We camped for the first time in Disney Is that considered camping?

anewvance

<font color=red>Who needs a birthday for birthday
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We have seasonal passes to disney and live 3 hours away. But somehow this was the first full family trip we have taken in 2 years. We have always wanted to camp in Disney and got the Fort for $39 a night. We went for 3 nights and had a blast!

Here is your "cast"

Me - life long disney fan. Born and raised in Florida so visited at least once a year growning up. Favorite character is Chip and Dale, love them!!! I am the main planner of the group.

Lane - husband and daddy. He is a very easy going guy who just goes with the flow. He's from Colorado and grew up camping so putting the tent and heating the grill were made easy.

Hannah - 12 years old. She IS the princess. Loves all things princess and pink. She is our thrill rider whos favorite ride is Rock N Roller coaster.

Julia - 10 years old. Sensitive helpful one. She will not ride the thrill rides, except Thunder Mountain which she loves. Favorite ride is Mission Space.

Ian - 7 years old. Our Star Wars geek. Also loves the pirates. He is our wild child. Favorite ride is Star Tours.

Jackson - 4 years old. He's the baby of the family and our little sweetheart. He was a premie and has some medical conditions that require us to get guest assistance card. He has scoliosis, muscle weakness and severe asthma/bronchial spasms. He loves.... well, everything. But his favorite ride is It's A Small World.

Will be back with day one in a little bit, trying to upload pictures in photobucket... no one will probably read this trip report but still fun to write.
 
I will read!! :cool1:

I love hearing about Fort Wilderness...

Can't wait to read more :banana::banana::banana:
 
Day 1 - the drive up, setting up camp and Epcot extra magic hours

We had packed the van up the night before so the plan was to be up and out the door by 7am. Plan worked out perfect and we were on the road. Quick and easy 3 hour drive up to Disney! About 10:15 we were checking into Fort Wilderness. I had sent a request fax in asking for the 1500 loop but we were given 1602. I questioned if they got the fax and was told that were actually upgraded. Wasn't sure what that meant in terms of a camp site but found out it meant cable and sewer hook ups (both of which we wouldn't be using). But the site was a little bigger then the tent loops. Plus we were very close to the comfort station and bus stop... so I was thrilled.

Set up didn't take that long at all. Having never done this before, a few things took a few tries but all in all it turned out great. This would be our home away from home for the next 4 days.
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As for camping itself. We loved it and want to do it again soon. It was a little humid (our stuff was damp most of the time) and warm but we brought fans which kept the tent cool at night. We used dry ice to keep our meats frozen with regular ice over it to keep drinks and all cold. The comfort stations are nice and air conditioned and the showers were hot. No complaints at all. Love bugs were out and about but not a real issue and mosqitos were minimal (which we burned a citrinella candle to take care of).

Back to the day. After we were set up, we headed off property to eat lunch and buy some groceries. Went to McD's for chicken sandwiches and over to Goodies for some over priced groceries lol.

Got back to the site and put our bathingsuits on and headed for the pool. Our site was a fairly quick walk from the pool. It was blue skies so we left out our chairs and stroller thinking not a problem. Was that a bad idea? When we got to the pool, they were playing are you smarter then a 5th grader. We joined in the second round and it came down to a tie breaker which we won (woot woot). Then it started sprinkling.. followed by a downpour. I was unhappy thinking the stroller that we needed for Epcot that night was getting soaked but there was no way I was getting the kids out of the pool already so we just let it be. The rain didn't last long and when it stopped, the dj cast members started playing music and the kids had a hoola hoop contest and did the cotton eyed joe.
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Ian is a pretty good swimmer but every time he went down the slide, the current pushed him out towards the middle of the pool which scared him. So we borrowed a vest for him to wear. He didn't mind it at all.
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We headed back to the campsite and imagine my surprise when the chairs and stroller were dry as a bone. It literally must have rained on one side of the road and not the other. We heated up chicken nuggets I had bought at the store earlier for dinner. Tummys full, we headed to Epcot for extra magic hours.
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On the way to Epcot it started to rain again, we had put everything away at the site this time but it was a pretty good rain so wondered what we would find when we got back to the site. We got to Epcot and went to guest services to update my prior guest assistance card for Jackson which was easy enough. Our first ride.... Spaceship Earth. We then headed over to Soarin which was the first ride that had a height requirement that all 6 of us could ride together as a family... that was a big moment for us, lol. We went on Living with the Land while we were in there. Next headed over to the Living Seas. When we got there, the Nemo ride wasn't working and the next Crush show wasn't starting for awhile so we got in line to take pictures in Bruce's mouth.
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We went to the next Turtle Talk with Crush and Crush wanted to talk to Ian, our clown boy. Crush asked him his name and he said... who me? He was being his goofy self with Crush asked who was with him. Ugh, hate being in the spot light! So I made dh talk. Glad to say he now knows how to talk like a turtle.

After Crush Hannah decided she HAD to buy herself a pink tiara so we headed into Mousegears where she made her purchase. And then it was time for our first full family trip on Test Track. This was Jack's first trip on Test Track, he loved it.
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Then we headed over to Mission Space. Both Ian and Julia LOVE this ride and has never been on the orange side and wanted to give it a try. We weren't certain Jack was tall enough to ride (he is 44 inches give or take just small milimeters) but if he were tall enough, dh would ride the green side with him and Hannah who will ONLY ride the green side. Well Jack looked tall enough for me but the cm could see light between his hair and the sign. So we didn't fight it and Jack and I went to the exit where the play ground is and waited for the others.

It was only an hour into extra magic hours at this point but we were all tired and did everything we had "planned" for the night so we cohearsed the kids back to the site with promises of smores. We got back and found that even though it had rained, everything stayed night and dry. Smores were delicious and we tucked the kids into their side of the tent and they were asleep within minutes. With the fan running and since it had rained, it was fairly cool in the tent so sleep was easy to do.

Next up - day 2 Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios with a little Ohanas mixed in?
 
Well here is day 2 to those who might take a peek at my report...

Day 2 - Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and some Ohana's mixed in?

We had set the alarm for 7:15am because I wanted to get to the Magic Kingdom by the morning opening show. We actually woke up at 7am and grabbed our clothes and headed to the comfort station to get ready. Put our linens and pillows in the car, packed a lunch and provided breakfast to everyone. We were at the bus stop by 8am. We had to wait 20 minutes or so for the bus so I was getting a little nervous. But we got on the bus and off the bus and walked to the dock and a boat was pulling up. Made it to the Magic Kingdom 5 minutes before the opening show started... woot woot.
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After the mad dash into Magic Kingdom, we started our day. Now as many times as we have gone to MK, we have ALWAYS started our day counter clockwise in Tomorrowland. So I decided today we were going to start in Adventureland. We got over the bridge into Adventureland and saw the fairies line and there was only one family waiting. It was 9:05 and they were coming out at 9:15 so we waited. While in line we started discussing where we wanted to eat. We were going to dhs tonight and have done sci fi many times so wanted something different. I suggested the prime time cafe and dh didn't want to. Somehow Ohana's came up (was seeing $$$ at that suggestion but figured it was worth it). We had eaten at Ohana's a year ago for our anniversary and dh fell in love. So we saw the fairies, it was our first time meeting Vidia so that was neat.
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We left the fairiest and I sent the family on Alladin's carpet ride while I called Disney Dining. It wasn't a surprise when nothing was available either tonight or tomorrow night. But it was suggested we show up at 4:30pm and get in line a the podium as a walk in. So that's what we planned to do.
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We then headed over to the Jungle Cruise. I never tire of the bad jokes on this ride but was surprised when our skipper for this trip went away from the script on a number of occasions with his own jokes which were pretty funny. After our cruise we were ready to go on one of Ian's favorite rides, Pirates of the Carribean. Compared to how busy Epcot was the night before, Magic Kingdom so far this morning had been very quiet... we walked right on to Pirates. Then it was time to do Thunder Mountain as a family for the first time. Ian had never been on thunder before and was nervous. Now I would never force any of my kids on a ride they don't want to go on, but I just knew he would love this ride so I pushed a little harder then usual. And was happy when he said ok ok I'll try it just one time and you can't make me do it again. Well of course the kid LOVED the ride. So much so he wanted to ride again right then and there so we did.

We left Frontierland and headed into Liberty Square. Dh had never done the Hall of Presidents but I love it and we could use some air conditioning so we headed into the show. This show gives me goosebumps every time, it's just so moving. We were getting hungry by now so we found a shady spot to have our sandwiches and chips. I'm not a fan of most disney food, especially counter service, so I was more then happy with my sandwich.

With bellies full, we were ready to go to Fantasyland and first up was Jackson's favorite ride. Now he's been on this ride many times and has always enjoyed it but for some reason this time he REALLY enjoyed it and was excited at just the thought of it. He was just the cutest thing to watch while on the ride. We took video of him singing It's a Small World while on the ride... so cute. Then it was time for a trip on Peter Pan. It's a cute ride but I just don't understand why people wait an hour or more for this 90 second ride.

We passed the Sword in the Stone and Ian was just determined to get that sucker out.... but to no avail.
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Part 2 of day 2 coming up later..... will we get into Ohana's for dinner?
 

Anyone??? Anyone??? :rolleyes1

Alrighty then....
 
Enjoying your report! We camped at the Fort Wilderness on my first trip to WDW. Love it! Can't wait to read more :)
 
Enjoying your TR. I've camped at the Fort several times and loved it so it's fun to live vicariously thru others trip reports. There is a camping forum on the dis boards that you might find interesting.
Peach
 
I'm in! I've always been scared off from considering tent camping at Disney by the heat....glad to hear it wasn't too bad!
 
Had to check this one out. Have NEVER attempted to camp with our family but we've talked about it. Maybe one day! :)
 
I'm here too! We (and by we I mean I) have been toying with the idea of tent camping at FW for quite a while - it is just very intimidating to me for some reason...
 
Day 2 part 2

When we left off, the kids were trying with all their might to pull the sword from the stone with no avail. So we headed over to the tea cups. When we were getting on, a woman who was getting off tripped and took quite a tumble to the ground. Being a mama bear, I sent the kids on into the cup and I grabbed the stuff the lady dropped and stood while they got her up. She insisted she was ok and was walking off the ride before cm's even got there. She was an older lady and it was quite the tumble so I can't be sure she was 100% alright but they were gone by the time we got off the ride.
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Next up was the race cars. Hannah and Julia decided to ride their own, I took Jack and Lane took Ian. It was so cute to watch Jack driving, he was so methodical, if it curved one way, he turned the wheel the other. He barely hit the guard gates at all!
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We were ready for air conditioning again so we headed over to the Laugh Floor. We sent in a joke and when we sat down, the camera went on Julia saying "likes to make silly faces" which was very funny. The show was great as usual but it's funny.... since they opened it was Buddy Boyle who came out to start the show but this time it was a monster that was identical to Buddy but he had an accent and was named something like Mesmo Boyle. It was odd but he was really really funny, the accent made stuff hilarious.

After Monsters Inc we did Buzz Lightyear. Over the years I have discovered most of the high point targets along the ride and can usually max out but all 3 times we rode the ride this trip, my gun (and dh gun too) just wasn't working. Me doth think the guns could use some major callibration. Then it was time for the people mover, which is one of all our favorite ride in Disney. It's quiet and cool and relaxing. When finishing the ride, Ian decided he wanted to do Stitch Great escape. I was surprised because he did it once a few years ago and didn't want to do it again. But he insisted and Jack who had never done it wanted to as well. DH doesn't like it so I volunteered to go. I know Stitch gets a bad wrap but I think it's quite cute. Ian loved it and Jack says he liked it but doesn't want to go on ever again. Oh and I don't know if it was a malfunction but the chili dog burp did not smell at all.

After Stitch we were done with what we wanted to accomplish at MK today but still had 2 1/2 hours until we were staking out the Ohana check in desk. It didn't make sense to go back to the camp site so we sat in the shade on main street and listened to the barbershop quartet while having a small snack. And then rode the monorail to the Poly. The kids sat in the lobby and made bracelet leis, colored pictures and watched disney cartoons.
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Then the cast member who worked in the lobby asked the kids if they wanted to do the hula dance lessons. All but Jack wanted to so they went over and were suited up with hula skirts. The lesson was really cute and they did it right at the front of the hotel so people coming in and out could watch. I didn't get any good pictures but did get some great video.

Then it was time to head upstairs to Ohanas where dh took his place as 2nd in line and we found seats to hang out for a half hour. It got to be about 5 till 5 and the cast members came out to man the desk. We then find out that walk ups are not served until 15 minutes after the restaurant has opened. So a 2nd line of walk ups was started and we were 2nd in line. Watching the people checking in, there were alot of people but in no way was is booked solid (there were no adr's available when I called remember). Exactly 15 minutes after 5, we were seated... whoo hoo! My dh was a very happy camper. Oh when he waited in line he asked the lady at the desk about our oldest daughter. She is 12 and considered an adult. But the girl eats like nothing... very picky. So we asked if she could just order a kids meal and we would even pay the $15 kids price for it. The lady at the desk said it was up to our server. So when we were seated, we explained our our waitress the situation. She said sorry but it's not how much she eats, she is an adult and even if she orders a burger and fries, it will still be $36. Umm no? So we told her to take her off the bill and she went downstairs to buy herself a hamburger and fries at Captain Cooks. And she brought it back upstairs to our table and the waitress looked at us and said good for you! I guess it's what she would do to but is not allowed to suggest it?

Ok back to our delicious meal! Julia is a steak fiend and had that and some noodles and was a happy camper. Ian ordered a kids meal of chicken nuggets and fries. And Jackson ate a little bit of everything and loved it. Ian was still hungry and found out that he could order another order of chicken nuggets and fries (it's all you can eat kids meals too lol). We stuffed ourselves silly and rolled out of the restuarant. Our plan was to do Hollywood Studios tonight and we were still headed there but it was already 7pm and it closed at 9pm. Our plan was to do Star Tours and Toy Story Mania and then go get seats for Fantasmic around 8:30. With our stroller as wheelchair and gac, we figured a half hour early was plenty enough to get seats.
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So in we go and head straight to Star Tours. My Star Wars lover Ian was in seventh heaven! I loveeeeeeee the new version of this ride. Poor Ian wanted to ride again but we just didn't have time. So we hiked over to Toy Story Mania where I got an all time high score of 197,000 woot woot. The top score of the hour was 163,000 when we started but by the time my score came up, someone just ahead of us had gotten 201,000 boooo. LoL.
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Now it was time to book it over to Fantasmic. When we got out of Toy Story we noticed a ton of lightening over Star Tours direction. It was pretty freaky actually. But right over us seemed to be fairly clear skies. We get half way over to Fantasmic and Jack announces he had an accident. He has been potty trained for almost 2 years and hasn't had an accident in 9 months so this was a surprise to us. I wanted to just head back to the campsite but the other kids got upset and wanted to do Fantasmic. I had no extra clothes with me at all so we head to the bathroom and I have no idea how we are going to fix this mess. We get in the bathroom and I take off his shorts and his undies... thankfully his shirt didn't get anything on it. I think the plan at this point was to put Hannah's sweatshirt on him and let him go commando below the waist. So I started to clean his stroller, I wanted to get the urine off of it but knew it would still be wet and unusable the rest of the night.

At this point a really sweet cast member who was cleaning the bathroom asked if she could do anything. I got the idea that maybe they had a rag I could have to put down on the stroller so at least he could sit in it. She said I can do better, why don't I get the rag but also get him a pair of shorts to wear home? You don't know how greatful I was to her. She ran to the store, grabbed a pair of shorts for him and was back in 5 minutes. So Jack had clean pants and a towel to sit on in his stroller, life was all good again.

Until we get outside, the second we did a message came on to say that Fantasmic had been cancelled. OOOPS! The lightening was pretty bad at this point and dh looked at his radar and saw some fairly bad cells headed over disney. So we knew we needed to get back to the camp site asap to make sure everything was under cover and ready for rain. We made it back to the site pretty quickly and it still had not even sprinkled. Got everything ready for bed and once we were safe in our tent, it started raining... just a bit. It cooled things down and was really nice to listen to going to sleep.

Next up - Day 3 Epcot and Extra magic hours at Magic Kingdom
 
bumping for my own self so this thread doesn't get completely lost... should I chose to continue. Carry on :-)
 
Still reading! Hope you continue on :) I didn't know they made leis in the lobby of the Poly. I think my girls would really enjoy that. I'll have to look for it next time.
 
Well you are braver than I. We tent camp but I'm afraid to try it at Disney - heat, thunderstorms, bugs...

I'm glad you didn't get a huge storm but too bad about missing Fantasmic. It's one of our favorite shows!

Kudos on getting food from Captain Cooks - great idea!
 
Yes, please continue.
What were your dates again?

We were suppose to be at the campground Over Labor Day but I cancelled. I don't get very many reports od people staying at the campground. It amazes me. I even saw someone who had a tent and they hooked an air conditioner into the side of it.

How did your son do with the citrus cell (sp?) to keep bugs away. I have asthmatic kids, and we can not use them.

Did your site have any standing water behind it?
 
OhMari, it did not occur to me! Jackson did end up coughing the day after we got there and came down with one of his broncial spasm issues which then in turn turned into actual broncitis deep in the bottom of his lungs. I wonder if the citronella had something to do with it? Yikes!

We went Sept 23-26th. The heat really wasn't to bad, would have liked it a little cooler during the day but the nights were nice, just a tad humid. And no standing water in the least... it was weird how it would rain but everything would be dry an hour later.

Will continue on with the trip report tonight...
 












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