When should we arrive for check in?

[cakesnkids]

Ok, we're leaving here on the 22nd, arriving at Disney on the 24th, staying in Ocala the night of the 23rd.
My question is, what time of day would be best for us to get there for check - in? We're not parking that day, we're doing the fort, and it's us with a 5th wheel and my inlaws going to a cabin.
Also, what's the best place to pick up groceries,a nd would you guys recommend getting them on the way in or setting up and THEN going to get them?
Thanks so much everyone, we're getting SO close!

 

[DaddyDon]

I have gotten there at sunrise and have been able to get a spot..and in the same breath i have gotten there at 2:00 and my site was not readyThere are quite a few places to get food when you get there......Gooding's is the most expensive......Winn dixie and publix are both close to Fort wilderness.So that choice is up to you! I' will be leaving when you get there ! Have a magical Stay!

 

[ftwildernessguy]

Official check in for campsites is 1pm, I believe cabins is 3 pm. I would get there before that time. If your site/cabin is not available, you will be given a card with a phone number on it, pre registered and told to park in the overflow lot and call the number later for your site assignment. We always set up camp and then go for groceries at the Publix. In fact, we go early the next morning for our groceries for the week - it has become part of our disney tradition.

 

[cakesnkids]

Awesome, ok, so we can get there early enough to not wait in a long line is all we are worried about, b/c of the kids.

 

[jeanylaser]

our family is staying in the cabin how i can check-in.

 

[We4mickey]

you can check in any time,but if your site in not ready they will send you to the overflow lot and you'll need to check back later.The same goes for the cabins.

 

[Escape Artist]

So...does anyone know the official check out time?

And, we've never violated it, but what do they do to people who aren't packed up and gone by checkout time? (I'd be happy to come up with some creative suggestions , but I would hope Disney does something effective.)

Sue in TX

 

[Donna]

Ok, this might seem like a really stupid question but my only experience at the fort has been in a cabin and i can see why those might not be ready but what is there to get "ready" at a camp site? no beds to make, no real cleaning issues that i can see. I must be missing something?

 

[ftwildernessguy]

There really isn't much - they come around and pick up any trash around the site and hose off the paved area.

 

[ftwildernessguy]

So...does anyone know the official check out time?

And, we've never violated it, but what do they do to people who aren't packed up and gone by checkout time? (I'd be happy to come up with some creative suggestions , but I would hope Disney does something effective.)

Sue in TX

I think check out time is 11am. If you need more time, you can request a later time and I think they are pretty accomodating, but if you stay too late you are subject to another day tacked on to your stay. As tight as reservations are getting, I could imagine this could create a pretty chaotic situation.

 

[Escape Artist]

Yeah, I'd hate for somebody else to just "happen" to overstay, and then I lose my spot while they enjoy another day at WDW.

We have a tent trailer, and we had one campground that wanted us to temporarily set up in their parking lot until our space was available. Yeah, right...maybe with a big RV or full-size trailer, but that would be crazy for a popup.

I just want everybody else to follow the check-out times, too!

Sue in TX
...who hates to set up in the dark, and certainly doesn't want to move once it's done...

 

[clkelley]

There really isn't much - they come around and pick up any trash around the site and hose off the paved area.

They also rake the coquina area free of all pine needles, leaves and pinecones.

I would imagine they level the coquina a bit and add some more if the previous camper gouged ruts or holes.

Perhaps check the electrical circuits and water to make sure it all works.

 

[cakesnkids]

Thanks everyone.