Tent Camping October 2011..hopefully!

[hotmamac]

Hi all!
I am hoping to head to the Fort on our next trip in October 2011. I am experienced at tent camping and have some pretty good equipment, but DH is not so experienced and not totally convinced. My kids and I LOVE tent camping so I know they would enjoy...but I need to keep talking DH into it

So I'm looking for any advice, or tips or stories from anyone who has tented at FW. When I make ressies, is there a good loop or a specific site that is really good? I camped at FW once, back in 1980 so any info I have is WELL outdated.

Thanks gang! I get so excited about it just being here on the boards!!!

Misty

 

[DaveInTN]

Misty, I suggest you have your husband read some of the trip reports on these boards. That should help convince him about how awesome the Fort is.

If that doesn't work, then start talking a lot about how much you want to go to WDW, and talk about how nice the Grand Floridian looks. Tell him how important it is to you to enjoy a WDW vacation with your kids. Show him the room rates at the GF. Then, point out you'd be just as happy tent camping at the Fort. I bet he jumps at the chance to book a Fort vacation.

 

[arielmomma]

Congrats! We just tent camped at the Fort for the 1st time in July b/c my DH took 3 years to convince! Needless to say he absolutely loved it!

Unlike your DH, mine (and all of us) were experienced tent campers, but the idea of sleeping in a tent on our "big" vacation when he could be in a hotel was hard on him, but the Fort totally changed his mind. We all loved it. We were in 2068. To us, this was a great site. Near the bathrooms and bus stop and shaded in the afternoon. We loved all of the activities.

We want to go down near Halloween time next year. It looks like a lot of fun + a lot cooler. I agree with the PP. You should check out the trip reports and all of the picture threads. They really helped my DH.

Have fun planning!

 

[Born 2 Fish]

Misty, I suggest you have your husband read some of the trip reports on these boards. That should help convince him about how awesome the Fort is.

If that doesn't work, then start talking a lot about how much you want to go to WDW, and talk about how nice the Grand Floridian looks. Tell him how important it is to you to enjoy a WDW vacation with your kids. Show him the room rates at the GF. Then, point out you'd be just as happy tent camping at the Fort. I bet he jumps at the chance to book a Fort vacation.

And if all else fails, just tell him to,
"MAN UP ! If it was good enough for your great, great grandparents, then you can at least give it a try one time !!"




And then tell him if he'll just try camp'n once, you'll take him to get a "kitchen sink",Mmmmmm!

 

[rm0530]

My DH and I have tent camped twice at the Fort (trip report links in my sig). There are two loops for partial hook-ups, 1500 and 2000. Our first trip we stayed in 1800 (a full hook-up loop). Our second trip we stayed in 2000. The site in 2000 had a smaller paved area and a larger sand area than 1800.

The 2000 loop is larger than 1500 with larger sites. Depending on your set-up, you may need a larger area. The 1500 loop is nice because it's right across from the Meadows pool, store, and campfire. The 2000 loop is further away from the action but was nice for buses to the settlement. We were the last stop to pick up and the first stop on the way back.

We have three more trips booked for this year, all in a partial hook-up. We prefer to be placed near the comfort stations and request that on our reservations. We give up some privacy for this but I'd rather be close and have easy access. What you get for your money compared to tent accommodations at other campgrounds is wonderful. The sites are leveled and offer plenty of room. The bathrooms have A/C and are kept clean, the showers are spider free, and each CS has laundry facilities. I feel safe while camping at the Fort and most of all, I feel relaxed.

I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have. Good luck!

 

[SandrA9810]

With free electrical hook ups... being comfortable is easy. And generally in October you won't need anything more than a light blanket to cover up with at night. So many Halloween things to do, you'll never be bored at the Fort.

You might want to look into getting one of those tall airbeds. Don't think you want a grouchy and in pain dad when you're on vacation. I always made my bed out of comforters and a mattress topper, but that takes up a lot of room in the truck bed. But it was just as comfortable as sleeping on my own bed.

If all else fails, tell him he can bring a mini fridge full of his favorite drinks.

The fort really is a lot more civilized camping than backwoods camping. I don't know if I'd survive in a place like that. With bathrooms at the opposite end of the campgrounds, and paying 5 bucks for a 12 min shower... It makes the Fort seem like a 5 star resort.

 

[hotmamac]

You all are so funny! And so full of great info. Suprisingly, DH has suddenly agreed to camping!!! YEAH!!! Fort Wilderness HERE WE COME
I still appreciate any tips or helpfull info about the Fort...it's been 30 years (gulp) since I've been there.