Wilderness Camping Help, last minute trip

[goingquackers]

Hello all! I just found you guys and I am glad I did.

I have never been to Disney Fort Wilderness and need help. I am planning a last minute trip to Disney on April 7th. We are driving down from Chicago. It will be me, Wife, Daughter and my 14 y/o niece and Nephew.

I have so many questions! The biggest one is, what do I request? My Wife needs to be near a comfort station because or very frequent restroom visits. And one of the kids can not walk well, so I want to be near the activities. My problem is, I am told the “preferred” sites are designed for RVs, and we will be tenting. I want to be with fellow tenters. Any suggestions?

 

[ftwildernessguy]

First of all, I would try to make my reservations ASAP. I have seen tent campers on at least all of the full hook up loops. You might consider the 1500 loop which is across from the meadows area, is a partial hook up loop, I believe, and close to a bus stop for transportation. The comfort station is shared with the 1600 loop but the loop is relatively small and I have found that most campsites are never really very far from the comfort stations. Hopefully other members will be able to give you a little more help than me. Good luck!

 

[mrsgus06]

I have stayed in the 1500 loop when I had a pop up, but it also had plenty of tents. We are in 1501, behind the bus stop and 2 spaces from the bath house. It is shared with only some of the 1600 loop as there is another bath house on the other side of the 1600 loop. I have to say from experience, the 1500 loop has the hottest (and long lasting) water to make for a wonderful shower. It is a small loop as the other poster stated but you may want to ask for low number or the higher numbers to get you closer to the bus stop and comfort station. If funds allow, you may want to consider the use of their golf carts if walking is an issue. Just a word to the wise, if they try and put you in the other partial hook up loop, can't remember the number, it is HUGE! and the comfort stations may be a country mile from your site. Either way, have a great time on your trip!

 

[emeraldlover]

You should also explain your needs to the CM when you call and make your reservations. I know many State Parks have handicapped sites available. I don't know about FW, but it can't hurt to explain your needs and maybe they can get you a site to accomodate.

 

[goingquackers]

Is the 1500 loop a "preferred" loop? I found this map here
http://www.mouseplanet.com/dtp/maps/images/fwc.gif and it does look like a good location.

What loops are typicaly given to tent campers, and how do they go about assigning them? Do they give them out when you make the reservation?

 

[goingquackers]

According to disney.com there are
1.electric/water
2.Elc/Water/sewer
3. Elc/Water/sewer/cable.

I dont care if I pay more I just want a close by location and to be with other tenters. Are these sites scattered through out each loop or are they seperated by loops.

Thanks everyone for your help

 

[mrsgus06]

The 1500 loop is a partial hook up only. It has electricity and water, but no sewege hook up. The preferred sites are located closer to the marina have sewer hook up plus cable. I think you will like the 1500 loop as it is closer to the activities. I loved that loop for its convenient location.

 

[tim5055]

I agree, 1500 is probably your best bet. As has been stated above it is a water/electric loop but with a tent that should not be a problem.

There is a bus stop at the entrance to the 1500 loop and the comfort station is really close to most sites on the loop. It (the loop) is also directly across the street from the meadows complex which houses the pool, bike barn, trading post and campfire/movie area.

The only other "activity area" is the marina area, but it would be a quick bus ride down the street.

Check out my FW web page (link below) for more information.

 

[NHcampers]

I am posting a photo of the 1600 loop sites ( Full hook up). The sites in the 1500 & 2000 loop have much smaller concrete pad and larger sand area for tents.

 

[goingquackers]

Sand? Oh no, I hate sand. I hope the 1500 loop does not have sand. I only camped once on grass. Is sand unsuall for campgrounds?

 

[tim5055]

Sand? Oh no, I hate sand. I hope the 1500 loop does not have sand. I only camped once on grass. Is sand unsuall for campgrounds?

Actually it's not really snd, it's a crushed shell pad.

In answer to your question, yes every site at FW has the crushed shell tent pad. No grass sites at all. Sorry.

 

[goingquackers]

Does the crushed shell get in to your socks and shoes like sand does? I am worried about it getting in the tent and in our clothes.

Has anyone had any trouble with this?

 

[tim5055]

Does the crushed shell get in to your socks and shoes like sand does? I am worried about it getting in the tent and in our clothes.

Has anyone had any trouble with this?

In a word, yes.

 

[goingquackers]

Thank you for all your help. One more question, is there such a thing as a Preferred partial hook up site?

 

[ftwildernessguy]

By definition, a preferred site has water/electric/sewer/cable.

 

[loriandmatt]

to help keep the crushed shells in your tent (and everything else in your tent) to a minimum....be sure to have a cheep throw rug or two outside of the entrance to your tent. take your shoes off there before you go into the tent.

-lori

 

[clkelley]

Also if you are tenting, purchase some disposable painters plastic to place under your tent in addition to your regular ground cloth.

That way, when you break down your tent and pack up, you can just ditch the painters plastic and it keeps the underneath of your tent and your groundcloth clean.

Yes, a doormat rug in front of your tent is a good idea. Also a plastic bin to place shoes in outside your tent is a good idea.

A sunshade/rain shelter in front of your tent is also a good idea.

I don't mind the tent pads at Ft. Wilderness at all. The coquina (sand/shell) holds stakes pretty well and is quite soft.

Carol

 

[Piglet54]

This is an incredibly helpful thread. Thank you so much! I love this discussion board.

We are planning to tent camp at FW for the first time in early June. I requested the 1500 loop. Trying to learn all I can before we go. You guys are the best! Thanks again!