mickeyfan0805

1 hour ago, Tri-Circle-D said:

Did your brother mention anything about the monitors at the Outpost bus stop?  Did they not show any buses arriving?

I hope it's an isolated incident. This did happen to me a couple of times over the years, and is the reason that I won't trust the buses if I want to be at a park for rope drop.  I made an exception to that rule for the opening day of Pandora this past May, only because I thought the parking lot situation might be really bad.  That ended up working out fine, but I am going to stick to driving for rope drop- there's nothing more frustrating than getting up early and then watching the time tick by with no bus.

TCD

We are the same way.  If we are on a leisurely timeline just heading toward a park, we might bus.  If we need/want to be there at a certain time, however, we drive (with the possible exception of MK, depending on where we are staying).  Driving is just far more predictable when timing is a factor.

28 minutes ago, Tri-Circle-D said:

The TCD Excursion has a 40 gallon tank, so I remember what used to happen when gas shot up to $3-4 a gallon.  There were some places that would cut off at $50, some at $75, and some at $100.  It was dumb, because at most places all I had to do was complete the first transaction at the pump, then immediately swipe my card and start over. It wasn't long after that that stations increased those limits.  Since gas has come back down, I rarely encounter any kind of automatic cut-off.

I would think a place that caters to truckers could have higher limits on their pumps.  So, why don't they?  Is it a ploy to make people come in the store?

TCD

Our Suburban 2500 has a 37 gallon tank and we went through the same thing.  Only difference is I spent 2 seasons before I realized you could re-swipe and continue filling!  I would sometimes only get 2/3 of a tank, drive to the next station, and fill the rest of the way.  

12 minutes ago, Cortezcapt (Derek) said:

It is unfortunate for people who like to work out or need to for health/rehabilitation reasons, but it is an amenity of Wilderness Lodge and I can understand them wanting to make sure their guests can have the best access to it.

I agree.  While I would personally love to have access to the gym, it is not an amenity of FW and I feel no sense of entitlement to it. They have every right to limit it to those guests.  I don't see it as an undervaluing of FW guests, simply an amenity that is not included.  Oh well!

3 minutes ago, Tri-Circle-D said:

Good question.

It used to be allowed.

But, all reports lately is that the fitness center is for Lodge guests only.

There is an attendant on duty for part of each day. The rest of the time, it's MagicBand access.  And Fort MagicBands don't work there.

I don't think it will fly.

TCD

Thanks for the feedback.

I totally get that resort amenities might be reserved for just those guests (like many wish was better managed at FW), I was just hoping there might be an exception since no such amenities exist at FW.  

Is the WL fitness center open to FW guests?   I'm not a runner, so I would like to use the equipment.  I know most amenities are resort specific, but I was hoping that the absence of any fitness center at FW might mean I could use the one at WL.  Anyone know?

45 minutes ago, bdm said:

The beach is still open, there is a fence, and some stone work near the waters edge so you cant get into the water but there are still beach chairs, and plenty of sand to play in.

Thanks!

With all of the gator-safety concerns, I'm wondering if there is anywhere at the Fort where the kids do any beach play. Trying to figure out whether or not I should pack our sand toys.  

We are going to be there 10/26-11/5. I'm new to the Fiends (this is our first Fort trip), but I'd love a chance to meet some of you all as well. 

1 hour ago, mouseketab.....Carol said:

There is the Wildwood KOA right at the turnpike/75 Exchange that I've heard good things about. I usually stop at the campground at Exit 5 in Georgia, which is probably a little further North than you are wanting.

 

Yep - I actually have a reservation for Eagle's Roost right now.  But, I'm considering leaving the afternoon on the day before my original plan, which will bump me a couple hundred miles further down the road (the biggest advantage being that I will be able to better arrange my trip through Atlanta).

I'm considering a change in my travel plans that would have me arriving in central FL the night before my Fort check-in.  Would be coming from the north (turnpike from I-75).  Anyone have an experience with local campgrounds for a simple overnight before checking in?  Would want power - can do without the rest if needed.

22 minutes ago, twiceblessed....nacole said:

Ahhh.... yes, those moments.  I know they can be tough but man, those memories are sweet.  Time goes...so. very. fast.    It's like that sweet tiny baby that keeps you up at night.  Those are some rough nights, but soon that sweet baby is too big to even hold in your arms.  Too fast.

So very true.  Our oldest is 12.5 and we are noting that all of her conversation with her friends is about boys.  I'm SO not ready for that!!

Can anyone tell me what the pumpkin patch is?  Is this just a place to buy pumpkins to carve them?

Ok, so since some of my info was clearly out of date, let me double-check...Are 400-1,400 still the premium loops?

Just now, djsamuel said:

Unfortunately, there are no longer non pet loops at Fort Wilderness.  All loops are now considered pet loops.  I don't have a dog, but normally I don't find them to be an issue.  I would state the size of your rig and what you're bringing and then list a loop or two you would prefer.

I hadn't heard this - everything I read had pet and non-pet loops listed.  Is this new - or am I just looking at old stiff?  Not an extraordinary issue for us, as we actually have a dog.  But, ours won't be with us and I've had some experience with people being ignorant of yapping dogs in campsites, so I would have preferred the other option.

2 hours ago, twiceblessed....nacole said:

The Dumbo story is priceless 

It is now - it wasn't then!  Our dd was 3 and trained (not wearing pull ups or anything) when, while IN the loading station and next to get on the ride, she starts saying she has to go.  We ask her if she can wait and she says yes.  30 seconds later, it's everywhere!  They had to evacuate and close that side of the loading station, move the entire group to the other side, get someone to come to a full clean-up, etc...  Meanwhile, my wife is running off to the bathroom to clean her up while I am still standing in the midst of all of the people with our 4yo dd (and 8m old son) so that she doesn't miss the ride!

We have a premium site reserved for our upcoming trip - I'm hoping to have enough space to set up the tent as well (we have a 35' tt).  Since we will have a golf cart, I'm less worried about proximity to things and more concerned with having a site large enough to accommodate the trailer and tent.  All I really prefer is that it is a non-pet loop.  Should I list ALL of these things, including a particular loop, in my request, or would I be better served to limit it to the site size and non-pet preferences and leave the loop out of it altogether? 

Having had three kids go through this stage at Disney, I will suggest the following...

1. Make a habit of monitoring fluid intake (so you know when it might come), and be proactive about using bathrooms before any ride with a long line.
2. I don't know how much experience he has with automatic toilets, but they can be a challenge for some.  A pack of sticky notes to put over the sensors is your friend in this scenario.
3. If you get caught in a situation of immediate need, seek out a CM and explain it to them, most will make accommodations unless they are truly unable for some reason.  We had this happen with our 11yo daughter just last month in line to see Chewbacca and the CM was very helpful.
4. DO NOT try to wait it out!!!  If he has to go, GO!  As someone who was responsible for closing down one of the loading zones at the original dumbo about 8 years ago (our daughter still has the dumbo stuffed animal we bought her in the wake of that disaster), I can tell you that you don't want to make that mistake!  

It's very doable - but patience and pro-activity will be your friends.

On 9/20/2017 at 7:04 PM, WoodcarvingGypsy said:

Berger, we pull a 40' Crossroads Seville & been to the Fort a couple of times with it. One trick we use is to call each other on the cell and use that as an intercom.

Not sure where you're pulling in from but we always avoid Atlanta. We're coming down from Indiana & come down I-65 & then cross country to Orlando.
 

The suggestion of using the outside sites on the end of the loops is a good one. We've parked on the end and in the inside middle. If there is a truck parked there, it does get interesting. The biggest thing I've seen in there is a 46' motor home & a 46' toy hauler on a Ford 450 crew cab long bed (that one was nasty to back in).

Enjoy that rig. It's definitely going to be different than your old camper. I think the 5th wheel pulls so much better.

Can I ask about your decision to go all the way down I65?  I’ve heard others say the same thing, but from what I can tell, it adds some 90 miles, or so, to the trip. Do you really find Atlanta so bad that you would guarantee an extra 1.5-2 hours by going that route instead?

Another request for Warren's info please. I just saw a link with all of the signs he makes and I'm all in!!  Love them!

1 hour ago, WrigleysWagon said:

Warren might still be a good option for you, he does more than just "Fort" signs. Here's a link to some of his stuff. 

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/baylake/sets/72157625689035351/

 

I'll check it out. Thanks!

Is anyone familiar with a resource for a campsite marker that is NOT Fort specific. I've seen some mention of the signs made by a gentleman connected to the board (Warren?), but I think those are tailored to the Fort. We are huge Disney fans, so I'd love one that has some reflection of Disney, but our upcoming trip may be our only trek to the Fort for a number of years, so I'm not sure I want to be that specific. I can't seem to find anything. 

If anyone knows anything, I'd welcome the feedback!

18 minutes ago, Tri-Circle-D said:

Amen to that.  But, what's really disturbing is how many really young children- younger than 5- I see in strollers in Disney parks and elsewhere with some kind of electronic gadget in the stroller.  Those kids are so focused on those darned things that they completely miss what's going on around them.

TCD

I'm entirely with you on this one. While there are exceptions for special needs circumstances where a device might help, I think it's unfortunate how many miss the park atmosphere due to electronics. 

We have three kids (currently 12, 11 and 8), and we constantly struggle to find the right balance with electronics, particularly with the older two since the phone is the basis of their social engagement. It's really hard to know where the line is.  That said, we have had the kids there at every feasible age from 8m to 12 - and we have NEVER allowed them to use any electronics in the parks. We play word games, I spy, or just sit and rest, but we never allowed them to miss the wonder around them by burying their faces in a gadget. 

I think the others are correct.  When were were in Nassau back in August our guide shared that a busy day had 7 ships in port - there were 2 that day!  There is room to joggle things around and make other itineraries work.  There will be a very short-term impact as they figure some things out, but looking into next year I think vacancies created by those abandoning cruises due to changed itineraries will be grabbed by those who make the most of the opportunity to get a better deal on a cruise when the cruise lines seek to fill up.

I am not aware of any formal announcements yet.  All indications from those currently speaking to CM's in various capacities continues to indicate a fairly strong intent to be open midweek.  

The good news is that they have been pointing towards the 9/18 date for a 2 days, now, and it doesn't seem to be wavering.  Hopefully that means they will stay on schedule and get it open for those of you headed down in the coming days!