What do you do when you're from out of state?

[ryan840]

Just wondering what everyone does about camping gear when they fly? I think camping at WDW would be a lot of fun, but can't afford a cabin. Can you rent tents and such, or do you ship them or what? How about all the other equipment? What does it cost to ship/ rent or whatever? Thanks!

 

[ryan840]

Hello?

 

[ftwildernessguy]

I have heard that people ship their camping equipment ahead of time. In fact, I think there is a guy lurking about from Europe who did this a year or so ago. Some also pack it on the plane, but you would have to be more of the backpacking type for this. Disney does have equipment for rent, but I think it is more for groups like scouts and I don't think they rent to individuals. You might try calling FW and ask.

By the way, nice looking family.

 

[ryan840]

Thanks for the info, and the compliment! Do or does anyone else know aprox how much it costs to ship stuff down? I suppose it is too hard to tell, too many variables... I live in MI and would likely ship a tent and one good size box of supplies, if that helps... Thanks again!

 

[malibuconlee]

It all depends on the size and weight of the box. You can estimate what it would be to groud ship it via UPS on their website if you can figure out the weight. Then you also have to figure out how to ship it back.

We want to get a camper some day, and I can definitely see me going with DH and his parents with their camper.

 

[clkelley]

I fly and camp, and definitely don't use backpacking stuff.

On most airlines you are allowed two 50lb check-in bags/boxes per person not exceeding 62" (HxWxL), one carry-on, and one personal item.

(On Southwest Air, you are allowed three 50lb check-in bags/boxes per person)

With my allowance for one person, I bring the following:

Plastic Footlocker
Large Duffle Bag
20" RollerBag
Bookbag Size Backpack

13x13 Coleman Tent
9x11 Rain Shelter
1 Folding Chair
Air Mattress/Pump
Electric Blanket
Pillow/Sheets
Battery Lantern
Small Fan
Stool
3 Changes of Clothes
2 Towels
2 Washcloths
Digital Camera/Docking Station
Laptop
Cell Phone
40 ft Outdoor Extension Cord
Power Strip
Laundry Detergent
Dryer Sheets
3 Rolls of Quarters
Extra Batteries
Toiletries

I put anything that is small, but has some weight to it in my carryons such as my Lantern, Batteries, Air Mattress Pump, Extension Cords, Quarter Rolls, Batteries.

Anything that is large goes in the checked luggage.

I don't cook while at Ft. Wilderness, so I don't have any of that.

From your picture it looks like there might be three of you, so with 6 50lb checked bags, 3 carryons, and 3 personal bags, you should be able to manage without shipping anything.

I don't think a gate-checked stroller counts in your luggage allowance.

If you fly Southwest, you can have 9 50lb checked bags, 3 carryons, and 3 personal bags.

The only thing you can't transport on the plane is propane or lighters, you would have to purchase that at Ft. Wilderness.

Also, if you are renting a car, a quick trip to Wal-Mart to purchase what you need then dispose of it will probably be cheaper than shipping.

If you are not renting a car, then Magical Express will take care of all your stuff.

I hope this helps.

Carol

 

[ryan840]

Thanks, that does help alot. I have never checked any luggage other than a standard suitcase, is there any difference?

 

[clkelley]

Nope. On the footlocker, I attached some straps to ensure it stays closed without locking it, so TSA can examine the interior easily. The duffle bag just has a zipper.

If your camping gear has been near a campfire previously, it will set off an alarm if they swab it, but they just examine the interior and everything is fine.

I have a standard luggage tag on the duffle bag. The footlocker has a grey lid, so I just wrote my name and address info on the footlocker with a sharpie.

Carol