Thinking about buying a 5th wheel: Pros and Cons of Camping at WDW

[Grendalynn]

I was raised on hotels - did Disney in hotels all my young life. Married a guy who was a camper. Now we pull a 5th wheel. I find that now that we pull our own hotel on wheels, I'm even more critical of hotels. (Tend to be a bit germ phobic...) I control my environment and that of my children in my trailer. I like being able to take our dog so that's a plus. I like the less busy feel of the Fort.

As for expense with five people (or more) in a family hotels just get more and more costly. It seems to be either a suite, a villa, or two rooms in many properties (not just Disney). Compared to that, even a full hook-up during prime season would be a saving.

Now that said, I actually ENJOY restaurants - again the beauty of Disney. Cook at the trailer if you love it, go to restaurants because you saved money on lodging - either way you've got the option.

You may also find that your youngest does better in a trailer because it becomes like a second home - it will feel comfortable and familiar as opposed to a hotel room. My youngest always sleeps better in the trailer than she does in a strange bed somewhere.....

Yikes! I am glad you all are Ok! and Thanks for the great info and advice !

 

[lisa8200]

I don't normally post but, I felt lke I should say something here.I cant count my lifetime trips to Disney but over the past five years we have only stayed on disney property ( before this I only took day trips ).We just made ressies for 4/28/07 - 5/03/07 and according to the person on the phone this is our 25th trip ( in five years )
and FW has become our favorite.PROS - With a camper it's like having your home at Disney, Your comfy broken in chair, friendly and helpful neighbors and for us the cost of five days camping at FW is about the same price as one night in the other resorts (DW only wanted to stay in the Deluxe or maybe a moderate resorts) and we don't feel that we have sacrificed comfort or convienence.CONS- I will let you know as soon as I fnd one ..

 

[WendyBirdGirl]

I recently joined a friend and her family at Fort Wilderness... and I was amazed at how much better it was than staying at a hotel.

Disney World is a very exhausting vacation, and it feels so nice to be able to return to a homier atmosphere (the camper!) at the end of the day. It was SO much nicer than when I always have to go back to a hotel room with my own family.

Also, my friend's family planned the trip so that they could do a day in the park, a day at the campground, a day at the park, a day at the campground, etc. so that they would not be exhausted. It's so much cheaper than staying in a hotel, so it's easier to relax and just spend a day at the campground without worrying about getting the most for your money. Plus there is so much to do at the campground... bikes, pool, boats, etc etc etc that they were never bored on their "non-park" days, but they weren't exhausting themselves by running around a park from sun-up to sun-down either.

Thumbs up to camping!

 

[Boomer1]

We are also a family of five. The economics of WDW also started us on the camping trail. MyDH and I were Disney vets and we gave up our couples vacations when our youngest child was four and began the WDW family vacations.On our first family trip we stayed in a cabin and loved it. DH and I had always stayed at Deluxe resorts but the cabins are a great place to stay. When we were planning our second WDW family trip we decided to purchase a used TT because the first year's cost of the TT would be less than a two week stay at a cabin. Well we were hooked. I love my own stuff, my own food, and yes my own germs. Last year we bought a new TT with a bunkhouse in the back, a queen size bed in the front and a large living room slide. We love it. With all of our children in school, we have gone the last three Christmas vacations and we decorate our "Disney Home" while we are there. Again I would agree with other Disers that advise you to do your homework. Visit RV shows if possible. Rent a RV if you can and talk to other campers you meet. This will help you to make a wise choice and become a truly happy camper!