PghBob

No, but this might be the last year for grandma & grandpa.

Thanks for the heads-up.  Any reason given?

Yes, our daughters alerted us to this first thing this morning.  For all of the years we have been going to the Fort, we have never seen Trail's End not busy, except sometimes for lunch.  I wonder if this is management's attempt to strangle the Fort with the ultimate goal of closing it.  Always suspicious of management's attempts to "improve" the Fort.

We just got home from a few days at the Fort.  We were surprised to see the hula hoops back at Trail's End.  Maybe some form of normalcy is returning.

Bob

Maybe I'm just getting slower in my advancing age.  But, I'm getting POed at the constant changing of the rules at WDW.  We tried booking the Fort last summer for February 2022, and got closed out.  I have checked several times since, but always the same, not available.  So, we booked a nearby off-site hotel for Feb., and frankly, the cost per night is cheaper than a site at the Fort.

So, trying to book the Fort, for Feb. 2023 within the 500 day booking window and found out that option has been changed as well.  I ask the CM, when can I book for Feb. 2023.  His answer, I don't know.  Maybe next summer.  What a bunch of crap!  Does anyone here know?

We had a meal or two at the Wave.  But, personally, I never liked eating in the basement.  Always seemed a bit gloomy to me.

We often go to the Fort in January and February.  Usually, we have mostly dry weather, but there can be significant temperature swings.  We have been there a couple of times when the over-night temps have gone down to 32 degrees.  We have pictures of our kids, when little, being in ski caps and mittens.  Two days later, it could warm up to 60 or 70.  So, consider planning on taking at least one cold weather set of clothes for all.  Crowd size varies, but we try to avoid weekends.  Have fun!

Thanks for the quick replies.

Do you think a 27 foot Class C would be OK to drive into Buc Ees to fuel up?

We spent February at the Fort and we also have annual passes.  We lowered our expectations, and our experiences turned out to be what we expected.  We only went to the parks a couple times each week, preferring to enjoy the Fort and the warm weather.  Fort was not crowded while there. 

Our restaurant visits where pretty much what others have reported.  Bitterly disappointed in the pizza now offered at P & J's.  It seems like the recipe has changed over the last couple of years.  We felt like it was nothing more than a large toasted cheese on bread concoction.  Besides, pizza should not fold we you pick it up and try to eat it.  Scratch this menu option for us.

Now, we are admitted snow birds, seeking warmth and sunshine.  But, aside from that, we would generally agree that you don't get your money's worth by coming to WDW now.  If looking for a once in a while WDW trip, wait if you can.  We have reservations for the Fall, and would to go to the MK for Oct. 1, but they are not currently allowing any more park reservations for that date.  We will go to the Fort anyway.

While we were at the Fort in November, there were CMs posted at the 4 way stop and another at the cart path leading to the Settlement Trading Post, checking cart riders for masks.  They did call out to riders who were either mask-less or did not have the mask on correctly.

As an aside, I talked with a Disney bus driver on a near empty bus, and asked him how he felt about working during the pandemic and being around so many people.  His reply was essentially, "I have no problems coming to work here, it is probably the safest place on earth right now.  You should see how serious they are about this and how much time they spend cleaning and sanitizing everything".

We were at the Fort from mid-November until last weekend, mostly in the 200 loop.  WiFi was the worst it has been for us in many previous trips there.  Sometimes, it was non-existent, like when it was time to try on get on the virtual que for the new Star Wars ride.   

1 hour ago, h2odivers...Ray said:

We are basically in the same boat as you are. I’m willing to bet we spend as much if not more money as a non annual pass Does.

we eat at a park and/or DS everyday. 
we buy disney merchandise every trip. 
we buy snacks, drinks, beer, that’s for me. lol. 
 

it seems like Disney thinks all AP holders only come for a day or two at a time and are locals.  
or live within a short drive of wdw.  And I’m sure most AP holders fit into that category. 

But what about us that don’t??

What about us out of staters that have kids in school and have to plan their trips so they can go for 5-7+ days.  It’s not worth the cost of 3 airline tickets to go for 1 or 2 days like the article says  

 

ive called several times to find out what my refund would be, if I cancelled and no one can tell me.  The last CM told me I have to cancel and then they will let me know how much it will be. 
WTF???

because of the 30 day extension my APs won’t expire till the end of October. So we might be able to go during my DDs fall break.  But what’s the point of going if we can only make 3 park reservations at a time. 
what are we supposed to do the other 3-4 days we would be there?

 

it seems to me WDW is pushing away AP holders at a time they should be courting us. 
 

 

 Completely agree.  We live a thousand miles away and are annual passholders.  When we come south to  WDW, we don't stay a day or two, rather we are usually there for weeks and sometimes a month or more in winter.  Coming for a day or two is a financial loser for us.  Maybe, the new CEO is befuddled confusing WDW with Disneyland data.

Received ours yesterday.  All family members enjoy them very much.  Thanks again for providing this opportunity.

Just received this morning a cancellation notice from Disney regarding our June 11 thru June 20 trip.  Maybe in the Fall?

We would like 3 sets of 2 please.  Thank you!

We rode this ride last week and agree with the TCD twins.  It's really cool, and demonstrates some advanced technology.

Disneyland Paris is currently updating a couple of the hotels and is preparing for the 2024 Olympics to be held in Paris.  The CMs we talked to this summer are all excited about the crowds they are expecting.  Hope they are correct.

19 hours ago, keith_h said:

I think a lot of retirees are like Rene and myself. We aren't looking for a place that is geared to retirees or a retirement community. In our case we are looking for an area that has a decent sized walkable downtown with plenty of local restaurants and shops, has a vibrant arts scene, close by outdoor activities and not too far from an urban area. Here in NC this type of an area usually has a healthy mix of all age groups though they do tend to be younger over all. Admittedly we don't really know the region well but we have seen some areas in the Orlando metro that appear meet these criteria as well.   

If you are thinking of the greater Orlando area for a new place to live, consider Lake Nona.  It is located in the city of Orlando, but not the downtown area.  It is only minutes from the airport, and is being hailed as a community of tomorrow.  Located in the neighborhood is a relatively new children's hospital, a new and perhaps the largest VA hospital in the country, and part of a UCF (?) campus.  And, I believe a new medical school, and/or hospital is under development there.  While there are only a few shops in the complex right now, there are all kind of shops/restaurants on Narcossee Blvd. which borders the area, including the Lake Nona High School.  There are a couple of lux type apartment buildings in the plan, so a family can try out the area before buying property. We toured several of the new houses, but they were all too big (4 bedrooms) for we empty nesters.  Very walkable and bikeable.  About 30 minutes to WDW via FL 417 (toll road), and easy.

Just returned home from the Fort.  While visiting another resort, a DVC CM approached me about the new Rivera Resort.  I quickly changed the subject to the Reflections project and inquired what could the CM tell me about that.  Most of the stuff reported, I already knew from this site.  But, the one thing said, that almost knocked me over, was that the Settlement Area was going to be enhanced to a shopping/market place type area.  The proximity of Reflections to the Settlement makes this plausible to me.  But, it is still hard to believe that Disney would do this.  BTW, when I voiced my displeasure with the idea the CM walked off in a huff.  Hopefully, this is a rumor that is false.

Just got home 12 hours ago from the Fort.  One bright spot is that the new playground is almost done.  It has gone in at the grassy area between the Settlement TP and Trail's End.  

Fences and curtains everywhere.  Quite sad.

OOPS!

Hi Laura.  Based on the dates you posted in your message, you might be there by now and have found some answers to your questions.  Some additional thoughts for you:

There is a "Mickey's KItchen" restaurant over in the Comtemp. that offers dining with characters.  Similar to, but not exactly the same as MBYBBQ.

Your son may enjoy a pony or horse ride at the Fort.

Also over in the Contemp., they offer a "Pirate Ship" cruise on the lake with the crew made up as pirates.

Hope some of this is helpful.

Bob

Thanks Jason.  In frustration, I ended up calling Disney Reservations to get some info.  The young lady on the phone confirmed your info. with one exception.  She told me that 600 thru 1000, plus 1400 were premium Meadow.  If she was correct, that means 700 is now premium Meadow now as well.  Appreciate you taking time to respond, especially while on vacation.

Does anyone know the loops included in the Premium MEADOW Campsites vs. the plain old ordinary Premium Campsites?