Worried About Rain

[H_Bruemmer]

OK, so we leave Saturday for our first time at Fort Wilderness as tent campers, after happy visits to the cabins. Back when we first started planning this trip we were borrowing a friend's pup, but now we're down to just tents.

I keep reading about all this rain and I am terrified! I have tried to do extra weather proofing on the tents, all of which are less than 2 years old. I have everything sealed in plastic of some sort, bought tarps for hanging overhead and use as groundcloths, even bought a a case of "sham-wow's" off of ebay to absorb extra water if needed. I expect a brief daily thundershower at WDW this time of year, but I am truly worried about how we will hold up if there is still a lot of standing water everywhere. The older kids will be fine, but we're traveling with an infant, and three toddlers. Ideas?

 

[AuburnJen92]

Sounds to me like you are prepared. There has been a lot of rain, but we managed to make the best of it this past weekend. You might want to purchase an extra tarp to tie to some trees to keep the excess water off. I saw some people do that this weekend and it really seemed to help.

 

[Pinkee77]

And bring quarters to dry your clothes at the comfort station!

Have fun! I don't think the weather next weekend is going to be as bad as it was this past weekend, is it?

 

[fldisneyfamily]

Make sure you secure your tent really well, and if a severe thunderstorm blows in, put all your electronics inside your vehicle and seek shelter from the lightening. We were camping at Rivereside RV resort in DeSoto County this weekend, and a severe, very severe storm formed quickly. We did not even have time to get our awning rolled up, when the wind blew it off, and smashed one of our TT windows. In all twelve TT's had damage from this storm, and several tents were blown down. Have fun and watch the weather!!!

 

[wrconrad]

We just got back (5-17 - 5-24). There were only 2 times that it was windy. Although there was a lot of rain, it think it only stormed bad 2 times.

Be prepared for standing water. We were at the GF and there was standing water right outside our building for a good part of our visit. I'm not sure what the camp grounds will be like.

In the front of the main building and in the parks there were CMs clearing water from the walkways but still a lot of standing water.

 

[DisneyBishops]

Just got back from the fort. What a wet weekend. Standing water everywhere. Saw alot of tent campers there, They get props from me. We had a couple of pretty intense storms. I don't see how they made it but many did. I guess they are just tougher than me. LOL

1000 loop was closed and 1600 was empty most of the time. I didn't make it to the party on sat night as I was just rained out by then. Oh well time to start planning for my mext trip which will be labor day.

 

[cjalphonso]

I would bring a shovel too. The problem I saw when I was there last week was that several times the tent pad behind my RV had 2 inches of standing water in it. With a shovel I could have easily made some small trenches to allow the water to drain properly. The pad is bordered with timbers, which stops it from draining fast in heavy rain.
I would also invest in some cots, they would keep your stuff dry even if water did come in from the bottom.

 

[duranfan]

I read the Orlando forecast as we are going too this weekend and its occasional showers which means we have a good chance at decent weather.

 

[freshlybarked]

We are in our 6th day of 8 days. It just doesn't stop raining. Every day. This is our 3rd rain today. We were on our way to the pool at 7:00 for some pool time and then to the campfire.....oops another thunder storm. Everything is flooded and smelly. At least the sites are dry and we are in an RV. I really feel sorry for tent people.

 

[mousebrain]

Our first year tent camping we got rained out! It was horrible.... why I ever went back I don't know.... but we did and the next year was WONDERFUL!! Now after 3 more successful trips.... I must admit I remember how tough it was that first year. Sorry folks!!

MB