Starbuc71

I will report on Saturday

Here are my kids posing for their annual picture by the fort tree.  Still hoping it will magically appear 

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 of site, but it's really not worth it in my opinion.  We have also been without AP for a year now, and nobody really minded, but after booking yesterday, I was coaxed into getting the Florida resident Epcot after 4pm passes.  For about $250 each, I didn't think it was that bad of a deal.   The whole family is over the crowds at MK, HS is a mess with nothing to do and I never liked AK even though rivers of light is opening.   We always enjoyed Epcot the most with their special events, dining choices and now with a new ride and sorin overhauled, I think it was a good choice 

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 children.  Maybe it was just this episode but when the one child said, " I hate my dad or I hate you dad" and the fathers response was, "you're all dead to me", I shut it off. Even my kids made a comment about that. Again, it's TV in general these days, but at least on a so called family show and especially on a Disney episode, they could have done a better job.  Full house was not like this..lol

Saw this also tonight


i wonder if it's only a matter of time before every waterway, creek or drainage has some sort of fence around it.  If that's the case, the 1900 loop would look like a line for the jungle boat cruise..lol

Saw this also tonight


i wonder if it's only a matter of time before every waterway, creek or drainage has some sort of fence around it.  If that's the case, the 1900 loop would look like a line for the jungle boat cruise..lol

This was a long time coming but they are finally fencing in the meadows pool.  I know we won't get a card reader on the gate, but I think we needed the fence. Makes me think the chain link is temporary at the playground since this fence fits the fort better
 

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

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

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?

We went to Disney springs the other night and I will say, I was very impressed what Disney pulled off. I guess with  adding the parking garages, it opened up so much more space to build. They thought of a lot of stuff when they added the town center area. Its got a lot of cover when it rains and a lot more room to spread out hundreds or thousands of people.  The new bus depot was very much needed. I couldn't believe they actually made it that big and every resort has its own stop just like the Magic Kingdom.  The parking garage will even tell you on entry how many spaces are left on each floor. They must all have a sensor that the car rides over to say if the spot is full or not. Talk about technology.  The only negativity I can say about the whole new Disney Springs area, is the shops that are there. Again, that's just my opinion, but I do not think I would buy anything in any of those shops. I know they are catering to more of the ultra rich and the top top name brands, but that's just not for me.  I told my wife with all the outlet malls, I guess they could not put a fossil store or a Nike store in there. I guess I understand that. Once again, they did an awesome job with this area. I was very skeptical when they were going to remove the downtown Disney name and put a bunch of new crap, but they did it right. From the ultra blue water in the springs, to the intricate stonework throughout. Great job Disney
P.S.
 Don't waste your five dollars on a sprinkles cupcake or for god sake $59 for a dozen of them. You can make them better at home or buy them from hostess just as good 

Saw this also tonight


i wonder if it's only a matter of time before every waterway, creek or drainage has some sort of fence around it.  If that's the case, the 1900 loop would look like a line for the jungle boat cruise..lol

This was a long time coming but they are finally fencing in the meadows pool.  I know we won't get a card reader on the gate, but I think we needed the fence. Makes me think the chain link is temporary at the playground since this fence fits the fort better
 

Yes, that's the road.  Never again.  The road 441 from Townsend to pigeon forge is better, but a few semi's think they can travel that road and it can get tight. Unfortunately coming up from FL via 75 and staying east of Gatlinburg, we always take 75 to 40 which ads an extra hour, but it's safer

This topic goes to show you many people have too much time on their hands when we need to know what the definition of swim is...lol

Hey all
its been a while since I posted anything. To be honest, it's been 6 months since we gave up or AP's and we really don't miss them. Actually the kids don't miss it either.  The more I read on here from time to time about price tiering, price increases, price gouging, talking advantage of the working mans wallet and on top of all that, taking years to complete new attractions, I'm glad we don't go anymore. I guess it's like all big business, it's all about making money.....I mean big money with a cut in customer service.   We still camp at the fort from time to time mostly because we all know it's one of the best campgrounds in the US. 
I don't understand why every other theme park comes out with just about one new attraction a year, or maybe every two.  Disney takes years and now maybe decades.  I'm not a hater, I may sound like it, but I'm glad the Brazilian tour groups are down. I'm glad attendance is down and I'm glad if FL annual passes are down.  Maybe this will wake Iger up and realize Disney is for everybody and not just the elite rich.  Give the people new rides, cheaper prices and what they want to a point. PLEASE, help EPCOT. This is a great park that is suffering and dwindling.  Go back to the thoughts of project Genesis for Epcot.  Future world will never work because the future always comes.   They still make more money than God.  Please give back to the people while still making money.  That's my vent for the month :)

I would like to apologize for the comment I made in the start of this post. I never click on any of the links, because sometimes it ends up being a virus and it takes me forever to get rid of it. As I went back and looked, I saw the link showed that someone possibly committed suicide at the contemporary.  I thought this was a post like the regular BS about monorails always breaking down. As much is I have a bug up my butt about Disney These days Jason is totally right and I apologize for posting this in this area.  My prayers go out to the family of this person if this is a true story. Once again I apologize 

I would like to apologize for the comment I made in the start of this post. I never click on any of the links, because sometimes it ends up being a virus and it takes me forever to get rid of it. As I went back and looked, I saw the link showed that someone possibly committed suicide at the contemporary.  I thought this was a post like the regular BS about monorails always breaking down. As much is I have a bug up my butt about Disney These days Jason is totally right and I apologize for posting this in this area.  My prayers go out to the family of this person if this is a true story. Once again I apologize 

I would like to apologize for the comment I made in the start of this post. I never click on any of the links, because sometimes it ends up being a virus and it takes me forever to get rid of it. As I went back and looked, I saw the link showed that someone possibly committed suicide at the contemporary.  I thought this was a post like the regular BS about monorails always breaking down. As much is I have a bug up my butt about Disney These days Jason is totally right and I apologize for posting this in this area.  My prayers go out to the family of this person if this is a true story. Once again I apologize 

I would like to apologize for the comment I made in the start of this post. I never click on any of the links, because sometimes it ends up being a virus and it takes me forever to get rid of it. As I went back and looked, I saw the link showed that someone possibly committed suicide at the contemporary.  I thought this was a post like the regular BS about monorails always breaking down. As much is I have a bug up my butt about Disney These days Jason is totally right and I apologize for posting this in this area.  My prayers go out to the family of this person if this is a true story. Once again I apologize 

I would like to apologize for the comment I made in the start of this post. I never click on any of the links, because sometimes it ends up being a virus and it takes me forever to get rid of it. As I went back and looked, I saw the link showed that someone possibly committed suicide at the contemporary.  I thought this was a post like the regular BS about monorails always breaking down. As much is I have a bug up my butt about Disney These days Jason is totally right and I apologize for posting this in this area.  My prayers go out to the family of this person if this is a true story. Once again I apologize 

TCD. You are right on the money. I guess after camping at the fort for over 10 years, I'm starting to see more and more that running the business in terms of making profit margins is more important than following walts dreams where Disney world is for everyone.  I know a lot of people do not like "Paying locals" coming for three day weekends mostly because of the amount of people, but again, we are still paying obnoxious amounts for a concrete pad and last time I looked, my money was just as good as a retirees money. I booked all my three day weekends last Sept. Now true, I paid around $400 in deposits, but as I canceled 2 already this year, I did get my cash back. It's unfortunate that we are forced to book this way for a campground 

TCD. You are right on the money. I guess after camping at the fort for over 10 years, I'm starting to see more and more that running the business in terms of making profit margins is more important than following walts dreams where Disney world is for everyone.  I know a lot of people do not like "Paying locals" coming for three day weekends mostly because of the amount of people, but again, we are still paying obnoxious amounts for a concrete pad and last time I looked, my money was just as good as a retirees money. I booked all my three day weekends last Sept. Now true, I paid around $400 in deposits, but as I canceled 2 already this year, I did get my cash back. It's unfortunate that we are forced to book this way for a campground 

TCD. You are right on the money. I guess after camping at the fort for over 10 years, I'm starting to see more and more that running the business in terms of making profit margins is more important than following walts dreams where Disney world is for everyone.  I know a lot of people do not like "Paying locals" coming for three day weekends mostly because of the amount of people, but again, we are still paying obnoxious amounts for a concrete pad and last time I looked, my money was just as good as a retirees money. I booked all my three day weekends last Sept. Now true, I paid around $400 in deposits, but as I canceled 2 already this year, I did get my cash back. It's unfortunate that we are forced to book this way for a campground 

Not to be predjudice of seniors or snowbirds, hell, they are my business, but it sucks for a lot of campgrounds in FL because they do cater to snowbirds and a lot to permanant residencies . When living in FL and you want to do a quick weekend trip, your choices are limited when it comes to so many of these types of places.  IMHO I think there should be campgrounds for people who want to just camp, not take residency at.  The lattace and Rubbermaid sheds, just don't do it for me. Along with my small kids swimming with everyone over the age of 70. I dont really care for the permanent stay people at the fort. After a while their sites start to turn into Sanford and son. Just my 2 cents