Thanksgiving 2012

[ataylorrdh]

We have dreamed of camping at the Fort since we bought our first camper (pop-up 12 years ago). Each year we book the Fort then Disney releases a deal that convinces us to change to POFQ.

We now have a Fifth wheel. Finally , we will be camping the week of Thanksgiving. Plans will not change this year because we have friends bringing their campers also.

Does anyone have tips for camping at the Fort for the first time? Also, any tips for Thanksgiving week?

 

[bama_ed]

We did Thanksgiving at the Fort a few years ago and enjoyed it.

The Fort will fill all during Tgiving week and be full Wednesday-Sunday just about. Theme parks are full Thursday-Saturday so if you want to do parks go in the early part of the week.

My one piece of advice is not to wait too long to do your grocery shopping for Thursday. The grocery stores got picked over when I went the day before for things like jarred turkey gravy, instant mash potatoes, etc. Had to scramble a little bit but got it worked out. I also wanted to buy a fresh turkey but couldn't find one in the stores so had to buy a frozen bird and thaw it slowly in a separate cooler (it thawed in time). We bought pumpkin and pecan pies from the grocery bakery.

It's fun to cook and eat and watch the college and pro games outside on the telly.

We had a pop up and I used a tabletop roaster oven to cook a 20# turkey and we fed 15 people (other family members stayed over at Pop Century). It's fun with a big group. You'll enjoy it.

Also try to be flexible. We had to eat outside and the day after Tgiving was better weather wise so we had the big get-together on Friday.

Take lots of pictures and share a trip report with us when you get back.

Bama ED

PS - some campers will already have some Christmas decorations up. Watch the progression each morning down around Pioneer Hall. They usually put the Christmas tree up outside in front of the Trails End porch the morning after Thanksgiving Day (Friday).

 

[aceys_h0ney]

We are also camping the week of Thanksgiving this year at the Fort. No advice just wanted to pop in and tell you to have fun! We are really excited, it's our first trip to the Fort also using our new to us hybrid. Of course I hope to get the hybrid broken in well before Thanksgiving.

 

[2goofycampers]

Be sure to make ADR's for any table service or character dining you may want to do.

You might also want to go to MVMCP. This is a separate ticket event.

 

[luckycharm19335]

They do not do the MVMCP during Thanksgiving week.
We go every year over Thanksgiving. If you are going to do the parks and don't like the crowds, go early in the week. Then plan your Fort days for Thursday on.
It is great fun if you have reasonable expectations.

 

[ataylorrdh]

Really appreciate all the advice! Although we are Disney vets, I'm a little nervous about Thanksgiving week. We always go during low attendance times. We will have a family with us that are first timers. Sounds like we will need to get in as much of the parks as we can the first part of the week.

aceys_h0ney, maybe we will run into each other while we are there!

Crowded or not, it's Disney and I know we will have a wonderful time with our family and FRIENDS!

 

[YensidCamper]

We were there this past Thanksgiving and yes Sunday and Monday of the first of the week for less crowded but still busy. I suggest like many, get to rope drop, then come back to the Fort around lunch time and then go back later. We had a blast despite the crowds and using something like the Touring Plans app on a smartphone makes it a little easier.

BTW, GBO!

 

[travlinohio]

We will be at the Fort for thanksgiving too!! I cant wait!

 

[PattyBee]

Disney starts decorating for Christmas around Nov. 1 and finishes by Thanksgiving weekend. So that will be a plus for visiting that time of year. Also I know that people decorate their personal campsites. So if you have the room, imagine how you would like to decorate your site, and bring the decorations and lights. It's really nice to see all the different decorations. You probably can find pictures of decorated sites on the web for examples. I love camping at Fort Wilderness.
Patty in Florida