Tell me about tent camping in January!

[mommy2paris]

We have never tent camped at Ft Wilderness, but we are thinking about doing so in January... We are possibly taking a short Disney cruise, but i can't imagine being that close and not visiting the parks some.
I was thinking of camping for 3 nights, and just spending one day at the Magic Kingdom, and then enjoying the fun things at Ft Wilderness and some time in Downtown disney.
We have 2 small girls, 2 & 4, who have camped in the past and really enjoyed it.
What would be our best bet for heating? electric blankets?
TIA for any info!!

 

[ORLCampers]

A few years ago before we purchased the Travel Trailer we tent camped at FW alot. We only camped Oct - Feb and had to deal with some pretty cold nights (one night in Dec it was 29 degrees). We used electric blankets once, but found a small oscillating space heater worked best. Keeps the whole tent warm which in nice if you get up to go to the restroom in the middle of the night so when you step back in the tent it's warm. Amazon has a bunch of different models. Most current ones have overheat sensors as well as tip over switches to turn them off in case you bump it at night.

Have fun!

 

[mommy2paris]

Thanks! I will have to check those out!

 

[mamaloya]

I bought a 360 degree one at walmart. You can put it in the middle of the tent, away from all the walls, and it heats all the way around it. It does have a tipover switch on it so it will shut off immediately if it gets knocked over.

 

[bama_ed]

I dunno....

I love tent camping but January in central Florida is probably the diciest month of the year. It can be really cold or rainy/drizzly. You didn't say what kind of weather your kids have camped in.

IMO (and you didn't ask for it) I would not want to set up a tent and sleep on the ground after a Dis Cruise. If I were detoxing at the Fort after an active vacation (which is a great idea in and of itself) I would suggest renting a camper to use at the Fort. As a man, I wouldn't want to set up a tent and sleep on the cold ground and pack all the camping stuff if I could rent a camper at the Fort. Based on the age and number of your children, you might want to rent a pop-up and have it set up for you at the Fort when your arrive. Here is the link: http://www.makecampingeasy.com/

You can still bring the electric blanket or space heater but you won't need the tent, the sleeping bags, and your food bill will be lower since you will be able to have some meals at the campsite. But beware: once your family has stayed in a pop-up they'll never want to go back to a tent. I'm here as living proof!

Bama ED

 

[SandrA9810]

Last year we tent camped in April... and happened to be there the one night that the final cold front came through. I think it was in the 40's at night, but I froze my hinny off. By the end of the trip, it was really nice out during the day and really nice out at night. I didn't want to leave.

To a native, when it gets cold in Florida, I'M FREEZING! But if you're from some where up north and Florida cold weather is like a nice day out for you, then you'll be having the time of your life.

And I don't know how you were camping ed, but my tent camping set up is soo nice and cozy that I'd rather be at the fort than at home. Some people can make really awesome beds. So if your camping style is very very comfy, then go for it. I'd probably go with both the heater and the kids have an electric blanket. It seems most people sleep next their own human heaters, so I'd be afraid your hubby would want to kick the blankets straight off the bed.

 

[liv luvs disney]

I have to agree with BAMA ED about going from a Disney cruise to sleeping on the ground. Plus where would you store the tent, heater, sleeping bags, electic blankets, etc. while on the cruise? Not that you asked, but my vote is for makecampingeasy! The pop-up comes with everything you would need. I believe they even offer bikes. You can always order a few groceries and have them brought in or mail them from home before you leave. If that is too much of a hassle, just eat all your food on site. Whatever you decide, you'll have a great time.