Waffling on my Loop!

[Bubblegum1286]

Okay everyone, now that I'm reading more and more threads, I'm starting to think maybe the 1500 loop is the right one for us. Decisions decisions!

I was all set on requesting 100 because it's closer to facilities, and we cannot afford to rent a GC. We WILL be bringing our bikes, but I don't want every little thing to be a massive hike, you know?

I SO enjoyed your TR, ilovedisneymm- I just spent an hour pouring over every tip and pic. Thanks so much for sharing that. You made me question which loop I prefer. BTW- I'm also a hsing mama. We aren't planning 21 days but I love the idea of having room for kids to play and roam. I also like that you had plenty of room for your tents. We're bringing two big boys just like yours. 1509 and 1512 look so nice. Were you close to any of the pools? Were you able to get a good spot by the beach for the light parade at night? These are the stuff I think about when trying to decide on a loop. UGH!

Walk me through this, folks. Bama Ed, I read through your tips on requesting last night. Thanks SO much!!

 

[tiggerdad]

Rode through the 1500 several times, but haven't actually stayed on it. Looked really nice and seemed pretty quiet. Its entrance is right across the road from the wide open playing field where such things as volleyball are setup. It's a short paved path across a bridge and on to the pool which you can see from the bus stop at the entrance to 1500. I would say it would be a good choice.

Making requests is easy, but not guaranteed. To be honest the place is great no matter where you land. Sometimes, you can arrive and be assigned a spot and when you get there, you notice another spot open close by that looks even better. Keep the check-in number on your phone. You can give them a call and see if it's OK to move. I did in November and noticed that a much better spot was next door and it looked like the people who were on it were getting ready to head out. I called and the CM told me I could move onto it first thing the next morning. Easy as that. Just something to keep in mind as well.

 

[Bubblegum1286]

Okay, I didn't realize if they aren't too packed, you might could request a move. I guess my big thing is- to reserve a basic tent site (loop 1500 or others in that range), it's $78 a night. To reserve a preferred site (loop 100 and others), it's $113. I know it's not THAT big of a difference, but if they're entirely identical or if the cheaper would be more accommodating to my family, then of course I'm happy saving the money (that could go towards other fun stuff!) I'm less concerned about which loop I get, because I know those may or may not be available per request, but which do I choose? The preferred or basic?

Does the cheaper tent site have WiFi? I read that they both have electricity and water. I guess I'm not seeing the difference aside from locations.

 

[Teamubr]

1500 is a great loop for tenting. The biggest problem is getting assigned to it. I think Ed and others have noted how small it is compared to the other tent loop. That would be my biggest concern if I was set on 1500. I've requested the 100 loop 4 times and got it 3. I was in 200 backing up to 100 the other time. Still not bad. There are 3 preferred loops, but one of them is considered a pet loop. When I book a preferred site, I can generally be assured I'll be in 100 or 200.

Loop 100 has slightly less sites than 200. Having a Preferred reservation without bringing a pet, you have a 40/60 chance of getting into Loop 100. Loop 1500 only has 21 sites compared to 69 on the other tent loop (2000). All things equal, that only gives you a 22% chance of getting 1500 over 2000.

Now, as Ed explained, there are ways to 'game' the system. Placing a loop request on your reservation is the first step, the rest is up to creative arrival days and times. Even if playing the system to it's advantage doubles your chances of getting your desired loop, that makes loop 100 a 60% possibility, but 1500 only a 44% chance.

So, back to your original question. 1500 is a great loop if you want to be close to the pool and the meadows. The alternative is loop 2000 that is pretty remote and not near anything. Not a great alternative, especially if you don't want to rent a cart. 100 is the perfect loop if you want to be close to boat transportation, the Settlement and the beach. The alternative is loop 200, right next door. Not a bad alternative.

I'm not sure I helped that much on your decision. For me, the better chance of ending up in loop 2000 where I don't prefer, over getting a more desirable loop (1500 or 100), would cause me to stay with a preferred resi. But I am partial to loop 100 and that could be contributing to my opinion.

There are lots of smart people on here that all have their own loop logic. Let's see what they say.

One last thing on using bikes. I always bring my bike and I've never rented a GC. I'm also an avid cyclist. Loop 1500 is a short walk to the pool, but about 3/4 mile from the Settlement boat dock and the boat to MK. Loop 2000 is about the same distance to the Settlement, but also a bike ride to the pool instead of a walk. Loops 100/200 are a short walk to the boat dock and about 1/2 mile to the pool bike ride. 1500 vs 100 may also depend on how much bike riding you wanted to do. We go to the parks nearly every day. We might go to the pool 2 or 3 times in our 8-9 days.

j

 

[snowmedic]

I'm starting to think maybe the 1500 loop is the right one for us

1500 is a nice quite loop, I believe there are 29 sites ?? not sure. I know 2000 loop has around 60 sites. As far as 1500, like Tiggerdad said, it is a short walk across the street and down a path to the main pool. I don't think it is that far of a walk to the Settlement either. ( I did a lot of walking when I was there ).

Here are some pics of 1500 loop.

Entrance to 1500



Some site pics of 1500


Notice the electrical and water hookups right in the pad.

Now, some pics of 2000



The pads are wider and the hookups are off to the sides out of the way. They even have the bump out area for the table and grill. The grill in the first pic is behind the picnic table.

Not trying to discourage you, but, we requested 1500 on our trip down last year and ended up in 2000, ( you can read how that went in my TR ). Not sure what day of the week your ressie falls on, but, I think you would have a better chance at 1500 if you could check in mid-week instead of on a Friday or Saturday.

 

[snowmedic]

Loop 2000 is about the same distance to the Settlement, but also a bike ride to the pool instead of a walk.

I have stayed in 2000 loop my last 2 trips to the Fort. Like I said in my last post, I didn't have a bike or CG, I walked the entire campground. Did some in the mornings when the family was still asleep and did some at night before turning in. I did this thinking I would not get much exercise at the parks.

The main pool from 2000 is a short 5-8 min. walk. Depending on where you are in the loop, we walked around and cut through a empty site that backs up to the group camping area then take the path that leads into the 900 loop and cross the road to the Meadows and the Pool. If you walked out of the loop and down the sidewalk that would take you about 15-20 min.

The 2000 loop is secluded from the rest of the Fort. You don't have as much car traffic going up and down the main road from people driving to the parks, and there are only 2 buses that run that side of the Fort, each going opposite directions from each other.

After staying in 2000 last two trips, we have booked a full site.

 

[Teamubr]

The main pool from 2000 is a short 5-8 min. walk. Depending on where you are in the loop, we walked around and cut through a empty site that backs up to the group camping area then take the path that leads into the 900 loop and cross the road to the Meadows and the Pool.

I didn't realize the pool was that close. I've rode my bike through the 2000 and we found the bridge to 900 from the group camping area. That really saves a lot of walking/riding time to get back down to the Settlement. I guess I didn't realize 900 was that close to the pool.

BBGum
The price difference between the partial (tent) site and a preferred is about what it cost to rent a cart from Kenny or would pay about half the cost of a Fort cart rental.

j

 

[tltay2005]

The main difference between 1500/2000 and the other sites (and the reason they are cheaper) is that there is no sewer hook up, that is why they are labeled as tent/pop ups. If you are tent camping, I wouldn't spend the extra money on the others.

 

[Bubblegum1286]

BBGum
The price difference between the partial (tent) site and a preferred is about what it cost to rent a cart from Kenny or would pay about half the cost of a Fort cart rental.

j

Interesting observation! BTW- Who is this Kenny person that rents GCs?

Not trying to discourage you, but, we requested 1500 on our trip down last year and ended up in 2000, ( you can read how that went in my TR ). Not sure what day of the week your ressie falls on, but, I think you would have a better chance at 1500 if you could check in mid-week instead of on a Friday or Saturday.

Thanks for the pics! We are planning on arriving Tuesday June 16th. It really sounds like 2000 is not the loop for us. It sounds a bit too remote.

Do you think 100 is big enough for 2 large tents?

 

[snowmedic]

We are planning on arriving Tuesday June 16th.

When it gets closer for you, you can do online check-in, there is an area that asks for any special request, and I believe there is a place that list what loop you would like to request. Make sure you fill out that info. And checking in on a Tuesday, you just might get 1500. I will keep my fingers crossed for you.

I did walk around 100 but I am drawing a blank as to what the sites looked like. Sorry.

 

[North of Mouse]

Do you think 100 is big enough for 2 large tents?

We, too, request 100, and after many, many trips there, have only been unable to get a site there a very few times - then it's 200 - as we request no pets.

As many times as we've been there, have not noticed the size area for tents very much, but considering that the sites in that loop are generally smaller than any of the others, I really doubt there'd be room for two large tents - but I really could be wrong! You could call and ask! The site # really does make a difference and you can't usually get a particular site - it might be hit & miss. Good luck!

 

[Teamubr]

The sites are tighter in the 100 loop. Unlike the Premiums, preferred sites do have the shell pads. Here is a pic from the last time we were at the Fort. This is site 103, close to the entrance.

My camper wheels are on boards on the shell pad because this site was one of the smaller ones and I wanted room for my truck to fit without sticking into the road. It's hard to see here, but the pad should take 1 good size tent. There was enough room behind the pad to put another tent.

I'll see if I can find some other pics of the site.

j

 

[bama_ed]

Now, as Ed explained, there are ways to 'game' the system. Placing a loop request on your reservation is the first step, the rest is up to creative arrival days and times. Even if playing the system to it's advantage doubles your chances of getting your desired loop, that makes loop 100 a 60% possibility, but 1500 only a 44% chance.

Teamubr must teach math classes at the community college at night. Either that I'm taking him to Vegas with me next time - maybe he can count cards and we could split the winnings.

Seriously, he did a great job of laying out the differences. I have a pop-up and love the option to stay in the Tent loops for the price but if I'm not arriving on a weekday in the off-season earlier in the morning, I wouldn't risk the possibility of getting stuck in 2000. To say I hate staying in 2000 is probably too strong a term but I really don't enjoy it. I would probably upgrade on the spot and pay any difference. That's one of the reasons why I've moved on to the Preferred or the Premium sites. I like the Preferred sites because I'm close to transportation, entertainment, and can hear the train whistle from the MK, the boat whistles coming into and leaving the Fort docks, the EWP music, and the fireworks.

Also if you have bikes then it's really immaterial regarding distance. Heck I've walked all over the Fort last two trips. It's less than a half mile from the entrance of 100/200 to the Meadow Trading Post up Fort Wilderness Trail plus that's where the pool and campfire is too.

Two "big" tents MIGHT work in Preferred but you don't say how big is big and you never know what site you'll end up with (how big its pad is). So add the size of the tents as a note on your ressie regardless what type of site you decide on.

Last thing is if you check in at the Fort, get to your site, think it won't work for you, drive around looking for one that will of your type that's empty, stop at a comfort station and use the house phone to call the Front Desk and ask them to swap you to the empty one (done that too).

Bama Ed

PS - Kenny is the small businessman who runs Tee Time Golf Carts who are the most reliable off-site golf cart rental company. He's been used by Folks on this board for many years and has a generally good reputation (not 100% but in the 90's probably). His rates are $40/day for a cart versus Disney's $59 (may be off a little but it's roughly 2/3). The only thing is he used to deliver the cart to the Fort parking lot but Disney makes him meet you off-property and bring the cart in yourself (I bet they were feeling the lost business). http://www.****************.com/contact.html

 

[Bubblegum1286]

Thank you again, Bama Ed! Our larger tent is 16x16 (Ozark Trail 12 person/3 room cabin tent) and while I don't remember the measurements of our other tent right off the top of my head (I bet DH would), I know it sleeps 8. So it's slightly smaller. I really think we're better off just going with the preferred and then if we get there and we worry it won't fit, we'll just request a move like you suggested. It really isn't that much more expensive than the basic tent sites and I don't want to risk being stuck in 2000. I know my littles will appreciate being able to see Wishes, and the way you describe hearing the train whistle from MK just gives me butterflies. So we'll stick with the original plan to reserve a Preferred.

Edit: Meant to thank Teamubr for the pictures! That gives me a better idea of site size. I'm a visual gal, so the pictures from everyone are SUPER helpful.

Thanks for all the help everyone! If we get there and it doesn't look like we'll fit, then we'll go with plan B.

 

[Teamubr]

Teamubr must teach math classes at the community college at night.

You crack me up Ed. I actually have a Masters in Informatics. So to say I'm a numbers geek, is an understatement. Wait until somebody asks about data visualization. That's what I did my dissertation on.

BBGum,

I found another pic of the back of the site. (I also posted both pics on the other thread) It isn't as spacious as I remembered. The shell pad should fit your big tent. Depending on how big your 2nd one is and how you are going to use it (storage/cooking vs sleeping) you may get away with putting it on the pavement.

Despite that, I'd still go with the Preferred site.

j

 

[Bubblegum1286]

Thanks J- That's exactly what I'm going to do. It doesn't sound worth the gamble of hoping for 1500 and landing anywhere else.