We're back! Our 1st FW stay, some thoughts

[lovethemouse]

Well we're back after 8 nights in FW and then 4 more nights in Savannah. We went to Charleston,SC for a week prior to Fw -3wks of camping! But we had a terrific time. First let me say FW is as nice as everyone says. I kept thinking that if the pool had a slide or theming the whole resort would really be like a deluxe with everything that is offered. We've stayed at many of the resorts including several of the deluxes and FW definitely compares. Saying that however there were a few litte (and I mean little) issues. I got a little frustrated with the whole bus thing. I don't think we ever waited more than about 10 minutes, but if you had to change buses total wait 20mins got frustrating for all of us. Also the mosquitos were pretty bad. But hey this is Florida-it's their state bird! Now I realize that is not Disney's fault, just a part of camping. But after reading so many responses here saying mosquitos weren't a problem, I was just a little surprised. The campfire program was terrific and the whole place was beautiful and relaxing. We hated to leave and would definitely do it again. I'd be happy to answer any questions if I can.

 

[coruth4]

Thanks for the update about Fort Wilderness - we leave for our first trip in two weeks. I also heard that the mosquitos wouldn't be a problem - but I am definately packing bug spray now!
I had a question about the pools - do they allow the kids to have pool toys? My kids love the pool and want to be able to bring their goggles and a float - does the pool allow you to do that?
And do you know if the campground runs buses to the parks early on non-EMH? I have a priority seating for Donald's Breakfast on a non-EMH hour and want to make sure that we'll be able to get there!
Thanks! I am so excited about going! My parents (who are traveling with me & my kids) have stayed there before and have said wonderful things about it. THey are staying in their RV and we have a cabin.

 

[lovethemouse]

hi coruth4 you're gonna love FW! We saw some kids with the swim noodles at the pool so I guess floats would be o.k. Definitely goggles and such. The pool area while there wasn't a slide was nice. And surprisingly not that crowded- I guess so many folks were at the parks. The FW bus driver told me they run the buses from 7am to 2:30, so you should have time for an early ps. Definitely pack that bug spray! Especially if you go to the campfire sing a long. hth

 

[lovethemouse]

I just realized that I didn't post clearly on the bus times. The bus runs from 7am to 2:30AM . sorry about that. Don't want someone thinking the bus stops at 2:30 in the afternoon!

 

[Gillian]

Sounds like a great trip! If you don't mind me asking, what loop did you stay in, and how old are your kids?

Did you walk much? How was it, as far as the distances?

 

[babytrees]

Did you tent camp or other form of camping?

Did you have a preferred or non preferred loop?

How many meals (on average) a day did you have at your site?

I think that's it for right now!!


Thanks in advance

 

[allisophie]

Glad to hear you had a great trip! We're heading down in October and can not wait!!

I sure do miss River Country..
Last years trip we drove to AK and MGM and the rest of the time we just took the boat over to MK. Yes, the skeeters were around but not too bad.Since we arrived a few weeks after the last hurricane they were still "cleaning up" we sprayed and used the bounce sheets. Dh has the mosquito deletos by coleman, seemed to work well too..
we were in the 1300 loop and the bus stop was a hop away.. after the 2nd night we didn't the buses at all, guess we were too whipped from the parks.

this year my MIL is traveling with us and she will have her scooter so I imagine we will be driving to the parks.Tho Im assured we can take her scooter on the boat.. should be fun Dh is on bringing the golf cart, his new toy!! we are only there for 6 nights....it's his vacation too and since he loves to see everyone's campers and the Halloween decorations, he gave in on the MNSSHP for 2 nights

we only live once might as well

 

[lovethemouse]

Hi all, I'll try to answer your questions. We camped in our travel trailer in the 1900 loop. It is a non-preferred pet loop. It was a little bit of a hike to the bus stop from our site, we had requested loop 1600 which I think would have been more convenient for us. But our site was nice, we weren't unhappy with it. It's just that we carried a sleeping 4yr old back from that bus stop more than a couple of times! Our 3 kids are ages 13 , 10 , and 4 . The campground is too spread out to do much walking to activities as others have said. We rode our bikes which is a good option, or a golf cart. We ate an average of 1-2 meals per day at the camper. Always breakfast, and either ate luch or dinner out. I took way too much food There is a new super Walmart farily close by - the grand opening signs were still up- that we shopped at a couple of times. Next time I think I'll just buy more stuff there instead of packing the camper so tight. Also- I posted this on another board, they had a large section of disney souveniers and such. We got the kids' autograph books and pens there for 1.97. Not having a preferred site means you don't have cable t.v. but we got enough channels for the little bit of t.v. watching we did. Really we didn't have much time for that. All in all it was a great trip - in spite of the remnants of the tropical storm I'd love to take the camper down again. hth