PghBob

2 minutes ago, Travisma said:

Back in the primordial days of WDW  resort guests (including the Fort) were issued a paper transportation card.  At least one person in your party had to show that card to utilize the buses and boats.  They had your check out date on them, and the drivers and captains would check them and deny you access if you tried to use one past that date.

And there used to be a guard shack on Vista Blvd coming from Bonnet Creek Pky.  They would stop all vehicles if you didn't have a parking pass.  You had to have a good reason for trying to get past them.

Agree x 2.  Back in the 80s, when we traveled with our in-laws in their Class A to the Fort, my FIL would drive in on Vista and would be stopped.  He had to show our FW reservations.  Yes, we also were issued transportation cards on arrival and did need show them to board transportation.  I do not understand why WDW has not put Magic Band readers on their transportation, other than it could possibly slow down boarding on all vehicles.  Given the large crowds present now in the parks at almost every time of year, and with more rooms coming on line, checking MBs to board could lead to delays making the guests unhappy.  (Have you heard the grumbles in line from visitors when someone else "forgets" to fold a stroller?)

4 hours ago, Starbuc71 said:

 I know at the moment since I’m trying to plan a once in a lifetime trip to Disneyland next year. I don’t think it’s going to happen due to price.

We have gone to Disneyland several times, most recently last July.  Mostly, we have stayed at a place called the Candy Cane Inn, about 2-3 blocks away on Harbor Blvd.  Given the name, we were reluctant to stay there the first time, but have liked enough to return several times.  They offer a pretty nice "free" breakfast to guests.  The have a free shuttle to the park and back, but it is easily walkable even for this old dude.  The Candy Cane is also a Disney "Good Neighbor", and they sell certain park tickets on-site.  It is a better value IMHO than staying on DL property.

Good luck with your trip planning.

Since I posted on this rumor in July, 2016, I think their is enough information in the various newer posts that a new DVC/hotel is now being planned for the old River Country site.  I believe we can conclude that this rumor has been Confirmed.

Maybe they will put up a gate that will prevent "lost" folks from the new resort from entering the FW area to minimize traffic and improve safety.  Hey Disney, Hint, HINT.

We used 417 last March driving home.  It was a real blessing compared to driving thru downtown Orlando.  There was some traffic slow downs near busy intersections, but by and large a much easier drive.  We will take it southbound in a few weeks.  Our toll for our Class C last year was $7.00.

Safe driving!

"Nature Inspired".  Does that mean it will offer out-houses?  Or that remnants of the TCD barn will be hung on the wall?  Maybe a picture of a deer?

I don't know anything about building a resort, but I know when a proposal looks totally out of place.  This one does BIG TIME.  Put it over in Square Building Land where it belongs.  Hopes dashed again.

We are also DVC members and have not heard or received anything to date.

That is a long time for a refurb.  But, IMO, the ride needs to be updated.

We have a Class C Lazy Daze motor home.  It still uses a wooden frame, galvanized steel floor, aircraft grade aluminum skin and roof, and aircraft grade paint.  It is considered one of the better quality Class C units.  They are made in 24, 27, and 30 foot lengths, with a couple of different floor plans.  No slide outs.  Good Luck with your search.

21 hours ago, Travisma said:

How about Musket Mickey?  Or should I say tree limb walking stick Mickey! 😀

I'm not sure about Tree Limb Mickey, but Musket Mickey would be great.  Maybe, just Mickey in his "Wilderness Outfit" with his coon skin hat.

IMO, the characters would be better if they were Pocohantas and/or Chip & Dale which would better fit the "Wilderness" theme. They could also consider the bears from Country Bears or Brother Bear.  Keep Snow White in her Castle. 

"Yeah, honestly I know it will be a $h!tshow this weekend, but it was now or nothing with our schedules. Plus we are taking my youngest daughter's best friend. She just lost her dad, so we wanted to do something nice for her to help lift her spirits. So this trip we will be hitting it hard and show her everything. Usually we are jaded AP holders who don't wait in line much and just bounce around."

This is a very nice thing to do.  

We were at WL over the weekend, and they were still bellowing for Ketchup over at the restaurant.

Forgot to add that the new hotel proposed for RC will be 5-6 stories high.

Just got back from a week at WDW, staying at Saratoga this time.  While out and about, we came across a CM who was talking to several guests about future WDW plans.  I took the opportunity to ask this CM if there was any news on the proposed River Country development.  This person was really reluctant to talk about RC, but reported the following:

1  There is a new hotel planned for the RC area, but won't be built until the newest DVC hotel is done or nearly done, excluding prep-work

2. There will be approximately 2000 rooms

3. It will be approximately 50/50 DVC and non-DVC rooms

4. It is hoped that it will be completed by the "anniversary"

5. This is only a rumor according to the CM, but there is some discussion about more cabins around Bay Lake

Time will tell

Got it.  But, please do the math before purchase.  Min. purchase was $18,000 several years ago, plus the annual dues based on the points you buy.

One can get a lot of 2-3 nights stays for that kind of money.

Good luck working it out.  

HI.  We are DVC members and have been just OK with our membership.  It is extremely difficult to get time (any time) at the Fort, and nearly impossible to get time when you want it.  We have been able to use points there a couple of times.  Ask the front desk at FW about DVC availability at the Fort and they tell you to call DVC.  Call DVC about availability at the Fort and they tell you the Fort has not given out that information.  It can drive you crazy.  I've even tried asking DVC, "tell me when there is any availability at the Fort, and I'll come then".  They don't have the info. most of the time.

So, we use our membership for staying in a resort for shorter stays.  Even then, it can be difficult.  For example, a few months ago we figured we had a some days in June when we could come down.  The only thing available was 2 nights in a one bedroom at Saratoga, then 3 nights in a Studio at Saratoga.  So, we need to move mid-stay.

IMHO, DVC works best for a family that consistently knows 7-9 months out where and when they want to use the points.  Otherwise, you could have problems getting something when you want, or a room size that fits your needs.  Especially true around peak times like Holidays and Spring Break.

Finally, be careful of buying points from anyone other than Disney.  WDW is increasing restrictions on non-Disney DVC purchases as to how those points can be used.  Check out all options before buying.

If Disney were to theme the new resort in a manner that it would fit "historically" between the frontier "Fort", and the newer western parks/steam trains of the Wilderness Lodge, they could really put the immagineers to work with rides/transportation.  Say, "Mike Fink" type keel boats between the new resort and WL, or even a steam train between the two that would really enhance that theme at the WL.  Or they could up the use of the horse drawn carriages/stage coaches between the two resorts.  Anyway, just thinking about alternatives to more cars and parking spots.

Our family has always enjoyed the Dappers.  As you noted, some go all out and really dress for the day.

Happy Birthday, and watch that Old Fart stuff.  Just kidding.  If you haven't bought anything yet, and have some time before you make a purchase, give some thought to attending a large RV show.  There, you can compare and contrast the latest in RVs, and check out various floor plans.  Beware of "eye candy", fancy stuff, that adds to the price, but not necessarily the enjoyment or experiences.  The self proclaimed largest RV show in the country is in Hershey PA in mid-September, which is only a few hours from DC.   You can see any type of RV there.  Good Luck and best wishes.

We stayed at Saratoga Springs last week for a few days, and for one of those days, we came over to the Fort to pick up a reserved golf cart to do some looping.  The CM working the golf cart process, at the umbrella, asked us if we heard about the proposed changes in golf cart rental rules.  According to this CM, very soon the Fort will restrict golf cart rentals only to guests staying at the Fort.  Since we have heard nothing else about this from anyone, or have not seen anything printed about this, I think it is best to consider this a rumor at this point.

We were on the road last week between the Fort and Wilderness Lodge.  Between the TCD barn area and the new parking area for the cabins, there were three, large survey markers placed in the ground along the barn side of the road.  Does anyone think that this might have something to do with the previously noted plans?

We did this experience last Fall, and all of enjoyed it very much.  The photo op. with the Headless Horseman was the highlight.  No dessert party offered last year, but would not spring for it anyway.

Like most here, I don't like the new parking charge.  But, what if Disney raised the price of a room by $25/night, and maintained free parking?  Would people be as upset?  Disney would make more $ by raising the room rate because it would capture the fly-ins and bus-ins as well.  Besides raising cash, maybe this is an attempt to reduce traffic as well?  I don't know.

Remember some of the reasons DVC is a good deal for Disney.  Some of these would transfer over to a new campground.

While Disney would have the cost of building a CG, the DVC owners would foot the bill for operations, and significantly, any upgrades and repairs.  For example, as a DVC member, I am currently paying for a roof replacement of our building in 20 years.  Not to mention, seemingly endless upgrades and refurbs.

Next, DVC members in a proposed CG would pay all taxes and utilities.

Disney already owns the property, so no costs there.  I could be missing something, but I think Disney's only cost would be to build the place.

I imagine, that the Fort's  occupancy rate of 93% (last year) could drop a little with a DVC campground.  BTW, that occupancy rate is the highest in all of Disney and other hotels and resorts would do virtually anything to match it.

So, I agree a new DVC CG is unlikely, but certainly not cost prohibitive.  Critiques invited.