TCD's Pre-Halloween 2010 Weekend Warrior Trip Report

[shafke]

When Halloween falls on a weekend, as it has for the past three years, the Fort will be 100% full. So, it is one of the busiest times of the year.

If you only had a dozen or so people on your boat at a time, then you must not have been heading over to the MK in the evening. In the evenings, the boats tend to be full. Especially if there is a special event going on at the MK, like EMH or MNSSHP. Also, when the Hoop Dee Doo lets out (three times every night), the boats will be packed, and there will be long lines at the dock. Even so, they do a good job moving people, and even when it's busy, we have never had a bad wait for a boat leaving the Fort.

One year we stayed at WL and were taking the launch from CR back to the WL via FW. When we were leaving CR we noticed the ferry that runs from the TTC to MK crossing the from seven seas lagoon to bay lake and thought maybe they were taking it out of service. As we get around Discovery Island we see that they are docking the ferry at FW to take the line of people to the MK. The line was going down the dock and up the path past where the cart parking is. It never even occurred to me to take a picture.

 

[Tri-circle-D]

A TCD TR! How did I miss this?

Apparently I have been a Dis-slacker of late!

I am now all caught up and lovin' every minute of it!

I'm glad you suggested the PP request 617. He'll love it!

Couple of weeks ago, DH was put on notice that a Halloween Fort trip is officially on the table as a quick trip.

This TR may seal the deal.

Thanks.

Kim

Don't worry, this TR is only one day old, so you got on board in time.

But, like my trip, it is going to be short.

We were there for less than 24 hours.

But we got our money's worth.

Yes, you really do need to go for Halloween.

Or, at least close to Halloween.

It's a great time at the Fort!

One year we stayed at WL and were taking the launch from CR back to the WL via FW. When we were leaving CR we noticed the ferry that runs from the TTC to MK crossing the from seven seas lagoon to bay lake and thought maybe they were taking it out of service. As we get around Discovery Island we see that they are docking the ferry at FW to take the line of people to the MK. The line was going down the dock and up the path past where the cart parking is. It never even occurred to me to take a picture.

I have seen photos of this, but I have never seen it myself. I would love to ride that Ferry over from the Fort some time. I'll bet it still happens from time to time.

TCD

 

[Tri-circle-D]

Moving right along. . .

This is a sign and cones blocking off the path behind the Settlement Trading Post- they have the Haunted Carriage Ride props back there, and don't want anyone messing with their stuff:

This is a site on the 700 loop. I remember these campers from last year. I love their decorations. Make sure not to miss the Mickey Bar:

As it started to get dark . . .

We ran up to Trail's End for our Giddyap and Go.

Now here's something disturbing.

We ordered the fries.

And we got fries.

But they weren't the big steak fries that you usually get.

They were the regular, generic, blah fries that they serve in every other restaurant on property. You know, these kind:

These fries are OK, but give me back my steak fries.

If this is some kind of permanent cost cutting measure, they are going to be sorry.

You would think that they learned not to mess with TCD after the great TCD boycott of 2010.

I will have to go back to do more research on this.

But, I don't like it.

Not one bit.

We ate back at the campsite.

And watched the beginning of the UF/Alabama game.

We headed out after UF's first drive ended in the intercepted jump pass.

That was plenty scary for me.

But, we had a 9:00 reservation for a Haunted Carriage Ride.

So, off we went.

We saw this sign at the Blacksmith Shop:

I already posted what this was all about on another thread.

Long story short, things will be different at the Fort by this time next year.

I asked the castmember with whom we chatted why they installed the calliope in the horse barn if it is now going to be moved. She said it had to do with budgets. The money was there, so the horse people had to use it or lose it. Sounds like a big company to me.

I asked the castmember if they had ever played the calliope. There was word that this was supposed to happen from time to time once it was installed earlier this year. She said guests can play it any time the barn is open. I asked her what she meant by that. She said that there is a button that you can push, and the calliope will play. But they turn it off at night.

I had never seen this alleged button. So we went over for a look.

I guess this is it?:

We tried it:

It didn't work.

And, that button was not there the last time I looked.

We then went back for our carriage ride.

We ended up with Lori as our driver.

And Tom as our horse.

Last year, we had Lori and Drummer.

Tom is new.

Lori has been at the Fort for about 18 years.

Which covers the entire time that we have been coming.

We chatted with Lori about the ponies the girls remembered.

And Minnie Moo.

Lori confessed that she was not a fan of Minnie Moo.

Heresy!

But, she said we would feel the same way if we had to clean her stall.

Apparently cow doo-doo is worse than horse doo-doo.

Who knew?

But, I digress.

It was time for our Carriage Ride.

It was the same as last year.

And the year before that.

But, we still had fun.

We headed out from the Blacksmith shop, toward Bay Lake.

We turned right on the road to River Country, and headed past Trail's End to the path behind the Settlement Trading Post.

We entered the woods here:

And a little way down the path saw this sign:

We then came upon an old grave yard:

And, then we traveled through a pumpkin patch:

Past the pumpkin patch, we came to a fork in the road:

Wouldn't you know it, we went the wrong way again.

Lori said it was a trick, and that we were really going the right way.

But we weren't.

We drove past an old abandoned cabin.

You could barely see it in the dark.

It was too dark for a photo.

And, then we moved on.

We came across some abandoned riding equipment in a tree:

And then we found ourselves back at the graveyard.

But, something was new here.

It was a man's hat and scarf:

And, off in the distance, we saw an old broken-down carriage:

As we strained our eyes to see in the dark, we heard someone or something approaching.

And, then from the shadows, a man on a horse lunged toward us:

Luckily, Lori is a good driver, and she got us going very fast, and we left this horseman in our dust:

Or did we?

Suddenly, he was at our carriage again:

This time, Lori got our carriage going good, and we got the heck out of the woods on the double.

We all checked ourselves, and I'm happy to report that no body lost a head.

In our carriage.

If you go, ask for Lori.

She has a pretty good record on the head losses.

We liked the Haunted Carriage Ride.

I will be sorry to see it go.

But, maybe the new one will be better.

Next up, we do some more night looping.

Because, there wasn't any football game to watch.

TCD

 

[stefa70]

Great reporting TCD! We were there over labor day week and the calliope button was there, and did work!!

Though, I believe it is a recording...because nothing on the calliope was moving!!

 

[thegoofyfamily]

Love this TR! One question on the HCR. We will be there 10/14-17 this year. Since we had always been there on Halloween in years past, the HCR was a huge wagon full of people and we never had to make reservations. Your TR has me convinced we need to do it again this one last year. Did you make reservations for this trip beforehand or do it once you got there?

 

[PirateFairy8]

Not fair! I'm a major lurker but I read your trip reports because they're much more exciting than the normal trip reports. I was at the 10/1 party (I'm a local) with my fiance. I was dressed up as Pinocchio (I'm a 23 year old female though, so a little confusing lol!) and my fiance was Goofy (if anybody else is curious he IS the correct gender for Goofy, I was the oddball with Pinocchio lol). I was in a wheelchair the second half of the night so you probably didn't notice me but now I'm just sad you were there the same night as me and I didn't pay attention to people!

 

[kampfirekim]

Don't worry, this TR is only one day old, so you got on board in time.
TCD

Being 1 day late can set you back 10 pages though!

Whazzup with the GAG Fries!!!!

If they are not careful the KFK TE ban will spill over to take out as well!!!

I'm sure their corporate knees are knocking at the thought of that!

Again....Great TR! Love the Halloween decor pics!

 

[flamingogal]

Thanks for the trip report TCD! We'll be at the Fort in 20 days so I'm consuming your report for my fix.

For such a short stay you've kept up your standards, thanks.

Keep it coming...

Jeanne

 

[caveat lector]

Dude, you pack more into a TR than I do in an actual day at the Fort. Your attention to detail is amazing.

 

[Tri-circle-D]

Great reporting TCD! We were there over labor day week and the calliope button was there, and did work!!

Though, I believe it is a recording...because nothing on the calliope was moving!!

I have a post-script which I will be adding about the calliope button.

I think you are on to something about the recording.

I'll be getting to that in a bit.

Love this TR! One question on the HCR. We will be there 10/14-17 this year. Since we had always been there on Halloween in years past, the HCR was a huge wagon full of people and we never had to make reservations. Your TR has me convinced we need to do it again this one last year. Did you make reservations for this trip beforehand or do it once you got there?

A lot of the public schools in Florida have 10/15 off. Which means you are going on a busy weekend. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I have heard that the HCR's are already sold out for that weekend. I suggest that you call immediately. The number is 407-939-7529. When you make the reservation, you have to pre-pay, and there is a 24 hour cancellation policy.

Let me know if you were able to get the reservation.

Not fair! I'm a major lurker but I read your trip reports because they're much more exciting than the normal trip reports. I was at the 10/1 party (I'm a local) with my fiance. I was dressed up as Pinocchio (I'm a 23 year old female though, so a little confusing lol!) and my fiance was Goofy (if anybody else is curious he IS the correct gender for Goofy, I was the oddball with Pinocchio lol). I was in a wheelchair the second half of the night so you probably didn't notice me but now I'm just sad you were there the same night as me and I didn't pay attention to people!

Hey, thanks for coming out of lurkdom! Don't feel bad about not spotting me, because I don't recall seeing a female Pinocchio at the party. So we are even.

Being 1 day late can set you back 10 pages though!

Whazzup with the GAG Fries!!!!

If they are not careful the KFK TE ban will spill over to take out as well!!!

I'm sure their corporate knees are knocking at the thought of that!

Again....Great TR! Love the Halloween decor pics!

Yes. I will be checking on the GAG again soon.

They will have heck to pay if they have permanently replaced the steak fries.

Thanks for the trip report TCD! We'll be at the Fort in 20 days so I'm consuming your report for my fix.

For such a short stay you've kept up your standards, thanks.

Keep it coming...

Jeanne

Thanks, I'm glad you like it.

I hope the weather stays nice for your trip.

Dude, you pack more into a TR than I do in an actual day at the Fort. Your attention to detail is amazing.

I know. I am thinking it might be easier for me to hire a film crew and film a documentary on my next trip. Then we can all just watch that, and be done with it.

TCD

 

[liv luvs disney]

Whoa, my head is spinning from your TR, but as with any TCD TR, I'm lovin' it!

I can't believe I was at the Fort the same time you were! I'm feeling pretty special.

Now carry on...

 

[Tri-circle-D]

Whoa, my head is spinning from your TR, but as with any TCD TR, I'm lovin' it!

I can't believe I was at the Fort the same time you were! I'm feeling pretty special.

Now carry on...

Dag nab it! I need to pay better attention. I didn't know you were there.

I usually just find Donnie and he tells me where everybody is. He does a good job with that, since he's the Mayor and all. I did see Donnie on Sunday, and he didn't mention you to me.

What site were you in?

TCD

 

[liv luvs disney]

Dag nab it! I need to pay better attention. I didn't know you were there.

I usually just find Donnie and he tells me where everybody is. He does a good job with that, since he's the Mayor and all. I did see Donnie on Sunday, and he didn't mention you to me.

What site were you in?

TCD

That booger won't be gettin' my vote for mayor next time! Funny thing is I talked to him on Sunday as well and he didn't mention you either. I'm gonna get him!

We were in 1212. We paid for a full site and requested the 1700 loop. However even after giving our dimensions, we could not fit in our assigned site, so they upgraded us. The extra concrete was nice.

 

[Tri-circle-D]

That booger won't be gettin' my vote for mayor next time! Funny thing is I talked to him on Sunday as well and he didn't mention you either. I'm gonna get him!

We were in 1212. We paid for a full site and requested the 1700 loop. However even after giving our dimensions, we could not fit in our assigned site, so they upgraded us. The extra concrete was nice.

Wow. I know I was on the 1200 loop on Saturday. My secret ice machine is there. When I saw Donnie, he was loading up a cooler full of beer. I guess that explains things. Congrats on the upgrade.

TCD

 

[thegoofyfamily]

A lot of the public schools in Florida have 10/15 off. Which means you are going on a busy weekend. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I have heard that the HCR's are already sold out for that weekend. I suggest that you call immediately. The number is 407-939-7529. When you make the reservation, you have to pre-pay, and there is a 24 hour cancellation policy.

Let me know if you were able to get the reservation.

TCD

Thank you for the number! Sadly, you are right. According to the sales agent, the entire month of October is booked. There is only a 1-day cancellation policy, so we'll keep trying to call from now through next weekend.

We did get HDDR seats for Saturday night in Category 1, so it wasn't a total loss!

 

[Tri-circle-D]

Alright, enough chatter.

Let's get back on track here.

Where we left off was that the TCD gang escaped with all heads intact after our encounter with the Headless Horseman.

The UF/Bama game was over by that time. Actually, I think it was still half time. But trust me, the game was over.

So, that left only one thing for us to do.

Loop.

And we did.

We received a tip that there was a good night-time Halloween display on the 400 loop.

We found it.

This fellow has created a synchronized light display to the song Thriller.

So, it lasts for what, 18 minutes?

It's pretty good.

But a little long.

I asked the fellow how long he intends to be set up there.

He said until some time next year.

So, I guess he will still be there on Halloween.

And guess what?

He is Cat Liver 5 (if you have just been looking at the pictures, you won't get this- so go back and read).

That's right.

The Cat Liver 5 truck was parked at his site during the day.

So he is either Cat Liver 5, or a friend of Cat Liver 5.

Anyway, here's what the display looks like:

I'm not sure if you can figure this out from the photo, but the guy created a light board that looks like a mouth and eyes. The mouth moves along with the words of the song:

It's worth a visit.

But, I am not sure how much this guy's neighbors are going to like this. I am predicting nightly traffic problems in the 400 loop for the rest of this month. In the future, please refer to this as the Cat Liver 5 display, so we will all know what you are talking about.

There was much more looping on Saturday night.

But, no more photos.

I was up with the sun again on Sunday.

And headed down to the Settlement to get some photos.

I had noticed a lot of surveying type markers around.

And, these needed to be documented.

These were all around the wooded area between Pioneer Hall and the 100 loop (yes, you may have already seen some of these on another thread, but there are more here, along with some from another place, so pay attention):

Over on the other side of this wooded area, there is a paved path that leads from the Settlement Bus Stop to Pioneer Hall. These next photos are from that area, looking in to toward the woods:

This photo is taken from the same spot as the one above, but this time looking toward the old petting zoo area:

This is an old viewing platform that remains in this area from a time when there used to be a Coachmen Futura travel trailer on display here:

Continuing around the perimeter of this area, this is a photo looking toward the Settlement Bus Stop:

Turning left here, we are heading back toward the 100 loop:

You can see the old viewing platform to the left from here:

Continuing on, you can still catch a glimpse of Pioneer Hall through the thick wooded area:

This is the driveway that the buses use to approach the bus stop:

And, now we are looking toward the path, with the 100 loop in the background:

Looking into the woods, you can't see anything but trees and plants. But Pioneer Hall, and further on, Bay Lake are on the other side of these trees:

This is how the interior of the camping loops used to be. You couldn't see into the sites behind you, or around the loop. I miss that. And, I'm going to miss these woods, too.

Now we are walking back to the area of Pioneer Hall:

I don't know why, but I really like this area. I like all of the fences, and the buses, and the whole vibe here. According to what the CM told me on Saturday night, in the next year, this is all going to be torn down and re-purposed.

Here is a shot of Pioneer Hall being illuminated by the rising sun:

And, a last look toward the old petting zoo area:

In case you are not familiar with the area we just explored, here's an aerial shot of the whole place:

Take a good look at this photo. I think it's cool. You can see the little covered wagon in front of the Settlement Trading Post. And even the old River Country Wagon over by the Settlement Playground. Speaking of which, would you believe that the River Country Wagon is still sitting behind the Settlement Trading Post?

Well it is.

And that is where we will be heading next.

TCD

 

[Tri-circle-D]

Thank you for the number! Sadly, you are right. According to the sales agent, the entire month of October is booked. There is only a 1-day cancellation policy, so we'll keep trying to call from now through next weekend.

We did get HDDR seats for Saturday night in Category 1, so it wasn't a total loss!

Wow! The whole month? I can't believe that. They were sure busy the night we visited. I don't know where all these people come from, as this is not very heavily advertised. Must be word of mouth.

The night we were there, a family showed up without a reservation. One of the three groups for our assigned time did not show, so this family got to ride. But, I think they were lucky. I wouldn't want to have to wait around all night and hope that somebody doesn't show up.

Hopefully, you can snag a cancellation.

This will be the last chance to experience this particular version.

TCD

 

[Tri-circle-D]

Moving right along. . .

Here we are standing in front of the Pioneer Hall ticket window, looking back toward the old petting zoo. I love the little flower garden here:

Now we are behind the Settlement Trading Post, just a bit down the path that begins right behind the Trading Post. You can see stakes with colored ribbons out in the woods here. The 100 and 200 loops are out this way:

Here we are looking down the path:

(note the pink ribbons tied to the trees here)

Now we are looking from this same area toward Bay Lake. You can see a stake with a white ribbon on it, and it looks like this entire area has been cleared out a bit:

If you look carefully around this area, you will see that there are a number of stakes and ribbons:

Now, we are going to walk out and around the Settlement Trading Post and take a look at this area from the beach side. The gates behind the Trading Post were wide open, so I snapped this photo:

Yes, that is the aforementioned River Country Wagon. I don't know why it is still sitting back here. As far as I can tell, no work has been done on it since it was rolled back here over six months ago.

Here we are on the beach, looking toward the marina:

I did not realize that there were speakers on the beach here. But there are:

I have never noticed many people watch the fireworks from here. Everybody is usually over on the other side of the marina building. But, apparently the fireworks soundtrack is piped in here, too.

From here, on the edge of the woods, you can see flags hanging out in the trees:

Down the beach a bit, we find another speaker;

And here, there are red ribbons hanging in the trees:

This stake appears to mark the corner of something:

You can't see it, but there is a stake with a flag off in the distance here, and it looks like a line of sight was cleared out between the stakes:

The beach is pretty wide here. Here are some photos from right by the stake with the writing on it, looking toward the marina and Bay Lake:

The stake you see in this photo is the same one in the previous photos. As you can see, this is not too far from the Marina.

That is the top of Bay Lake Tower that you see there, rising behind Discovery Island.

Here's one last shot looking in to the woods;

The point of all of these photos is that there was obviously recent survey work done in this area of land between the 100 Loop and Bay Lake. It looks like some type of project is going to begin here. I predict it is going to be a new pavilion for use by the Backyard BBQ.

Coming up, we leave the beach, and head over to River Country.

TCD

 

[doombuqqy]

We received a tip that there was a good night-time Halloween display on the 400 loop.

We found it.

This fellow has created a synchronized light display to the song Thriller.

So, it lasts for what, 18 minutes?

It's pretty good.

But a little long.

I asked the fellow how long he intends to be set up there.

He said until some time next year.

So, I guess he will still be there on Halloween.

And guess what?



Anyway, here's what the display looks like:

I'm not sure if you can figure this out from the photo, but the guy created a light board that looks like a mouth and eyes. The mouth moves along with the words of the song:

TCD

I guess I don't have to stress out about the site decorating contest now Great TR

 

[dogcarbon]

You can't see it, but there is a stake with a flag off in the distance here, and it looks like a line of sight was cleared out between the stakes:

Yeah, the "PI" on the survey wooden post means, Point of Inflection/Intersection. that was probably the "Line of Sight" used, and there probably is another wooden post within the site line going another direction. and those straight lines are called the traverse... the areas between each PI is what they are surveying. The wooden posts are usually the setup area. AND, this is old school. The most current technology uses satellites and backpack transmitters and such.

HTH or even makes sense, i just finished my morning coffee.