momof3kids-Yvonne

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2023/07/disney-eats-first-look-at-trails-end-restaurant-and-crocketts-tavern-reopenings/

I was waiting for the bus yesterday and saw this sign talking about the FWRR.  Since I am a HUGE fan of the railroad, I had to snap up a picture.  I didn't see it when I was at the Fort in February.  I thought it was super cool.
 
 

So this August will be our 25th wedding anniversary. Since I work for the local Catholic school and our school year starts back the first week of August doing something then is not possible. However, we have a nice long fall break the first week in October. So Steve and I are booked on the Norwegian Bliss that week. Thanks to Jason for helping me in getting that booked. 
Our ports include Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. We also have a day cruising through Glacier Bay.
So I have a question. Would it be weird for us to do separate excursions for the Mendenhall Glacier? Steve is more active (better physical condition than me) and I was thinking he might really enjoy an excursion that included a more strenuous hike. 

Not weird at all.  It's very mentally satisfying to accommodate the abilities of each person in a couple, even if that means you experience it separately.  It also gives you great conversation fodder, since you will each have different perspectives.

I don't think it would be weird as it offers both of you something you can enjoy.

Woo hoo. Check the Port Canaveral web cams for the TCD gang sailing on the first DCL CM test cruise on June 24th!!
It’s still good to be TCD!
TCD

From DISNEY FOOD BLOG
 
BREAKING: Reopening Date Announced for Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue in Disney World!
By Kelly Oliveros Leave a Comment
Get ready for some food and fun folks! Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue is coming BACK
Over the past several months, we’ve seen a number of things return to Disney World, including some special shenanigans at Whispering Canyon Cafe, the antics at Beaches & Cream when it comes to the kitchen sink, and even a few buffets. But now another iconic Disney spot — Hoop-Dee-Doo — will be serving up entertainment and special dishes for fans to enjoy. Here’s what you need to know.
 
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue will be reopening at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground THIS SUMMER! Reservations will open up on Disney World’s website starting May 26th for showtimes starting June 23rd.

I agree, carriage ride would be good.  Or maybe on beach during fireworks?   

Maybe a carriage ride? Congrats!

I plan on proposing at  Fort Wilderness Campground. Any recommendations in terms of nice spots? This place is basically my girlfriend's favorite place in term of resorts since she's been coming here every year for as long as she can remember. I've only been there once so haven't had a chance to go and look around much. 

Jen said to let y’all know Chris is Fixing the database for the app. It should be up and running correctly soon.

In my head it is as fresh as ever.  At least that's what the voices in there tell me. 

You know, that particular cinnamon roll that Dave has been peddling for the last several years has got to be sort of stale by now....

My sources inside the Walt Disney Company tell me that Bob Iger, toward the end of his retirement address to fellow Cast Members, made an announcement that will have massive implication to CM's and Guests of WDW for years to come!
Just before closing his address, he announced the construction of a 5TH GATE at WDW! 
He then let slip the name of this upcoming 5th theme park....Cinnamon Roll Kingdom!! 
 

Happy New Year everyone! 

There’s an acronym I can get on board with.  

Sounds like you're having a good time despite all the new restrictions and systems that need to be dealt with.
Grandma and I still enjoy the TIKI Room and probably since it was one of the first attractions we saw when we were at DL in 1969.  (I know we're old). It was our first trip to the park together since she came to visit me when I was stationed in San Diego.

I look forward to reading more about your trip. I understand stand about the mix of emotions. I am glad among the tears there was also some happiness. Praying for you and your family during this Holiday season. 

You have to remember that the locals also book weekends as soon as they can. All the years we were there many sites were available during the week but on weekends the FORT filled up with the same people and the majority were FL plates. Once the 499/500 day hits they are booking for their weekends, so if you want 10 days somebody probably already has the weekends on both ends of that reservation.  We never had issues either, but we always had a TA take care of it.  
The lack of open sites is happening across all campgrounds not just the FORT, just go on any RV blog/forum and many are complaining about the lack of availability in State parks and Private parks. RV sales have sky-rocketed the last 3 years.  
Let Jason work on it, save yourself the hassle.

The TA in question books groups and is prepping lists for when the group booking is set up so they can fill it in. Nothing can be booked so far in 2023. Not even to the 500 day point we usually have. As of now the latest you can book is a reservation stating on December 31, 2022

Sure you can post a TR here.... Once a FF always a FF.  Looking forward to more updates.

Thank you for posting this story. 
What a wonderful life, which she tells us she was still enjoying in the interview at the end of the story.

I randomly popped on to FF and this was the first thread I noticed.  I have a lot of catching up to do around here but am delighted to see so many familiar names contributing!  When I was a "regular" here, I lived outside of Jacksonville, FL and my kids were in elementary school.  We started camping at the Fort in a tent when they were 3 and 6, then a pop up, then a TT.  In 2013, we relocated to a suburb of Philadelphia.  Sold our TT to another family on this board right before we moved.  We did get a new one, though we do not tow it down there.  Now when we visit WDW we stay in a cabin.  Expensive, for sure but worth it to us to be able to visit our happy place.  We go about once a year, in large part because my sons both go to college in FL.  Yes - for those that may remember me - my 2 boys are now 19 and 21!  One is a senior at UF, the other a sophomore at UCF.  
We got priced out of parks many years ago, but would still go very rarely, especially to see my boys march down Main St. USA for their HS band trips.  We did visit one park during the pandemic, it was just ok, but disappointing for reasons everyone has mentioned plus we didn't get on Rise as hoped.  However, we have thoroughly enjoyed every stay at the Fort, despite not having our own camper and all of the restrictions.  The only thing that has been a downside is the construction and how much it has changed down by the marina.  Losing that beach and the ugly weird fake greenery "fence" just makes me sad.  I was just there with my youngest in late August right before we moved him back for school.  Lots of loops closed for paving, etc. but again, we made the best of it and it was a nice relaxing few days.  If I had traveled that far with an RV though - I'd have been pretty mad to have not enjoyed the things one should while staying there.
As for what others have mentioned, yes I do think social media contributed to the decline in activity here.  But, the FB Fort groups are mostly useless.  Some are borderline militant with the rules and seem to be slanted toward one TA or another.  Meh.  One page in particular is so full of drama and BS, but the gal is so silly with the "breaking news", etc. it's almost entertaining.  I've always said this is the best resource, and if the Fort ever returns to it's former glory, it will reemerge as such.

Have a fantastic time this weekend!!  I'm sorry that our schedule didn't allow us to participate.   Do your best to purchase some items as the festival...those poor vendors were hit so hard last year.    
Have fun!!

But I think you're describing a large portion of corporate America

I said all along that working for the Disney company is a love hate relationship. Loved the actual work but hated how day to day things were managed. For me it was an occasional and temporary escape from my actual profession for the first twelve years and then a retirement job for the last ten, I never had to climb the corporate ladder. And when they did offer me an interview for a full time position in the Ride & Show group, I declined because I knew I wouldn't last when it became real. 
Now after having received my Mickey gold watch from Disney and retaining all my benefits, I look back and feel good about my couple of decades as a CM, no regrets, I had a lot of fun. I'd still be a CM if I could.