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GradyBunch

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  1. Like
    GradyBunch reacted to fortpartyof4 in What is happening? Is FF dying out?   
    I randomly popped on to FF and this was the first thread I noticed.  I have a lot of catching up to do around here but am delighted to see so many familiar names contributing!  When I was a "regular" here, I lived outside of Jacksonville, FL and my kids were in elementary school.  We started camping at the Fort in a tent when they were 3 and 6, then a pop up, then a TT.  In 2013, we relocated to a suburb of Philadelphia.  Sold our TT to another family on this board right before we moved.  We did get a new one, though we do not tow it down there.  Now when we visit WDW we stay in a cabin.  Expensive, for sure but worth it to us to be able to visit our happy place.  We go about once a year, in large part because my sons both go to college in FL.  Yes - for those that may remember me - my 2 boys are now 19 and 21!  One is a senior at UF, the other a sophomore at UCF.  
    We got priced out of parks many years ago, but would still go very rarely, especially to see my boys march down Main St. USA for their HS band trips.  We did visit one park during the pandemic, it was just ok, but disappointing for reasons everyone has mentioned plus we didn't get on Rise as hoped.  However, we have thoroughly enjoyed every stay at the Fort, despite not having our own camper and all of the restrictions.  The only thing that has been a downside is the construction and how much it has changed down by the marina.  Losing that beach and the ugly weird fake greenery "fence" just makes me sad.  I was just there with my youngest in late August right before we moved him back for school.  Lots of loops closed for paving, etc. but again, we made the best of it and it was a nice relaxing few days.  If I had traveled that far with an RV though - I'd have been pretty mad to have not enjoyed the things one should while staying there.
    As for what others have mentioned, yes I do think social media contributed to the decline in activity here.  But, the FB Fort groups are mostly useless.  Some are borderline militant with the rules and seem to be slanted toward one TA or another.  Meh.  One page in particular is so full of drama and BS, but the gal is so silly with the "breaking news", etc. it's almost entertaining.  I've always said this is the best resource, and if the Fort ever returns to it's former glory, it will reemerge as such.
  2. Like
    GradyBunch reacted to Starbuc71 in Observations, pros and cons   
    Well, as some of you know from my other post, we are campers again and spent a few days at the fort and the parks last week.  Since it’s been over a year since we did a true Disney vacation, I wanted to give some opinions on some of the changes we saw:
    Animal Kingdom:
    its been over 2 1/2 years since we have been to this park and we actually went twice this trip. We were very excited to see the 5 year project of Pandora completed. As much as flight of Passage is an awesome ride, I was very disappointed with Pandora overall.  First, I thought the area would be much bigger. I was not impressed with the usual Disney use of concrete for everything(trees, plants,etc). I felt a lot of inspiration from Epcot.  As Much as the floating mountains are impressive, they didn’t do much for me. I know they can’t actually float a piece of concrete, but to me they didn’t even look like part of a the movie. The river cruise was alright. The use of projection for the animals and the waterfall was great. But again, it was a short ride and I expected way more than a little mermaid ride. Overall after a 5 year project, I was not overly thrilled with Pandora. Flight of passage though was a fun ride and I think a tad better than soarin and we love soarin.  Pandora was saved for us because of this ride. 
    We had a FP for rivers of light and I have to say, one the best if not the best night time show of all the parks. There was some great imagination that went into this show and we really enjoyed it.  Are those floating flowers on a track?  If not, kudos to the flower drivers. 
    We had dinner at Yak and Yeti for the first time and actually had a great meal and cheaper than most resort restaurants. The sevice sucked but the food made up for it. Maybe because this is a Landry’s restaurant that is not solely operated by Disney like the rain Forrest. Overall, Animal kingdom used to be my least favorite park but it’s starting to gain momentum  we had a great time both times  
    The Fort:
    a few little changes.  I loved what they did with the cart parking at the Marina  it was starting to get out of hand with carts parking all over the place  it’s nice the bikes are out of the sand and grass is now growing in areas once damaged by carts  the picnic tables are a little strange there, but I’m sure it was a typical fort quick fix.  I also thought they did a great job with the landscaping by the new cart parking and all  the new shrubs along the cart path.  It’s nice seeing them put money back into the fort.  The chuck wagon was a good idea to give another food option at the fort.  The fencing of the playgrounds was beginning the last time we camped along with fencing of the pool  both great ideas   At least now I know my kids will not wander off
    Overall we had a great time and loved camping again  we went to the other parks but no real significant changes.  I did notice more security after dark at the fort and less people out and about after the fireworks.  Probably another good thing.  Now for the biggest con, we went to book spring break for next year and a premium site was $210 a night.  WTF
     
  3. Upvote
    GradyBunch reacted to GaDawgFan.....Kelly in The Official Christmas List 2016... Naughty and Nice   
    Nice! I can't wait for warm weather! 
     
    I'm cooking chili on the BGE today to bring for the gathering on the 27th. It will go in the freezer when it's finished. 
  4. Upvote
    GradyBunch reacted to Tri-Circle-D in When is the Christmas golf cart parade   
    This year's Christmas golf cart parade is on Christmas Eve at 4 pm.
    Here's the holiday schedule:

    Don't miss that character meet and greet and Santa immediately following the parade!
    Oh, and those musical performances near Pioneer Hall are new.
    TCD
  5. Upvote
    GradyBunch reacted to TN22.....Brady in Gatlinburg TN horror   
    The locals want everyone to know that Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville are open for business. Please do not cancel reservations in these two towns, or make plans to go somewhere else. That area survives on tourist dollars and although Gatlinburg was the hardest hit, there are a lot of families that have businesses in all three towns. Even though Gatlinburg is closed, and will be for some time, the other locations have vacancies. I was in Pigeon Forge today and it is business as usual, just without the Christmas shoppers.
    For those of you who are familiar with the area, below is a link showing what areas are affected.
    http://www.arcgis.com/apps/PublicInformation/index.html?appid=8c18c70f55ac4f81b683454fc7573d76
  6. Upvote
    GradyBunch reacted to TheRollingRutherfords in The Official Christmas List 2016... Naughty and Nice   
    Countdown is on!!!! This girl is getting to excited to get to the Fort.  So much to do though before now and when we leave on the 16th!
  7. Upvote
    GradyBunch reacted to ftwildernessguy in Anyone else going to be camping at FW in August?   
    For future reference, the 3000 loop is now completely covered by a dome and is climate controlled for your enjoyment.
  8. Upvote
    GradyBunch reacted to GaDawgFan.....Kelly in Short Term RV Storage   
    I will be in Athens, GA on October 1st for that very reason. :)
  9. Upvote
    GradyBunch reacted to caveat lector in WTF?*   
    Their Giddy up and go only has 2 pieces
  10. Upvote
    GradyBunch reacted to momof3kids-Yvonne in ICYMI: A New TCD Trip Report April 2016 at the Fort   
    Great report. My 14 year old was rather upset that I was going to Disney World for WWW and would be getting a GAG one night. I did when any good fiend and mom would do. I took a picture and shared it with her.
    Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
  11. Upvote
    GradyBunch reacted to GaDawgFan.....Kelly in Gators   
    Gators suck. That's all you need to know. #GoDawgs
    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
  12. Upvote
    GradyBunch reacted to TN22.....Brady in ICYMI: A New TCD Trip Report April 2016 at the Fort   
    Glad to see you are back, along with DIT. 
  13. Upvote
    GradyBunch reacted to jrbdad in Anyone at the Fort now for Spring Break?   
    Thank you for the info. 3 more days!!!
  14. Upvote
    GradyBunch reacted to Katman1356...Jason in Disney Planning Fail   
    Sad to say but usually no. Cant hurt to ask you might get lucky but especially since you bought from an outside vendor they may be reluctant. 
  15. Upvote
    GradyBunch got a reaction from TN22.....Brady in Dollywood?   
    Cinnamon Bread at the Grist Mill will change your life...most excellent.
  16. Upvote
    GradyBunch got a reaction from Helmsey......Todd in 2015 College Football Thread... Here we go!   
    Please don't.
     
    #volnation
  17. Upvote
    GradyBunch reacted to Thrill Shakespeare (Andy) in Site Choice Loop 600   
    This is not the loop you are looking for.
  18. Upvote
  19. Upvote
    GradyBunch got a reaction from BradyBzLyn...Mo in Best DAY to check in when making a request?   
    Welcome LA
     
    I second TCD's advice on site selection.  This thread may give you a better idea on the "less desirable sites"  
     
    http://www.fortfiends.net/forum/topic/10165-list-of-less-desireable-sites/
  20. Upvote
    GradyBunch got a reaction from BradyBzLyn...Mo in FIrst post   
    welcome...this is one of the best forum ever.
  21. Upvote
    GradyBunch reacted to twiceblessed....nacole in Tow Vehicle ..PURCHASE made!   
    Yeah, those Georgia fans just keep getting in our way but guess what... they too bleed orange and blue! :)Good to know!!
  22. Upvote
    GradyBunch reacted to GaDawgFan.....Kelly in Tow Vehicle ..PURCHASE made!   
    Congrats on the truck. Jason drives an F250 diesel now, so we've played with the idea of selling the Class C and buying a 5th wheel to save $. 
     
    PS- I think you ran over something dead, and it hit your front plate. :)
  23. Upvote
    GradyBunch reacted to Tri-Circle-D in German Exchange Student - what are "Can't Miss"!?   
    I'd take him to the Germany pavilion in Epcot, and have a meal at Biergarten.
     
    When I went to Disneyland Paris, I thought it was interesting how Americans were portrayed there.
     
    I would think the German student would find it interesting to see how his country is portrayed in Epcot.
     
    TCD
  24. Upvote
    GradyBunch reacted to Helmsey......Todd in Tow Vehicle ..PURCHASE made!   
    I think it's a great color, just not for a truck :D

    Go Vols!
  25. Upvote
    GradyBunch reacted to FW Rendezvous in Good Luck / Bad Luck Trip Report - Spring Break 2015   
    "Duh, from RV!  Can you believe that I haven't seen this movie yet?  It is now on the must see list."
     
    https://www.youtube....h?v=g5MYIsARoQo
     
    That is one of the more heartwarming scenes in movie history. 
    You really do need to watch "RV", the whole family can see it.
     
    Trip report is great so far, anxious to read & see more.
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