Two nights at FW - mini trip report

[Pig Pen]

We just returned from two nights at FW. This trip was a trial run to see if we were ready to splurge on new camping gear. We were avid campers years ago, but got rid of all our gear when we moved to Florida. Recently we got the itch again so decided to try camping at Disney, which is just 30 miles from our house.

We arrived Friday at 2:00 pm and were able to check-in immediately. We had booked a tent site and were assigned #2003 - an outer site bordering a row of cabins at the rear. At first we were disappointed that we didn’t get the 1500 loop but by the end of the weekend we were sold on the 2000 loop. The sites seemed larger and more spread out; the roads were less cramped and the loop has two comfort stations. Half the loop was empty so there was never a wait for a shower.

We used our minivan for sleeping but also had a 10x10 free-standing canopy (borrowed). In order to stay dry we hung a huge tarp over the van and canopy. We cut screens for the van windows and attached them with strips of magnet so we could open the windows at night and keep bugs out. We also set up a fan on the picnic table and aimed it into the van so we had a breeze. I have never camped with electricity before, so having my Keurig and a fan was a real treat.

Sleeping in the back of the minivan was probably the worst part of the trip. We knew our air bed wouldn’t fit so devised a makeshift bed out of cushions and old mattress pads. It just didn’t work for us. I kept falling into the crack between the seat and the door and DH couldn’t stretch out completely. We were both pretty lame by morning! If we decide to keep this up, we will buy a tent and use an air mattress. If it storms, then we can huddle in the van.

After setting up camp on Friday afternoon we headed to MK. It was after 4:00 pm and we were starved. On the boat I got the bright idea to divert to the Poly and see if we could get in at Ohana. Lo and behold, we got a table and were seated before 5:30 pm! The meal was awesome and totally worth the money. After eating we spent the rest of the evening at MK and headed back to FW right before the parade (to avoid the crowds).

On Saturday we spent the a.m. at Epcot and then returned to FW to swim. We rode bikes and DH fished while I was at the pool. We had planned on grilling in the evening but it started raining so we made sandwiches and just relaxed under the canopy.

So, we still haven’t decided if we are to do more camping or not. The weekend went by very quickly and I would love to stay a week sometime. FW was a fabulous campground with the nicest comfort stations I have ever seen. We may do another trial run at a state or county park which is less “luxurious” than FW. I don’t want to get TOO spoiled!

 

[RVMH]

glad you had a good experience. Returning to the Fort is always a highlight of a year's travel for us.

 

[2goofycampers]

Sounds to me like you're hooked. You'll know it in a few weeks when you find yourself on the phone to WDW reservations.

Thanks for the TR.

 

[bama_ed]

Thanks for the report Pig Pen.

Loop 2000 is not bad at all if you are near the entrance as you were or back by the 2nd bathhouse. The front is close to the cabin loops so it's a normal length walk to the pool area. In back, you can use the shortcut from the group camping area to loop 900 across the ditch and be at the pool in only a few minutes.

The sites in loop 2000 do feel a little larger.

Here's hoping there's more camping in your future.

Bama Ed

PS - Born To Fish/Frank will be glad to hear about DH fishing. Did he catch anything?

 

[Pig Pen]

Thanks for the report Pig Pen.

Loop 2000 is not bad at all if you are near the entrance as you were or back by the 2nd bathhouse. The front is close to the cabin loops so it's a normal length walk to the pool area. In back, you can use the shortcut from the group camping area to loop 900 across the ditch and be at the pool in only a few minutes.

The sites in loop 2000 do feel a little larger.

Here's hoping there's more camping in your future.

Bama Ed

PS - Born To Fish/Frank will be glad to hear about DH fishing. Did he catch anything?

Yes - we used the short cut thru the 900 loop when walking. Since half the sites were empty it worked fine. Otherwise it took just a few minutes on our bikes to get anywhere.

No bites for DH...but he did come across a small gator! Luckily we see them all the time at home so he was not concerned. I definitely think we will be camping again at FW.

 

[photofreak]

I have never camped with electricity before, so having my Keurig and a fan was a real treat.

We can't camp without our Keurig anymore! We love it and we love camping at the Fort, although ours is a 30 mile drive times 50.... Lol