Staying at the Fort from previous DVC resort stays

[Bdev13]

Hi... My husband and I just booked 9 nights at the fort and it will be our first time there, in our TT. We typically go every 2 years and our last 2 trips have been at DVC properties in a 2 bdrm villa (traveled with family). We camp throughout the spring/summer and are not new to campground life, but new to Disney while camping. Is the Fort similar to other campgrounds but with added magic of being Disney?

We have heard from our friends that they love the fort more than any resorts they stay at at WDW however they never stay at a DVC (or deluxe), will we feel the same as we were spoiled with the'welcome home' mentality of DVC? Anyone else done the villas to the campground sites that can compare?

I know this will all be opinion based but thanks in advance for your thoughts.

 

[peg110]

As far as campgrounds go, the Fort is probably the best overall. Comfort Stations are clean and (mostly) appropriately located. Sites are generally roomy, and the staff, as always, are very polite as you would expect from a Disney CM. I actually think the CM's at the Fort, for the most part are much friendlier too.

Probably the biggest complaint I have heard is that when someone does have a complaint about a fellow camper (perhaps being too loud), that they really don't react to those situations as quickly as they should (if at all in some cases). I suspect it has much to do with the fact that while someone else's group might be loud(er) it's part of THEIR magic despite the fact that it takes away from YOUR magic. It's a tough call that they have to make and unfortunately it's not always the result that one might want.

If you have camped elsewhere, I am sure you will be very happy with the Fort. Remember though, that in the end, it is still a campground, and as such, you will have those "Campground" issues that you would have anywhere. (And you aren't going to get "Turn Down Service" for your bed/cots/sleeping bags)

 

[Judyfun]

We came from a Club level/deluxe room at the Boardwalk to the Fort, in fact our first Fort visit was a split trip 6 night Boardwalk, 5 night the Fort. We have never stayed at the Boardwalk since. We have stayed an average of 2 times a year at the Fort, with 2 trips already planned for 2017. The only thing that I miss about the Boardwalk (beside the CL staff) is coming in the back entrance to EPCOT.

 

[Bdev13]

We came from a Club level/deluxe room at the Boardwalk to the Fort, in fact our first Fort visit was a split trip 6 night Boardwalk, 5 night the Fort. We have never stayed at the Boardwalk since. We have stayed an average of 2 times a year at the Fort, with 2 trips already planned for 2017. The only thing that I miss about the Boardwalk (beside the CL staff) is coming in the back entrance to EPCOT.

Thanks!!! This is great to hear and definitely my DH hope for future trips, except the added time to drive with TT behind us from CT. The last 2 resorts were SSR and AKV so they were out of the way, so we had already missed the access to Epcot and in general convenience to parks. The fort will nicely provide us a quicker access to MK (especially better than the trip from AKV), and with our 2 littles will be the best.

Probably the biggest complaint I have heard is that when someone does have a complaint about a fellow camper (perhaps being too loud), that they really don't react to those situations as quickly as they should (if at all in some cases). I suspect it has much to do with the fact that while someone else's group might be loud(er) it's part of THEIR magic despite the fact that it takes away from YOUR magic. It's a tough call that they have to make and unfortunately it's not always the result that one might want...

...(And you aren't going to get "Turn Down Service" for your bed/cots/sleeping bags)

We are going in middle/late Oct, so that is a concern as I know it can be a bit busier but hopefully we will be ok. Do they enforce quiet hours? Assuming if we have AC on this may not be issue anyways for our kids. Oh and I will definitely miss 'mousekeeping' as it is being replaced with momkeeping :'(

 

[peg110]

We are going in middle/late Oct, so that is a concern as I know it can be a bit busier but hopefully we will be ok. Do they enforce quiet hours? Assuming if we have AC on this may not be issue anyways for our kids. Oh and I will definitely miss 'mousekeeping' as it is being replaced with momkeeping :'(

AC being on is NOT an issue. It's pretty much a requirement particularly that time of year.

They enforce quiet hours kind of loosely from what I have heard. It pretty much depends on how loud/obnoxious people are being. We have never had an issue to report someone and as far as I know, no one has ever reported us. (but we are usually sleeping by the time Quiet hours come about) YMMV however.

 

[Teamubr]

I just saw this, but I'll jump in too.

We have stayed at Beach Club for a couple of nights after the Rolex 24 in Daytona and a week at Saratoga Springs in March 2013. I'm going back to the Fort this September. The 3BR condo at SSR was really nice (went with my race team owner and his family), but the overall complex was just OK. The Fort has so much more to do and the boat transportation, proximity to MK and the outdoors.

One comment about the size. The Fort is really BIG. Much bigger than SSR even. It is about a mile from the road infront of the Fort to the Settlement and marina. There is an internal bus system that is pretty good, but that is one of the things DVC/resort people comment on when they stay at the Fort for the first time.

j

 

[TheRustyScupper]

We have heard from our friends that they love the fort more than any resorts they stay at at WDW however they never stay at a DVC (or deluxe), will we feel the same as we were spoiled with the'welcome home' mentality of DVC? Anyone else done the villas to the campground sites that can compare?

1) The Fort is a special place to stay at WDW.
2) It is a wonderful campground, but the PEOPLE make it a special vacation.
. . . folks greet each other in a friendly manner at FW, instead of a simply/courteous "Hi" when passing at other resorts
. . . folks get to actually know one another
. . . adults and kids make friends and see them in future camping weeks
. . . lots of times, kids will bond during the trip and spend the whole week together having fun
. . . there are tons of activities to keep you busy, and MANY campers only visit the parks a few days during their trip
. . . campers get to know each other and frequently like to drop by each other's sites for conversation
3) OK, campsites might not be a luxurious as a DVC room, but the overall experience is greater than other resorts.

NOTE: I fully admit to being biased toward and for The Fort. I enjoy working at The Fort more than any other WDW resort.

 

[FtW Mike]

Bdev13 Heres my 2 cents worth on a few of your issues.

1 We LOVE the Fort. On our second trip we did a week at AKL Club Level in order to do some specialty tours that required that stay. After day 1 all my wife wanted to do was go check in at the Fort. We found and continue to this day that CM's and other Guests are much more friendly. Help in my experience in never more than a befudddled look away As Peg above says no Luxury Resort ammenaties but IMHO better accommodations Guests at the Fort are among the most loyal and most returned guests for WDW. Rusty Scupper above was an integral part of a meet and greet of several posters here in campers forum
2 Yes it is along drive and you should plan accordingly Peg likes to BoonDock on his way down We prefer to go to CG's with high marks from Good Sam, KOA, or better yet fellow campers ( We have 3 dogs and the Savage sisters need a Doggie Park to run around in after 6 hrs on the road )
3 Your kids will have plenty of room to run around in and pool at Meadows complex ha enough activities to keep them busy during the day

 

[McMonsters]

1) The Fort is a special place to stay at WDW.
2) It is a wonderful campground, but the PEOPLE make it a special vacation.
. . . folks greet each other in a friendly manner at FW, instead of a simply/courteous "Hi" when passing at other resorts
. . . folks get to actually know one another
. . . adults and kids make friends and see them in future camping weeks
. . . lots of times, kids will bond during the trip and spend the whole week together having fun
. . . there are tons of activities to keep you busy, and MANY campers only visit the parks a few days during their trip
. . . campers get to know each other and frequently like to drop by each other's sites for conversation
3) OK, campsites might not be a luxurious as a DVC room, but the overall experience is greater than other resorts.

NOTE: I fully admit to being biased toward and for The Fort. I enjoy working at The Fort more than any other WDW resort.

THIS!!!
The Fort is such a special place and an amazing campground, top notch! We are DVC but our hearts will always be in our home at the Fort. We have made life long friends with whom we plan future trips.

 

[TXWAC]

Just have to chime in. If you are already a camper and have taken the training wheels off the TT you will never stay in another Disney resort unless you have to.

 

[Bdev13]

Thanks Everyone!!! Definitely take some nerves away, just the haul I think down is the part that gets me, so want to make sure the Fort is worth it. Which I do not think anyone who has stayed there has ever said anything negative to us about it.

. . . lots of times, kids will bond during the trip and spend the whole week together having fun

Everything you said, but especially seeing the joy from our DD is why we love camping, and we have heard the Fort is extra special from our friends. It definitely will make this a different type of trip for us, than our normal visits, especially being only the 4 of us this time.

The Fort is really BIG. Much bigger than SSR even.

... we thought SSR was huge, but we really did enjoy our section, and figured out the best approach there. We walked through the only the settlement and a partial loop when we were down last time (did pony rides) and then reviewed the map. We already reserved a golf cart as with 2 young ones it will help getting around and not have to deal with buses internally most days especially heading back after a day at park we wanted quick returns to the camper!

If you are already a camper and have taken the training wheels off the TT you will never stay in another Disney resort unless you have to.

We are, but definitely will be our longest haul to date with TT, 19 hours or so. We drive on all our trips to WDW so, except for the added time because of pulling at lower speeds we should hopefully be good there.

Yes it is along drive and you should plan accordingly Peg likes to BoonDock on his way down We prefer to go to CG's with high marks from Good Sam, KOA, or better yet fellow campers

We will be traveling east coast most likely I-95, so are planning on stopping on way down, and my thought is CG as to let the kids safely stretch their legs as we stop fairly early (4-5ish) for the overnight. Not sure your way in but heard decent things about KOAs in Point South, SC and just south of Savannah in GA, any other recommendations?

 

[FtW Mike]

Not completely sure how far you can travel each day but my sister and BIL just visit us in De and they live just outside Boston nad by car took them 9hrs. We left here on a Sunday morning zt like 1030 am and made Carolina Crossroads just beyond Va border in NC by like 4pm. At like 300 miles Loved that place for an overnight stop. Price was good nice dog park. clean rest rooms. Pool was closed but it was Dec. Easy on and off from I 95. Still NC we have stayed overnight at Fayetteille RV Park and Resort. Had some problems. Temps had been below freeeing for several days and original site water line was frozen. Really needed to arrive during daylight hours as roadway was a bit confusing in the dark. Best thing is they are 40 miles and 20 miles north of last 2 Cracker Barrel Rest. in NC ( We love the one near Fayetteville)
In Va. I can't say enough Good things about King's Dominion Camp Wilderness Easy on and off for I 95 Super clean restrooms I only wish they were staying open year round for our return trips. from fort (We like to go in Dec/Jan)
In SC while we haven't stayed there yet but anyplace that despite not getting any money from me ( They penciled my name and contact info onto calendar) called to make sure we were okay when we didn't show Camp Lake Jasper in Hardesville getting high marks from me and reviews from GS are all favorable.
Just outside of Jacksonville in Fla we have stayed in Flamingo Lake CG and plan to stay there again The Cafe had decent food at reasonable price and on Fri and Sat nights they do Kareoke

 

[Bdev13]

Thank you so much!!!! This is very helpful, if not for way down but as we head back north. We are heading south from CT, and when we have driven with just a vehicle, we usually make it to Savannah, with our children this includes a good break for them to run off some energy, brief breaks for gas, lunch, and last time quick stop to change kids out of jammies and grab breakfast. We typically leave at midnight. We are hopeful with leaving at the same time we will be able to make it to SC on way down. Typically stopping for the day 4-5p.

On the return trip, that is so not known, the last 2 trips we made it to Lumberton, NC i believe for our stop. However we are giving ourselves 3 days on way back if needed, vs the 2 on way down.

 

[FtW Mike]

BDev happy to pass on what little I know as are most others here. Will say that either on way to or from DO NOT consider Santee Lakes CG in SC. My wife calls the place PREPPERSVILLE and promises to shoot me (with my gun) if I ever consider stopping there again. Place was a dump in every respect couldn't get out of there .
Not sure how early you find you can get out of the Fort but for us it never seems to be before 10am. A co-worker used to work in Savannah and his folks were just outside Orlando and he says it took him on average 6 hrs door to door again he was in a car.
For practical advise consider fuel prices. Virginia was way cheaper than NC and there is another decrease in SC which is cheaper than it is in Georgia. Prices tend to be close between Ga and Fla but I find that it tends be about a nickle cheaper in Fla. My wife sfurballs igned us up for fuel program at Pilot/Flying J through GS and I have found their locations tend to be ideal for me ( I fill up when I see 1/3 to 1/2 tank used on fuel gauge)

On an aside note I went back and reread your original post and if your Hubby enjoys camping and Disney well here at the Fort hell get the best of both. As Peg 110 stated this is one of if not the premier CG in the country. As Rusty Skupper said people make the vacation and in The Fort there is just more of a friendly feel. On her first trip I asked my wife who was indulging me by going to " Just TRY to have a good time and enjoy youself." By the end of the trip she didn't want to go home. We bought our coach as she decided we needed one so we can go more stay longer and our furry kids can come with us. If he still has reservations get him on here and we'll all do our best to assure him he will love it

 

[peg110]

If he still has reservations get him on here and we'll all do our best to assure him he will love it

And if that doesn't work, we will have the NSS take care of him.