Brent... Just Brent

Thanks, Stefa!

First, the background. No, not about me, but about this trip. I have written trip reports before, but never in a timely manner. I usually don't think what I do is interesting enough to warrant a trip report. My first trip to the Fort was November 2010. It was awesome. Then I was there in February of this year. Again, awesome. Well, life happens and the AP expires and you don't go back for a while, until you get roped into spending the summer at WDW. Sound fun? Continue to read and see...

In June about 15 of my "closest" friends decided we should all go to WDW at the same time. Knowing it was June and I had sworn off tent camping after the last trip to the Fort (think frozen toes), I booked a hotel in Kissimmee. I'd stayed there before. It wasn't that bad! Well, times change. Things change. It was a DUMP. Night #1, this fellow walked across the desk:

All of his friends were in the alarm clock waiting on night time to come out and play.

And then a group of French exchange students checked in. And by group, I mean like 100. That turned the place into one giant college party.

So that trip was a write off.

Then, I made an even bigger mistake.

You see, I have a good buddy who house sits for me when I travel. I have cats and plants and an occasional dog. This friend always insists on doing this at no charge. Said friend said he likes to camp. Said friend was interested in going to WDW. You see where this is going. So, I have a giant tent, but I suggested we rent Donnie's popup. My treat. Well, SF (I had to shorten it) was having none of that. He insisted that it wasn't camping unless you were in a tent. I questioned this logic since it was JUNE. IN FLORIDA. SF still had none of it. Didn't get the point of a popup (umm, AIR CONDITIONING TO SLEEP IN) and so I agreed to the tent and he (begrudgingly) agreed to taking a tiny window a/c unit to use at night. That, Fiends, was the savior of the whole trip.

You see, it was hot that week. Heat indexes over 110. So hot I almost had a heat stroke in DHS one day. I'm used to being outside and I still couldn't take it. SF was upset we had to leave DHS. I was p-o'd that staying in a theme park was more important than me not collapsing and being rushed to the hospital.

The trip admittedly got much better. There were lots of drinks, looping, lots of pool time at the Fort and other general Fort activities that make for a good vacation. It just wasn't a real Fort trip, though. I didn't write a trip report mainly because I didn't care to think about that trip again. Ever. Here are a few photos, though.

At the end of that trip I swore that I was really done with tent camping and sleeping on the ground. Swore it. All the way home. BTW, this was just two weeks after the bed bug trip.

Well, right after July 4, the work trips to WDW started. Yep, that was just about 2.5-3 weeks after the heat stroke camping trip. I was playing tour guide for a lot of our giant donors and so I got an annual pass out of it from work. We were at PORS. It was actually not that bad, but it was work. Events in the theme parks, dinners with strangers, new kids hanging all over me every few days. The trips were giant successes for my company, but it really changed the way you look at the theme parks. It was almost three weeks in WDW with only about 3 days to myself. Oh, and we were on the Deluxe Dining Plan most of that trip, so we had a signature meal almost every evening. Have a question about a signature restaurant? I'm pretty sure I'm qualified to answer it.

So that leads to this trip. The one where TCD was stalking me (ok, well maybe just Mrs. TCD). I needed to get away from Charleston for a few days. A few friends from that other board and college were going to be at WDW (not together, just at the same time). I decided to make it a trip to just relax and try to regain my appreciation of the parks. No computer. No internet. No work. I'd stay at POP or a similar hotel at DTD and just do what I wanted… and then I got the Fort bug.

So, I ventured to the WDW and the Fort September 23-28. What began as a 3-day weekend trip turned into 6 days without even planning on it.

More to come soon.

OK, sorry I haven't replied sooner, but I've been busy with that whole "real world" thing that punishes you for being on vacation for a week.

As far as not saying hello... I saw you Sunday morning and realized it was you. Mrs TCD and one twin had thrown me off the day before. I thought, "Well, I thought that was a TCD twin, but now she's with her mom and there's just one, so I must be wrong. And then I thought I would look for your TV on my way out, but missed you because you were right next to me and I was trying not to run over children. When I did see you Sunday morning, I was about to go shower. When I got back and ready to leave for AK it was quiet and 10:30 and your PUP was still setup, so I figured you were staying Sunday night. When I got back Sunday afternoon you were gone and replaced with much less pleasant neighbors. More on that in my TR.

And as far as the loud yelling neighbors, I didn't hear them. I wasn't around much on Saturday since I had friends in the 200 loop and other friends in town. They must have been sound asleep when I got back late that night. There was more to hear on Sunday night, though. And it involved the local law enforcement. I'll tell you all about that in my TR.

Glad you had a good trip. Happy Belated Birthday!

I thought I saw a TCD twin on Saturday at the Fort! Then I was Sure I saw you loop by. Turns out we were neighbors. I was/am right next door in 1505 and never realized it. It's a small fiend world!

I use these all in gray

That's a great idea. I've been pretty bad about actually putting something down on the floor, but I always think "I really should buy a rug for the tent." I'll have to shop around for these. They'd probably also be somewhat good insulation against the cold coming up under the air mattress.

You know, the one where you realize you aren't that far from your next Fort trip? Where you're out and about and think "It wouldn't hurt to stop by Wal-Mart just to see what they have in the camping section that I might need." And so you do, of course. Yep, that happened tonight.

It's just one of those things that makes going to the Fort even more special. What other trips do you look forward to like that and justify spending money on things like you do for Disney?

Sorry, just felt like I had to share somewhere and I knew you guys would appreciate it.

BTW - at what point do you have everything you need and stop dropping major $$ on essentials that you never knew were essential?

Great tent! That's essentially what I was looking for, just a little smaller. I definitely have buyers remorse. It's much better than the one I finally chose.

When we checked in on 6/19 there was also a sign directing people who did online check in to one of the left lanes. We didn't have an RV, so we didn't use that. When we got inside, the far right station was online check in and it had its own queue.

I just had a similar situation. I was told by the CM at the Epcot ticket booth that I could upgrade anytime within 14 days to No Expiration. I figured that's what I'd do since I'd be back in 15 days, it'd save some $$, etc. In the meantime I decided to upgrade to an AP. Well, guess what, you can only do that in person at Guest Services - NOT on the phone or online. I just assumed they'd take my $$ and I wouldn't have to work to give it to them.

Well, I called WDW Ticketing and played dumb, asked all the questions, gave her the ticket #, explained that I'd be there in 15 days, not 14 and voila - they changed whatever in the computer and said "No problem. We're sorry about the confusion." They gave me a confirmation # and everything. So my point is, I guess, just try. They're seem to be pretty accommodating.

Glad you enjoyed our little city here on the coast. It looks like you guys took the city on WDW style and didn't miss a thing. It really is a beautiful place to live!

Unfortunately, I have yet to find a cooler that keeps ice at the Fort more than 12 hours, and we've bought several.

I can't agree more about the fan. Even when it's 50 out, the inside of the tent can feel damp.

I have a Rubbermaid chest type cooler. It keeps real ice, not the junk in the ice machine, for at least 24 hours in the cooler months. I'll let you know how well it does in the 94 degree heat after my trip next week. I used to have a Coleman cooler that I paid more for than I care to remember. It was definitely a 12 hour cooler. And forget that styrofoam junk. It won't make it 12 hours.

I'll jump in!

Seriously, a heater if you think it's going to be cold. 55 at night in a tent, on the ground is cold. And an extra blanket. Also a fan. Even when it's cold, a fan to move the air around and circulate the heat makes a huge difference.

Another must have is a timer. I picked one up from Amazon or somewhere like that for next to nothing. It's digital, for outdoors and has been a life saver when coming back late at night.

And finally, a good cooler. If you can, spend a little extra and get a decent one. You'll save enough on ice to pay the difference in one extended trip.

Great trip report. Looks like you guys really enjoyed this trip!

Great trip report! Jealous I'm not there.

We love eating here. We usually get a GAG and eat at the table at the far end if it is available. Very peaceful.

Is it just me or is the net missing? Maybe you have to rent the net lol.

Great start to your report.

Keep it coming!

HMMMM. There was definitely a net up, but I guess I chose the pic of just the posts. I still say, when is there EVER a need for no fewer than 5 concurrent volleyball games going on? Is it that popular at the Fort in the summer?

OK, I think this is the final installment. Nothing to see here... move along.

The 600 Loop:

The bridge from the Trading Post to the Pool:

The canal:

More 600 Loop:

Pool activities:

Picnic Shelter:

Tennis Courts:

More Volleyball (I believe there were 5 sets of posts on the beach, plus this one):

Looking towards the 1500 Loop:

Not sure which loop this is (as seen from Meadows Pool Area:

I decided to walk back to the 2000 loop the long way... with more tonic water. My favorite intersection at the Fort:

Starting a tiny fire with leftover charcoal to grill up a few dogs. The 2100 loop in the bg. This was a great place to sit and have a drink. So peaceful back here:

OK. That's all. Really a very uneventful trip. It was about 5 days for me. I have to admit, that's not really long enough to truly enjoy the Fort if you're doing a lot of parks. It felt like i was breaking down not long after I set it all up. I've decided that, for future reference, this is the minimum amount of time worth staying until I buy that small TT I've been eyeing. Also, with all the tarps and tie downs, it took hours to break down the next morning when I was leaving. I barely was out before 11am. All in all, it was a fantastic and relaxing trip that was badly needed.

Since then, I've invested in yet another new tent and will be back June 19 for 6 days with a buddy. What started as "Let's go camping for a few days in a state park" has turned into 6 at the Fort. Not much on the park agenda, but a lot on the grilling, eating, drinking, forting agenda.

Also, what does everyone do with used charcoal? Trash? I was wondering about that while I was there.

And looking across the Lake. Wow. It was a gorgeous late afternoon out:

More Lake:

Looking back from the pump at the canal:

Looking down the canal. I believe the 300 loop is off to the right:

No idea what the purpose of this solar panel and antenna are, but they have moss growing on them:

The gate leading down the other side of the canal was wide open. Is it normally? Had TCD left it open since he was out and about?

Fishing:

Back on pavement:

Fun Valentines Day setup:

After an annoying ride to the Meadows (due to passengers on the bus), I got this photo before shopping:

Some more generic shots - Playground area:

The OTHER "dining" area:

Trees on the beach:

Looking back at the Marina:

Looking across the lake. Have you ever wondered what's over there?

Another Volleyball setup. If I were going to make a fool of myself playing, I think I'd want to do it over this way with fewer people to laugh at me:

Looking back towards the Marina again:

Trees:

More Trees:

The cabin:

End of the lake... I think:

And continuing on:

Hmm... This was February. I think it was about time to update the signage at this bus stop:

Cold Pony:

Hello There!:

One of my favorite, overlooked areas:

And another of this green space:

The obligatory shot of the Backyard BBQ Pavilion/River Country Ticket Booths:

Looking towards the beach:

Volleyball Net on the Beach:

It was very quiet and peaceful this afternoon:

A boat coming in:

So, let me just say that the week was mostly uneventful except for two things:

1) It was COLD. I know it was a cold winter in FL and I was prepared with a giant heater for my tent, but that honestly didn't help a lot. The final night there I had on a wool hat and gloves to watch fireworks. Wow. Even with the 1500w Convection type heater in the tent, sleeping on the ground, well, sucks. That's the last time that's going to happen. I think a small fan in the top of the tent to push the heat back down would have helped a lot, but it was still a lot of miserable sleeping. That's ok, though, I was still at the Fort and I somehow survived.

2) Rain. It's sprinkled on me before, but never hard rain. As I mentioned in the above post, I thought I had most of Thursday to deal with getting prepared for the rain. No such luck. I woke up to rain drops about 7am Thursday morning. I got up and discovered that I hadn't properly secured the tarps on the awning and things were getting, well, moist. So... I threw on a sweatshirt and hat and got SOAKED tying things down. It took a solid hour to get it how I wanted to stay dry. AND THEN, I discovered I was getting dropped on at the seams of my awning. I never even thought to waterproof those. Lesson learned and that has now been accomplished...

So on Saturday, Feb12 I decided it was time to break out the camera and take some photos.

I'd had all of the parks I could handle and was back at the Fort mid-afternoon.

I headed over to the bus stop. I've always had great luck with intra-Fort Transportation, myself and don't mind it. You do miss a lot of things, though, if you're always on the bus.

Here's the 2000 Loop Bus Stop.

The bench that no one besides me ever sits on when you're headed towards the outpost:

The covered part of the bus stop:

Looking across at the bench and turn around area:

Some photos down in the Settlement area:

Walkway to the Settlement Trading Post:

Looking towards Pioneer Hall:

And the Marina:

I'm going to actually sit here and eat something... one day:

Boats:

The Beach:

Discovery Island with Contemporary in the Background:

Looking at one of my favorite areas:

More to come!

I can't wait to hear more!

Thanks Rita! I honestly don't remember all of the details, but we're about to get to the good photos. And by good, I mean not so good, but good to me.

OK, I've been a slacker. I should have posted this months ago... but I didn't. Life, work, excuse excuse. I didn't even take notes on this trip, so I'll do my best to remember the details. It's really about the photos, though, so enjoy and thanks for reading along.

The trip was planned for late February. Well, work insisted I needed to take fifteen 21yo military college boys to Raleigh that weekend... so the trip was rescheduled. I just checked the dates and it was Feb 9 - 14. Now wait a minute! Can you believe I was there the exact same times as TCD?!? And, AND I was about 7 sites away from him the whole time and NEVER EVER REALIZED IT. Robbed. Simply robbed. At least I didn't make the TCDRMOGA list for some crazy setup that was going on.

As always, there was a plan. That plan was to be on the road by 7am on Wed, Feb 9. It's about 400 miles from my door to the Fort and it does get dark early that time of year. Since I was going to be camping alone, I knew it would be tight to be setup and having a frosty beverage before the sunset that day. Well, I think I was on the road around 10am. Hey, stuff happens. Sleep happens. Housesitters/Catsitters lose keys.

I arrived at the Fort around 3:30pm, didn't argue when I got a site in the 2000 loop even though I'd requested 1500 and off I went to setup as quickly as possible. Site 2001 it was. I wasn't thrilled about that site... until I got there. Actually, it was great. Lots of space, no one on one side since it was the first site in the loop, etc.

Here are a few pics I took of the setup. Sorry... only nighttime photos of this. I was pretty busy.

So, setup went fairly smoothly. The second time setting up the awning alone went MUCH faster than the first time. No surprises, etc. I discovered I'd looted a few things from my camping supplies, namely surge strips, so I had to adjust and make do. I hastily threw up a couple of tarps since I knew there was a chance for rain on that Thursday. This is important. See, it was only about a 30% chance of rain and it was for later in the day Thursday. So I could worry about making sure tarps were tied down well later, right? More on that later.

As is my tradition, I immediately had a cocktail after I got setup. Nothing is more relaxing than a cold drink at your site and listening to the boat whistles in the background.

After I relaxed, I grabbed a bus and headed over to Epcot for Illuminations.

Doodlebug, if you are still reading along, here's those photos I mentioned a while back:

So, I'm behind and just catching up... because I'm a slacker like that. I was in 2001, arriving the day you checked out, and the loop was indeed mostly empty until Thursday when the most obnoxious group showed up, nearly ran me over in their gators, yelled and screamed all night, etc. But I digress. I got to meet Mr. Doodlebug when I was setting up. He scooted over on his ECV smoking a pipe. He seemed friendly at first. Then he started complaining that there weren't full hookups in the 2000 loop. He didn't understand why he couldn't get a free upgrade. Then he told me I didn't know how to setup my tent... which I'd had that one for at least 8 years so I kinda had it under control, but he never offered to help. So. To that I say, it's a good thing that wasn't the REAL Doodlebug. They were there at least 2 weeks it sounds like based on when you saw them and when I left they were still there. That's the only time I saw them around, though.

Oh, and great TR!

This is great news! It's really hard to find a similar service in the area. There have been some who say they'll do it, but not sure I trusted them. Being able to leave a TT close to the Fort, know it's secure and also not have to drive a TV for a short trip really is what I've been looking for for months.

I'm a Tweetin' fool, so watch out!  I'm @brentorich on Twitter... though that's the far less snarky/mean/crude account, it's where I typically post all of my WDW stuff. I have a bunch of pics I took at the Fort a while back that I think I might go ahead and post now that someone cares!

Did you say Pictures? And You haven't posted them yet? Get busy Mister, they don't call me the "Picture Bully' for nothing. If that doesn't scare you I'll in MagicBus. Hes my back-up  :rofl2:

Haha. Just for you! http://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.553543133425.2044048.46402462