those threads. Is something going on in the 1800 loop by chance? I can’t seem to get anything to come up available for the later half of January for full hook up sites. Nothing available for full even when selecting just a few days thru the week. Odd. Is 1800 loop still classified as full hook up?

 

[bama_ed]

Not aware of anything particular to 1800 or the Full loops in general. Haven't read about anything like that.

But I am not surprised that Full sites aren't available in late January. After you get past the New Years rates, the Marathon Weekend rates, and the 3-day weekend folks for MLK Day, that's when the generally low (Value) rates kick in until about Valentines Day.

I do get some availability from Sunday Feb 8 to Thurs Feb 12 in Full:



Also just before late Jan as many Marathon folks leave I see Sun Jan 11 to Jan 16 available:



Even with MLK weekend, though, the lower rates settle in and folks book up the most affordable rv/travel trailer sites (Full) well in advance. Once you get to Valentines, you bump into the Princess Half Marathon weekend and then the spring break crowd in various places end of Feb to week after Easter.

IIRC, that's the time of year your family can get away from home for a couple days but it's a popular time at WDW too for its weather and lower crowds (outside the special events or holidays). Booking on short notice can be difficult during that time. Plenty of availability in hot, sweaty August though! <jk>

If you do find something, there is a 15% room-only discount available for some sites/nights until April 30. Good luck. Keep trying is all I can say.

ED

 

[ilovedisneymm]

@bama_ed thank you. I am a big fan of the clover loops, particularly 1800, because of the size of the sites, the shade of the mature trees, and the canal behind several sites. If I can’t stay in 1800, I’d be next happiest kicking it in the old 1500 loop. I recall the early sounds of the kickoff marathon and smile. It’s the kitchen party tent pack-everyone-in over MLK that I’m not fond of…1500 has sweet memories with exception to MLK weekend. Doubt they’ll let me park our camper there now. Do you think?

Thanks for checking the reservations. Perhaps I’ll start expanding the search into February.

August is out! We’ve started making room to our vacation schedule a few years back. We’ve been touring the National Parks during that month. Last year we did Badlands & Glacier extended. The year before that we did Badlands - Tetons - Yellowstone - Bear Tooth Highway to Glacier - Seattle - all of Olympic - down the coast of Oregon - Redwoods - Yosemite - Grand Canyon. 7,000 miles once it was all said and done. This August we plan to do another big National Park tour and add the Canada side to Glacier. Now the kids are bigger, our travel has expanded. We have developed a deep love for the parks and adventure that it brings.

Thanks for letting me know about the coupon code. I’ll look at the map and see if there are any loops comparable to the space, shade, and canal access like that of the 1800 loop.

Thanks, again!

 

[garneska]

Hi Melissa. Hope you are doing well. Highjacking your thread. We are going to be at Glacier National Park August 15 to 21. What’s your must do hike or place to see? We are staying at Many Glacier Hotel and then moving to Lake McDonald. We have some things in mind. After the half marathon at Disney we will be switching our training from running on roads to hiking.

 

[ilovedisneymm]

Hello, Kris.

Glacier is my favorite NP of all! Next August will mark our third trip and still have only seen a fraction of this most well deserved, Crown Jewel of all the national parks. There is something like 9 million acres to explore. You can see grizzlies on one side of the park (east) and black bears on the other side (west) in the same day if taking Going to the Sun Road (crossing the continental divide) with moose almost guaranteed to see if timed correctly. Each time we ventured out, we encountered bears or moose or mountain goats. My friend says Yellowstone is comparable to real life Jurassic Park. I say it is Glacier! She is an adventurous, breathtaking beauty!

If staying in the east side, up the road from Many Glacier hotel is Swiftcurrent Lake. If you’re there around sunset, moose will come
down through the forest to feast on plant-life around the lake. A grizzly had just passed up the trail about 1/4 mile ahead of us. Glad we missed him. Also, Two Medicine area, South Shore Trail (I believe) has a suspension bridge, that was new to this years trip, and runs along side a lovely lake and then taking a boat back across the lake back to parking lot or extending the trail around or beyond, depending on adventure. We purchased boats tickets a day ahead. We also saw moose, but that was because we were there very early in the morning when they move. We stayed on west side but made the trip around in an hour, I think. You’ll enjoy the Many Glacier hotel very much. It is an old world charm and feel. We visited but did not stay in hotel. A must is Going to the Sun Road. It’s the most scenic drive in this country, hands down. Beyond the Pacific Coast Highway, Bear Tooth Highway, coastlines in all directions cannot compete with the Magnificence around every corner of GTSR. Make that a day. We must do that drive a few times over. Even the Road to Hana takes a backseat. I get giddy when I think or talk Glacier. Lake McDonald was a little hazy the day we were there. Easy parking and quick walk down to the lake. We rented kayaks one day, small motor boats another. Daniel and I enjoyed a salmon dinner at the lodge one evening after a GTSR date. Hidden Lake Trail at Logan’s Pass is a must! Make that park of your Going to the Sun Road Day, easily. You’ll encounter little Picas (my girls fav on that trail) and mountain goats come down, too. Beautiful views from the top.

We will be there around that same time frame. What a small world. In past we have stayed at West Glacier RV, twice. It’s the cleanest RV park we have ever stayed besides FW (it’s been a few years since we’ve been to the fort though). Next time we plan to stay on the east side and then on to Canada.
South shore trail
Moose at Swift current lake
Hidden Lake
Goat!
Lake McDonald Lake & Lodge

 

[garneska]

That looks fantastic. Can’t wait for our trip. Last year we took Bert’s dad to Yellowstone and Tetons. We did Bear Tooth Highway. Looking forward to GTTSR.

 

[bjschil]

Hell0 I Kris,and back stalking the DIS Boards. We had a one-time chance on a United flight, so we decided we would visit Fort Wilderness for four days, before driving up to Ft Lauderdale for a 14 day Sun Princess cruise. We will be staying in the Cabins at Fort Wilderness, with Hoop Dee Doo tickets on Feb 1. So excited for a wonderful 4 day playground. We know we are going to Epcot, and other than that, will enjoy not bring in the cold and snow Wisconsin brings so nicely to us!! Like today!!!

@bjschil it just seems wrong to tolerate a full Midwest winter doesn’t it? A cruise sounds lovely. We spent last February in Maui. That is wonderful to hear you and Bill will be there around the same time. I need to gather more info, see what window reservations we can get, and go from there.

We are going to try to get outdoor seating, informal, at the rose and crown. We will,go around noon, , sit and grab a beer or 7 ( think Wisconsinites, and watch from outside seating. You could join us. The grandkids always loved going to the attractions, come back and report in, and then fly away again. It Ed’s just something we felt we needed to do. Come join us

 

[bama_ed]

We are going to try to get outdoor seating, informal, at the rose and crown. We will,go around noon, , sit and grab a beer or 7 ( think Wisconsinites, and watch from outside seating. You could join us. The grandkids always loved going to the attractions, come back and report in, and then fly away again. It Ed’s just something we felt we needed to do. Come join us

Freudian slip, there Barb, but I wish I could come enjoy the company and the show!

Back to bed now. I am old and tired.

Me

 

[ilovedisneymm]

More on Glacier @garneska

We stayed on the west side at Glacier West RV park. While it was a little pricey, the entrance to Glacier is literally a single turn to the left and you’re inside the park. Not only are there beautiful views from your site, the property borders the park. The fence is high but hidden to keep moose out. Hubby took kids fishing on the other side of fence and they encountered fresh bear tracks. I’ve already mentioned how clean the facility was. They also have a mini village area with shopping, restaurants, ice cream, mini grocery, and fuel. I suggest buying water before checking in. They charge an awful lot for just water jugs, plan ahead. The truffle fries at the restaurant in this RV park area are the bomb! That was our first stop on our second trip here. I know you’re staying at the lodge this trip, but if you have a little extra time, I suggest a quick tour of this rv park. Why? Cause you might leave Glacier, it won’t leave you. And you never know when you’ll be back! Make sure to keep a full tank while traveling in Glacier. Lake McDonald is just down the road a couple miles. The water is clear, the rocks are vibrant, and there is a level of calmness and serenity that takes over. Down the road from Lake McDonald is the red rock area. This area is for the fearless! One can leap into the water. Many do. I highly recommend the contact with the turquoise waters. I do not recommend this area at sunset, we encounter two bears walking the waters edge.

The Going to The Sun Road, without a doubt, is the most scenic drive in this country. I can say this, because we have driven all the other comparable routes (Hawaii included). It is tight and many opt for the red bus tour. Those red bus drivers are the worst! They can’t stay on their side of line for anything. They are drivers to look out for. Our F 450 just meets the acceptable guidelines.

That old camper of ours, while it might be old, has traveled to every corner coastline (with exception to Maine) twice over and will make a tour 1/2 around the country a third time in August. It’s paid for. Made in a time period when they were made to hold, and meet our needs. We have explored new camper options and new c-class drivers a few times over in recent years. We just can’t seem to justify the price and sacrifice quality on what there is out there today. So we’re going to keep this until the wheels fall off. Driving with a capable hubby, that brings every tool known to man, keeps it safe and me feeling safe. We just replaced the water pump and water tank. That old memory maker on wheels is good and keeps us warm at night. I love that old thing.

 

[ilovedisneymm]

@garneska The wildlife you’ll encounter at Galcier will not compare to any other national park. We waited for two hours for the moose to come down and into the water. Our family and two other families were waiting at the spot where we thought they’d move thru. An obvious trail is where we gathered and waited. The baby came down and into the water right at the spot where we presumed. Moments later a little squeaky voice trying to make out the word “Mom” came from behind me. I turned and looked and there was the most magnificent creature I’ve ever seen in my lifetime and possibly ever will. I was standing in the spot where momma moose wanted to pass. I moved, she passed right by me, and joined her baby in the water. OMGOODNESS that was a moment of all moments. That encounter was in our first trip as last year the Swift Current area was closed. It’s open now. And you bet I’ll be back there this August - like a giddy school girl. This time, I’ll bring a longer lense.

Bear spray is a must. If you haven’t heard of the Share Shack, google it. It’s a shed near Galcier that people leave their camping gear and bear spray for others. All free! Because Glacier is so remote, most fly in, buy gear, then choose to leave it rather than pack it back on the plane. One cannot fly with bear spray.

From Galcier it’s a nine hour drive down to San Juan Islands. We had a great time on an Orca whale tour and followed a pod for hours. That was probably our best day - whale day. Besides our time spent in Galcier.

I spent all weekend trying to put together some kind of reservation that would put us in the clover loop. I can look past the construction at the settlement, the towering new buildings encroaching the fort (no doubt the old brown building that houses the old Trails End buffet) will soon be swallowed up by expansion, and can even look past the construction around the meadows. I cannot sacrifice the area which feels like home…aka 1800 loop back against the canal. Nothing else feels right and I cannot get a reservation for full hook up beyond a three day window. I started to look into February, but both big kids hold officer positions within their FFA chapter and also at Section level. They both have large roles that require them to attend events held each week in February, so that’s out. Yes, we are still home schooling. They take a single class at an area private school two days a week that allows them to be involved with FFA. While Grace is still a junior in home school high school, she is half way through her Agriculture Science degree at a local community college. She’s also 5 classes deep in vet school, thanks to online courses.

And so January is are only option. Late last night after no luck and working other angles “what about this or that” options, I decided to move towards tickets and other things. Even if we get our beloved area, I did some quick math…that math puts us at $10,000 for five days at Disney with a $2K spending budget (that’s logical). And I was really surprised. I feel like it will cost us twice than that of prior trips to Disney and I’m not sure why that is. What puts me sideways is we traveled 1/2 around the country for over a month for less than that. So…I’m not sure a January visit is in our near future for 2026. I sure would love to visit and catch up with those we’ve made friends with over the past decade and a half, but it doesn’t look logical.

Less than a $100 will open the gates to every national park in this most beautiful country…with no lines, too.

Perhaps next January.

 

[garneska]

Thanks for the advice on the bear spray. We were trying to figure out if there was a swap or rental place somewhere. It is definitely tough with flying but it is animal heavy so bear spray is a must.

We are trying to do at least one national park per year.

 

[ilovedisneymm]

Kris - you can rent the bear spray at Lake McDonald area where you get the water crafts. You can also buy on the east side in the Two Medicine area gift store.