Trip Report 4/18 - 4/25

[MattFromPA]

We just returned from The Fort, our stay was in the 1500 Loop from the 18th-25th. First off, we had a great time and are looking at early 2014 for the next trip (this was our second Fort trip). Couple of observations and minor criticisms. Might help others who are planning.

- Fort Operations - we used the Magical Express from the airport to get to the Fort. No problem there. From the front of the campground a van took us to our site (we had a rental pop-up). When leaving, the Magical Express service doesn't include luggage pickup, so I had to arrange that with Fort operations. Lucky for me, I called back the next day to confirm our very early pickup time (4:30 AM). Apparently the person I spoke to on Tuesday hadn't entered us into the system or something, and if I hadn't called back Wednesday we would have been stuck with two kids and plenty of luggage at 4:30 yesterday morning.

- Pool - A bracket fell off the waterworks feature, and I stepped on it, getting the business end of a screw in the ball of my foot. I'm glad it was me and not a youngster. No real harm done, it was sore for a few hours. I turned the bracket in to the events coordinator or whoever was running the pool party. I hope maintenance was alerted.

- Trails End - We ate there once for dinner, and were underwhelmed. Other people we met had the same opinion. It wasn't terrible or anything, but for $75 for three people (well four, but our son was free being under 2) we expected better quality. We didn't go back for breakfast. We did do breakfast last year and it was good (and cheaper than dinner).

- Pricing - Specifically beer. I know it's a resort and I expect to get gouged a little. But, $15 for a six-pack? The Meadows store doesn't even stock decent beer. We didn't have a car, so I passed altogether and waited for my brother-in-law to show up and take us grocery shopping.


OK enough of the bad stuff. Our kids had a wonderful time, we used the pool heavily and went to the campfire two or three times. The Fort is our favorite campground, and at this point I can't imagine doing Disney any other way. I would advise anyone to call Operations and re-confirm any service that was requested.

 

[tiggerdad]

Sounds like your trip had more good than bad. The prices can be a shocker on some items, luckily we brought our own camper so I was able to avoid the expenses. I did take the time to look at some of the stuff like bread and ketchup and was kinda shocked. Glad to know you were able to secure more down to Earth beer for your buck. Look on the bright side, it will help you plan the next Fort trip out.

Sent from my Desire HD using DISBoards

 

[bama_ed]

Matt,

Thanks for the update.

I'm curious to know two things.

1. Since this was your second trip to the Fort, what did you do differently versus the first trip? Any lessons learned and applied?

2. How many days did you spend in the parks versus hanging out around the Fort or Downtown Disney or the Water Parks.

Ciao!

Bama Ed

 

[Mouse14]

Sounds like you guys had a great trip! Sorry to hear about your foot, a small injury like that could ruin your day of walking at the parks.

I've noticed in my trips to trails end for breakfast is that's its a hit or miss. Sometimes we really enjoy it and sometimes it's a real let down.

What site were you in on the 1500 loop? Ill be there the first week in July and I had requested that loop?

 

[2goofycampers]

I'm glad overall you had a good time. I agree with you on TE food and the $$$$$.

 

[MattFromPA]

1. Major lesson learned from the first trip was to call back and confirm with Operations when asking for anything. We called about getting a cable converter the first time, and were told they would run one to our site, but never did (we didn't really care). This time, had we not been picked up to get our luggage to the Magical Express, the return trip home would have been delayed (only one flight daily from Orlando to home).

2. We spent five days at MK and one at Epcot. No 'day off' at The Fort. We still hit the campfire several times and used the pool four or five times.

Matt,

Thanks for the update.

I'm curious to know two things.

1. Since this was your second trip to the Fort, what did you do differently versus the first trip? Any lessons learned and applied?

2. How many days did you spend in the parks versus hanging out around the Fort or Downtown Disney or the Water Parks.

Ciao!

Bama Ed