Tent camping & Flying: Is this the craziest question EVER?

[Nanabug02]

My husband and I have planned a trip to WDW for 6/26-7/5 and were planning on staying at the Wilderness Lodge.

Now, due to financial reasons, we are thinking of camping instead (tent style) at Fort Wilderness. It would save us at least $1,000.00. We have always been avid campers, and I've camped several times before at FW.

However, here is my problem:

We can't drive there (too many miles) and we have already purchased non refundable plane tickets. Have you EVER heard of someone flying to WDW and then camping? We wouldn't have a car, so we would have to bring minimal camping gear in our luggage. We really want to stay as close as we can to the MK area and I know this is the least expensive option.

I've just never heard of anyone doing this or if it is even possible. The only other thing we could do is fly and then rent a car at the airport to drive over to Fort Wilderness, but I'm sure the $$$ it would cost to keep the car that long would cancel out the point of it.

Please give me some opinions on this!! I would love to hear what everyone thinks!!!

 

[PhotobearSam]

Why not ship your camping gear down and ship it back...Might save you from renting a car and you could ship down snacks as well...

I've never camped there so maybe take my advice with a grain of salt...

 

[1Venus]

You could ship your camping stuff, but even that could get expensive depending on how much your equipment weighs. Also, how would you go about shipping it back? Does FW offer UPS or USPS shipping services? (Maybe someone who's done this before can answer that question?)

While I know you want to be close to MK, I think it would be much less stressful to stay at one of the value resorts. You would still be only a short bus ride away from MK. You could economize on meals by eating at the hotel food court. Also, while I haven't been to POP yet to check out the situation, I have used the toasters at the All-Stars to heat up a bagels from home for a budget breakfast.

I don't mean to be negative about the whole camping thing, but I keep thinking about the "what ifs." What if the shipment of your camping supplies doesn't arrive on time? What if it does arrive, but arrives damaged?

 

[my3princes]

My husband and I flew from VT and tent camped at FW on our honeymoon in July 1992. It can certainly be done. You are allowed 2 bags each on the plane. We had one large duffel bag with our tent 10X15 ft cabin style along with 2 large tarps (one for under and one for over the tent). We duct taped all the poles into a large garbage bag and duct taped that to the duffle bag. A second large duffel bag had our air mattress and other camping supplies such as pillows and blankets. The other 2 had clothing and food, etc. We had everything that we needed and had a great trip. I would definately suggest bringing a fan as it was very hot in the tent. We went prior to the new flight restrictions so you may want to check with your airline provider as to the best way to pack a tent. We used Mears to get to and from FW and all was pretty simple. I also understand that whild FW doesn't advertise tent rentals that they do have some available for rental, though between the campsite and the tent rental you could probably do a value resort. If you have other questions you can PM me.

 

[ScarlettO]

The value resort would still be cheaper-IMO....and you'd have air conditioning. I was a camper-but we only camped in Spring and Fall...summer is brutal-90+degrees and humid!!!!

 

[clkelley]

I have flown and tent camped and will probably do it again this December. I am only one person, so with two folks and twice the luggage allowance, it should be easy!!

Delta allows two checked bags per person at 50 lbs per item and the dimensions cannot exceed 62" Height + Width + Length.

The last time I camped and flew I had two large duffle bags and my chair and was able to check all three items, but this was before 9/11.

This trip in December, I plan on checking two rubbermaid bins that meet the size and weight requirements. I'll also have one small carryon suitcase and my computer case. (Ooops, won't take the computer this time as I won't have a vehicle to lock it in)

I drill holes around the lids of the bins and secure them shut with cable ties. I'm either going to tape a pair of scissors on the outside of the bins inside a zip lock bag so that I can cut open the ties, or I'll just borrow a knife when I get to Ft. Wilderness so I can get the bins open.

In those two bins I'll have two small tents, one dining/rain fly, air mattress, electric pump, folding chair, groundcloths, linens, fan, extension cords, laundry detergent, dryer sheets, alarm clock, batteries, lantern, flashlight, extra cable ties for the trip home, etc.

In my carry on bag, I'll have just a couple of changes of clothes and will do laundry each day.

I hope this helps!!

Carol

 

[donac]

You don't have to bring down food if you have a car. You can get groceries out side the park and a cooler. More room for stuff. Don't bring cooking equiment. We never used them.

Dona

 

[Tuffcookie]

It is too hot and wet in the summer! I vote for staying at one of the value resorts.

TC

 

[Lesley]

We tent camped after driving to WDW in Geo Metro...3 people. Flying shouldn't be any more difficult!

 

[jwill]

I did this back in December of 2002. I flew down with my tent and all the camping gear including a small tv in a hockey bag (basically just a large duffel bag and my clothes in another suitcase. Mears transported me to Fort Wilderness and they transported me to my site. It was a great experience then and something that am so glad that I did.

It's funny that you basically asked the same question I did before I planned my adventure. I got some posts telling me that they have done it before, that was all the encouragement I needed.

Have a great time if you decide to give it a shot.

 

[kmccoy]

My husband and I flew from New England a few years ago and camped in FW. I wouldn't suggest it. Going down wasn't too bad, but coming back was tough. It basically rained the entire time we were in Disney, so everything was wet when we had to pack it up and put it back into our luggage. It made for a tough trip (very heavy). I would go for the value resort myself. Sorry to be so pessimistic. Good luck.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Renting tents at FW is expensive--you can get the value resort by the time you expend the effort trying to get one.

We camped in 2000 and hubby forgot the tent poles...It was my birthday and I was pregnant and was in tears over the thought of having to leave property to go to Wal-mart.

Alas--we went into the Meadow trading post and all was fixed Disney style with a price tag to match. We could have purchased a new tent for what we spent (I don't remember the amount--but it was a shocker).

Go for the value and the air conditioning IMHO.