PghBob

2 hours ago, Travisma said:

 

Imagine waking up and strolling over to the Jungle Cruise at 6:00 am in your jammies while sipping on your $20 fancy coffee.

Now that shows you've made it!

 

They should go to Disneyland Paris and stay at the Disneyland Hotel.  Could probably do that there, except the coffee would be 20 Euros. 

Isn't the 4 Seasons a fancy (boutique) hotel for the monied set?  Does Disney need a hotel that charges even more?

Consider a visit to the the VA. Marine Science Center which is a very nice Aquarium.  Located on the other side of town from where you plan to camp.  This is a great rainy day place to visit

Might see if you can book a tour at Oceania Naval Air Station, a very busy Navy jet base.  Always aircraft of many types flying around VA. Beach.

Near your camp area, you may wish to visit the Old Lighthouse.  It is on a military base, so you will be checked out.  Access to the public is permitted up to, but not beyond the lighthouse.

In the middle of town, just on the boardwalk, is the old Coast Guard Rescue building, now a museum.  Very interesting to visit, and recommended.

Opportunities for boating and fishing are available as you might expect.

When visiting, we will often go to a restaurant called Abbey Road, that has lots of Beatles stuff.  The food is OK, and not very expensive (based on local norms).  They have parking adjacent to the restaurant.

Have fun!

I would agree that Sunday is a good day to check in.  Typically, that is the day we check in, and generally have not had any problems.  Remember that you can call for reservations 500 days out, so you can book now.

Good Luck!

As noted by others, one of the benefits for staying at the Fort for us was the relatively quiet and serene experience vs. the noise and crowds at the parks and hotels.  Often, I have remarked to others that the Fort is actually the "un-Disney" part of WDW because of the calm usually found there.  We also feel that the new resort is going to crush the settlement area and change forever the characteristics that make the Fort, the Fort.

I remember when Rock & Roll was described by some as the "Devil's Music".  If you get the chance, listen to the CD "Million Dollar Quartet" or see the show.

Keep in mind that the time period you noted may coincide with Spring Break, Daytona 500, and some of the Disney foot races around WDW.  More than ever, one should try to book as far in advance as you can.  Remember, you can always cancel a reservation, in most cases, with out a penalty.

I would also like Disney to add a rule that states that any self-propelled assistive devices must have headlights in front and taillights in back turned on when it gets dark.  Further, these devices should be prohibited from driving side-by-side while in the parks, and especially in the stores.  We have been nearly run down several times by rookie drivers not able to handle their devices, and in the dark, you can't see them coming through the crowds.  On our trip to WDW in Feb., one driver on a device ran right into DW's leg, and didn't even say she was sorry.

When our children were little, we stayed in 1400 quite a bit because of easy access to the Meadows area and the playground.  We would recommend that loop given your preferences.

We have spent a number of days in Cal. the past few summers, both via air and also our own vehicle.  When we flew into LAX, we rented a car.  The prices for the car were very reasonable, likely because of the high volume of customers.  That is, if you return the car to LAX.  The cost may be, and probably will be more if you return it to San. Fran.

If looking for a place to stay in Anaheim, give some thought to staying at the Candy Cane Inn.  The name sounds kinda goofy, but we took a chance on it many years ago, and have stayed there every time since when we are in the area.  This place sits right on Harbor Blvd. and is an easy 10 minute walk to the park entrance.  They also offer free shuttle service to and from the park if you wish.  Like many hotels in the area, they offer a "free" breakfast which is quite nice. We have never had bad interactions with any of the staff.  If interested, book early as they also get a lot of business from the Anaheim Convention Center.  They are a "Disney Good Neighbor" Hotel, so you can also get tickets there.  They provide a discount for AAA members.

Would strongly suggest you consider a trip to Sequoia/Kings Canyon NP which is several hours away.  It is gorgeous.  Consider staying at the John Muir Lodge in Sequoia.  When in the area of this small lodge, there is a very narrow side road that you can drive up to a parking lot, then hike for five-ten minutes to reach a summit which provides a jaw-dropping, beautiful view of the Sierras.  Some likely will be snow capped.  If going to this park, take some cold weather gear with you.  When we went there a few years ago, it snowed (in June) and part of the park was closed.  The trees are huge and are something to see.

From there, it is only a few hours drive to Yosemite.  Also a place of great beauty.  If you are going there, try to avoid the weekends as many people from the bay area go there for short periods of R & R.  

From there, you can drive virtually due west to the bay area in a few hours.  SF has several expressways, all busy all the time.

Finally, if you have the time, consider driving south from SF, to Monterey, next door Carmel, the 17 mile drive (fee) around Pebble Beach, and continue south on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), California 1.  The views are fantastic, especially around sunset.  Continue on to San Simeon to see the Hearst Castle (fee for tours), elephant seal beach, and other small towns.  Near Thousand Oaks, you might consider a stop at the Reagan Library in San Simeon.  Eventually, the southern drive will take you back to LAX.  

I think it would be a push to complete everything I have listed above in 10 days.  But, hopefully, there are some ideas for you and the family to think about.  Have fun.

On 3/8/2019 at 8:29 AM, Travisma said:

Since Disney is private and doesn't say a lot about their occupancy rates everything is pure speculation on how full they are at any given time, except for the Fort.

We had a discussion with a now retired manager at the Fort a year or two ago.  According to this person, the Fort had the highest occupancy rate of any Disney property world-wide.

Final note for this trip.   Survey stakes appearing like weeds in the PH and barn areas.  Another new batch located between PH and the Settlement Trading Post, in the grassy area adjacent to the the wagon rides.

Asked another transportation employee "What can you tell us about the new RC project and how it will effect you?" Earlier today.  Answer was ... Well, they are going to move Pioneer Hall...

Also, purple bus route will need to be combined (with orange?) once the road is cut through.  And, finally, the road to WL should have closed by now, "they are behind".

Still rumors, I think, until there is more confirmation.

Thanks for the replies.  Never been on FB, don't expect to in the future.  Thanks again.

We have been surrounded over the last week or so by members of this group. Most seem to have little kids and they like chalk art.  Anyone know more about this group?

New in the last few days:  As you approach the MK ticket gate, and then get right for the FW exit, at the junction with Vista Drive,  there is considerable construction on the left side of Vista drive.  Much in the way of clearing trees and brush.  Ropes with pennants marking off areas going deep in the woods.  Could this be the new road or construction access for the RC development?

New survey markers seen on the old FW RR right of way cross from the Settlement bus stop.

Would like to upload pictures, but (blushing) I don't know how.  Never done it.

A couple of new things: 1. There are now yellow flags from the Settlement bus stop running towards PH that indicate a natural gas pipeline. 2. A couple of survey markers are out on Clemintines Beach, about 5 feet in from the shore line 3. Vegetation between River Country and the shore has been cut back providing a great view of the ruins 4. We took the boat from FW to WL, and the boat driver altered course to give us all a closer view of RC, and reported that construction of the new resort began "last week".

Was talking to a cast member in transportation about the River Country project.  This person told me that the rumor amongst some is that once the TCD barn is moved to the other horse area, PH will be moved as well, much closer to the Outpost and parking area.  This will be done to eliminate the need for people going to Hoopie D and Trails end to ride a bus.

Also, they expect the road between WL and FW to close indefinitely as construction begins.  Probably will also close the bike/walking trail between WL and FW as well.

Was talking to a cast member in transportation about the River Country project.  This person told me that the rumor amongst some is that once the TCD barn is moved to the other horse area, PH will be moved as well, much closer to the Outpost and parking area.  This will be done to eliminate the need for people going to Hoopie D and Trails end to ride a bus.

Also, they expect the road between WL and FW to close indefinitely as construction begins.  Probably will also close the bike/walking trail between WL and FW as well.

At the Fort now.  New (to us) survey markers in place: 1.  In the grass immediately adjacent to the Settlement bus stop and the road 2.  In the large open field between the bus stop and P. Hall 3. Between Trails End and the playground. 4. In the trees between the playground and the beach.  Asked a bus driver about the survey markers adjacent to the bus stop, he replied he didn't know.   He did say a few other things, but I'll put those in the Rumors  Section.

Think of the money lost on this law, the pollution caused by the manufacture and painting of the signs, and the lost man-hours due to this law.  This is an example of common sense not being common, especially among politicians of all stripes. 

We have been lucky in the past, using DVC points for a site in FW.  There was no $95 charge to do this.  However, over the past few years, we have not been able to use points.  They play a game like Catch-22.  FW reservations don't have any idea of when you can use points ... call DVC, and DVC tells you that FW has not given them dates when points can be used.  Obviously, this is a bunch of BS.  Someone knows.  We got tired of playing this game and save the points for something else.

IMHO, there is little chance you will be able to use points at FW around a major holiday.  But, good luck and we hope you are successful.

It has worked more for us than not.  Pretty cool the first time you see it, but then I start wondering about  "Big Brother" watching my moves at WDW.

We were just in that area a couple of weeks ago.  The new bus stops are in a galaxy far far away from the entrance.  Folks with trouble getting around could have issues with the distance.  And of course, the stop for the Fort is just about the furthest from the entrance.  Little to no protection from the elements.  Did the inmates that designed this actually get paid?  

Yep, we ain't going no more!