Well, new trailer, new adventures !!!!

[Cajun Rob]

First off just wanted to say Hi to all as I have just discovered this site during my hours of research for our families latest adventure..I have been camping all of my life and my DW being from right outside of Chicago had never been before. Once I relocated her down south permanently and the fact the we have 7 and 8 year old boys who are all BOY she has learned to love the outdoor lifestyle. We just upgraded from our Keystone Premiere TT and now are the proud owners of a 2016 Sandpiper 376 BHOK.... We absolutely love the new trailer and felt the time was right with the age of our kids to make the first ever trip for all of us to WDW in Feb. 2017, when our kids are off for Mardi Gras break, so naturally with our love of camping and the new rig we did not even hesitate and decided to book FW for our maiden voyage to WDW....My wife and I may be even more excited than our kids. They still do not know we have booked the trip, we decided to keep it a secret until the morning we leave, she is going to wrap the magic bands up and tell them it is a late birthday present since their birthdays are only 3 days apart ( 1/15 and 1/18), once they open it we will jump in the truck and start out on our first ever trip.... Sorry for the long winded introduction, I really did have a few questions for all of you veterans out there, who's post I have been reading for hours now.

The new rig is a 43' 5th wheel and I will be towing in with my F250. We decided to book one of the premium sites to ensure we had plenty of room to get this beast in a site comfortably. After reading some reviews on different sites I was a little nervous about people saying they had trouble getting trailers smaller than ours into some of the premium loops. So of course, back to Google and youtube I went and probably watched Loop videos on every single premium loop they have, some more than once or twice...lol
After looking at the videos Loop 1100 looked to have very large sites so that is the loop we requested to be in if possible during booking. We were not to worried about the proximity to everything as we have already reserved a golf cart for the duration of our trip, that is if we don't purchase one before hand, Fingers crossed.. So to all of the veterans out there, Do you think loop 1100 will work for us and if you have stayed in it before any insight or information is greatly appreciated. Is there any other gems as far as premium loops within FW that we may have missed? Last question, for now, When you put in a request for a particular loop, how many times would you say you have gotten that loop. I read somewhere that it is almost better to request a particular site number in the loop and you have a higher chance of at least getting in that loop, don't know how true that is though.. We will be arriving on Feb. 24 so I am not sure how busy FW is during that time of the year? Anyway again sorry for the long winded intro and questions, my DW and I are just so excited it seems to be all we research and talk about when the kids are not around so looking forward to hearing from and getting to know all of you !!!!!!

 

[bjschil]

Cajun Rob, congratulations on your new Sandpiper. Our last fifth-wheel was a sandpiper, and we loved it. Last fall, we purchased a 2016 Sanibel 3701. It is 44 feet long, and I can tell you that we absolutely camping at the Fort. We have camped in the 1100 loop ( my favorite), the 1400 loop, and also the 1300. Any premium loop will work. Sometimes, it is the vehicles or toys parked near the ends of the the driveway of other sites that hamper an easier backing into your spot. One Halloween, we were assigned in the 800 loop, and for us, we find the 800 loop to be tight, but doable. Make sure you put your length and slide # on your online checkin. Remember, you can always request another site, if you see one unoccupied as you are driving to your site. Simply call the number they provide to request a change. Good luck. Our drive is from Wisconsin. I notice you got your Chicago wife to move south. Closer travel for you. Enjoy.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

When you put in a request for a particular loop, how many times would you say you have gotten that loop

1) There is no way to even guess.
2) We do try to grant requests, but sometimes there are just a huge amount of guest desires.
3) Unfortunately, unlike dining ADR's, the first ressie does not get a preference over later reservations.
. . . the first set of resort room and/or site placements is made via computer
. . . when not all the reservations-dates-room/site types match up, humans finish the assigning
. . . think of a large Rubik's Cube and you get an idea of matching ressies with rooms/sites
. . . many resorts have two people in the Back room almost dedicated to this task
. . . I did this assigning for a SHORT while, and won't do it again - life it too short
4) The above is also the reason why The Fort was to first resort to stop taking faxed room/site requests (in 2005)

 

[2goofycampers]

Welcome Cajun Rob! My favorite loop is actually 1100. I'd request a loop not a specific site.

 

[Disneypeach]

Welcome! I've camped in the 1100 loop but in a 25 foot RV so I didn't notice any of the sites being tight. I really liked that loop, was very convenient to the Meadows Trading post and the big pool, campfire/movie area. While I haven't requested a certain loop every trip, for those when I have requested a particular loop, I got it. So far I haven't hit a bad site.

 

[tiggerdad]

Welcome

Agree with others about request a loop if you have a preference but don't set your goal on a specific site.

 

[Teamubr]

Cajun Rob,



Sounds like you already figured out the fun this forum can be while you're trying to research what WDW is all about. You will love the Fort.

I looked at that same Sandpiper floorplan several times before getting my Chaparral with nearly the same layout.

I've never stayed in 1100. I prefer the Preferred sites due to their proximity to the boat docks and the Settlement. When I had my prior 5er (31 ft), I always requested 100 loop. I got it 2/3 requests. I was in 200 the other time right next to the 100 entrance. There are only 3 Preferred loops (loop 300 is a pet loop), which makes it a 50:50 chance of getting 100 if I say "No pets". Not quite as good of odds when you request a specific Premium loop.

With the new trailer (42 1/2 ft), my days in the Preferred loops are likely over. I'll be booking a Premium and getting a cart too. I'm a little disappointed because I could end up ANYWHERE in the Fort, but I will be at the Fort and that's what matters.

j

 

[PaHunter]

We have been down there the last two feb at the same time you are going. It is not too crowded and any premium loop you will be able to navigate. Biggest issue we had was actually electrical boxes located across from our site made backing in more of a challenge. Welcome and it will be a great time at the fort.

 

[Cajun Rob]

Thanks for all of the info guys, I will just leave everything as is and hopefully we can get into 1100!! Being we are booking directly with Disney, do the notify us if they offer and type of specials or plans during our trip or do we have to contact them to find out?

 

[2goofycampers]

They won't let you know, you need to find them and call and try to get it applied to your reservation.

 

[FtW Mike]

They won't let you know, you need to find them and call and try to get it applied to your reservation.

2GC has great advice there. I would check Disney's website frequently to see what may be offered and determine if it can be applied to your reservation if you qualify then call Disney as soon as you know about them as they can be limited and go fast

 

[Cajun Rob]

Well now that I can post photos figured I would share a photo of our new home away from home.

 

[bjschil]

Very nice looking unit, Rob. Congratulations again.

 

[WorldWacky]

Well now that I can post photos figured I would share a photo of our new home away from home.
View attachment 167283

I love that row of Windows that you have. What a beautiful RV. Congrats!

 

[SouthAlabama5er]

Hey Rob, I must of overlooked this thread, but I'm glad I found it, that's a nice looking Sandpiper, same model as ours you'll love it, personally I love the large bathroom it has.

Which part of Louisiana are yall from?

We have gone to FW the past two years during Mardi Gras break, it's nice there then, it's not so crowded and not hot.

 

[Cajun Rob]

Hey Rob, I must of overlooked this thread, but I'm glad I found it, that's a nice looking Sandpiper, same model as ours you'll love it, personally I love the large bathroom it has.

Which part of Louisiana are yall from?

We have gone to FW the past two years during Mardi Gras break, it's nice there then, it's not so crowded and not hot.

Thanks, We have used it every weekend the past few weeks. We have not found one thing that we do lot like about it yet !!!! Even when all 4 of us are in it we never feel crowded when lounging around with the open area and layout. Totally agree with you about the shower, love being able to move around in there.

We are living around Jennings, La which is about half way between Lake Charles and Lafayette along I-10

 

[SouthAlabama5er]

Good deal! I'm from Alabama but work in Louisiana, I've been through Jennings. I work offshore on a oil boat, I've worked out of Cameron, Intercoastal City, Morgan City, mostly been in Fourchon. Made some good friends down here and we have some good fun come football season.

 

[Cajun Rob]

Yeah I work offshore for Shell, been working out here for 20 yrs. now. Worked out of most of those places as well, except for Fourchon. I been flying out of Amelia for the last 4 years. Yeah the guy that sits right on the side of me in the control room is from Mobile so football season does get pretty interesting around here with some of the things that go on.

 

[SouthAlabama5er]

You work offshore for Shell which platform? I worked on a crewboats for Shell. I was just in Amelia last week. Small world!

 

[Cajun Rob]

Work on Enchilada - GB-128