What in the world is tent camping with children like?

[nessz79]

DH and I have considered selling our used RV to someone for close to what we bought it for (we just bought it, but we need $, etc). If we did, we have considered tent camping at FW. We've never done it together, much less with kids ages 5 and 4. We went in our RV once and it was a blast.

If we did, we'd go during Florida's winter. We're from Florida so we're familiar with the unpredictable temperatures. However, how cold is too cold? How do you keep warm if it gets into the 30's/40's at night?

Also, how is it going back and forth to comfort stations?

Any other tips, ideas?

We don't even have a tent yet. I've seen great reviews for Eureka. We'd like to get as big as possible and maybe get some cots so we would be off the ground. Any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance

 

[Married2Mickey]

I haven't been lucky enough yet to tent camp at FW (still trying to talk DH into it for a future trip), but we have been camping with our DS since he was 2. The toughest part for us was keeping him occupied while we set everything up. Some new special toys or a coloring book took care of that just fine until he was 3 or 4 and able to help with setup himself.

I'm certainly not a tent expert, but IMHO you should be fine in a 3-season tent for a Florida winter. A good sleeping bag and something to raise you off the ground (cot, air mattress, sleeping pad, etc.) should keep you nice and cozy for sleeping. There are also tent heaters out there that are wonderful, and many of them are very compact.

As for your tent choice, you are right that Eureka makes great tents, and I would certainly recommend them. We got lucky with an amazing deal on a discontinued Kelty 9-person/3-room dome tent from Ebay before I even knew what to buy. Even though it's a dome, both DH and I can stand up in the middle of it (and at over 6' each that's an important thing for us). Lots of companies have a similar 3-room model. We only have 3 people, so our tent lets us have a storage 'room' and a 'room' to put a porta-potty at night (I know it's not a pleasant thing to think about but I HATE trying to find a comfort station in the middle of the night). Whatever tent you choose, keep in mind the ease of setup, and be sure to seal the seams and practice the setup in your yard before you go camping the first time.

I can't imagine a better place to camp than FW, and I can't wait to do it myself. We'll be in cabins for our upcoming trip, but I'm hoping that seeing the CG will convince the DH to camp on a future trip. I know you will have a ball if you decide to go for it. Kids and camping just go together, and there are memories to be made that you can't get from any other experience.

 

[Shan-man]

That's good information, but I just wanted to add that there is no need to buy a specialized tent heater running on propane or kerosene for camping at Disney... you'll have electric so why not heat on Disney's dime with a cheaper electric ceramic heater. Just make sure that whatever heater you get doesn't have exposed elements that can spark fire.

 

[mamaloya]

Tent camping with kids is AWESOME!! Our first trip to the fort was in a tent and our kids were 1, 3, 4, and 7. Our oldest two did not join us.

We give each kid an assignment to keep them busy during setup. It can be holding the stakes until needed or putting a stake at each loop.

As for the weather. Be prepared for anything. I don't think that the tent heaters are supposed to be used while you are sleeping as they are propane. We use a fan forced electric heater. Their surface does not get hot. Just keep it on a flat surface and away from sleeping bags, etc. Make sure you get one with tip and overheat protection. Buy 30 degree sleeping bags to keep you warm. If you use an air mattress, put a blanket under it (this is a tip Carol shares). Some people use electric blankets. In our popup I had our kids sleep in long johns.

As for trips to the comfort station... Well, one night I remember having to go really bad, but it was pouring down rain. Not a good combo. I thought I was going to burst by the time it stopped. I don't think I ever moved so fast to get there when the rain stopped. That is one reason why we bought the trailer and got rid of the popup. I am really regretting that move as the popup was paid off and the same year as our current one. I am now having to sell our trailer. I will be back to a tent as well.

Check our our thread entitled "so you want to buy a tent". It has some great tips on types of tents and sleeping arrangements.

Happy Camping!

 

[Married2Mickey]

I don't think that the tent heaters are supposed to be used while you are sleeping as they are propane.

Excellent point...forgot to mention that...oops! They're great for knocking the chill off before going to sleep, but they're definitely too dangerous to keep on while sleeping. Thanks!

 

[gelebean]

Hello fellow Floridian!

Camping at the Fort with kids is AWESOME! My boys are close in a age to yours and we have a great time. We have camped there 2 times already and are doing it again in just 20 days! Can't wait!

The first two times was during "Florida's winter" and it was a perfect time to go. These were the first tent camping experiences for our family and we couldn't have picked a better place or time.

I refer to it as "Disney Camping" since you have electricity. That makes life much easier.

We went with a Coleman tent which we love. We found it for only $80 bucks on walmart.com. We bought 2 queen air mattresses that fit great in our 10x17 then. Since we went when it was cooler, I picked up two of those "egg crate" foam things to put in between the mattress and the sheets cause you loose a lot of your body heat that way. I oslo bought flannel sheets for warmth and fleece blankets. We brought a smaller heater fan that we picked up at walmart for I thinks around $10 bucks or so and we were set.

And as to your question about the comfort stations...They are never to far away but I consider us lucky, since we have boys a coffee can with a lid does just fine for the middle of the night potty times. I just make sure I go right before we go to bed as the coffee can thing just doesn't cut it for me

I hope this helps and I say go for it . I am no expert but if you have any questions I will help with what I can pulling from our experiences.

 

[nessz79]

Thank you everyone! Lots of great tips here that I'm going to tuck away in case we do sell the RV! I just love the Forth and don't want to sacrifice all of camping...we just need some money.

 

[pmm0724]

I am a grandmother and have tent camped at FW with my grandson several times. We loved it!

Disney also has tents all set up to rent if you don't have your own gear.