Tropical Palms

[Outbacker]

Hi,

We're heading down next month - staying at Tropical Palms. We were at the Fort a couple of years ago - we loved it but just couldn't justify the expense again this year. I've read several posts that TP is nice - but it's not the Fort.

Is it really "that far off". What makes the Fort that much better? We're traveling with our 2 young 'uns (8 &4) and my In-Laws. We've booked the premium sites. We're not going to be disappointed, are we? The In-Laws have their own travel trailer - will we be able to see them next door or are the sites separated by trees? It's not really that big of a deal but we like to set up our "outdoor living area" in-between our campers.

Other than WDW itself, what else is a "must see" in the Orlando area? Disney was ok and all....but as I get older....I just can't "blow" money like I used to! Also not as patient as I used to be (LONG lines)!

Also heard that TP has a child sitting service - anyone used it. I've never left the young 'uns w/anyone other than family....but, The adults would love "dinner and a movie" one night at Universal.

I'd love any and all feedback on Tropical Palms.

Thanks in advance!

 

[John VN]

Welcome Leslie

Never stayed at Tropical Palms because we do not have a tow vehicle, but even if we did have one we would stay at FW anyway.
Have read many good things about TP on RV.net and only a few bad comments, so it sounds like you should be OK since you have a premium site.

John

 

[rapriebe]

Dear Outbacker,

We just got back from the Orlando area last week. The first week we stayed at TP - only because I was on a business trip and I didn't think it would look good on my travel voucher to show us staying at Disney

TP is a great campground - we have stayed there several times before. The premium sites are very close together - you have no problem in that respect. In fact that is why we don't stay in the premium sites. We like to stay in the sites that are spread out a little bit more especially 'cause we take our dogs. The pool is very nice - great for the kids and you will be close to it with your site. There is also a quickie hot breakfast you can get at the snack bar near the pool. If you are wanting to do some non-disney things then I recommend staying at TP. It's easier to do those things if not staying at FW. But if you are going on a trip in which you are exclusively doing Disney only, then I recommend FW.

We actually left TP two days early because I couldn't wait to get to FW. It definately has it's own atmosphere that you can't get anywhere else. But you have to justify the expense.

A possible idea for an adult night out would be Capone's Dinner Show. It's down the street on 192 about 3 miles from TP. We have gone there three times and we love it. It is a dinner show set in the 1920-30's and it has an excellent buffet dinner with it. Just make sure you look in the coupon books, that you will see everywhere, to get 50% off coupons. It brings the price down to $20. We took my 10-year old Granddaughter to it last time and she loved it.

I could go on forever but have a good trip.

 

[MrKTI]

We stayed at TP last Sept for about a week while looking for a winter home in FL. Very nice place with very friendly staff.

It is, however, just another RV park.

FW is not just another RV park, it is Disney ... just more trees than your normal Disney hangout.

This is an apples and oranges comparison.

FW has Disney magic built it ... even the yellow flies smile while they bite the h*ll out of you.

Sounds corny I know, but that's the way we feel about it.

Even as just an RV park, FW is a solid 10. Throw in the special Disney touch, and you have ... well ... about a 40.

Of course, that's just my humble opinion.

John

 

[tim5055]

Originally posted by Outbacker
Hi,

We're heading down next month - staying at Tropical Palms. We were at the Fort a couple of years ago - we loved it but just couldn't justify the expense again this year. I've read several posts that TP is nice - but it's not the Fort.

Is it really "that far off". What makes the Fort that much better? We're traveling with our 2 young 'uns (8 &4) and my In-Laws. We've booked the premium sites. We're not going to be disappointed, are we? The In-Laws have their own travel trailer - will we be able to see them next door or are the sites separated by trees? It's not really that big of a deal but we like to set up our "outdoor living area" in-between our campers.

Other than WDW itself, what else is a "must see" in the Orlando area? Disney was ok and all....but as I get older....I just can't "blow" money like I used to! Also not as patient as I used to be (LONG lines)!

Also heard that TP has a child sitting service - anyone used it. I've never left the young 'uns w/anyone other than family....but, The adults would love "dinner and a movie" one night at Universal.

If you do not plan to visit many/any of the DW parks FW may not be necessary for you.

Staying at FW is more of a "feeling" to me than anything else. It's very nice not to leave the Disney experience for an entire vacation.

From a dollar standpoint, if you are visiting the parks remember to add at least $8 per day for Disney parking. Add to that any meals you have to have at one of the parks that you may have been able to have back at the RV because FW is close enough to stop by for a meal.

Now, I have stayed at a lot of campground up and down the east coast. I just believe that FW is worth a few extra dollars. JMHO

 

[LMC]

We are leaving in 3 days for a camping only trip at FW. We loved it so much in October that we had to go back. Couldn't afford the park tickets this time though but there is so much other stuff for the kids (9,5,3) to do that we'll have a blast! And John, I'll be looking for the smiles on those flies!!!!!

 

[lwestwise]

You will really love camping without the parks. It gives you a chance to do so much more that gets passed up when you are in the parks all day. The pool, the petting zoo, just riding the boats, riding bikes (If possible, you want to take your bikes) movies and campfire, and hanging out at the campsite, oh, and grilling out instead of eating in the park or at another Restaurant. My Dh and I are going the end of August just to camp. We have PH but that is to go to dinner or lunch, if we want to.

 

[lwestwise]

What are the rates at Tropical Palms, if you don't mind me asking?

 

[anditoo72]

I made my disney FW reservations for August 8-19th and we are only Paying $35.00 per night (with the AAA discount). I think TP was more expensive than that. I was thinking about staying there for one night because we will be arriving in Orlando one day ealier than planned. We are looking into going to Gatorland that day does anyone know if TP is near Gatorland??

 

[happycat]

I stopped at TP office yesterday. Full Hook up/grass $29-35.

I would not say Gatorland is close to TP. If you take 192 East to 441 it will be a crawl. There is the Osceola parkway too. But I've never been on it. On my Kissimee map it looks like the better option.

Gatorland's website has a map and different driving directions. They also have a printable coupon for $2.50 off adult tickets.

http:www.gatorland.com