Starbuc71

We love the smokies almost more than Disney. I'm always looking for new and interesting campgrounds even though we love smoky bear campground. I got on the anchor down website and looked at the photos. It floors me how places claim to be luxurious when there is hardly a tree on the property. I mean the fire pits look nice and all but the aerial shots look like an RV dealership. I know each their own, but camping to me is being in the woods with some space between campers. It looks like a very clean place and with the lake, I'm sure it has a lot of activities. I would think you would have at l

I started this thread based on what we did pay for campsites not too long ago. I agree with all of you that I suppose the prices can be justified based on the rising cost of everything. I feel bad though for the people outside of Florida that have to pay for the gas on top of everything else. Someone said if we don't pay the prices, someone will. The fort is the best campground bar none. It's just hard swollowing $1200 for a week. Nobody brought up the cost of the RV also. There could be many contemporary nights for the cost of your average RV

When will this madness end? I know everyone has a opinion here, but it's going to get to the point where you would be better off to book a resort off property to be able to afford a Disney vacation. Like I said earlier, I think, many people save for years for a Disney vacation and spend $500 a night at the contemporary is nothing because it's usually a once or twice in lifetime vacation, but if you are a true camper and do it for camping not just for Disney, it's getting a bit out of control. For Gods sake, at least give us a towel at the pool...lol

I know there is a topic somewhere here talking about the new Sorin movie, but I couldn't find it. Anyways, we activated our new Epcot after 4 annual passes on Saturday. Our anniversary was Saturday and we figured after the storm being close to Orlando (somewhat) that Epcot would be less crowded. We were wrong, but had a great time. We got a chance to ride the new Sorin . I have to say Disney did a great job on this. Even though half was probably done computer generated, it's still a much better picture than the last one. I do miss the smells from the old movie. I caught only one new scent wit

I was going to say it's about time they start giving discounts back to AP holders, but you're exactly right. AP tickets are probably running low the past year and what a way to get people back but they will be cut when the new stuff arrives. You're right....they always win

THIS IS A DANGEROUS STORM. Living in Florida the last 30 years in the Tampa area, we have been very fortunate to have dodged something of this strength. If you live out of state and are visiting, leave now. Don't stick around to see what 140 mph winds are like. In 2004 I drove to Punta Gorda after Charlie to help one of our communities I work for and never in my life did I see 4-5 ft wide street lamps on I75 twisted by wind and nothing else. There is going to be significant damage all up the east cost and possibly inland to Orlando. If they haven't asked you to leave the fort yet, leave now.

Revival of this post is making me crave the smokies and Dollywood. We did a lot of traveling this year (3 fort visits, a week in upstate NY, a few quick weekends at a resort in Orlando and a week trip to Jamaica) we had to skip Tennessee this year. DIT's tips are right on. The only thing I would add is one of the 3 smokey mountain coasters I mentioned in my post last time. I will add IMHO when we go to the smokies, we camp far away from the tourist crap and drive into town to do the attractions. The smokies in itself is a great vacation for me. We are going to try and hit Dollywood next yea

The playgrounds are safe when older kids are not jumping all over them and stepping on our little ones. Sounds like most things in our world these days

That was a good Disney episode

As always Andrew, you are always right. I always thought it was so great that your daughters in their teen years and now beyond have always held Disney as a great family experience. I am one of the lucky ones who can still afford the price increases but they do get frustrating. I feel bad for the people who cannot afford this experience anymore. I also know we are spoiled in FL having such a great campground like the fort so close. Many other campgrounds are raising prices just to stay in business. As long as the kids still enjoy camping and Disney, I'll keep riding the wave. I just keep

I agree with everything said on here as well. Just never thought I'd see the day I would even be paying over $100 for a site. When compared to the price of a Disney hotel room, it's usually a bargin. I also agree they should do more at the fort. At least towels at the pool would be a great start

I agree with everyone. I can't believe what the Disney channel has become. The Emmys are a joke nowadays. Unless the show is violent, shows nudity, practices profanity or has some kind of racism, a show will not win anything. We really miss Good Luck Charlie on Disney channel. It was the last show Disney had that was truly good for the whole family. We have the kids watch reruns of full house. Not that it was a good show, but it was a family show that kids learned right from wrong or learned morals by the end of each episode. Oh,I forgot to mention how did we all like the scene of gran

WTF? I seriously tried to talk the family into letting me sell the RV after our thanksgiving trip since fort wilderness is where we camp 95% of the time and I knew the rates would continue to climb each year. Well, they would have none of that so we will continue to be RVers. Anyways, they wanted to make sure we had reservations for our annual spring break trip which has now turned out to be one of the most expensive times at Disney, and boy did I find out it was. We reserved a premium site for $156 a night for the week. Am I crazy? I know I could save just a few bucks with different type

I have never watched this show mainly because all comedy sitcoms nowadays push the envelope further than they should, especially when it's considered a family show. This show is a perfect example. I was more upset about the actual show than Disney/ABC trying to cash in on a 1/2 hour Disney advertisement. Last night I watched this episode on demand with my 7 and 10 year old. Normally they get a kick out of these types of episodes because they can always say, "I've been there, look at that and of course, we can't wait to go back" This show is so unrealistic and basically a bad example for child

Has anyone seen the completed fence at the pool yet? Is it done yet? Any pics?

LOL. You're right

Don't know if someone posted this already, but this bounce back offer has more stipulations and black out dates that I'm surprised you don't need to give up your next born to Disney. They are really reaching with this dining offer http://www.chipandco.com/new-bounce-back-offer-walt-disney-world-includes-free-dining-select-2017-travel-dates-245148/

Disney vs. the smokies? You made the wrong choice

Found out a check valve failed in the middle of the night and they were hoping repairs and chemicals would be done by 4 or 5 the earliest. I didn't even drive by the cabin pool. It has to be a med house

The 2017 pricing for a campsite will be the deciding factor if sell the camper next year or boycott the fort. We are paying $138 a night for two nights of this 6 night stay . I refuse to pay over $140-$150 a night for a concrete pad. I got to get my kids a job here

i think they fenced off the trail next to the lake to your favorite spot. Ill take pics later

Yes it is

Don't get me wrong. It's a great show I just don't think the price is worth it and defiantly do not go in the middle of July. I am a simple meat and potato guy myself, but cook meats and potatoes right. We went to the swan ford inner last week at garden grove and was happy to not see the same old Disney food you see everywhere. Next trip we will do more dinners there

Here is the green monster at the pool. Also, they drained the main pool last night. We have a couple more hours to wait. Baby Ruth?

Didn't want to duplicate the same topic but I wanted to give my comments about Mickey's backyard BBQ. This trip, we wanted to do stuff that we haven't done before. And my kids have been bugging me for years to go to the barbecue. So, good old dad, splurged and got the four of us reservations for Mickey's backyard BBQ. All I can say, is if your kids like to dance and like to see the characters and don't really care about the food, I guess they would enjoy the show. Me on the other hand, being a chef in my former life, the food was horrible. I guess the best thing about the food was all the