They have opened up the new lanes that lead to the Fort from World Drive.  When you approach the toll plaza, make sure you are in the far right lane. You no longer are required to (or can) travel through the MK toll plaza and make that right turn to head to the Fort.  In fact, if you do end up in the toll plaza thinking you can get ahead of the traffic back up and make that right turn, think again.  They have it walled off.  You will either have to proceed to the MK parking lot or bear to the left to an exit that dumps you out right at the Car Care Center and the Speedway gas station. And we all know what a pain that becomes at that point...

When I was there on Thursday while on Monorail over to Epcot, the traffic seemed to back way up World Drive because there is still a traffic light the WL, PVR, and CR have to stop for, as they are required to make a left turn. The Fort traffic just has to slow down and merge onto Vista Drive.

I'm sure as the "fly over" and the other traffic features come on line, this pattern will most likely change.  Just wanted everyone to be prepared and not get caught in the toll plaza.

On 11/17/2017 at 3:26 PM, Tri-Circle-D said:

This surprises me.

Of all the highways in America, the most dangerous one is the one that I frequently drive to visit WDW and my daughters:

I-4 named the most dangerous highway in America

ABC Action News Uncovers where risk is highest

I-4 has been named the most dangerous highway in America by GPS tracking company, Teletrac Navman. Using federal data, they found I-4 is death road with 1.25 fatalities per mile.

TAMPA, Fla. -- I-4 has been named the most dangerous highway in America by GPS tracking company, Teletrac Navman. Using federal data, they found I-4 is death road with 1.25 fatalities per mile.

We broke I-4 up into three sections:

• near Tampa
• near Plant city
• Lakeland to Disney World.

We dug deeper looking at accident reports going back to January 2016.

From Malfunction Junction to I-75, 503 total crashes occurred. Most of those happen between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Friday is the worst day. April and August were the worst months. Most crashes involve drivers in their late 20s.

 

 

The most dangerous stretch of highway along this stretch of I-4 is at the Florida State Fairgrounds and the Seminole Hard Rock Casino.

Moving east, we looked at I-4 through Plant City. In the past 22 months, 388 crashes occurred there. Most of those happen between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. Sunday is the most dangerous day. August is the most dangerous month. Drivers in their early 20s are in the most crashes.

The hot zones where you are most at risk? From Mango Road near Armwood High to Dinosaur World!

And the most dangerous section of the most dangerous highway in America happens to run right through the happiest place on Earth from Lakeland to Orlando.

Since 2016, 775 crashes have occurred. The worst time is around 8:00 a.m. Saturday, the worst day. August, the worst month. Drivers in their 20s account for a third of the crashes.

The stretch where you are more likely to get into an accident? The 15-mile drive from Champions Gate to SeaWorld.

The U.S. Department of Transportation says traffic fatalities have grown 10 percent since 2015.

http://www.abcactionnews.com/news/i-4-named-the-most-dangerous-highway-in-america

___________________________________________________________________

Note that this news station is based in Tampa.

I find it interesting that they are saying the stretch between Champions' Gate and Sea World is the worst, when the road to the east of Sea World through downtown Orlando seems a lot worse to me.

TCD

I completely agree!  For the last 10 or so years we have avoided traveling I-4 through Orlando to the Fort.  We ALWAYS take 417 from Sanford to 536 in LBV.  On Thursday morning when driving solo to get the motorhome from the shop, I thought I would give I-4 through Orlando a try....  Boy was I ever glad that I wasn't driving the motorhome or any other vehicle of size.  The road was a total mess!

If they doubled the tolls on 417, I would still pay it just to have a peaceful and easy drive to the Fort.

19 hours ago, shaffecv said:

Hello All,

New to the site and it looks like there are many like my wife and I who enjoy the Fort. ( still my favorite of all WDW resorts)

We will be checking in on Nov.25th and heading home Dec, 1st.

Last year we took photos of the loops we have not stayed in yet and looked nice. We liked the 1200 and 1300 loops has anyone had any less than magic stays in either one?

We were in the 600 loop last year the same week and didn't care for the layout.

                 Thanks in advance.

The 800 Loop seems to be our favorite so far, but have been wanting to try the 12 and 1300 loops for some time.  To me, at least for the "insides" of those loops seem to be the most private.

I'm with you on the 600 loop. My least favorite of all!  Especially the left side of the loop as you enter.  You get full sun for most of the day, and for a motorhome with all of that windshield, creates a lot of heat build up that the AC struggles to keep up with.

Oh and WELCOME to the group!!

There are also things you can smoke and enjoy somewhat quickly... I have smoked chicken wings, small pork loins and boneless chicken breasts with great success.  As you already mentioned, if you are talking about a pork shoulder or boston butt, then clear your calendar as you're gonna be there a while.

I still want to try smoking a beef brisket, but just haven't pulled the trigger on that one yet.

Christmas is coming, so you need to remedy that not having a smoker thing....  Get one for the family, you'll love it. 

I have an electric one that we use at the house and a portable one that stays in the camper.

Plus with the 500 loop, you will be just across the road from the dog park...

I hate to say it, but this year's "Fort stuff" doesn't wow me...  Its hard to explain, but I think all of the shirts are too "non-descript"  Like the designers came up with these from on-line printing company...

Does your mini-van have a roof rack, and if so, have you investigated placing the bikes on the roof?  That way, your back gate operation is not hampered and you don't have to worry about messing with the glass.

I was just looking at the street name of "Golf View Dr." from your last map pic.  Its almost as if they are trying to make the name really stick!  When I first saw this, my mind (what's left of it) went back to the time when they were building that monster...

Here are three pictures that I borrowed from the "I Love Camping at Disney" Facebook page.  Hat tip to Patricia Heil for the pictures.

If you look beyond the backhoe, you can see the building on the golf course that I mentioned yesterday

The trees you have circled are still there...  If you are at the electric gate near the overflow lot, there is a dirt berm that "used" to have some trees along the top... Those trees are now all gone. I'm not up on my purple crayon skills, but if you go from where your circle and straight line meet and move to toward that lake at the top center of the picture, that is location of all the downed trees.  The carnage also goes out toward Vista Blvd.  It sort of follows that what appears to be a cart path.

On ‎10‎/‎21‎/‎2017 at 9:05 PM, Katman1356...Jason said:

Portorleans.org shared a copy of the agreement over at Riverside. 

http://www.portorleans.org/Disney's-Port-Orleans-Resort-Riverside_Pet-Agreement_13-Oct-2017.pdf

DISNEY'S PORT ORLEANS RESORT - RIVERSIDE PET AGREEMENT (This agreement applies to domesticated dogs only, other than Service Animals) The hotel may accommodate my pet in the room provided that my pet is fully trained and appropriately restrained by me. The hotel allows no more than two domesticated dogs per room. In consideration for the hotel permitting me to keep my pet in the room assigned to me, I hereby agree to the following: 1. I agree to pay a non-refundable fee for my pet of $50 (plus tax) per room, per night.

2. I understand that additional fees may apply if any damage is found in the room upon check out. I agree to accept full responsibility for any and all damages and/or soiling caused by my pet during my stay, as determined within the sole discretion of the hotel. I agree that the costs for the repair and/or additional cleaning requirements (including labor) will be charged accordingly to my hotel folio.

3. I understand and agree that the hotel retains the right to exclude my pet if, in the hotel's sole discretion, my pet is considered dangerous by reason of size, disposition or is likely to frighten or harm other guests of the hotel. I agree that at all times while on hotel property I will ensure my pet complies with all relevant laws and regulations. I agree that if I do not adhere to these policies, I will be required to board my pet at my own expense.

4. I must keep my pet restrained on a leash or in a pet carrier when my pet is outside my guest room. Unattended pets may be removed from the property at the expense of the pet owner.

5. I must not leave my pet in my room unattended for more than 7 hours.

6. I must always display a Pluto’s Do Not Disturb sign to alert Cast Members that a pet is in residence inside a guest room.

7. I agree that I must have a pet carrier available for each pet in case of an emergency and/or if I need to use transportation services.

8. I am responsible for my pet's proper care, behavior and pet waste maintenance throughout the hotel and on the grounds. I am responsible for cleaning up after my pet on hotel property.

9. I agree that I am responsible for the noise my pet creates and will ensure that my pet does not disrupt the quiet enjoyment of other hotel guests. I agree that should the hotel determine in its sole discretion that my pet is objectionable to other hotel guests, I must immediately make other arrangements to house the pet outside the hotel.

10. I agree to provide the hotel with my cell phone number enabling them to reach me in case I am not in the room and my pet is creating a disturbance. Should the hotel need to relocate my pet, all costs associated with the relocation of my pet will be charged accordingly to my hotel folio.

11. I understand that pets are not permitted in Walt Disney World® Resort theme parks and water parks or the Disney Springs® area.

12. I understand that pets are not permitted in Food and Beverage, Club Lounge, Pool or Fitness Center areas.

13. I understand that pets are not permitted on any furniture anywhere on the premises.

14. I understand that the bathing and grooming of pets is not permitted in the guest room.

15. I agree to contact the Housekeeping department to arrange for a convenient time to service my room. The hotel will not attempt to service the room if I am not present and my pet is in the room.

16. I understand that all pets must have up to date vaccinations and inoculations and I must be able to show records of such vaccinations and inoculations upon request. Requirements: DHPPv/DA2PPv, Rabies and Bordetella.

17. I understand and agree that if my pet is involved in an incident involving a bite and current rabies vaccination cannot be verified, it may be necessary to quarantine my pet, subject to the discretion of the local health authority.

18. I release Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., Disney Destinations, LLC, Disney Vacation Development, Inc., Disney Vacation Club Management Corp., and their respective parent, subsidiary and other affiliated or related companies, and the officers, directors, employees, agents, contractors, sub-contractors, representatives, successors, assigns and volunteers of each of the foregoing entities (the "Released Parties") from any and all liability for any injury and/or damage suffered by my pet. I agree that I assume full responsibility for any injury or damage caused or alleged to be caused by my pet and incurred or alleged to be incurred by any guest, employee, contractor or invitee of the hotel. I agree to release, indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Released Parties from and against any and all alleged or actual losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses (including attorneys' fees and court costs) suffered by the Released Parties or asserted by any other hotel guest, invitee, employee, contractor or other person arising out of or in connection with my pet's stay at the hotel, including from any alleged negligence of the Released Parties. I have read, understood and agreed to the above:

Guest's Name (printed):______________________________ Guest's Signature:__________________________________ Emergency Contact Cell Phone Number: _________________________ Room#______________ Date: ______________

This document carries about the same amount of worth that the rules for the Fort golf carts do...

I noticed this as well and meant to take some pictures... As you exit the back gate adjacent to the overflow lot, they have removed most all of the trees as you look straight ahead and to the left toward the Four Seasons.  You can REALLY see the Four Seasons as well as some building on the golf course.  Maybe it is the club house?.  It looks as if they are installing concrete drainage piping along some sort of right of way, as the line of trees they have cut extend out to Vista Blvd (between the golf course sign and where the old guard shack used to be as you exit the Fort's back driveway.

Another vote for Keys to Kingdom tour... Very informative.  You get to go "back stage" in Frontier Land as well as a tour of the Utilador.  I would definitely do this tour again.

We use a tow dolly to pull our car down and have always left in the overflow lot.  We have not had an issue since we bought the MOHO and dolly in 2009.

Our IT Department sent out this message last Wednesday shortly after the IOS 11 update became available...

Do not install iOS Version 11 on iPads or iPhones

Issue

Apple has discovered an issue with iOS Version 11 (which was released yesterday, September 19) that may prevent some users from sending emails from iPads and/or iPhones.

For that reason, JLL strongly recommends that JLL users with iPads and/or iPhones should NOT upgrade those devices to iOS Version 11 until further notice.

User action

• If you have already installed iOS Version 11 on your iPad and/or iPhone, it is recommended that you wait until Apple issues an update that fixes the issue. Until that time, do not use the device for sending or replying to emails.

• If you have not yet installed iOS Version 11 on your iPad and/or iPhone, it is recommended that you wait to do so until Apple releases an update that fixes the issue.

IRMA? I think I knew an IRMA at one point in my life....

11 hours ago, keith_h said:

One of my daughters was texting a friend to make plans for the night and it took a good 20 minutes for them to get through it all. When she was done I told her we used to use the phone to talk and would have had our plans made in about 5 minutes. Six minutes if we conferenced in a another person.This is the look I got: 

Do we have the same daughter?!  That made me laugh!

Aww this warms my heart...  another "Roadie-Dad" coming down to set things up before the "Rockstars" show up to enjoy the fruits of your labor!   

I have done this many times... its almost like having 2 vacations in one! 

I think the first step to getting folks back on the right track is to somehow remove the phones/screens from our lives...  I feel one of the main reasons folks are no longer nice to each other is that they don't know how to deal with each other face to face.  We as a society are losing the skill of face to face communication and personal interaction.

LOL!!  So true!

I have to throw a "plug" in for SW.  I fly them regularly and have consistently been on their A-List Preferred status for the last few years.  I have never had any issues with them and welcome their no "airline BS" way of doing business...  If you know and understand how their operation works, then that is half the battle.

When fall rolls around, they will just substitute the orange flavoring with pumpkin and sell it as the "Pumpkin Creamsicle Cupcake"

In the past when we have played the game of having to make multiple reservations to piece together one consecutive vacation, I have always called back a couple of days later and had the agent combine all the "pieces" into one reservation. 

On ‎7‎/‎25‎/‎2017 at 9:14 PM, ftwildernessguy said:

Remember when your college professor said there is no such thing as a stupid question?  There it is.

"WINNER WINNER Cheese Food Dinner!!"  LOL!