PghBob

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

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!

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.

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

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".

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.

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.

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. 

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 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.

We were in the 900 loop for Halloween this year.  During the day, we had an opportunity to talk with a CM who identified herself as being in charge of "traffic flow" that day and evening.  She told us that this year, because of the problems identified in the past, if you did not camp at the Fort or could prove that you had reservations at the Hoopie, Mickey's BYB, or Trail's End, you would NOT be permitted to enter the grounds.  She noted that there would be security at all entrances to the Fort, including the boat dock, and Disney Security would be backed up by the Orange County Sheriff.  We did not see the numbers of kids we thought we would see, based on the stories of past years.  After, TOT. we walked over to 1600 - 1700 loops to see some of the sites, and indeed, the Orange Co. Sheriff was there helping move traffic from out of the quad loops to the main road.  Hopefully, the idea of keeping "outsiders" out of the Fort this night will continue in the future. 

We were in the 900 loop for Halloween this year.  During the day, we had an opportunity to talk with a CM who identified herself as being in charge of "traffic flow" that day and evening.  She told us that this year, because of the problems identified in the past, if you did not camp at the Fort or could prove that you had reservations at the Hoopie, Mickey's BYB, or Trail's End, you would NOT be permitted to enter the grounds.  She noted that there would be security at all entrances to the Fort, including the boat dock, and Disney Security would be backed up by the Orange County Sheriff.  We did not see the numbers of kids we thought we would see, based on the stories of past years.  After, TOT. we walked over to 1600 - 1700 loops to see some of the sites, and indeed, the Orange Co. Sheriff was there helping move traffic from out of the quad loops to the main road.  Hopefully, the idea of keeping "outsiders" out of the Fort this night will continue in the future. 

We were in the 900 loop for Halloween this year.  During the day, we had an opportunity to talk with a CM who identified herself as being in charge of "traffic flow" that day and evening.  She told us that this year, because of the problems identified in the past, if you did not camp at the Fort or could prove that you had reservations at the Hoopie, Mickey's BYB, or Trail's End, you would NOT be permitted to enter the grounds.  She noted that there would be security at all entrances to the Fort, including the boat dock, and Disney Security would be backed up by the Orange County Sheriff.  We did not see the numbers of kids we thought we would see, based on the stories of past years.  After, TOT. we walked over to 1600 - 1700 loops to see some of the sites, and indeed, the Orange Co. Sheriff was there helping move traffic from out of the quad loops to the main road.  Hopefully, the idea of keeping "outsiders" out of the Fort this night will continue in the future. 

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.

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.

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.

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???

Once again I had a chance to speak with the CM noted in the first post in this topic.  I am told DVC has dibs on the River Country area, but has not decided what to do with it yet.  CM states progress being made with the decision.  Further, CM reported that "things" are being slowly removed from the site.  Sorry to re-surface an old topic.

Once again I had a chance to speak with the CM noted in the first post in this topic.  I am told DVC has dibs on the River Country area, but has not decided what to do with it yet.  CM states progress being made with the decision.  Further, CM reported that "things" are being slowly removed from the site.  Sorry to re-surface an old topic.

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.

DW and I ventured over to the new Geyser Point dining area this am.  We give it two thumbs up.  First the setting is gorgeous, sitting just off the shore of Bay Lake.  If you consider the building as a rectangle, then 3 sides are open, with views only slightly impaired by structural supports.  The 4th side of the rectangle is the kitchen/lines/bathroom areas.  In the middle of the rectangle is the bar and bar stools.  Surrounding the bar area are a number of tables and chairs (mostly with comfortable cushions)  that entice you to slow down and enjoy the view.
We had a breakfast meal there.  The scrambled eggs we had were fresh and obviously did not sit under a warming light.  Our bacon was Canadian bacon.  We did not know that was an option.  The server did bring us "regular" bacon at our request, but it was a bit under done in our view.  We also had a fresh fruit plate that was very good.  A big, pleasant surprise for us was a server brought out our meal on real plates, real utensils, and a real napkin.
So all in all, a substantial improvement over Roaring Fork, both in terms of ombiance and food quality.  

FYI, if not posted elsewhere.  These 2 places are closing Sunday for a major refurb.  On Monday, Guests will now be directed to the shiney new Geyser Point building for food and booze.  Soft opening for employees only going on now.  Menu will be similar at this time.