Tent camping in Sept...

[eyehartdisney]

I'm considering tent camping for my two week long trip in September. I've never camped at Disney, or really anywhere in that time frame, and I'm not sure what to expect, or even if I should do it. I started going to Disney in the deluxes, on the dining plan. Then last year I tried a value resort and without the plan, and ended up loving it more. For the first time I'm going to Disney alone, and I don't have to please anyone else with where I stay, and I'd like to try something new. Camping would definitely fit that category, but I'm a little scared to try it. What if the weather is horrible? What if I get sick? What do you guys think? Am I silly to try it the end of september?

 

[Readerbug]

Yes! Heck no. Actually, maybe. It all depends.
Do a search in this forum on your keywords. There are lots and lots of answers/tips, and maybe in the reading, you'll be able to answer your own questions, because while advice is cheap, only you will go 'this time', and only you will know for you.
Some love it enough to put up with whatever. Remember, most folks at the fort choose some sort of RV over a tent.
Others put it up, a storm takes it down, and they're off to Super 8.
You really seem excited. That counts for something, itself, but not everything.
Is it a necessary part of the "magic" for you?
What do you think?

 

[JanL]

Expect heat, humidity, and possibly a hurricane, so be flexible. Have at very least an electric fan to stir the air in the tent. If it is a hot day, go to the pool and don't use the tent til things cool off later in the evening.

If we waited for good weather in Florida to camp, we would definitely shorten our campouts.

 

[North of Mouse]

I'm considering tent camping for my two week long trip in September. I've never camped at Disney, or really anywhere in that time frame, and I'm not sure what to expect, or even if I should do it. I started going to Disney in the deluxes, on the dining plan. Then last year I tried a value resort and without the plan, and ended up loving it more. For the first time I'm going to Disney alone, and I don't have to please anyone else with where I stay, and I'd like to try something new. Camping would definitely fit that category, but I'm a little scared to try it. What if the weather is horrible? What if I get sick? What do you guys think? Am I silly to try it the end of september?

How you fare will definitely depend a lot on you! I don't know where you are from or what weather you are use to - actually won't matter much - just expect very hot, sticky weather which doesn't cool much at night. Get a portable AC for tent, if possible, but definitely a fan.

During the day you will be out and about, but trying to sleep in that heat/humidity mixture is more than I could ever bear (some do it though). Personally I, nor dh, could ever sleep and we are deep south southerners - 'but' you never get 'used' to that kind of weather, and I love the hot summers, just am not out in it 'all' day like we are at Disney.

Also, adding to that, is the frequent thunderstorms/showers with possibilities of tropical conditions and you have something else to think about.

Not trying to discourage you, but you do need to be aware 'before' you undertake two weeks in a tent.

If you get sick?? That's something you would have to make contingencies for no matter where you were staying by 'yourself'. Not a comforting thought!! Hopefully you would stay well!

If you decide to 'tent' it alone, I will send you lots of .

 

[PEC]

Go for it. Did it for a week in June and had fun. I was with family.
As PP have pointed out, bring a fan at minimum. A good size electric one. One question is are you driving? If so that alleviates some issues. You can always keep some of your luggage in there so even if it rains and your tent falls, you have dry clothes. Do take the extra time to make sure the tent is sturdy. 30 extra minutes putting up the tent saves you the motel 8 bill and misery of everything being wet. Also, during the day do not stay in the tent. Fish, stay at the park, go swimming etc. just do not stay in the hot tent. Once the sun drops a fan and or AC unit will be comfortable for you.

 

[indimom]

We spent a week at the ft. in July 2013. The tent was quite warm during the day, but was fine at night. We actually brought a window a/c unit that we rigged into one of the two doors on our tent. We used it the first night, had to shut it off because it was getting cold, and never used it again. I was surprised how quickly the tent cooled off in the evening. We didn't even use a fan and were all perfectly comfortable.

That said, I would definitely bring some way to cool the air in the tent, just in case. Trying to sleep in smothering humidity would ruin a trip for me.

It rained several times during our trip. We had no problems with the tent, and the sand pad drained the water very quickly. (Our only serious problem with weather was the torrential downpour that started as we were packing up our gear. Ah, well, that's a memory the kids are never going to forget. lol.)