fortpartyof4

8 hours ago, DaveInTN said:

Hi Cyndee.  Nice to hear from you. 

Go Gata. 

 

And you as well!  I thought of you when my sons both got the opportunity to record at Bob's Big Boy/Sound Kitchen in Franklin a few years back.  Paul and I will be back in a few months for his brother's big bday bash.  I'm tired just thinking about it lol.

9 hours ago, Tri-Circle-D said:

Go Gata and Go Knights. 

TCD

FL Prepaid!!!  I'd much rather they went to Penn State like most of their classmates, but they are both right where they want to be and doing well!  Cannot ask for more than that!

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.

On 5/6/2019 at 10:58 PM, Starbuc71 said:

I know I can be a complainer and even a Debby downer a lot of the time, but this is just BS. What the hell are they doing?  They own so much land and they are purposely building this right on top of the fort. Iger ruined Disney.  He has no love for the fort, just money. I’m sure we can debate DVC all day here, but in my opinion it’s just another cash cow scam. This gets me so upset that the most peaceful and beautiful place in all of Disney is slowly going to the wayside.  I’m sure it’s just a matter of time until something drastic happens at the campgrounds. Can you imagine the people that will be going to the campfire and the meadows pool once this is built?  I’m sure there will be a card reader to get into the resort but nothing to get into the fort. So so sad. I’m glad we had the memories we did. Good luck faithful Disney campers. You’re going to need it

I also completely agree with your sentiments.

I am disgusted, sad, and very disappointed in the decisions that have been made which will result in spoiling the charm and tranquility that was once my beloved Fort Wilderness.

Fueled by greed and power, and certainly not made by anyone who has any real appreciation for what the Fort is to so many, much less having spent time there relaxing.

As you said, at least we have our memories!

Thank you for the update!  I have not been to Epcot in years, so fun to see what's new.  Love the super flexible easy feeling of your WWW weekend!  Exactly how I operate.

11 hours ago, wendinator said:

My sister has time share through RCI so I book through them and just pay rather than use her points. It's called Vacation Village at Parkway.

Thanks!  It looks fabulous!  My late in-laws were big RCI people.  We stayed at several places compliments of their many ownerships over the years.  

Enjoying your TR!  Though, it is making me hungry!

I am inspired by your solo visits to the parks.  I suspect this may be in my future now that my kids are older and the hubs isn't into WDW like I am.  He likes it OK, but not enough to stay all day and really dig in.

Curious where you stayed for this visit?  You mention a condo, do you own, or rent?  Looking for new options since cabins have gotten so pricey!

In and first!  How appropriate that I pop on here and happen to catch the beginning of your TR!

Not unlike when I was at the Fort recently and popped on to catch the latest, only to find out I was there at the same time all of you were!

I look forward to hearing more about your weekend.  And, I am so glad I got to meet all of you!

note the ones along the cart path to the beach in the distance:

oops didn't mean to post it twice!

18 hours ago, PghBob said:

Final note for this trip.   Survey stakes appearing like weeds in the PH and barn areas.  Another new batch located between PH and the Settlement Trading Post, in the grassy area adjacent to the the wagon rides.

I also noted all of the survey stakes when we were there last weekend.  Took some photos, will attempt to see if I can figure Imgur out and post them.

I have to say, the placement of some of them was unsettling.

11 hours ago, momof3kids-Yvonne said:

Thanks for stopping by for a bit. It's great to put a name with a face. Don't be a stranger. 

It was so nice to meet all of you ladies!  

I promise to try and hang out here more often.

Hope you all have safe trips home.

I am here, will try and stop by!  Can’t stay long as we have plans but would love to at least say hello since I have been such a stranger around here.

Cyndee

Anyone have the name of an off site golf cart rental co., other than Tee Time?  They've been our go-to for years, but my husband refuses to use them any more so I have to find another source.  Thanks for any help!

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you who are in the path of this horrible storm.  I've been monitoring the updates since I have so many friends and family in NE FL, then yesterday when the path shifted west I immediately thought of many of you who are in that part of the state.  I hope you are able to get to a safer place if you can.  

On 3/9/2017 at 7:38 PM, bahamalaurie said:

Ok, I'm brand new to the site so please go easy on me lol. I have a dumb question but here goes. I made a tent only reservation for our October Fall Break months ago. This past weekend we bought a small 19' ft camper. I called to change my reservation and, as I suspected, there were no available trailer sites for that week. I asked the cast member if I could still use the site since it's a small camper and at first she said yes, then said no. I kept the tent site and plan on checking back repeatedly, but has anyone done this? Surely, a pop up with the tents out is around the same size as my small camper. If nothing comes available, I'll still pop a tent but I really don't want to.

Congrats on the new camper!!  

If you check from time to time between now and your Oct. trip, I'd be willing to bet you could get a FHU site for your TT.

But, even if that doesn't happen, as others have said, I am sure you would be able to fit a 19' trailer on a partial.

On 3/10/2017 at 9:13 AM, Tri-Circle-D said:

Do whatever you want.

Everyone else does.

That stuff on the website that says travel trailers and motorhomes can't be accommodated on the tent sites is just a typo apparently.

Pro tip- when you get to the Fort, go into the office to check-in instead of using the check-in lanes.  That way, the CM will have no idea what type of trailer you have, and you can sneak anything in. Bring your dog too!  You could also try on-line check-in.  If it works (which is rare), they will text you your site number, and you can proceed directly to your site without being questioned by the staff about all these silly rules they have.

TCD

BAHAHAHA!! 

This is completely true.

And while you're at it, go ahead and let your 13 year old take the cart for a spin, tell them there is no need to be careful or stop for buses.

when we were there last month there was a (smaller) 5th wheel in the 2000 loop!  Had to do a double take!

Just wanted to pass along some news I discovered during our last visit to the Fort in Feb.  Guests of FW are no longer allowed to use the fitness center, Sturdy Branches, at WL.

My son and I took the bus over to work out and our bands would not open the door.  No one was in there to let us in, so we went to the main desk in the lobby and inquired as to why they wouldn't work, and the CM told us Fort guests are no longer welcome to use the facility.  He cited it being partially due to the room not being attended by a CM anymore.

As we were actually staying in a cabin this trip and paying about the same as a room at WL, I was kinda ticked off.  I  personally think that some sort of indoor fitness facility should be made available to guests of the Fort.

Anyway, just wanted to pass this along to anyone who might assume they can go over there and work out in the future.  Don't waste your time running, walking, or bussing yourself over there.  Unless you're OK with sneaking in on the tails of another guest, which is what the CM on the phone told me to do when I called from the house phone (that was before our trip to the front desk).

**apologies if this topic has been covered, I don't stop by here as often as I used to**

We are here now.  Very surprised to see all the playgrounds fenced.  What was the rationale?  If it's safety I guess I understand but personally I find them sort of unsightly.  Beach fence just makes me sad.  

The suggestion that has been made about having carts floating around for those on this board, and those who are Fort regulars, has been done.  I witnessed it myself many times in years past, and I know of some of the contributors to this thread have taken advantage of a very similar arrangement.

As many have stated, Disney put their foot down on outside cart rental vendors, as well as scaring off those of us willing to juggle carts on site.  

I've used Kenny for years.  Again, I concur with everyone that his service is above and beyond, but his product can be sub par.  The last time we had an issue, he made it right and we got a huge discount.  

When  I lived in FL, we used him for rentals and ultimately, service once we purchased our own cart.  Now that we travel from up North and do not bring our cart along, we are back to rentals.  On both fronts, his service is top notch.  I have an upcoming rental and am hoping for no issues, though am apprehensive reading recent posts on this thread.......

FWIW I try to schedule the pick up end of the labor intensive Kenny cart rental process with a grocery run.  Since we have multiple drivers in our party, we all go to the meeting place, one will take the job of running the cart over while the rest of us hit the Winn Dixie or Walmart and stock up on supplies needed.  By the time both of us are done, it's time to return to the Fort and do some looping.  Usually works out unless it's raining!

We kept our TT at a storage place on 27 in Davenport.  Just tried to google the name but it appears to have changed hands since we used them, so cannot speak to the quality these days.  But, it was a great place in terms of proximity to the Fort and economical.  I got the recommendation from Curt here on FF who used to store his pop ups there when he was operating Fort Camper Rental.

I am so sorry your trip didn't go so well.....hoping everyone is on the mend now.  

Still, you have a great outlook and it seems you made the best of it.

We've only been on one, a 3 night, and I agree completely - it's not enough time.  Next one will be longer for sure!

I want to learn how to speak coon-ass!  LOL!

Thanks for sharing your experience!