What are the chances ???? And a couple of questions...

[allmydisneydreams]

So we have gone back and forth on whether we can make our trip in three weeks and finally got some vehicle issues resolved ... So we are leaving on the 29th

Yesterday morning I called Disney to request the 1500 loop - we are checking in on Halloween so I doubt that we'll get it, but figured I'd try since we won't have a GC and it would be nice to be close to the pool, etc. Actually, dh and I woul probably prefer the seclusion of 2000, but with the kiddos convenience is key. Either way, we'll be thrilled to be at FW for the first time

Anyway, the CM I spoke to started telling me how he had just been at FW in the 1500 loop two months earlier w/ his grandkids and how great it was - he told me all about walking to the pool, and how nice the CS is, and what a convenient loop it is. I was so excited to talk to him - and I thought to myself, what are the chances of getting a CM who'd camped at FW??????

Then later in the day I went to a garage sale where the lady was selling some camping equip. She asked if we were campers and I explained that we were occasional campers heading to FW - so she said - We've been there, and we LOVED it - and proceeded to tell me how much fun they had and how much there is to do at the fort etc. She really got me excited !!!!

Two "fort"ies on one day --- wow!

My quick questions -

Wheres the closest grocery store to the Fort?

How about Wal-Mart?

We would really like to check in early - would you stick with the 1500 request upon arrival or maybe just tell them that the first available site would be great?

Also does anyone have any specific partial site numbers that they really liked???

Thanks

 

[Lil' Lisa]

I don't know about the grocery store. I'm sure someone else will chime in about that soon. Wal-mart isn't far. We got directions from a CM at the outpost before we left. The Disney Outlet store is also on the way to Wal-mart. Worth stopping for some bargains! We got two sweatshirts and three tee-shirts for $45!

 

[luckycharm19335]

If I could make a suggestion. Since you are driving.
Pick up a copy of 'The Next Exit". You can find it at Camping World, Barnes&Noble, Borders and sometimes Cracker Barrel. It will tell you what is at every exit on every interstate in the US.
We do have GPS, but I'm telling you this book is worth every cent.
You can look ahead if you discover that you need something, just want to stop,eat etc.
It even tells you which way to turn when you get off the exit.
You will be able to find whatever you need along the way.

 

[thegoofyfamily]

Just across I4 on that main road into Kissimmee (192???), there's a Publix on the east side of the road. At least there was several years ago. We only live @ 3 hours away, so we don't normally hit the grocery there in town. Walmart is much less expensive, but Publix has great produce, meat department, deli, etc. At times, Walmart's "fresh" items are suspect to me.

 

[BradyBz12]

I was so excited to talk to him - and I thought to myself, what are the chances of getting a CM who'd camped at FW??????

I think you may have found THE one!

As for WalMart/grocery...

There are a few options very close to DTD

Go down Hotel Plaza Blvd (away from DTD) to the light at the main gate. Left on Apopka Vineland. (go to C)

Go straight through the next big intersection, about 1/4-1/2 mile, there will be a Winn Dixie on the right. In the same plaza there is also a well-stocked ABC liquor story...if you have need of such a thing.

If you take a right at that same intersection (instead of going through it) onto Palm Parkway and follow that for a couple of miles, there is a Super WalMart on the left.

Follow Palm Parkway a few more miles to the end (I think it turns into Turkey Lake at some point?) and there is a fairly new Whole Foods at the light on the corner. Beautiful store, great selection, HUGE food court with pre-made "heat and eat" food. Prices are typical for WF.

Time-wise, from the WDW gate at the corner of A-V, should take you about....
5 mins to Winn Dixie
10 mins to WalMart
15 mins to Whole Foods

BTW stay away from Goodings market at Crossroads!! It might save you a few minutes driving, but the selection is lame and the prices are outrageous. I'd be willing to bet their prices might be as high or higher than you'll find in the resorts.

 

[LORNADUCK]

We are having a GG that weekend, there are quite of few of us who are going to be there. On the 30th there is a party at my site, which I hope will be in 1700 loop, my ears will be out (thanks to Jen) you can see them.

 

[allmydisneydreams]

Thanks for all of the fabulous info

The Disney Outlet store is also on the way to Wal-mart. Worth stopping for some bargains! We got two sweatshirts and three tee-shirts for $45!

Thats a great tip - I am definitely up for some good bargains on my super budget trip!

If I could make a suggestion. Since you are driving.
Pick up a copy of 'The Next Exit". You can find it at Camping World, Barnes&Noble, Borders and sometimes Cracker Barrel. It will tell you what is at every exit on every interstate in the US.
We do have GPS, but I'm telling you this book is worth every cent.
You can look ahead if you discover that you need something, just want to stop,eat etc.
It even tells you which way to turn when you get off the exit.
You will be able to find whatever you need along the way.

Wow! I will definitely grab a copy of that book ... I think we are the only people in the world w/out a GPS
Sounds like a fantastic reference, though.

Just across I4 on that main road into Kissimmee (192???), there's a Publix on the east side of the road.

Good to know ...

Quote:
Originally Posted by allmydisneydreams
I was so excited to talk to him - and I thought to myself, what are the chances of getting a CM who'd camped at FW??????

I think you may have found THE one!

Thats what I was thinking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks fot the Wal-Mart directions, that sounds perfect

We are having a GG that weekend, there are quite of few of us who are going to be there. On the 30th there is a party at my site, which I hope will be in 1700 loop, my ears will be out (thanks to Jen) you can see them.

Oh, fun!

We aren't arriving until the 31st, though - but I will look for your ears

THANKS AGAIN, GUYS

 

[heathriel]

If you have a cell phone - there's a bunch of GPS apps - and quite a few free ones that are pretty good.

For Android: Google Navigation
For iPhone: Skobbler
For Blackberry: LifeinPocket
For Nokia: OviMaps

Also, there are apps on all of these that tell you how far to the nearest rest area/truck stop/travel center/walmart/etc.