Brent... Just Brent

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 setu

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.

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

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!

I like the new mugs. Interesting, though. Just putting on my "design" hat for a minute, that looks almost seasonal and very "summer" oriented. They'd seem out of place in December. I wonder if the life cycle of the mugs is going to shorten?

Hope I'm not being repetitive here, but you definitely made the right decision staying with the preferred, IMHO. Then again, it's just that, my opinion. It all depends what you like. I'd gladly take 100-300 any day just to be so close to the Settlement. Being able to walk to the beach for fireworks or to catch the boat and not take the bus is huge. Also, I don't even bother with the refillable mug if I can't walk to fill it. If you like seclusion, then those loops probably aren't for you, though I think some sites are quieter than others. Regardless, have a good time and enjoy!

I have a big list of things I've decided I "needed" over the years. A lot of things on there never leave the camping bins, but some are good as a reminder before a trip. As far as the spreadsheet itinerary... It seems like when there's a work trip or even vacation, there's some elaborate travel document that someone has spent hours putting together. The joke, though, is that when I bought a new car I got one with a sunroof so it would be easy to go ahead and toss it out before we even left town. They just never work out.

I dislike talking to people in general, haha, so I typically use the online system. I've had to call a few times to modify the reservation, but it's usually not that bad. Except for the February trip - which I never wrote a trip report for. I tried booking online and it kept declining my credit card. It was a new/replacement card so I thought it was my fault. Needless to say, it took 30 minutes to get everything resolved on the phone and required me to escalate a few times. It was a giant pain. I'll do anything to avoid that again.

Thanks everyone! It was a great trip and I made a LOT of observations, took several hundred photos, etc. I'm working on the trip report now. I hope to have it up before I leave for NC this week. BTW, a "sneak preview" if you will... I will not sleep on the ground again. Done. Enough of that. I did everything everyone recommended and it just wasn't comfortable. Popup or bust! The search is on. I think I might email MakeCampingEasy about renting his to make sure it's what I really want before I go buy one.

I haven't heard a peep from the mayor lately!

I've seen the "what do you bring" thread, but what about things you bring and then discover it was more of a waste of space? For example, I thought that a pot and pan and a hot plate would be useful, but I've discovered they're more trouble than they're worth and I rarely use them. So what about everyone else? Any recommendations about what to leave at home and save space?

I enjoy Jellyrolls! The problem is getting back. I don't drink and drive, at all, so that limits me. I was a HUGE fan of PI. I even flew down for their closing weekend. I was sad to see it go.

It's Friday night on the 2000 loop. Boyscouts are here. Security is here. Gonna be a long night!

Just got back from Epcot, poured a drink, sat down and now EWP is playing in the background. Doesn't get much better!

Thanks, Lisa! You have to look on the bright side, really. Otherwise I'd be as miserable as cupcake. I may have a soggy rug and pine sap on my hoodie, but it's still better than a good day at work!

**grumble** Kind wet may be an understatement this morning. On the plus side, the tent isn't leaking... Yet

You're right. I'm all about a fiendmingo. Maybe I'll have to make a giant one.

Thanks! Carol, I owe much of my enjoyment to all of your tips. Thanks for sharing over on the other place. If I ever happen to be here when you are, I owe you many many kungaloosh.

Got a late start, but checked into the Fort around 4:30 this afternoon. Was setup in a couple of hours. Unfortunately, I couldn't talk my way into the 1500 loop, so I'm here in 2000. Very, very quiet. The few people I've seen are first-timers and seem generally unhappy. Go figure. I'll take the quiet, though! I'm also not near a comfort station so no slamming doors tonight! I doubt I'll trip report it live, but I brought a proper camera, so the real thing will have lots of photos. Also, I have the green ears out, so if you're here, say hello!

I'm really really curious how they'd enforce a policy about this. Heck, or even how one would WRITE a policy since the displays vary - lights, led lights, blowups, etc. I only had one or two strands of lights up last year (mostly for my own benefit), but as I read the line about lights strung btw trees, I would now be violating their policy. I'll be interested to see how this plays out.

I found out the hard way on the last trip that, no matter how hard you try, there's NO WAY to keep the sand/shells off the rug under the easy up or from the inside of the tent. All I had was a small broom (think 6" handle) and tiny dust pan. I vacuumed the rugs when I got home. For tomorrow's trip I have a full sized broom packed to try and keep up with it. I'm on vacation, though... I just can't do a vacuum.

I was always afraid to say that I liked that Ramada, but it really is convenient. Granted, it's no Fort, but the price is usually right, it's super close and I can hop in the car with a duffel bag and not feel guilty taking a short weekend trip.

I actually have a spreadsheet of every restaurant and snack stand on property. Don't laugh. I make it a point to try and check something new off on each trip. I attached the file if anyone wants it, but it hasn't been updated in at least a year, so I'm sure there are additions and others have closed.

I've eaten there a few times and have enjoyed it. Not great, but better than most Disney sandwiches. And it's something different. BUT I was at the World for business in August with a coworker. After we loaded the rental to start the drive home, he wanted to go to The Earl for breakfast. I have to tell you, it was DELICIOUS and the cheapest breakfast I'd had the whole week we were traveling.

Thanks! I wish I were a better writer. I'd think of clever and insightful things when I was out and about... and then forget them. It looks like I also lost a day in there somewhere. Hrmmmmm