PghBob

Have also noted the changes at TE.  We especially miss the basket of apples.  I guess they would rather sell them for a buck a piece.

Barricades now gone from entry road to 1600-1900 loops.  No RVs seen there yet.

As of this evening, a number of open sites.  There are three next to us.  Perhaps some cancellations due to the weather.

At the Fort now.  As of noon today, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900 remain closed.  Number of sites in 700 reported as closed, and one in 300 barricaded.  Long-time CM told us 1600 had 2 1/2 feet of water on it last Saturday.  Water ponding everywhere, bugs everywhere.  No structural damage seen, CMs report wind & rain, but not "too bad".  Fort looks in pretty good shape.

Stopped at GA welcome center in Augusta yesterday, employee reported I 95 still had segments closed in SC & GA.  Safe travels all.

The storm has affected us, but only in a minor way.  We were planning to leave Saturday for the Fort, arriving Sunday evening.  That is now off the table.  I will wait to call Disney until the storm passes, to determine if we can salvage any part of our trip.  Want to stay off the roads for a few days to allow folks to return home, and for emergency response teams. Those who cannot escape the storm, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

3 hours ago, Tri-Circle-D said:

For as long as there have been internet message boards, there have been many threads like this one.  We complain about the prices, swear that the latest price increase is the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back, but then we suck it up and go back.

Disney always wins.

And that's not a bad thing.  S71/Dave, enjoy these times with your family.  Life gets more complicated as your kids get older.  The memories you are creating now are worth way more than the ridiculous campsite costs.  Enjoy it while you can.

TCD

x2 !!  Our daughters grew up in the 80s with annual trips to the Fort with Grandpa and Grandma and their Class A along with Mom & Dad.

When Grandpa passed, the RV was no more as well.  Later, infrequent trips to WDW, we stayed at various hotels on property, but on every trip the girls insisted we take a day, rent a golf cart, and explore the Fort.  We would go looping, eat at Trail's End, shop at the Trading Posts, and take in the campfire and movie.  We would even buy the bucket of Chicken at the Trail's End and find an empty camp site, and eat at the picnic table to try and capture some of what we all were missing.  The girls really missed not staying at the Fort and had all sorts of fond memories like when they learned to ride their bikes there.

Fast forward to 2012 when Mom & Dad bought a Class C rig.  The girls first comments were "now we can camp at the Fort like we used to".  Now in their 30s, the girls will join us in the Fort at every opportunity.  It is amazing how the Fort impresses young and old alike, and the memories that are created there.  Walt would be happy.

11 hours ago, MRMK2016 said:

We have first time reservations at the Fort October 29-November 5 and have dinner reservations at 1900 Park Fare 4pm on Halloween. Do you think we'll have trouble getting back in the Fort on time for ToT? I thought we'd have plenty of time, but this thread and the photos of cars backed up worries me the boat will be a madhouse too.

You have 3 or 4 choices to get back to the Fort.  Can't predict how busy any of them will be in advance.  For example, if a storm or high winds suddenly appear, the boats to the Fort will be halted, and the lines for the bus will increase.  At the time you referenced, we would consider as our first choice taking the mono to the Magic Kingdom, then taking the boat back to FW.  At that time, the returns to FW aren't as busy as park closing for example.  Could be busy to due to Hoopty-Do.

Other choices include:  taking the mono to the Contemp. and then a boat to FW; taking the mono to MK, then bus to Wilderness Lodge, then bus to FW; taking the mono to MK, then bus to FW (if running); or mono to MK, bus to WL, then walk the trail between the WL and FW (highly recommended to have flashlights with you).

Have Fun!!

We saw the show in AK in July and were not impressed with it.  At least from where we were seated, it was difficult to make out many of the images.  Further, In our view, the dancers did not add anything to the show, but rather distracted the viewers from the light/water component.  Now, if they can come up with something as good as the show in California Adventure, we think it would be a hit.

The word up here in the north according to local news sources is that the pipeline will begin operation again tonight.

Lived through the gas problems in the 70s, NEVER want to do that again.

As TCD noted, yes to both.  Last February, it was cheaper to rent a car for a day, than a golf cart.

Derek, I agree with you 100%.  But this old-fart remembers the early eighties, being issued transportation cards upon check-in, that you had to show to board the bus and boat.  Don't remember the monorails though.

We have done a mini-snowbird trip the past few Februarys.  The advice posted so far is spot on.  I am adding this only to reinforce a couple of points.  It gets cold in central Florida in February.  In Feb. 2015, one night got down to 34 degrees in FW.  So expect cool mornings and evenings, toasty warm during the day.

Because of the cool weather, it might be prudent for you to go a get a couple of electric heaters.  One for the tenters, and one for your RV.  We used ours quite a bit during Feb.  We got ours at a local Walmart for less than $20, one of the best RV investments we have made.

As TCD has spelled out in detail, there is much to do at the Fort.  I think your whole family will enjoy it.  BTW, remember the take-out area down at the Trail's End Dining at the Settlement area of the Fort.  Buckets of chicken for take out, pizza, and a few other things.  Best deal on Disney Property for feeding a group of people. 

I think the cost of free transportation is built into park ticket prices and to a lesser degree housing/campground fees.  It only "feels" free.  Further, I think the day is not too far off when you will need to scan your magic band to get on the various types of transportation.  It would keep the non-guests off the transportation.

Agree with the posters above.  HDDR has better food quality (IMHO), and is better suited for teens.  We went to the BYBBQ only once and do not plan to go again.  Have a great trip!

Hi Gwen.  As a retired person with some medical background, let me assure you that you are NOT being unreasonable with your request for frequent rest stops.  The condition you reported is not merely painful or uncomfortable, it can lead to very serious complications if not managed correctly.  It seems your physician has given you a treatment plan to follow, and I encourage you to follow it carefully.  Have your spouse talk with the Doc. if necessary.  It does not matter how the rest of the Fiends travel to the Fort, what matters is that you arrive safely and can enjoy your time there.

Safe travels, PghBob

Hi Caroline.  We just returned from the Fort again.  I can understand that you are excited about your trip.  One point I would like to make to you about your travel plans.  We live in Western Pennsylvania and it takes us 18 hours to drive (1010 miles) to the Fort.  We make one overnight stop along the way.  Given you are traveling from Quebec, I wonder if you can safely make it in two days, especially towing.  Please allow plenty of time to arrive safely.  Watch for construction along the I-4 highway.  Best wishes and safe travels.

Hi All.  First Post, Long time lurker.  I thought the group might be interested in the following.  DW and I were having a discussion with a long-time cast member.  DW asks the CM, what are you going to do with River Country?   CM replies hush-hush talks ongoing with "your group".  CM knows we are DVC.  I replied old rumor, even saw the plans on-line.  CM states new plans being drawn up.  Also said FW may be expanded.  

Even though I trust the CM, I think this is only a rumor at this point.