Some questions from a newbie!

[cwyskowski]

Hi everyone! My husband and I are looking to book a week at the campsites in November. We own a travel trailer, and will be traveling from NJ. This will be our first time camping in Disney! I hope you don't mind me asking these questions, forgive me if they've been answered elsewhere:
1. Are the Premium Sites pull through? My husband is a newbie at pulling the camper and prefers pull throughs lol
2. Are there any sites or locations that are better than others?
3. Any hints or tips for our stay?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Shan-man]

No, the Fort doesn't have any pull through sites. Whether some sites/loops are better depends on what you're looking for. What are your priorities?

 

[seabee]

Hi there, and welcome to the assylum! No really we are good group of people.

To answer your questions...
1.There are no pull thrus at the fort, unless Pete(Gatordad) is around and he may "make" you one special. Tell DH not to worry about getting in, I was somewhat uncomfortable with backing in the TT when we first went to the fort and I did it just fine. There are lots of people around that will help you get in if you need it too. You can always get the new premium sites which are wider and easier to get into. I don't have first hand experience with the new sites, but will be testing them out this Oct. Many have said it is better though.

2.I personally like the 400-500 loops, but you will hear different opinions from everyone. It all depends what your needs are. We like to be positioned pretty much inbetween the marina/Settlement and the Meadows since we don't have a cart and don't rent one, so we walk or ride bikes.

3.My favorite tip from the fort is to keep time aside for "fort time". One of my favorite things to do at the fort is get a drink from Crockett's Tavern and sit at the beach and enjoy MK's fireworks. You can meet some really great people down there. Bring a sweatshirt and maybe a blanket(since it's November) and enjoy a relaxing evening. If you luck out and it is a MVMCP night you will be able to catch the special fireworks.

 

[BradyBz12]

WELCOME!

Unfortunately no more pull through sites. There were only 2 anyway (LOL) but they closed them in with the recent round of renovations. Not sure what you're pulling, but if backing in is a big concern, I'd recommend going with a premium site where you have a bit more "breathing room."

We like the 300 loop - which is a Preferred Pet loop - but it's notorious for having quite a few sites that are tough to navigate, especially with bigger rigs.

Let us know what your preferences and priorities are (close to the action, out of the way, near the pool/settlement...), what you're traveling in and who you're traveling with (kids, dogs...), and you'll get loads of opinions on the best loops.

Best tip I'd give is to reserve some time to explore and enjoy the Fort itself.

Oh, and if you can swing it.... Golf Cart!!

 

[cwyskowski]

Thanks for the answers everyone! I guess we will reserve a Premium site. Better safe than sorry. As for what we're pulling, a 34ft TT. We're traveling with our 2 kids, 3 and 6. Having never been to the campground, I really can't say what our needs or wants are. I don't think we want to be near the pet sites, as we'll be leaving our Hopper dog home. Is there a "middle of the action" section?

 

[Goofyseven]

We really like the 300 loop. Even thought it is a pet loop, the pets are not a problem and we have not had any issue with the people in this loop. We have a 33 ft. TT and it did take a few back ups to get in the site. I would not let that stop me from requesting the 300 again.

Take a look at at Fort Map, that may help you decide.

 

[SunshineCamper]

November! You picked a great time of year. The christmas decorations will be going up. The RV's, the resort and theme park. If you like decorating bring some (thanksgiving/fall or christmas). All the loops will have at least some decorations in Nov. I agree a golf cart this trip would be nice so you can loop to see all the decorations if nothing else. This is always a favorite.

I also agree take some time to explore the ft. itself.
1) fireworks on the beach every night
2) the electrical water pagent every night
3) the horses and pony rides-perfect for 3&6 yr. olds
4) a walk to Wilderness Lodge and a boat ride back-the weather is great in Nov.
5) Looping to see the decorations (like I listed above)
6) if you can swing it-the Hoop Dee Doo Review
7) the campfire/movie everynight -see the movie listings for Nov. here closer to Nov.
8) if you go the week of thanksgiving you can see the teepee's in the group camping section. Pretty neat!

All loops and sites work for us. It's Disney!
You'll love Ft. Wilderness-enjoy your trip!

 

[2goofycampers]

Thanks for the answers everyone! I guess we will reserve a Premium site. Better safe than sorry. As for what we're pulling, a 34ft TT. We're traveling with our 2 kids, 3 and 6. Having never been to the campground, I really can't say what our needs or wants are. I don't think we want to be near the pet sites, as we'll be leaving our Hopper dog home. Is there a "middle of the action" section?

Here is a map.
http://www.wdwinfo.com/resortmaps/fortwilderness.htm



Middle of the action would be 1400 or 600 loop, but this will also mean alot of foot traffic thru there. If you prefer close but quieter I'd go with 500 loop.

 

[TheFlame]

We stayed in 1300 in Nov. before it was converted. We REALLY liked this loop since it was central to everything and we don't take bikes or rent a cart. We won't be staying in it again though since we don't think the prem. and pref. sites are worth the extra money!

The things we liked about 1300 were......

It was central to everything...actually I think it is pretty much in the center of the campground.
Very short walk to Meadow's TP
5 min. walk to the pool, bike barn or campfire
Nice playground, volleyball and BB court
AND far from dog park

I always request a non-pet loop but that is a moot point. There are pets in every loop I have been in(400, 1400 and 1300 the past 2 years) even if they tell you there are not. I do believe it when they say that the whole campground will be pet friendly as it already is. That is too bad really for those of us that leave our pets at home and don't want to be near yapping dogs.

We liked 1400 but it is near the dog area and there is alot of foot traffic depending on where you are in the loop but it is a short walk to the campfire. If you use the comfort station alot I wouldn't recommend this loop as it is used by the campfire/movie people nightly.

400 was pretty nice but most of the sites seemed crammed together to me. It is on the main road and seemed a little noisy. The one thing we liked about 400 even though it doesn't have a bus stop was that it is a short walk to the marina and settlement bus stop.

We wouldn't pay more to stay in a prem. or pref. so we will be in a full hook up in May.

My only hint and advice for November would be to not go any time near Thanksgiving. We were there last Nov. and the week before Thanksgiving was really nice but the week of.... We didn't even go into the parks after the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. We actually drove to HS on the Friday after and turned around in the parking lot and went back to the Fort. The crowds were horrible and we were so glad to leave that Sat.

Have fun planning and have a wonderful trip!

 

[Just Beachy]

Welcome aboard!!!!!

 

[Abagpiper5]

Welcome to the boards!
I too am from NJ and in the process of trying to convince my wife that we need to head down to the Fort in Nov. during Jersey week. She is the one in charged of the check book and I thank God for that because we would be broke if it was me. We have 4 wee ones and 3 of them will be in school and that would be a good time to go.

We did go down during Jersey week 2 years a go and the lines were minimal, and had a great time. We did find a little gem of a place in Pennsylvania last year that we are going to make a yearly visit to. The place is called Knoebels and right next to the Amusement park is a Campground. It’s about an hour west of the Poconos and is so affordable, my wife and I would giggle every time we opened our wallets to pay for something. If you like to eat, then this will be the Park for you.
Here are some links to check out.

http://www.knoebels.com/
http://www.amusementtoday.com/8002gta090308.html

It’s no Disney World, but for a family owned and run Park, it rates VERY high in a lot of Categories.

2008 Golden Ticket Awards:
#1 Best food
#1 Best Carousel
#3 Best Wooden Rollercoaster
#3 Best Dark Ride
#3 friendliest Park
#3 Best Park

 

[cwyskowski]

Yep, we'll be there during "Jersey Week". My husband's a teacher and they're actually closing the schools the whole first week of November.
My follow up question - golf cart of no golf cart? We don't have bikes.

 

[BradyBz12]

My follow up question - golf cart of no golf cart? We don't have bikes.

While not a necessity, if you have it in the budget, it's a BLAST and makes getting to/from the bus stop and Settlement/marina areas much easier and more enjoyable IMHO.

If it helps, there's some info HERE on recommended off-site rental companies that are cheaper than renting from the Fort.

 

[Shan-man]

And if you can't swing it for the whole stay, just rent a cart for the days you'll be at FW and not the parks (you DO have Fort-only days planned, don't you?)

 

[BradyBz12]

Looping in the evenings in November with a mug of hot chocolate (spiced up with your favorite adult liquid), a blanket and your sweetie by your side....