PghBob

1 hour ago, Avatab.... Steve said:

Which is exactly why it is a mystery to me that Disney does not expand the Fort and/or add an additional separate campground or two.....

If one of their Resorts is popular they waste no time in expanding it or building another one right next to it. The only capacity they have added to the Fort since the 1970's was the additional sites on the 600 loop and removing the cabins on the 2100 loop (but that was campsites originally so really doesn't count...)

Either the Fort turns a profit or it doesn't, if it didn't I would imagine it would be gone tomorrow and if it does and demand is so high, why aren't they building more loops?   

I talked with a manager type at the Outpost last Fall and asked him that question.  The person responded that expansion of the Fort was under discussion by the big wigs.  This person also noted that the expansion might include space across the road from the Fort, near the Fort entrance.  I'm not holding my breath.

Agree, great job keeping us up to date.  We are coming down in October and I hope this project is completed by then.

Perhaps a drilling machine to get soil samples?

Thanks.

Given the construction, are the 800, 900 loops open at all?  Doesn't seem like they can be accessed.

Thanks for the update.

I think the videographer is stupid for climbing on some of the structures that he did.  It looks like some of the things will come down in a strong wind (although there have been strong winds there and they are still standing).  Structures that have been ignored for as long as they have in RC can't be too stable.  I imagine he made it out OK if the video was posted, but talk about taking unnecessary chances with your life.  You only get one.

We are thinking of this option as well.  Planning to visit the Fort in October, and again in February with no in between trips.  It would save 4 total days of driving and a couple thousand miles on the odometer.

I would suggest that you make a decision based on how you like to travel.  If your family prefers shorter drives, then by all means, stop along the way.  This is not unusual, as many of our RVing friends from New England stop at motels along the way to Florida in winter.  No need to put up with a cold rig.

When we travel the mountain route from W. PA to the Fort, we generally overnight in the Fort Mill KOA in SC, just over the line from Charlotte.  We drive 9 hours the next day, and make the Fort at dinner time.  A quick trip to Trail's End for a pizza completes the trip down.

So, travel the way you like.  It's all good.

Since our home water supply is on a "city" water system, with a chlorinated supply, I don't do the bleach sanitation.  I feel if the chlorine in the water supply is good enough to sanitize our home water, it will be clean in the tank as well.  I should add that I remove the water filter from the hose before filling the water tank as most filters will remove the chlorine.  After every trip, I drain the fresh water tank so that the water doesn't get "stale".

Further, we only use water in the fresh water tank for "household" purposes.  We carry about 4 gallons of bottled water for coffee & drinking.

Tall Lady, we have not stayed at any of the hotels mentioned in this thread.  But, I would suggest you not rule out a cabin at the Fort when you do your comparisons.

15 hours ago, ImDownWithDisney said:

I didn't realize Monument Valley was so close. I believe it will get added to the list. Looks like there is a nice CG there too. 

Grizzly looks like a nice park, but shade looks scarce. I've also looked at Bakers Hole CG just a few miles north of West Yellowstone.  It's in the national forest and some sites have electric. 

If you choose to go to Monument Valley, consider visiting a motel there called "The View".  It is perched so that it blends in with the landscape with great views.  It is owned and operated by Native Americans.  We felt the restaurant was very good and if you like Native American goods, the gift shop has very nice items.  Further, tours of the Valley by Native Americans in their vehicles can be arranged from the motel (not recommended to take your own vehicle).  We tried taking our own car and realized that it was not the best idea I ever had when we saw other cars stuck.

Have a great trip.

Consider adding a visit to Monument Valley on your trip.  It sits on Navajo land on the AZ and UT border, not too far from the north rim of the Grand Canyon.  This is where many John Wayne films were shot, and the views of the monoliths are spectacular.  Also nearby is the four corners monument on tribal land as well (if you been there once, it's enough).

Agree with your concern about the 40' rig.  We have stayed at the Grizzly Camp Ground in West Yellowstone, which can handle big rigs, at least three times and like it fine.  Can walk to shops/restaurants in town.  Can be pricey.

Remember to take some cold weather gear for Yellowstone.  It can snow any month, and we have experienced enough snow in June to shut down roads, and also in June have experienced below freezing temps early morning.

Love the trip you have planned, some of my favorite places!  Have fun.

I haven't been to this place in over 10 years, but you might want to check out the KOA in Kissimmee.

Sigh, I could hear, and not appreciate, the noise from the old Rich. Petty Experience while camped at the Fort.  Nothing like the sound of high performance cars to enhance the tranquil "wilderness" experience.  This is not a put down on racing or race cars, but rather where the tracks are placed relative to a camping area.

When you arrive at the Fort, ask to see the binder with all of the sites in it.  Find out which are available, and choose the site that best matches your needs.  Be sure to tell the CM about your child's needs, and in my previous experiences, they will do their best to accommodate you.  Be sure to take bug repellent with a high percentage of DEET and if you forgot to bring it, ask the CM if they have any.

3000 loop only exists in a fog kind of like Brigadoon.

Our family likes the GMR.  It also is a place to beat the heat with the que mostly indoors as well as the ride.  I hope the attraction does not go away, as there is little else to thematically tie "Hollywood Studios" with classic films.  Otherwise, Disney could just change the name from "Hollywood Studios" to "Pixar Studio Land" or "Star Wars Picture Land" and be done with it.  I wouldn't be the first time Disney changed the name.

In the past, we would just drive up to the gate when we arrive.  No problems checking in and getting to a site even before noon.  In the rare case that the Fort is completely booked, I would just park in the overflow, leave the RV, and go start your vacation.  Come back and check in later a convenient time for you and the family.  I don't really expect that you will have any trouble.  But, this is only my opinion.

Welcome back.  Yes, it will be hot at WDW during your visit.  You probably have thought of this, but, before you plan which days at the parks, check the weather forecast.  Look for overcast days to go to the parks.  Further, make sure to take days off between park visits.  On the days between park visits, do the pools, ride the monorails, visit the hotels on the mono loop, ride a boat, etc.  Plenty to do, and still manage to keep relatively cool.

Can't help with rental stuff.

We only rent a golf cart for a couple of days at the Fort.  We use it for mainly looping, and only then to get to the "far away" sites.  Otherwise, we walk or bus it.  But, we are fortunate that none of us needs mobility assistance (yet!).

Relax and have fun.  It is the Fort way of doing WDW. 

On 5/28/2017 at 9:15 AM, DaveInTN said:

I made a small adjustment to your post.

Sent from my handheld doohickie

Edit accepted.  Thanks.

We have been going to WDW several times a year lately.  Even if we are staying multiple weeks, we only go to the parks a couple of times each visit.  We enjoy the Fort and guests at the Fort more than the mega-crowds at the parks.  When I talk to CMs or other guests about the Fort, I refer to it as the un-Disney because it is much more quiet and laid back.

We have also noted the umm, lack of up-keep in the parks.  Maybe the large crowds get in the way of routine fix-ups???

Not that it would do any good, but I would be up at the outpost the next morning demanding to see the manager with a complaint.  And if he/she didn't seem helpful, I would request a meeting with their boss.  In Disney's eyes, IMHO, it's not just the money (although it seems like it at times), it's protecting the brand and image.  Being party central is not consistent with "Family", or Walt's ideals.  My 2 cents.

Last February, we tried in use our Magic Bands to get into Sturdy Branches gym area, in the DVC building over at the Wilderness Lodge.  Didn't work.  I don't know of any other gym type facility available to those staying at the Fort.

We like staying in the 800 loop.  We can walk to the Meadows TP or to the Settlement.  I won't recommend a site because our wants/needs are likely to be different than yours, and I don't know the site measurements.  I will suggest that when you are checking in, request to see the binder with the loops in it, and you can then choose the site that will work best for you and your family.  Over the years, we have seen many large RVs with cars or tow vehicles in various sites within the 800 loop.  Have fun!

The Fort is a great spot to relax.  And, if you want to do something "easy" rather than going to the parks, you can walk, bike, golf-cart, swim, boat, canoe, play, & even do some simple shopping at the trading posts.  Don't forget the Chip & Dale meet and greet and movies.  Finally, there is the Trail's End for sit-down dining, or the to-go pick up.

We have spent days at the Fort doing "nothin".

We have checked out 2100 a couple of times when looping, just to see if we would like it.  I think TCD directly hits the issues that would not make this loop a first pick for us.  However, once we made reservations with only a couple days notice, and would gladly take 2100 if that was our only option.  Being at the Fort IS being at the Fort.