Brent... Just Brent

My MB worked at the gate and CS in December and also March. Must be hit or miss. You did actually have to touch the Mickey head part, though.

I plan to be there. A little early for me to commit, but I can't see any conflicts.

Those folks on 1600 were there last year. I was a few sites down from them. They do great things. I was there ona secret visit last week and very little was out. I went prepared to snap photos, but there wasn't much to see.

It's really easy to forget how horrible it is to get back to the TTC near park close on a semi-busy night. Say, hmm, last night for example. There was probably an hour wait for the monorail and at least 40 minutes for the Ferry. And that was quite a while after fireworks. I ended up walking to the CR and taking the monorail from there, but I actually stopped to see if there was a bus running... and there wasn't. All of a sudden, even the slow Fort boat was looking really good.

Commenting on the Spaceship Earth collapsing, I saw the exact same thing today. I also saw the dirt, which I'd never noticed before. It may have been an optical illusion, but it really did look like the right side (from the parking lot) had caved in some. I only had my phone, though, so I couldn't get any pics of it.

I somehow totally missed these. They must have all been gone by the time I got over there.

And, no, the attraction didn't change at all, other than the queues, but I actually found the new jokes funny. 

I'm in!

I could definitely be talked into that. I grew up not far from Asheville. It's a really neat little place. That weekend should work for me.

I've used a couple of different heaters in my tents over the years. The best one was a small plastic one with a fan and thermostat. It ran a lot, but did turn off some. The radiator type seemed like a great idea, but ended up not doing the job. The heat went up and out instead of around the rest of the tent. I'd definitely not do it again without at least an electric blanket. That made a huge difference.

I agree. I love the Jan - early Feb trips. The crowds are usually lighter and let you do more. The only problem I've ever had is the weather. I remember one early February weekend at the Fort I nearly froze to death.

For park touring, though, it should be awesome. Have fun!

I second the Unofficial Guide. When I was wanting to learn more I found his descriptions and info very helpful. 

Also, to followup on what TCD posted, the vegetation has really started to grow back in nicely in the last couple of years. 

This is only my 4th year really spending any time at the Fort and it's unbelievable how different my photos are now compared to then. A lot of the shrubs and small trees they've planted have taken off finally.

I'd predict that things will be filled back in within 2 or so years. Looking at it the way it's stated, it's really setting the Fort up for long-term. It just wasn't pleasant in the very few years (relative to the Fort's existence) that it has been bare.

I agree with Carol. As long as I've been going to WDW, 10+ years, I've stayed at Values at least twice a year. There have never been pool towels on any of my trips. Moderates, yes, but not at any value. The towel returns were there last summer when it was busy, but i didn't see them on my winter trip.

Honestly, since most people take room towels, I never understood why they didn't have them either. Then again, I'd almost always rather take my own towel.

I'm almost afraid to say it, but I may actually be able to make this due to my college football schedule next year. That's an away week. Jason, when do you get home? 

Great pics and glad to see Linda is there to keep Bob in line!

I'm pretty sure the first Fez wearer was supposed to be Doctor Who. Fez's are cool!

Great report! Thanks for the bonus content.

My parents were hating them in the heat. Said they were sweaty, gross. In all fairness both of them weren't feeling well (ended up canceling all of their adrs and checking out early so I don't know how valid their opinions are.

On my past trips, my friends said the same things... And they weren't sick. They ended up in shopping bags and purses by lunch everyday.

Thanks to you and Rita.

If i have been allowed to sign up for FP+ attractions on MDE, does that mean i have been selected to participate in a test?

No is the short answer. The two things are not dependent on each other.

Doh! Nope, not overlapping unless I decide to do NYE. If so, it will likely be at a resort, though, since traffic on 95 going home will be a beast on the 1st. I have to work on the 2nd and have already been told I can't have that day off.

You can get them at the gates, they just removed the verbiage on the signs.

I've eyed those Uhaul trucks before. I've often thought about, if I buy a camper, just storing it somewhere near the Fort and renting a Uhaul truck to move it over to my site and back to storage at the end of the trip. At $20/day, it's a lot cheaper than the extra $300 in gas I'd spend (minimum) hauling it down there and back. How was the hitch situation? Quality? Are the tires, etc in good shape?

Yay, so we'll get to see you!

I sure hope so. I haven't committed to staying at the Fort since a free-ish room at the Boardwalk has fallen into my lap. Regardless, I'll be there a few days before my friends, so I plan to spend some time with you guys.

We'll get to see you too!

Can't wait to meet both of you.

You probably said this, but how many hours are you from Disney?  We could never hit a park before hitting the road, if we wanted to get home that day.  

Dave. I'm about 6ish hours. It's not as far as it sounds - the last 90 miles are 45mph roads with traffic and stop lights as you enter the greater Charleston area. I always leave super early or after 1 so I miss rush hour traffic. I live at the intersection of 2 major interstates, so I'd rather spend my time at WDW in the parks than sitting in traffic.

Well pooh... we leave on the 8th. 

:-( I leave on the 4th. You should come sooner. LOL

Boo to both of you! Mo, I may come on down that Friday night if all goes according to plan. If so, I'll let you know. 

Jason, I *hope* our Christmas trips overlap. That way I can see both you and Sil and a pile of other Fiends who are around.

Based on how things are going this year at the old Brent-family homestead, there probably won't be much of a celebration for the holidays. If that's the case, I may try and make it down for Thanksgiving.

Brent, will you be there while we are there? 10/26-11/12?

I believe I arrive on the 8th

No problem! And I'll help more when I'm back in a couple of weeks. Haha

I know I've said it before, but this place really is worth it.

Those short ribs were some of the best I've ever had.

The portions are small to most, but perfect if you do three courses.