fortpartyof4

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.

Hi Cyndee.  Nice to hear from you. 
Go Gata. 
 

Go Gata and Go Knights. 
TCD

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.

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.

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.

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.

Thanks for the updates TCD.  I appreciate you and other Fiends on the Scene™ keeping us in the loop even though being in the loop on this makes me mostly sad.

While I check out the Fort Wilderness facebook pages, I can't bring myself to participate.  All they seem to concentrate on is how to game the system, and also the latest fad they "must do".  That is what makes this site the best for Fort Wilderness.

What in The actual Fort
 
They can Fort straight off with this $/!+

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!

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!

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!

Just saw this from an RV group I belong to.  Thought it might be helpful to some Fort evacuees?
 

oooh I forgot one!  My fort coffee mugs.  I don't use them much b/c they aren't dishwasher safe and I despise washing dishes, but every once in a while I break one out for a little pick me up and reminder of my favorite place!
Seems I have a few too many favorites, can't pick just one!  But, these are all accumulated over many years, I typically do not spend much on "merch" while visiting WDW.

My favorites are similar to those already mentioned.
Things that I see every day - kept in the kitchen where I spend most of my time:  My spike, which is on a shelf in the hutch.  Mickey salt and pepper shakers, purchased at the MK the day my son marched down Main St. USA with his HS marching band.  Each time I see them I remember that day and just being there in general, and it makes me happy.  Bamboo coasters with Mickey etched into them, purchased at (DTD when it was called that), on one of our many visits.  Again, when I set my drink down on one, it makes me smile and think of all of our wonderful memories of times spent at Disney.
I also have a lot of Disney Christmas ornaments, and other Disney Christmas decorations.  I decorate one tree that is devoted to my Disney ones and Hallmark Keepsake ones an I just love it.  Most of the ornaments were bought during a trip and have special meaning.
My other favorite keepsakes are my pins, which I do not trade, and are mostly Fort related.  I particularly like to get the holiday one each year, even if I don't make it down there.  Most recently, my husband got me an Alex and Ani bracelet during our first Disney cruise, and then another Disney one as a Christmas gift.  I wear them often and again, they make me smile and bring back so many fond memories.

Not often at all.  I don't recall seeing one in at least the last several years.
Magic Kingdom is the park most likely to see the different phases of capacity closures, and the most frequent times are Christmas-New Years week (especially Christmas Day and New Years Eve), Spring Break week when it falls close to Easter, and July 4th.

Just an FYI, Disney photo pass shoots the marching bands that visit. We have 2 photographers assigned to just marching bands. The band director will get the photo pass card or you can stop by the town square theater and they can look up the photos for you to add to your own account.

It is comforting to me that even though I have been gone from FF a lot, and have missed out on so much, your selfies still suck.  The familiarity of it makes me feel right at home.
 
Carry on.

It is comforting to me that even though I have been gone from FF a lot, and have missed out on so much, your selfies still suck.  The familiarity of it makes me feel right at home.
 
Carry on.

It is comforting to me that even though I have been gone from FF a lot, and have missed out on so much, your selfies still suck.  The familiarity of it makes me feel right at home.
 
Carry on.

It is comforting to me that even though I have been gone from FF a lot, and have missed out on so much, your selfies still suck.  The familiarity of it makes me feel right at home.
 
Carry on.

It is comforting to me that even though I have been gone from FF a lot, and have missed out on so much, your selfies still suck.  The familiarity of it makes me feel right at home.
 
Carry on.

Congratulations Mo!  I have expressed my gratitude before, but will say it again……I am grateful to you and the other admins who do all the behind the scenes work to maintain this site.  I would add that I also appreciate the occasional posts you put on other social media sites to keep those of us who can't come by here very often in touch.  It also serves as a reminder to pop in and say hi.
 
And, I will echo what someone else already said about being away, then coming by for a visit and made to feel very welcome, no matter how long you've been gone.  Everyone here is so nice, and the sense of community stays the same even as the group continues to grow.

Congratulations Mo!  I have expressed my gratitude before, but will say it again……I am grateful to you and the other admins who do all the behind the scenes work to maintain this site.  I would add that I also appreciate the occasional posts you put on other social media sites to keep those of us who can't come by here very often in touch.  It also serves as a reminder to pop in and say hi.
 
And, I will echo what someone else already said about being away, then coming by for a visit and made to feel very welcome, no matter how long you've been gone.  Everyone here is so nice, and the sense of community stays the same even as the group continues to grow.