What to do, what to do?!?!

[kg66]

Last Halloween we were fortunate to spend 10 days at the Fort. Of all the Disney trips , this was our best by far. So we were set, we're going back this year! The price of gas was a killer from Canada to the Fort, $900. Can't imagine it now with the latest increase! So , my dilema, Free dining in Sept. Should we forgo the Halloween trip at the fort, (costs us $900 less for fuel due to towing camper , $500 less for GC rental for the 10 days). But this means we'd be in a resort for the 10 days. Food and meal prep was always our money saver by staying at the Fort, but this time, meals are included due to Free Dining. I almost feel like I'm betraying the Fort by even thinking about staying somewhere else.
Please help. Unfortunately , in these economical times, I have to go where the money goes the farthest.

 

[big kahuna1]

Depends on which resort to compare to. If a luxury resort then I do not see any savings. If one of the moderate resorts then there would be a savings.

Everyone looks at the "Price" of gas and freaks but how much more will gas cost for the trip...$300.00? Is this additional cost worth it to stay at the Fort? It would be to me but that's just me. You could skip the cart rental and save $$ there. If you are staying in a luxury resort, that gas savings will be eatin up by the nightly room rate in 2 nights.

 

[AlyLynn]

We took our tt to FW for the first time at Thanksgiving. We were shocked that the gas was $800! We actually put money aside now--like a gas fund--out of each pay check. With 4 kids, it is still cheaper to take our tt and eat a meal or two in the tt. Depending on the loop that you're in, you could skip the golf cart and save some money. That's what we did. We were so close to everything that we didn't need one.

 

[DavidH]

You just need to figure total-cost. If you are not pulling the camper, how much will gas cost to just drive or how much will plane tickets cost? Free Dining requires rack-rate rooms and the value resorts are likely booked.

Just last night I made a spreadsheet comparing costs for a trip to Disney or Washington DC with camping verses driving or taking Amtrak (I've always wanted to ride a train). Camping was MUCH cheaper. I'm less than 1000 miles round trip, so your costs will be different.

Good luck,
David

 

[kmurawski]

That is a dilemma. Glad I'm not you.

 

[CCIntrigue]

The Fort is such a different WDW experience ... more laid back, relaxing. Are you sure you want to forego this for a few dollars?

In 2004 our son got married at Sunset Pointe behind the Polynesian. Since it was to be a quick trip we decided to stay at Port Orleans. We were so miserable there! My DH even drove over to visit FW one afternoon. Nothing else compares! I'd rather be at the fort than any luxury hotel room any day!

 

[djblu883]

I'd say the Fort hands down...shoot for the cost of gas you could actually have a local rental and drive down and have it already set up for you when you got there!!! That would still save you money I'm thinking but I could be wrong....I was all set to do the same thing(hotel it) but my friends and family all voted me down saying it would just not be the same trip without staying at the FORT!!! and I actually agree...the Fort makes the trip so much more fun...we even added the dining plan to make it so no one had to do meal prep..........wonderful decision!!!! you can pay all other expenses for the trip except for the gas well in advance and like a "layaway" so that the fuel cost don't bite so hard on your wallet at vacation time...think about it!!!

 

[stacktester]

I'd say the Fort hands down...shoot for the cost of gas you could actually have a local rental and drive down and have it already set up for you when you got there!!! That would still save you money I'm thinking but I could be wrong....I was all set to do the same thing(hotel it) but my friends and family all voted me down saying it would just not be the same trip without staying at the FORT!!! and I actually agree...the Fort makes the trip so much more fun...we even added the dining plan to make it so no one had to do meal prep..........wonderful decision!!!! you can pay all other expenses for the trip except for the gas well in advance and like a "layaway" so that the fuel cost don't bite so hard on your wallet at vacation time...think about it!!!

This is where Phyllis gives her speel about........................ we're renting Tina's 5'er later this year. You can reach her at www.campingatthefort.com
I got it memorized now Phyllis word for word.

Seriously though if renting a camper at the fort she's got a great deal. Speaking of Miss Tina where has she been? I hope she's ok. Haven't seen her post in a while.

 

[OK GRUMPY]

I agree maybe a rental would help with the cost. Also when I think of September I think of Hurricane season. I hope Florida can go awhile without one but you never know! I went and stayed last year for Halloween and was debating free dining in September or Fort Wilderness in October.. Fort Wilderness in October WINS!!! For Me!

 

[seabee]

It is a tough decision. DH and I were just talking about our trip in Oct. Gas is going to cost us a lot more to go down this time. Actually it would be less for us to fly, but with all that goes on with getting DH on the plane I stress too much. Staying at SOG is cheap, but the fort is cheaper, I think that it will pretty much even out. That is what I am telling myself anyway. I am hoping that after the summer the gas will go down a little bit. I really don't want to stay at a hotel.

What if you were to drive down in Sept. and get the free dining? Would that help at all? Also, we stayed in the 500 loop last time and didn't need a cart. We walked everywhere and it was fine. Theres more savings. You would still be paying for gas, but with free dining and no cart that could help.

 

[kg66]

Lots of good advice, thanks everyone! We're still undecided. DH wants to stay at a Value resort, but I want to stay at a Moderate, namely CSR. I've wanted to stay there for a few years now. I know everyone said forego the GC, but once you've done it, it's pretty hard to not do it. We are seasonal campers at a local campground with our own Cart, so we're spoiled that way. And before anyone says it, no it's not an option to tow it down. The difference between the Fort and a Value is $300 , just resort price and tickets. The Fort we have the Gas issue for towing, so add $900. The difference between a Moderate and the Fort is $700. So it's close that way, but you still have the difference with gas, and Cart rental. Plus, I won't share the driving when towing, but if we just drive down and stay at a Resort, I'll do 50% of the driving. As you can see I'm undecided. I do know one thing, we'll still have a great time being at Disney. I'm just worried that if we do take advantage of Free Dining in September, that by the time Halloween rolls by , I"ll regret not being at the Fort. Although I did check out that there will be 2 MNSSHP while we're there in September.

 

[seabee]

Good luck with your choice. I am really hoping that the gas prices go down somewhat. I really do enjoy staying in my own trailer rather than a hotel. Something about being in my own bed. But the SOG will be alright if I have to. Have fun either way!

 

[TheFlame]

Sounds like you have gotten alot of good advice so far. My advice is to not stress too much. Just figure out what is most important to you.
I had this dilemma in Jan. but it involved an AP discount. With the discount it was alot cheaper to drive the burb and stay at POP than pull the 5th wheel and camp at FW based on gas price and room price. But, when I figured in meals and the fact that it is the FORT after all , it was not a hard decision. Besides that, I really like my own bed vs. a hotel bed that who knows how many people have slept in(I have a fear of bed bugs and other undesirables)!

 

[kg66]

Seabee, I have to ask , "What is SOG" ?

 

[stacktester]

Seabee, I have to ask , "What is SOG" ?

Shades of Green. It's the Disney Resort for military only.

 

[auntie]

This is where Phyllis gives her speel about........................ we're renting Tina's 5'er later this year. You can reach her at www.campingatthefort.com
I got it memorized now Phyllis word for word.

Seriously though if renting a camper at the fort she's got a great deal. Speaking of Miss Tina where has she been? I hope she's ok. Haven't seen her post in a while.

Thanks for covering this one for me.. I guess the regulars here no my speel..and all about Tina's 5'er. I can't help but share the information with anyone and everyone!

 

[seabee]

Yup, SOG is Shades of Green. It's a nice place, and on property. It is a lot cheaper than staying at a DisResort, except for the fort. Plus at the fort we can bring all the equiptment that we need for DH to make life easier. And there is something to be said about having your own bed. I love staying in our TT so I am really hoping prices go down in the fall.

 

[kg66]

Well, I made our decision Sunday. We're staying at Pop. I checked fuel prices on AAA Calculator, and it's $325 in my Aztek round trip, and it's $650 in DH's F-150 without towing the TT. Last year the cost for gas was exactly double what just his F-150 would be and that was $450 without towing, and $952 towing the TT. So , just in not towing the TT we're saving approx. $1000 if we take my Aztek. When I called I was surprised the Pop was available the entire time I wanted to stay down. Like my DH says, we're either at the Parks or out all day, so the room isn't a huge issue, right now cost is!
I ended up getting 10 nights at the Pop with 4 PH + fun passes, and free dining for $2400. I didn't think that was bad at all. And the CM I had at CRO was the best one I've ever had. She even checked for me, though she was almost 100% sure, we needed to extend our stay past the final date of free dining as my oldest DD's b-day will be Sept 22, and she really wanted to be at Disney for her birthday. We were able to extend our stay at the Pop, not having to change rooms(due to rack rates), and she was able to extend our free dining to include the 2 days past the original free dining date. So all of our meals are covered. I was even able to score dinner at The castle for my DD's birthday!! (her only request, not too much pressure)
Anyway, thanks everyone for all your help and answers.
Kathy

 

[BigDaddyRog]

10 days with unlimited access and free food for 4 at 2400 is a GREAT deal no matter where you lay your head at night!!!

 

[medic9016]

Does sound like a great price. Have a great time.