Update on Fort Improvements- with photos!

[tim5055]

For some reason, I had interpreted the information provided by the Fort management to mean that only some of the sites in certain loops would be upgraded to the new premium designation. That is clearly not the case in the 500 loop, as every site has been expanded, or is in the process of being expanded.

TCD

That was my original understanding also, I do hope that on future loops they "mix" the preferred and premium up a little. If not, they are going to have an overabundance of premium sites as well as the destruction of lots of vegetation (that they don't need to).

Great report, thanks!!!

 

[mrsscooter]

Maybe on your next surprise inspection you can check out the 1400 loop.....that is our preferred loop for our up coming grand gathering. Your reports are awesome......like someone said in an earlier post, its like we have our own personal Disboards Spy....LOL

 

[clkelley]

That was my original understanding also, I do hope that on future loops they "mix" the preferred and premium up a little. If not, they are going to have an overabundance of premium sites as well as the destruction of lots of vegetation (that they don't need to).

Great report, thanks!!!

See, I read it that each loop upgraded was going to have all premium sites

 

[des1954]

TCD ---- YOU are da man!! I tried walking back into 500 over Labor Day weekend for some pictures and got chased out. I tried to go into 1900 over same weekend, and got chased out. (I really wanted some pictures for FtW Guy). We talked to one person on 1800 who had been at FtW IIRC for 3 months & Ft Management wanted her to move to another site for the last two days of her ressie so they could close 1800 & start working on it. She just left FtW instead & headed to the Crown Club at Lazy Days.

From the main road you could look into 500 & see how they were enlarging the sites. What I like about the new sites is no coquina!! I don't know what's ahead for the sites in 1800-1900, but they are definitely bringing in a lot of fill!! It's about time - some of those sites are downright dangerous!!

If you were there on 9/6, a lot was done to the playground. It was closed off on 8/30 to 9/1 & you couldn't see what was going on.

BTW... there was work done on Meadow Trading earlier in the summer. They put a new roof on it...but that was all.

 

[des1954]

I'm betting it would be FIOS.

That would be nice, but Verizon does not have land-line service in the Orlando area. Verizon's territory ends at US-27 & I-4. Now, I'm not saying it's not possible, but there would have to be major contractual agreements with Sprint (and FPSC allowances) in order for Verizon to cross into Sprint's territory & build Central Offices and build an outside plant to serve customers. The financial outlay would be astronomical. Tariffed local land-line companies still have first rights to their geographical territory.

 

[Shan-man]

TCD ---- YOU are da man!! I tried walking back into 500 over Labor Day weekend for some pictures and got chased out. I tried to go into 1900 over same weekend, and got chased out. (I really wanted some pictures for FtW Guy).

I think the key is to do your snooping at the crack of dawn, before the chaser-outters report for duty All these pics were taken between 7 and 8 am. Early bird gets the scoop!

 

[tim5055]

That would be nice, but Verizon does not have land-line service in the Orlando area. Verizon's territory ends at US-27 & I-4. Now, I'm not saying it's not possible, but there would have to be major contractual agreements with Sprint (and FPSC allowances) in order for Verizon to cross into Sprint's territory & build Central Offices and build an outside plant to serve customers. The financial outlay would be astronomical. Tariffed local land-line companies still have first rights to their geographical territory.

That is true, but Disney property is not in "Sprint" areas. All of Disney is an independent CLEC. Originally it was Vista-United Telecommunications, which was a company 51% owned by Disney and 49% owned by United Telephone of Florida (acquired by Sprint)

In 2001 Vista-United was acquired by Smart City Communications. From the Smart City Website:

In March of 2001, Smart City acquired Vista-United Telecommunications, the former regulated telecom company operating as the telephone company to all of Walt Disney World and its surrounding communities.

Smart City Telecom now owns and operates the local public telephone system, which encompasses and services the Disney resort, the Disney conceived Master-Planned Community of Celebration and the mixed-use development of Little Lake Bryan. Smart City also owns and operates over 1,800 payphones in Central Florida, Nevada and Southern California.

Smart City Telecom’s service area consists of approximately 27,000 acres, or 42 square miles, located 15 miles southwest of the City of Orlando in Orange and Osceola Counties. Smart City Telecom’s largest customers are various direct and indirect subsidiaries of The Walt Disney Company. Smart City Telecom customers utilize Smart City Telecom services for residential, theme parks, hotels, restaurants, retail stores and extensive office and support facilities located throughout the Certificate Area.

Now, just as an aside. Sprint only retains land line service in Florida and Oregon. In 2004, Sprint and Nextel announced their merger and plans and to spin off its "Local Telecommunications Division" into an independent company named Embarq.

So really, Smart City can do what they want, but I doubt a partnership with Verizon is something they would do.

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Thanks for the pictures! It's really awesome to see the photos (especialy for someone who's only gone to FW for the sing along LOL) and the progress.

I'm a little confused though- from the article posted it APPEARS they are saying that the premium sites will have grills and picnic tables- as if the preferred sites won't have those?

Carol-

You are right about that last photo. There are going to be some issues created by these new larger sites. Say the camper in this site decides to set up all the way at the back of his site, and the camper at the other site in the photo has a slide out on the street side of his rig, they are going to be practically touching.

wow you're right- they are totally going to be practically touching, if not actually touching! tight fit there...

 

[edcrbnsoul]

That would be nice, but Verizon does not have land-line service in the Orlando area. Verizon's territory ends at US-27 & I-4. Now, I'm not saying it's not possible, but there would have to be major contractual agreements with Sprint (and FPSC allowances) in order for Verizon to cross into Sprint's territory & build Central Offices and build an outside plant to serve customers. The financial outlay would be astronomical. Tariffed local land-line companies still have first rights to their geographical territory.

I'm sorry I should have quoted, TriCircle D said I bet thats what Verizon is running into the boxes around his house, thats what I meant by the FIOS comment.

P.S. I have WDW CLEC info, when I retire I would love to do some contract or PT work doing Central Office work at WDW.

 

[Tri-circle-D]

TCD you are my DH's idol. He is really hoping we catch up with you in October. Keep the great secrets of Fort Wilderness coming!

I am pretty sure that the TCD gang will be at the Fort from 10/30-11-2, 2008. If your DH is around at that time, then we will most definitely have to get together.

I would say for that situation, you're gonna wanna use your RG213 or 214, whichever works for ya.

LOL!

ROTFL!

Great report as always TCD. I feel like we have our own spy !!

We requested 1800 last time because we liked how quiet and away from the buses it is. I am anxious to hear your report about THAT loop because I know you didn't let those orange cones stop you

Well, although those red cones did seem pretty intimidating, you are correct that I did not let them stop me. I will be reporting on the 1800 loop in my next post.

That was my original understanding also, I do hope that on future loops they "mix" the preferred and premium up a little. If not, they are going to have an overabundance of premium sites as well as the destruction of lots of vegetation (that they don't need to).

Great report, thanks!!!

I agree with you. Having a loop with all premium sites is going to change the "feel" of the Fort in that particular loop. One of the things that I truly enjoy about the Fort is people watching. I started out as a tent camper, and I loved setting my tent in a preferred loop where I might be next to a million dollar motor home, or people in a hand made trailer. No matter where I have camped in the Fort, or what I have camped in, I have always loved the mix of people. There will not be as much of a mix of people in an all premium loop. But, I will adopt a wait and see attitude on this.

Maybe on your next surprise inspection you can check out the 1400 loop.....that is our preferred loop for our up coming grand gathering. Your reports are awesome......like someone said in an earlier post, its like we have our own personal Disboards Spy....LOL

Will do. On my previous missions I mean visits to the Fort, there was a lot of survey work being done in the 1400 loop. I saw guys with construction drawings walking around, with detailed diagrams of the individual sites, so I expect substantial changes in the 1400 loop.

TCD ---- YOU are da man!! I tried walking back into 500 over Labor Day weekend for some pictures and got chased out. I tried to go into 1900 over same weekend, and got chased out. (I really wanted some pictures for FtW Guy). We talked to one person on 1800 who had been at FtW IIRC for 3 months & Ft Management wanted her to move to another site for the last two days of her ressie so they could close 1800 & start working on it. She just left FtW instead & headed to the Crown Club at Lazy Days.

From the main road you could look into 500 & see how they were enlarging the sites. What I like about the new sites is no coquina!! I don't know what's ahead for the sites in 1800-1900, but they are definitely bringing in a lot of fill!! It's about time - some of those sites are downright dangerous!!

If you were there on 9/6, a lot was done to the playground. It was closed off on 8/30 to 9/1 & you couldn't see what was going on.

BTW... there was work done on Meadow Trading earlier in the summer. They put a new roof on it...but that was all.

Deb- All of the photos on this thread were taken the morning of 9/6. So, they did indeed move quick on the playground and in the 1800 and 1900 loops. Also, without revealing too many of my trade secrets, one of the keys to being able to stay where you don't belong is acting like you are supposed to be there. The guys working on these loops are outside contractors. They actually waved at me and said hello as I conducted my inspection.

I think the key is to do your snooping at the crack of dawn, before the chaser-outters report for duty All these pics were taken between 7 and 8 am. Early bird gets the scoop!

You are correct, sir. Plus the early morning light is usually good for the photos.

Thanks for the pictures! It's really awesome to see the photos (especialy for someone who's only gone to FW for the sing along LOL) and the progress.

I'm a little confused though- from the article posted it APPEARS they are saying that the premium sites will have grills and picnic tables- as if the preferred sites won't have those?

What I understand is that the premium sites are going to have "upgraded" grills and picnic tables. Oh boy! I really want to see upgraded grills and picnic tables! Aside from the extra concrete, that is all that will distinguish a preferred site from a premium site. All of the sites in the Fort have grills and picnic tables. Until now, they have all been the same (although some picnic tables are newer and some larger than others). Now, there are going to be upgraded grills and picnic tables. I am tingling with excitement!

Anybody else have any questions? Ask 'em if you got 'em, but for now, on with the report. . .

TCD

 

[des1954]

That is true, but Disney property is not in "Sprint" areas. All of Disney is an independent CLEC. Originally it was Vista-United Telecommunications, which was a company 51% owned by Disney and 49% owned by United Telephone of Florida (acquired by Sprint)

Originally, originally.... it was simply United Telephone - which Disney had no control or say so over. In a telecommunication decision of IIRC the mid-80's, independant equipment & ld companies were allowed to complete with local telco's. CLEC's weren't around until 1996 when the FCC forced the local telco's to sell services to independent telco's.

In 2001 Vista-United was acquired by Smart City Communications. From the Smart City Website:

Now, just as an aside. Sprint only retains land line service in Florida and Oregon. In 2004, Sprint and Nextel announced their merger and plans and to spin off its "Local Telecommunications Division" into an independent company named Embarq.

So really, Smart City can do what they want, but I doubt a partnership with Verizon is something they would do.

I forgot about the Smart City acqusition! DH & I gave very brief consideration to working for them after we both retired from Verizion in 02 (DH) & 03 (Me). 30+ years in telecommunications was quite enough for both of us!

I'm sure Smart Citywill has their own version of "FIOS" ready to go. Only the name is SM'd, not the technology.

 

[Tri-circle-D]

Continuing on with the report . . .

From the 1900 loop, I venture over to the 1800 loop, which is also closed off. I entered the loop from the sidewalk near the comfort station. It was not blocked off.

Looking around the loop, I do not see anything obviously changed. There are the same gray conduit pipes next the utility box in each site. Also empty at the moment, and covered with a piece of duct tape. I am not sure if there is going to be any significant site work or fill done on this loop. It is not anywhere near as swampy as the 1900 loop.

I noticed a tree that I had never noticed before:

Are you seeing what I am seeing?

I am sure the all the fruit fishers out there already know about this spot. But, let's keep this our little Dis secret, so that there will be enough fruit for everyone.

Here's the site number for your future reference:

Again, mum's the word on this tree. I would say the fruit will be ripe by December, and if someone takes it all, I will find you.

OK, so I have completed my loop inspections for this trip. It is time to look for the new golf cart rental facility that I have heard of, so I set out looking for that.

TCD

 

[Tri-circle-D]

It has been reported on the board that the golf cart rental operation is going to be moved from the Bike Barn to a new facility that will be convenient to guests checking in at the Reception Outpost.

This sounds good to me, but I have had trouble visualising where there is a place near the Reception Outpost where this would work. I set out to find it.

I find. . . .

Nothing.

I did find this new path/road which enters the parking lot just past the check in lanes, but I don't think this is going to be where they would put the new golf cart rental facility, is it?

This photo is taken from inside the Fort, looking out toward the check-in lanes.

Anybody know where the new golf cart facility is going to be?

IMHO, its current location is most convenient for campers. The Bike Barn is about as centrally located as you can get. True, it is not convenient for the cabins, but it is for the campsites.

Maybe there is no truth to the rumored relocation?

I will have to investigate this one further on my next visit.

TCD

 

[bigdisneydaddy]

I was told that it will be the building just to the right of where that path goes. You can see the building from an aerial pic but not from the ground, I believe the driveway to it is at the entrance near the main road.

 

[3gr8kids]

I think the key is to do your snooping at the crack of dawn, before the chaser-outters report for duty All these pics were taken between 7 and 8 am. Early bird gets the scoop!

I'm pretty sure the hard hat and orange vest he wore and the "construction plans" he carried helped!

TCD - you're like some sort of chameleon!

 

[loveDmouse]

You are AWESOME TCD!!!!!!


Thanks for posting all the pics. It is exciting to see work going on at the Fort. I will be glad when they start the 800 loop since that is where we are suppose to be in December in a premium site. We usually go for 1400 loop but that wasn't going to be done until the first of the year and I wanted to try out one of the new sites with our new rig.

Do you think they will have to remove Little Bear from 1400 in order to make room for these new sites? I just thought about that. Seems they don't have that much room unless they are planning on just not having as many sites in that loop. Although I guess they might. Last trip we were on the outside on the creek. First trip we were on the inside of the Big Bear loop but I don't remember how much room there was to the sites on Little Bear. Ok, I will stop rambling.

 

[Tri-circle-D]

I was told that it will be the building just to the right of where that path goes. You can see the building from an aerial pic but not from the ground, I believe the driveway to it is at the entrance near the main road.

Well, there is room for this here, and this roadway is new.

Here is an aerial of the location that you are referring to:

The red star is where the new drive way in my previous post has been installed.

On a future visit, I have on my "to-do" list a visit to this group of utility/maintenance buildings. I am not sure what these are really used for, as there is another big maintenance area that is accessed through the 1700 loop, and via a road off of the main road. Seems like a lot of maintenance facilities for a campground.

I do not think I am going to like having the golf cart rentals up front like this. I rent carts a lot, and would rather walk to the Bike Barn than have to catch a bus up to the Reception area. Oh well . . .

TCD

 

[loveDmouse]

See, I read it that each loop upgraded was going to have all premium sites

That is the way I read it too!

 

[Tri-circle-D]

I decided to post another aerial photo showing the area that BDD mentioned as the possible new site for the golf cart facilities:

Has anyone else heard that this is where the golf cart rentals are being moved to?

Looks like there is room here, and it would be convenient to guests as they check in. I see some safety issues with carts vs. RV's vs pedestrians, but I guess that can all be addressed.

I will keep an eye on this.

TCD

 

[Tri-circle-D]

Do you think they will have to remove Little Bear from 1400 in order to make room for these new sites? I just thought about that. Seems they don't have that much room unless they are planning on just not having as many sites in that loop. Although I guess they might. Last trip we were on the outside on the creek. First trip we were on the inside of the Big Bear loop but I don't remember how much room there was to the sites on Little Bear. Ok, I will stop rambling.

I have actually wondered about this myself. There is a good amount of space between the sites on the inside and outside loops on 1400, at least in most areas. I don't think it makes business sense to reduce the number of sites, so I doubt that they will eliminate Little Bear Path, or make the sites long pull through sites, as some have suggested. But, because of how some sites are configured, I am not sure that it will be possible to make every site in the 1400 loop a premium site.

You bring up an interesting point about some of the sites that back up to the canal, especially the ones closest to the Meadows area. On many of those sites, there is no much room between the end of the sand pad and the canal bank. I wonder if they will pave these sites so far back? It would increase the chance of someone backing into the canal!

TCD