We're back - thank you all!

[Gillian]

We came back Sunday night from our trip to Siesta Key & FW with our new Toyota Sienna and new to us Coleman Santa Fe popup. We had a great trip and are ready to go again!

Thank you so much for helping us with all of our problems both big & small. All of the resources provided helped A LOT! Tim's site was perfect, because of all the Santa Fe pictures. Because the original owner of the popup was sick and passed away recently, we couldn't rely on him to teach us about it.

Some comments:
Siesta Key
Stayed at Gulf Beach Campground. It is a small Rv park (40 sites?) right on the beach. The sites are walking distance. It was a friendly place where everyone gathered at the shore for sunset. We had fun exploring the area and visiting with family. We also were able to tweak things in the camper and spent some quality time at Walmart!

Fort Wilderness
We were in site 1439. The location was great & we loved being able to walk to the pool. I had requested close to a comfort station, and we were right next to it! At first this seemed a little too close for, well, comfort, but it turned out to be fine and DS 5 was able to go to the bathroom by himself. We were also VERY close to the campfire/movie, and it was noisy until 10:30 every night.

Apparently they are clearing out the 1400 loop to do some canal work. This was great for us as the whole loop was almost empty until Friday night when people came in for the weekened. One family had 4 tents on their site! Plus a huge free standing awning and I think 6 coolers. Up until then it was like having a private bathroom & laundry room.

Disney transportation was a pain because we were only there a short time and didn't like waiting. We ended up driving the van most times, and used AAA Diamond parking. This was great at AKL, and convenient at Epcot and MK.

I'm happy to answer any questions! We did the campfire twice, a pony ride, hoop de doo, and the dining plan.

 

[auntie]

We are headed to FW in October..and were interested in the 1400 loop also. I see you mention you have a pop up..do you think that there are sites in there that would accomodate a 30 ft. travel trailer.(with slide and awning) I did also want to be near to the pool and trading post area. Do you think it was a bit too noisy?...
Also about Siesta Key..is this area near Sarasota...? The Long Boat key area? You were pleased with the RV resort. Did they have full hook ups..including sewer water electric..and calbe?...Thanks so much..hope I didn't ask tooooo many questions!
Were you in the inner loop or the outer loop?

Oh..and AAA parking..what is that exactly..and did you book your site through AAA to be able to get this? We have a site booked through central reservations in with a AAA discount.

 

[Gillian]

auntie, we were in the outer loop, right next to the comfort station. There are sites that would be fine for you, I'm sure. Actually, our site was too long for us. It had a large sand pad in the back, the water was in the very front, the electric was in the very back, and the sewer was in the middle. We wanted to park on the driveway part, but our electric cord is pretty short and we couldn't reach. We moved back onto the sand, and our water hose (25 feet?) was just barely long enough.

I don't think it was too noisy. The AC blocked out a lot. I did wake up from the grad night fireworks on our last friday. Midnight, I think.

The Siesta Key place is on siesta key in Sarasota. It's south of Long Boat Key. Although it is on the beach, there are nicer public beaches a short drive away - Crescent beach & siesta. No pool at the RV park, but full hookups. I think cablt TV & A/C are an additional fee. It's just a narrow road with sites on both sides. They do have some length restrictions so you'd have to call.

Hope that helps!

AAA Diamond parking is if you buy a package through AAA, not just an AAA room. You get a separate card with your trip documents.

 

[rwenzel2]

We are headed to FW in October..and were interested in the 1400 loop also. I see you mention you have a pop up..do you think that there are sites in there that would accomodate a 30 ft. travel trailer.(with slide and awning) .

The only time we were at FW, we stayed in an outer loop on the 1400 loop, and had a 34 ft TT with slide and awning, and did just fine! We just had to be a little creative with parking the Excursion and the golf cart!

 

[Mickster]

In the last two years, we've gone twice and were at 1440 and 1444. It is a great loop! Close to everything and plenty big enough. 1444 is further from the CS and movie which could be either bad or good, depending on your kid situation. I really liked 1440.

 

[auntie]

1440 and 1444...thanks ..I think I will request one of those. Kid situation is that one will be 15 and one staying part of time with us is 25!...The 19 year old wants to be Grandma at the Wilderness Lodge!(what can I say..she's not a camper). I wanted the convenience of being near the Meadow Trading Post area and pool area. Sounds as if this would be a good choice, for a preferred cable site. Thanks. Anyone have pictures..I'd love to see them!

 

[Gillian]

If 1440 is the one next to us, at 1439, it was very nice. Shady. We tried to move to 1442 when we first got there but were told it was closed for canal rehab. Then it stayed empty all week until someone came in and camped there on friday. we left saturday, so I don't see why we couldn't have moved there, but oh well, not a big deal.