Tent camping for the first time...eeekkk..lots of questions!

[imthatgirl]

Sad to say I am 35 and I have never camped.....ok now that the shame is out there, I'm going to need help.
We have been loyal Disnoids for years now, but with 3 growing kids it's getting really expensive to go especially since we've grown out of anything but a deluxe. so we are turning to camping. We plan to buy a pop-up, but want to make sure we like it with the tent first.
Here are my questions...and I'm sure more to follow...

1. Is there any kind of security issue? Do you need to lock up our things? Do you just keep all your clothing in the tent and it goes untouched? I've spent years in resort rooms where you hide and lock everything up....just leaving my things there scares me a bit.

2. We plan to go in February for the first time so the heat and humidity won't be an issue, but if we do decide to go in the summer, what do you do about the heat and humidity? Do all your clothes get really damp? Also bedding. We've thought about a portable AC unit(which we have) is it practical??

3. What exactly are the showers and bathrooms like? My husband has been looking at the shower tents, how practical are those? I kind of like the idea of a privacy tent in case one of the kids needs to use the bathroom in the middle of the night, but I'm not so sure it makes sense to shower in it.

4. Food. I'm lost on this. Like I said I have never camped, so I have never had the task of keeping food cold. We don't plan to get a meal plan, but do plan to eat in the parks a lot. However I expect we will want bacon and eggs in the morning or cereal. Maybe even some hotdogs and hamburgers on the grill for some meals. How exactly do you all keep these things fresh. My husband suggested a small refrigerator....but now I feel like thats getting silly. Maybe there is something we're missing? Along the same lines, I'm assuming dry foods you just leave in a plastic bin? It is the woods, so that is something we need to think about right?

5. Do you take a shelter for your eating area? How "buggy" is the camp area? Will we be fine eating outside or is it best to bring a screened in tent thing, lol.

And last....I know this may be asking a lot...but is there a list anywhere of necessities we would need for our trip? I like to e prepared for things and I feel I am completely out of my element here.
Thank you in advance

 

[mkoerner]

How exciting to be camping for the first time! I will say right from the start that tent camping with our 3 boys when they were growing up hold the best memories my husband and I have of time spent with them on vacation. That being said, I can tell you it is a lot of work, but as long as everyone has a job, things should go smoothly.
I'll try and answer as many of your questions as I can.
1. While we always feel safe wherever we are, we never leave any valuables unattended in the tent, always lock them in the car when you're not around.
2. I pack everything in waterproof containers. Towels and clothes go in plastic totes. Matches, paper plates, napkins in ziplock bags. Sleeping bags, pillows, other linens in trash bags.
3. We've never camped in winter, so I can't speak to heaters.
4. In summer, we usually bring a fan or two and this has worked out very well. We have camped in a tent as far south as Williamsburg.
5. Definitely bring a screen tent of some sort to have your table in and eat. Bugs are everywhere, and the screen tent helps keep them away more.
6. Don't bother with the shower tent thing. The comfort stations at FW are clean and safe. They have showers and bathrooms, plus laundry machines.
7. For keeping food fresh, we have a large boat cooler which keeps ice frozen for about 3-4 days at a time. We put the food in first, then add the ice on top. Then we just buy more ice and add as needed. Non refrigerated food goes in the plastic totes. We keep everything in the screen tent with the table. Well there was one summer in Lancaster when the groundhogs got the lids off and helped themselves to everything. But, I'm not sure groundhogs are a big problem in Florida.
Hope this helps. Start making a list and just add to it when you think of something.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1. Is there any kind of security issue? Do you need to lock up our things? Do you just keep all your clothing in the tent and it goes untouched? I've spent years in resort rooms where you hide and lock everything up....just leaving my things there scares me a bit.
. . . not bad
. . . but, do not leave valuables in the open
. . . for money, cards, etc, lock in Front Desk Security Boxes

2. We plan to go in February for the first time so the heat and humidity won't be an issue, but if we do decide to go in the summer, what do you do about the heat and humidity? Do all your clothes get really damp? Also bedding. We've thought about a portable AC unit(which we have) is it practical??
. . . clothes can get damp and stay that way
. . . but, air them during the day and yo will be fine
. . . yes, get a poratable AC unit

3. What exactly are the showers and bathrooms like? My husband has been looking at the shower tents, how practical are those? I kind of like the idea of a privacy tent in case one of the kids needs to use the bathroom in the middle of the night, but I'm not so sure it makes sense to shower in it.
. . . the comfort stations are nice
. . . they have separate stalls for covenience and privacy

4. Food. I'm lost on this. Like I said I have never camped, so I have never had the task of keeping food cold. We don't plan to get a meal plan, but do plan to eat in the parks a lot. However I expect we will want bacon and eggs in the morning or cereal. Maybe even some hotdogs and hamburgers on the grill for some meals. How exactly do you all keep these things fresh. My husband suggested a small refrigerator....but now I feel like thats getting silly. Maybe there is something we're missing? Along the same lines, I'm assuming dry foods you just leave in a plastic bin? It is the woods, so that is something we need to think about right?
. . . small frig is a necessity
. . . or, you might use an ice chest and replace ice in morn and night

5. Do you take a shelter for your eating area? How "buggy" is the camp area? Will we be fine eating outside or is it best to bring a screened in tent thing, lol.
. . . in the summer, there are bugs
. . . most folks have some kind of a bug shelter

And last....I know this may be asking a lot...but is there a list anywhere of necessities we would need for our trip? I like to e prepared for things and I feel I am completely out of my element here.
. . . go to any camping website
. . . use the same list

 

[imthatgirl]

See this is how green I am...I honestly had no idea there were coolers that kept ice frozen for any longer then a few hours

That helps a lot. I wasn't so sure we needed the shower. My husband just has a "thing" about public showers and toilets...which I've told him he's just going to need to get over, lol.
So silly question...do campers not bother with luggage? Do you just pack everything in the bins? I'm assuming transferring would be silly right?

Would I even need a heater in February in Florida? I expect it gets chilly, but blankets would be fine right?
It was really just the humidity that I worry about. Maybe thats not the issue I think it is?

 

[mkoerner]

Yes that big cooler is great, although we've replaced it a few times over the years. We bought it at WalMart. Costs about $60, but worth it! When we tent camp, we don't use luggage, just the totes. They keep things dry, even in the worst rain and humidity. Another thing I thought of is put your tent up in your yard after you buy it. Then try and leave it out during a decent rain so you can make sure it doesn't leak. Make sure you fasten both the tent and screen room very well to the ground where ever you use it.

 

[imthatgirl]

Oh great advice about the tent in the rain. We assumed we would need to set it up to know how to....but I never thought about leaving it out in the rain.

I'm compiling a list of things we need. Having never been before this will be quite the initial investment, I just have to keep reminding myself that the next time we go will be pretty much for the cost of tickets and food.

I'm getting more an more excited about this! Thank you for all the advice!!1 Everything is appreciated!

 

[ewspy87]

Here are few more suggestions:

1. After setting up your tent to both figure out how to set it up and also to see how water proof it is (don't want to wait for rain, sprinkle it with a hose), after it dries use something like scotch guard water-proofer or camp dry and spray the rain fly with it. Even if it says waterproof it really sucks to come back to camp and your tent is wet inside.

2. February in Florida can get a bit chilly at night so you may want to purchase some cheap 40 degree sleeping bags at your local wally world. They are heavy but you are car camping so no big deal.

3. You will want to buy some sort of air mats or mattresses to sleep on. If you have never slept on the ground you need something between you and the ground for not only comfort but also to keep the ground from sucking the heat from your body.

4. You may want to take all of this new gear on a weekender to your nearest state park or KOA campground. That way you can test it all out and see if you really want to try camping at WDW. You will also be close to home if things don't work out.

5. I don't care how clean public showers are, bring a set of flip flops to wear in the shower to avoid athletes foot. I usually spray my feet with disinfectant after showering in a public facility too. I hate athletes foot itch!!!

In closing, even if you buy the cheapest gear, this is going to start adding up. I would start with a nice Coleman tent and sleeping bags from wally world and set them up in your back yard. Test it out and see if it is for you. That way you haven't spent a ton of money on coolers and others things before you find out that tenting is not for you.

 

[imthatgirl]

Thanks!
I have been compiling a list and Flip flops were on there. the only issue we have is my husband wears a size 16....and do you know how hard it is to find size 16 flip flops We'll figure that one out though. I have never had athletes foot and wouldn't want to start now.

The weekend trip is probably a good idea.

I found a tent I wanted at Bass Pro. It's their own brand and costs $269. It's a 3 room tent...I figure this is a decent price?

I expect this to add up, but I also expect(possibly prematurely) to love it. we are WDW fanatics and this is a way to keep us going every year, most likely twice a year after this.

Thank you for the hose idea...what a simple thing that I never would have thought of, lol.

 

[weaverlfc]

Im also camping for the first time at the Fort in februrary. Thanks for asking all those questions beacuse they've helped me as well lol.

 

[Nature Mom]

There are a few great points on here already, but I wanted to add a few:

1. We are getting close to the end of the traditional camping season, so retailers are going to be reducing and clearance-ing camping gear soon. I got this tent at Target late last summer for less than $130. I needed a second tent for girl scouts, but we like this tent so much we've used it as our family one since. http://www.target.com/Embark-Person-Cabin-Screen-Porch/dp/B002VJBRYQ/ref=br_1_16/187-7415904-4760365?ie=UTF8&node=1042162&sessionID=187-7415904-4760365&searchSize=30&searchView=grid5&searchPage=1&sr=1-16&qid=1310142782&rh=&searchBinNameList=subjectbin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&searchRank=reviewrank&frombrowse=1 They say it is sold out online, but available in local stores. (Not necessarily recommending this tent, but just want you to be aware while shopping around. )

2. I do the Rubbermaid totes too. One for inside the tent (my kids like having their own bags so we don't combine it all in the tote, that tote holds community stuff); another 'kitchen' tote for inside my kitchen shelter plus the food tote. In addition, there is always one additional tote with lanterns (no flame lanterns at FW..only battery ones needed), bug spray and other miscellaneous items that I don't want mixed with our clothes or our kitchen.

3. Because we love to cook, we do cook often when we camp. I prep all meals before we go, and I freeze the meats. The frozen meats act as big blocks of ice in the cooler, and different cuts defrost differently so you can actually stage your meals around this. (salmon first, hamburger meat, steaks and chicken next, a big roast later on.) I also have a separate cooler just for drinks. Kids open it so much, it is just better to have one set aside that is for this so the big cooler stays shut. We stayed for a week last September and with this method, refilled the drink cooler's ice, 3 times. The other cooler, only once.

4. In car camping, the crock pot is your friend! Lots of things to do with it, saves so much time and there are even crockpot liners so it saves on cleanup too. Win win!!

4. You will want extra tarps. They are usually blue, you can get them at Wal-Mart or Home depot and they are inexpensive. I always line under the tent with one, and have an extra to go over the tent and kitchen shelter as an extra rain barrier.

Last September, I thought we would need an a/c, but didn't. We also wasn't in camp during the hottest part of day, or if we were we were in the pool area. We did great with just a few fans, it was even cool in the morning...so much so that we were all putting on heavier sleep clothes the next night, lol. We were also in Orlando last February and it was HOT , but we were in a hotel that time and so I can't verify how bad it was at FW. It could be cool next year, though so keep a small heater handy if you need to add it to your gear.

Lastly, DEFINITELY do a camp trip local to your home before you go to FW. Some kids just hate camping and it would be horrible to plan such a trip to only find out you have a kid who really can't stand bugs, dirt, public bathrooms.... (hello to my oldest DD, lol ). She will camp to be with us, but as a young child, she would often prefer to go to grandmas after just a day or two of camping. lol Now that she's older, she is like my DH...she camps when the camper goes. She likes her luxuries too much, lol. My other 2 kids adore camping and us 3 go often, no camper needed. You also need to know your gear and set it up a few times before you go. There is nothing worse than new gear you can't figure out and children amped up with excitement when you are trying to set up camp...especially in the rain! (And as a backpacker...that happens often enough that I have learned my lesson, lol.)

Have a great trip!

 

[Candace]

If you haven't already purchased your tent, I would suggest looking at one that has the poles attached to the tent/hub. They set up in about a minute or less and are great!

 

[heidijanesmith]

All the advise above is wonderful! Even thought we have not camped at FW before, we are avid tent campers.

1- Although this has been mentioned above, I can't stress it enough. Buy a double height air mattess. I bought a queen size, double height air mattress. Made all the difference in the world! My kids are just fine with a single size mattress, but I like being off the floor. Here is the one that I bought and well worth every penny! http://www.amazon.com/Intex-Pillow-...MFRS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310146108&sr=8-1

2-Bring a dorm fridge, perfect size for all of your food for trip. The fridge kept all of our food cold with easy access, no worries about getting ice. In Feb, you shouldn't have to worry about ice melting like crazy but in the summer, it seems like we are always getting more ice. I keep a couple coolers for drinks, one for adult beverages and one for the kids.

3-Plan on rain, bring extra tarps for covering supplies. A covered shelter, either a canopy with sides or a tent with netting works well. This way you have some where to hang out when it rains.

4-If you can, rent a golf cart from either Disney or an outside company that will drop off/pick up. FW is an amazing property and exploring with a golf cart is fast and easy on the feet. I have heard of people also renting bikes.

5-We bring two tents, one cabin style and one dome. This gives us plenty of space for the adults and kids. My favorite cabin style tent has a "C" door, so you can just open and close it with out zipping all the time. It has also stayed dry during thunderstorms with hail!http://www.basspro.com/Coleman-Vaca...uct/10210452/-1765729?cmCat=CROSSSELL_PRODUCT

6-Storage carts and tubs. I do not like using suitcases when camping. I love these storage carts for clothes and personal items (shampoo, soap). We keep a couple in the tent and are good to go. They are not waterproof, so If you leave them outside, cover with a tarp if it rains.

http://www.walmart.com/cp/College-Drawers-Carts/1085393

We also use tubs for waterproof storage; paper plates, tin foil, paper towels and such.

7-I have seen pics of this, but have never tried it yet. FW campsites are cable ready, bring a small TV with a cable. You can lock it up in your car, when gone or at night.

Hope you have a great time!

 

[got2lovedisney]

The mistake we made on our first camping trip was to bring 1 bottle of shampoo, 1 bottle of conditioner and 1 bar of soap. Ended up having to shower consecutively instead of concurrently. You might want to have travel size essentials for each camper so you can shower at the same time.

I like to bring a small rug to place at the foot of the tent to place shoes and/or wipe feet before coming inside.

Remember, bug spray and sun screen, yes, even in February you can get sun burned.

You might want to check out this site: http://www.disneycampers.com/Disney/default.html

 

[imthatgirl]

Wow so much great advice, I came to the right place!!

Luckily my kids have all been camping with relatives, so it's just me and my husband who has never done this. I know they love it.

@heidijanesmith...that Coleman tent at Bass pro is actually the exact tent I want. They had it set up last time we were there and we thought the size was perfect. there are 5 of us, but we can be in a tight space just fine. Plus if I get a screen room we'll have plenty of space.

I've been pricing beds, I expect to pay close to $150 to get us all on air mattresses. Thats one of our biggest expenses.

Actually my mother has offered to buy us the tent and mattresses as a family xmas present.

this is my list of other things we need(remember we're first timers)

Cooler
screen room
storage bins
bike rack(we'll bring our bikes)
lantern
flashlights
sleeping bags(for just my husband and I)
towels
wash cloths
skillet/griddle
cooking utensils(though I can just bring out grill stuff)
chairs(we have a few already)
alarm clock
extension cords
tarps

I think thats my basic things I need to buy other then food and paper plates and such. Which I priced and thing I can do for around $600.
Am I missing anything big?

 

[heidijanesmith]

Wow so much great advice, I came to the right place!!

Luckily my kids have all been camping with relatives, so it's just me and my husband who has never done this. I know they love it.

@heidijanesmith...that Coleman tent at Bass pro is actually the exact tent I want. They had it set up last time we were there and we thought the size was perfect. there are 5 of us, but we can be in a tight space just fine. Plus if I get a screen room we'll have plenty of space. Great! I hope you love the tent, we have used it many time and it has always held up well. So far it has lasted a long time

I've been pricing beds, I expect to pay close to $150 to get us all on air mattresses. Thats one of our biggest expenses.

Actually my mother has offered to buy us the tent and mattresses as a family xmas present. Wow, what a great present! The tent has room for two queens plus gear. We have put a queen and three singles too.

this is my list of other things we need(remember we're first timers)

Cooler
screen room
storage bins
bike rack(we'll bring our bikes)
lantern
flashlights
sleeping bags(for just my husband and I)
towels
wash cloths
skillet/griddle
cooking utensils(though I can just bring out grill stuff)
chairs(we have a few already)
alarm clock
extension cords
tarps
Rope and clothes pins for towels and such
Bug spray and citronella candles
glow sticks, super fun to put around the tent and for the kids
power cord

I think thats my basic things I need to buy other then food and paper plates and such. Which I priced and thing I can do for around $600.
Am I missing anything big?

Looks like you have a great list, I added some smaller items that we like to take.

 

[imthatgirl]

Of course...a clothes line.

 

[mash]

Here's what we do with the coolers:

One big marine cooler for all the drinks.

One Coleman plug in cooler for all the food. The advantage to the Coleman is that you can plug it into your regular outlet before you go, cool it off, pack it up and then transfer into your car and plug into the cigarette lighter. We've used it many, many times for all kinds of trips, not just camping. It's been a great investment. One note of caution: do not leave it outside in the sun on a warm day. It will have trouble keep itself cool. We always keep ours in the pop up with the air conditioning running.

 

[proudmomof4]

You will definitely want to bring a broom, the sand/shell mix on the tent pads can get everywhere. And depending on when you go, a fan.

 

[2goofycampers]

Packing camping list.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1115732

JMO, but it sounds like tenting equipment is gonna cost what could be a good down payment on a popup.

 

[imthatgirl]

Packing camping list.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1115732

JMO, but it sounds like tenting equipment is gonna cost what could be a good down payment on a popup.

If we bought the pop up wouldn't we still need most of the stuff we will for tent camping?