The Skeptical First-Timers made it back home, here's the TR! Completed!

[skier_pete]

Really...Fort Wilderness was his big thing? WoW! I never would have guessed that...I figured it was the pool bar or something. To each his own, because for me nothing would spoil a Disney trip more than coming back to a tent each night. The campground in general seems nice, but I don't think we would ever consider staying there as the cabins are really expensive.

We did HDDR last trip and did really enjoy it a lot. It helped that we used DDP instead of OOP though, as I think the price is ridiculous for the show. The food was very good too, which sort of surprised me.

I get the needing a down day though - we try and build at least one "down day" in each of our trips as you really just can't keep going for more than 4-5 days in a row like that.

It's starting to sound more and more like you'll get another trip out of them, too!

 

[FosterA]

I love Fort Wilderness! We toyed with going back there, but since we had stayed there already, we thought we'd try something different! Although with the confirmed bed bugs last week at the Poly my anxiety may get the best of me and I may flip-flop to a different hotel.

Really? Just a couple random cases or are there lots of people talking about bedbugs? I suppose they could be at any of the hotels though. yuck.

I can't believe your hubby took speaker pics. LOL, I thought mine was the only one who did that. And yes, they are a piece of furniture they are so big. Several times in your trip report, I smacked my head and was like o.m.g. as it was my hubby all over again.

I know, it's so weird. I can't tell one speaker from another and don't get what the big deal is.

Finally finished the report and I have tosay great job!!
Your photos were great. Some day I want to stay at the Poly.

Men...I swear you just want to SMACK EM UPSIDE THE HEAD
Can't live with them and you can't shoot em.

I'm glad y'all had a great trip. i'm going the first week of may and I can't wait. These reports are keeping my spirits up til i can go.

awwww. thanks for reading along!!

Wow glad to hear that David found his magic somewhere over there! We actually changed our ADR's from Fulton's Crabhouse and are going to the hoop-de-doo. I went there as a kid and it's one of my favorite memories of going.

Looking forward to hearing how it went.

Technically going to Hoop was his favorite thing on the trip, well the whole Fort Wilderness night. I liked Hoop, but I honestly think we did a bunch of other things that were more fun so it's odd how different people enjoy such different things! That's cool how you fondly remember Hoop from when you were a kid

I'm so glad David's mood lifted! And that's hilarious that he loved the relaxed pace of the campgrounds!

Can't wait to hear about dinner and your last night at MK!

Thanks! I know....I personally felt like there were many more exciting things we did than this night but he just really had a great time strolling the grounds and he LOVED hoop! which is rather surprising I thought Been married 15 years and I would have sworn he'd not really like Hoop!

Really...Fort Wilderness was his big thing? WoW! I never would have guessed that...I figured it was the pool bar or something. To each his own, because for me nothing would spoil a Disney trip more than coming back to a tent each night. The campground in general seems nice, but I don't think we would ever consider staying there as the cabins are really expensive.

We did HDDR last trip and did really enjoy it a lot. It helped that we used DDP instead of OOP though, as I think the price is ridiculous for the show. The food was very good too, which sort of surprised me.

I get the needing a down day though - we try and build at least one "down day" in each of our trips as you really just can't keep going for more than 4-5 days in a row like that.

It's starting to sound more and more like you'll get another trip out of them, too!

I know.....so anti-climatic huh?? It was the weirdest thing because he had more pep in his step, smiled alot, and had such a great time that night. He went nuts at Hoop (I'll get into that on my next update). I am like you and didn't think Hoop was "all that" at all. Plus I am actually very surprised that he liked it as much as he did. I never would have guessed!
I WILL NEVER do a tent at Disney Now, he LOVED the campground area but we would have to do a cabin or have an RV (which we don't have) or something and I don't think that's going to happen. However....since we ended our trip on a good note, he's game to go back and I'm actually thinking about Port Orleans Alligator Bayou area?? I think that's what it's called. You know...a little more of a campy, rustic atmosphere because he seemed to really like that. Otherwise, I'll look into the cabins at the campground but I think they are VERY expensive.

 

[JAMIESMITH]

I looked into the cabins and they really aren't that expensive. I can't wait to read about the Hoop de Doo.

 

[Moodyzblu]

I can't get over the pics of people's camp decorations .. I love it !!

Well I'm glad David perked up after all .. and he is actually considering going back ! Honestly I can remember our very first trip .. and I wasn't "wow'd" much but I knew I wanted to return. NOW .. well it's an obsession .. but it took me a few trips before I got the "hang" of it. I bet David will be much more excited next trip (if you guys decide on one) because he'll know what to expect (does that make sense ??).

Can't to to hear all it all ends .. I've never done Hoop Dee Doo so looking forward to pics.

 

[kittylady1972]

Wow...it's amazing how WDW appeals to people in so many different ways! I must say the campground looks great and you have convinced me that we should head over there one of our trips just to check it out. I keep saying I'll wait to do Hoop until the kids are older and MIGHT like the food, but perhaps we'll do the dining plan next time and just go for it as something different!

Can't wait for your update on the show!

 

[solana131]

Allison would hate me....I wear jeans and flip flops all the time
I was wondering about the boats for transportation. I know the big draw for the Poly is the monorail, but I think a few times we might like to take the boats.
Yikes! Someone said there are confirmed cases of bedbugs at the Poly? Well, maybe that is good. We only have 52 more days to go and maybe with some confirmed cases, they will go over everything with a fine tooth comb before we get there Not gonna change our mind though, there could be bedbugs anywhere!

 

[Chicago Mo]

your kidding...

You HAVE to show him POR!!!! that would be right up his alley... seriously.

i am really Bummed your tr is almost over. .. I think that is why i keep leaving mine out there!!! HA HA HA!

 

[swwake]

That's what I was guessing - Ft Wilderness.

I have to tell you 2 things, Aimee.

1 - last night i was reading your updates and my DH was sitting right beside me on the couch with the TV paused (aside - who would have ever thought we'd be "pausing" the TV??) and I asked him if I was boring him, reading my DIS. He said "no, I'm actually very interested in what you're reading and I'm reading along. I'm getting excited about our trip."

2 - See my post on my PTR. I met a girl today at my chiro that might have been you. But I know it wasn't.

 

[FosterA]

I looked into the cabins and they really aren't that expensive. I can't wait to read about the Hoop de Doo.

Really? I haven't actually looked into those yet but I'm going to start! Another option might be Port Orleans in the cabin-y Alligator Bayou section.
I'll probably do my Hoop report tonight because that's when David really got wound up

I can't get over the pics of people's camp decorations .. I love it !!

Well I'm glad David perked up after all .. and he is actually considering going back ! Honestly I can remember our very first trip .. and I wasn't "wow'd" much but I knew I wanted to return. NOW .. well it's an obsession .. but it took me a few trips before I got the "hang" of it. I bet David will be much more excited next trip (if you guys decide on one) because he'll know what to expect (does that make sense ??).

Can't to to hear all it all ends .. I've never done Hoop Dee Doo so looking forward to pics.

I totally agree. I think the first trip is sort of overwhelming plus you have certain expectations of what to expect but I bet a second trip would be even better, especially for David. He sort of grunted whenever we said we wanted to come back while we were on vacation but after this final night, he actually said he'd be ok with it I'll probably do my Hoop review tonight!

Wow...it's amazing how WDW appeals to people in so many different ways! I must say the campground looks great and you have convinced me that we should head over there one of our trips just to check it out. I keep saying I'll wait to do Hoop until the kids are older and MIGHT like the food, but perhaps we'll do the dining plan next time and just go for it as something different!

Can't wait for your update on the show!

I know....it is interesting to see what appeals to one person compared to another. I think Dave thought of WDW as very man-made and animatronic everything so getting out to the Wilderness area and seeing Hoop he felt like things were more real?? Not sure how to explain it but that's probably how he felt. He really went nuts at Hoop and was getting all involved with shouting out stuff and all that, it was hilarious.

Allison would hate me....I wear jeans and flip flops all the time
I was wondering about the boats for transportation. I know the big draw for the Poly is the monorail, but I think a few times we might like to take the boats.
Yikes! Someone said there are confirmed cases of bedbugs at the Poly? Well, maybe that is good. We only have 52 more days to go and maybe with some confirmed cases, they will go over everything with a fine tooth comb before we get there Not gonna change our mind though, there could be bedbugs anywhere!

I agree, bedbugs could be anywhere. The way my house is looking lately, I might even have them in my bed now!
OH..I wear jeans and flip flops all the time too!! I think her beef is when boys do it for some reason
DAvid told me that the boat rides were one of his favorite things on the whole trip! He would choose that over monorail or bus anyday.

 

[FosterA]

your kidding...

You HAVE to show him POR!!!! that would be right up his alley... seriously.

i am really Bummed your tr is almost over. .. I think that is why i keep leaving mine out there!!! HA HA HA!

I know!! He's from southeast Tx right on the Louisiana border, and I think he would love POR because it would feel "homey" to him. That's my plan...to look into that place for the next trip, maybe even the more rustic cabin section of that resort. I also will look into the cabins but I think they are too spendy for us.
So, what you are saying is that my TR has been distracting you and you can't get to yours?

That's what I was guessing - Ft Wilderness.

I have to tell you 2 things, Aimee.

1 - last night i was reading your updates and my DH was sitting right beside me on the couch with the TV paused (aside - who would have ever thought we'd be "pausing" the TV??) and I asked him if I was boring him, reading my DIS. He said "no, I'm actually very interested in what you're reading and I'm reading along. I'm getting excited about our trip."

2 - See my post on my PTR. I met a girl today at my chiro that might have been you. But I know it wasn't.

I read your PTR today and that is great about the Chiro girl! Glad you were thinking of me
Also...how awesome is it that DUDE would pause the tv to read a TR!!
I am so excited for you guys to be going soooooooo soon!

 

[fastergoofy]

We stayed at the Fort Wilderness Cabins before. (It just made sense since there were 5 of us.) They're super nice. They're very cozy inside and it's so quiet out there. Oh, and if you stay, consider renting one of those golf carts. Also, have the grocery place deliver some steaks to grill.

And those pics are crazy! I knew people decorated out there but my goodness. LOL

I got it! I got it! Here's what you do! You plan a trip for next year to stay in the cabins. On the day when you and the kids go to Magic Kingdom or whatever your husband's least favorite park was, sign him up for bass fishing or something off-property. He'll totally go for it.

 

[FosterA]

We stayed at the Fort Wilderness Cabins before. (It just made sense since there were 5 of us.) They're super nice. They're very cozy inside and it's so quiet out there. Oh, and if you stay, consider renting one of those golf carts. Also, have the grocery place deliver some steaks to grill.

And those pics are crazy! I knew people decorated out there but my goodness. LOL

I got it! I got it! Here's what you do! You plan a trip for next year to stay in the cabins. On the day when you and the kids go to Magic Kingdom or whatever your husband's least favorite park was, sign him up for bass fishing or something off-property. He'll totally go for it.

You are a genius!! steaks on the grill, beer in the fridge, a lake.....He would be so happy doing that! You are right...MK is his LEAST favorite so he can hold down the fort and when me and the kids get back he can have the steaks on the grill waiting for us! He would LOVE to do the fishing too!

 

[204charity]

Seeing everything there at Fort Wilderness makes me kinda wish we were staying there! That's weird though right? What's the matter with me?!?!

 

[FosterA]

DAY 7-part 3

First of all, thanks to everybody that has been so loyal and stuck it out to read through my entire report and PTR too! I know I’ve been pumping out the updates pretty fast and furious and it may be hard to catch up sometimes. It’s been so fun to do this TR because everybody is so crazy about Disney and totally “gets it”. David doesn’t like to talk Disney so I can’t re-live through him and my clients at work are sick and tired of hearing about Disney so you all have been a great audience!! Thanks!
Not that I'm saying goodbye...I've still got a good bit of blabbing to do here!


Anyway…..Like I was saying, something was awakened in David when we got to Fort Wilderness. He actually was asking me if I knew how much it was to rent a cabin. That was the first question he asked me the entire trip and it showed to me that he was interested enough to ask about something. He also loves riding his bike and commented on how cool it would be to ride your bike around here. Up until this point, if the kids or I suggested a second trip, he would just sort of grunt and change the subject but here he was actually showing a genuine interest in wanting to come back! Now…I COULD NOT do a tent and we don’t have an RV. I may look into the cabin situation at some point. Another option would be to look a little more into POR, maybe the section that is more cabin rustic-ish? Anyway…I haven’t gotten serious about a for-sure second trip yet but after this night, I finally had some hope that we MAY JUST GET TO COME BACK Now, the Poly is magnificent and David really liked it a lot but there was just something that intrigued him about the rustic-vibe and the fact that everything seemed quieter and away from the hustle and bustle and lights of being right on the monorail.
Ps. We are not interested in Wilderness Lodge because that’s too Pacific Northwest (where I’m originally from and my family currently lives) and David thinks my family is nutcases so he doesn’t want to stay somewhere that might make him feel that he’s at his in-laws.


Earlier this day I was very depressed sitting by the pool thinking how it was our last day at WDW and maybe last day forever at WDW because, though David “liked” Disney, he showed no interest in coming back or even talking about a maybe -trip one day. It was very sad. Well when we were walking around the campground and I could see that he was genuinely enjoying himself being “one with nature”, I felt so much better and actually felt a glimmer of hope that we may get to come back one day! It gets even better so hang on…..

We realized we were going to be late if we didn’t get over to Pioneer Hall so we booked it over there. It was so pretty with the lights and the mossy trees and they had a horse and carriage sitting there too. It was dark and the weather was perfect and everybody was finally in a good mood. They were still taking photos of families and hadn’t started to file people in yet so David went over to the bar there and got a drink (big surprise) and the kids were sort of running around doing their own thing.

Around this point, Allison came over to us and was like “dad, isn’t this so cool?” and she was referring to the Christmas lights in the trees and the lake and all that. David looks at us and says “Ok, I sort of see it now, I am feeling a little of the magic finally”. Granted, he did have a Long Island Iced Tea before he uttered those words…..Oh well, I was thrilled anyway!

They then opened up the doors to let everybody file in. We had ordered the cheapest seats which are up on the balcony. Now….our view was perfectly fine and we could see everything BUT we could see TOO much because basically we were right smack on top of the stage and I could see right into backstage and pretty much where they kept the props and such. It was a little weird really. The entire balcony is not like this, just our table and the one across from us because we were on the very end. I’ll attach some photos to sort of give you an idea.

Another thing I found rather odd was that when we went to our table the chairs were facing away from the stage and you have to swivel back and forth to see the show and to eat. You can see here how David is facing AWAY from the stage. I’m sure this has to do with the server being able to get to you and all that of course. It was slightly awkward but I get “why” they did it and it really wasn’t a big deal. They pretty much do “breaks” from the show to give you time to eat anyway.

Our server was great, but just like the Luau server, she seemed very rushed. Well, the food was really really good I thought. David went hog wild over it and LOVED IT ALL. He said it was his favorite meal of the whole trip!! It was nothing exotic or fancy or course but I guess my husband is more of a country-boy than I thought, because he was eating like there was no tomorrow! Oh…and get this. Ian has major food issues and only eats like 10 things and he ate 2 NEW things this night and loved them. He had the cornbread and is now a cornbread addict and asks for me to make it almost every single day. Until this night, he had never touched cornbread. He also ate a real actual chicken drumstick! I know it’s weird since he’s 11 but he gets all freaked out with sensory issues and stuff over food and the only chicken he’s ever really had is either in nugget form or chicken I’ve already torn off the bone and shredded up. He actually gnawed on a bone! Wow, big night for the Fosters. Ian tried 2 new foods and David was excited and enthused and feeling a little “magic”!
Allison is not like Ian, and she’ll eat anything and she was very happy with all the food and really liked the strawberry shortcake! I thought it was all good too I especially liked the salad and strawberry shortcake. I had a sangria drink and that was good too.

Now, David and I feel a little different about the actual “show”. I didn’t LOVE it nearly as much as he did but he doesn’t know that. I wanted to keep the positive mojo going since he was finally feeling the magic so I never let on that I didn’t think the show was THAT great. It was good, it was funny, the actors are very talented and it was a fun and super energetic show but it certainly isn’t the funniest show I’d ever seen. However, the one guy in this show (don’t remember the name) was pretty darn cute!

Ok, so they really get the audience pumped up and try to get a lot of audience participation and they even came up to the balcony a couple of times to make sure nobody was left out. WELL….David turned into a crazy man during the show. He was hootin’ and hollerin’ and stompin’ and just generally going .
Me and the kids sort of clapped along and had a good time but David really broke out his shell After 7 days, he finally figured out how to let his hair down! One of the things he commented on was the musicians at the show (you know how he feels about his music) and how they played the piano/guitar and such and he was quite impressed. I think the fact that there were some actual people with talents versus an animatronic show is really what he liked. And to think we never even saw Country Bear Jamboree!

My opinion was that it was fun but there wasn’t that much “show” because they sort of pause during eating events so it really isn’t all that long for the price. Not that I wouldn’t do it again, I probably would because it was worth it to see David getting all Hee Haw crazy! The fascinating thing to me was that I would never have expected David to like this show. I booked it for the kids and never thought for a second that he would be the one yelling along and hopping around! As a matter of fact, the whole country theme of the show and atmosphere in general isn’t THAT different to our every-day life here in TX. I mean, I could see if you were from New York City, that this would be sort of a novelty but for us, we eat country style food in big rustic barns all the time! That’s why it was so surprising to me that he loved it so much.

So to wrap this up….The Hoop was a big hit (a bigger hit for some of us in our party than others). When we left we took the boat back to MK and it was lovely. David said one of his favorite things on the entire trip was the boat rides. He said the Hoop night was his favorite night (Illuminations and World Showcase a close second). Though it was one of the simplest meals, he said the Hoop had the best food too.

Well…You’re not done with me yet. I’ve still got another update on this night which will be about the Elec. Parade and Wishes on the beach.

Oh….and also David said later this night, in his after-glow from Hee Haw, that if I wanted to start planning another trip I could and this was with no prompting or whining from me at all. He was sitting on the balcony of our resort and just said that out of the blue. It made me so happy I could just burst!

 

[johnGorski]

well it was great reading your TR, thanks for sharing. hopefuly that you will make it back soon.

 

[want2bamommy]

I'm loving your report! It's the first TR I've read and I was able to read the first 13 pages tonight. I look forward to reading more tomorrow.

I'll be moving to your state in 6 months too . Not close by (Fort Bliss, Tx) but I'm very much looking forward to leaving our horrible winters here (8-9 feet of snow total) and sweating to death. Haha.

 

[fastergoofy]

So it all ends happily after all.

You are a genius!! steaks on the grill, beer in the fridge, a lake.....He would be so happy doing that! You are right...MK is his LEAST favorite so he can hold down the fort and when me and the kids get back he can have the steaks on the grill waiting for us! He would LOVE to do the fishing too!

Honestly, that first night we spent at the Fort cabins was the best out of that entire vacation. I'm sure your family - and your husband especially - would love it! We packed a cooler with steaks and sides (and stuff for the week). 15 minutes after we checked in, we had the grill going. After dinner, we wandered over to the bonfire for s'mores and listened to the cowboy sing songs. (It's funny. I lived in TX for a little while too and I don't think you'd find any of this exotic, but it was entertaining. )

It was also really nice to come back to a quiet cabin every night and crash. I planned meals so that I only cooked on a couple of nights. Breakfast was right there in the cabin too.

Good luck with a future trip and it's been fun reading along! I was in such suspense until the end!

Edit: Oh, and Hoop de Doo has different performers all the time. I agree about the corniness of the show. Though, the one time we saw it, there was a really funny guy in the comic relief role who ad-libbed a lot and a pack of Girl Scouts in the audience. They kept cracking up, which was cracking me up. Haha :lol:

 

[204charity]

Really? Just a couple random cases or are there lots of people talking about bedbugs? I suppose they could be at any of the hotels though. yuck.
.

So far just one case. In the Tahiti building. But it's enough to just freak me out. I love the vibe of Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge - like you are in the mountains or something, it's so serene and lush. I get great vibes from that area in general. BUT, my Dad is paying for my daughter and I to go on this trip, and his only request was that we pick a monorail resort, and the Poly had the best theme for my 9 yo DD. (how can a little girl resist a volcano pool!?)

 

[Cin]

Awwww, that was an awesome ending! I loved how it all worked out for you all. You should go ahead and plan on the cabins next time, they are actually less than the Poly at rack rate comparison. I am getting so excited now for our trip too after your fun report.

 

[TotalDreamer]

Yay I'm glad to hear that there is a chance you'll be going back!