Tent camping questions-

[d-man's mom]

What month do you think is the best month to go tent camping at Ft Wilderness?

What's the longest you have stayed there in a tent?

If you have kids, how old were they on their first tent camping trip?

I really want to tent camp there next year with my ds who will be 5. He and I are going to do some tent camping this summer for the first time. It's just the two of us so I also need to practice setting up the site without another adult. Thoughts? Suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[JLTraveling]

I am an avid tent camper, though I've only camped at Fort Wilderness once. Here are my thoughts on your questions.

1) Well, it depends on your tolerance for the elements. It's Central Florida, so the weather, bugs, etc will be the mildest in spring and fall. Should be somewhat less crowded during those seasons too. Summer will be crowded, and also boiling hot, and winter can be quite cold. Of course, a fan or a heater in your tent will keep you comfortable whatever the weather conditions. If you go during summer though, plan for tons of rain, and don't leave anything outside the tent while you're gone that might get soaked.

2) I stayed at Fort Wilderness for a week. I've camped in a tent for over a month though, outside of New Orleans in the middle of winter.

3) I don't have kids, but my cousins tent camped pretty much since birth. It's never too early, IMHO, especially if your son is pretty open to new experiences.

General thoughts on tent camping and camping at Fort Wilderness... setting up is really easy, even for one person, as long as you have a newer tent. Definitely practice first, but it'll be second nature in no time. I assume you have camping experience? Make sure you check and double check your camping packing list, which should be completely separate from your regular vacation packing list.

One specific note about Fort Wilderness. They DO NOT allow campfires in any way, shape, or form. We tried to build a small, contained fire in the charcoal grill, and a most un-Disney like CM came running over with a hose, informing us that we had 30 seconds to put out the fire, or he would be hosing down our entire site. Of course, we retaliated by putting out the low-burning wood fire, then dumping an entire bag of charcoal in the itty-bitty grill. We doused it in lighter fluid, and boom! A spectacular fire that almost grazed the treetops Boy was that CM mad, but we weren't "technically" doing anything wrong, so he couldn't say a word.

Other than that, FW is kind of like a deluxe KOA. It's definitely not the back-to-nature experience, but it is a kick. There are lots of activities, there is a group campfire now and then, and of course since it's Disney everything is sparkling clean, the campsites are very level and pretty with manicured grass, it's a nice place. You and your son will have tons of fun!

Any other questions, feel free to ask!

 

[d-man's mom]

Thanks so much for your reply!

That's really funny about the fire/grill experience.

Yes, I have tent camping experience (and my own master list including my must haves, etc). It's been about a year since I went camping and I can't wait to get back out there. However, I've never gone with my son or without other adults before, which is why I need to do some practice runs before going to Ft Wilderness.

We are going to WDW in December this year (in a hotel) and I'm planning to go over and check out the campground.

Thanks again!

 

[mary lou]

We started camping with the kids when they were 8 months old in a tent. When we had 3 kids we decided it was time for a pop up. Have never camped at FW but am hoping to enjoy that experience next May.
We will have another new experience with a motorhome.
Mary Lou

 

[goofytime2000]

I have been camping all of my life...literally. I've spent more vacations in a campground than I have spent anywhere near a hotel. I love Fort Wilderness! Great campground, great atomsphere. I can't help as to which is the best month to camp at WDW. I've only ever been there during the spring (between March and May). Not know what kind of tent you have, I don't know how hard it will be for you to set up by yourself. Most tents made within the last ten years are possible to set up by yourself. It might not be the easiest thing you've ever done, but it is possible. The main this is (as others have said) PRATICE!!! Practice 1st in your backyard before you head out to the campgrounds. Nothing is worse than not being to get your tent up when it's getting dark, the bugs are biting and the trying to rain.

 

[the4moores]

We tent camped at FW in Oct 2002 when DDs were 2 and 4. We stayed for 11 nights and loved it. I wasn't sure if we would be able to last that long in a tent but it was great. We didn't have a lot of rain which could make a big difference. I loved the sand area at the entrance of our loop which we could see from our campsite. The girls loved playing there while we set up or cooked dinner and they made a few friends to play with as well. We only went to the parks 3 of the days and the time went so fast. Fort Wilderness is awesome!

 

[wildernessfamily]

One thing you might think about is comfort stations/showers. I am sure you have run into this before (bathrooms). But just something you might want to discuss with him ahead of time. They do have a shower with curtain and then very small dressing area that has a door. (has this changed someone said they just did renovations in the comfort stations?) Just something to think about since it is just you and him.