1700SunnyLn

It doesn't matter for cable modem (hubby says doesn't matter for any of the items) In 2013 we brought along our WOW cable modem, whatever the WOW cable company gave us. It was our home unit and it worked fine. But we had already got the Disney box and I didn't want to use a bit of theirs and a bit of ours. So put ours modem away.

This trip we used a Motorola modem that we bought based on price only. LOL. Brought coax cable and our own (ancient) Apple wifi and it all worked fine. Ray did have issues with his iPad connecting to our wifi while sitting behind the camper but I never did. Inside we used his iPad to watch Netflix with no issues.

Diane

I'm being lazy and copied this from my unfinished "the turkey diaries" trip report.

"Back at the trailer. Before I forget I should report on how I am reporting! We brought along our own route and cables. We brought our old Apple airport and am happily sitting behind the camper well reporting! So you can bring your own stuff. We tried it last year too but didn't bring cable so just used all Disney stuff in the box. This year we made sure to bring it all. So the pup cam runs while we are out and about on property. If I leave property for say groceries we load everyone in. I worry enough while here if we go farther than the Magic circle than I just sit in the car with them. "

So we brought our own cable modem, wifi router and co-ax cable thingy. For us it was to use for checking the dogs while we were at the park. We watched Netflix and posted on the Fiends. No problem.

We left it all in the camper for next time.

This was Nov2014. Hope you have a wonderful trip! With very little time spent having to work ;-). I had to work on our Disney Oct2013 trip. Yuck. So I understand the need to have guaranteed access while at the Fort. Between the dogs camera and work. I had to be sure we had Internet.

AK tree is up front!!!

Just drove by the meadows and saw Christmas garland and the 900 bus stop also had garland. Can't wAit to get back to investigate! The AK visit might be cut short ;-). Lol

Ray I saw your post about "seeing the resorts dressed for the holidays". I thought "hmmm rub it in I just might need more ice cream!" LOL. Little jealous of your hang.

Just came from eating ice cream in the rockers at the meadow and no Christmas decor up there. But the ice cream was yummy.

at Disney I'd prefer a Rice Krispie treat (part breakfast cereal!) with my coffee but the girls insisted on Squirrel what was I to do, it's their vacation too :-D

And I romped right along side as they ran like nuts. As far as missing the right.... It was the navigation systems fault and I'm sticking with that story, if it got me a seasonal coffee it was a happy coincidence;-)

Back at the trailer. Before I forget I should report on how I am reporting! We brought along our own route and cables. We brought our old Apple airport and am happily sitting behind the camper well reporting! So you can bring your own stuff. We tried it last year too but didn't bring cable so just used all Disney stuff in the box. This year we made sure to bring it all. So the pup cam runs while we are out and about on property. If I leave property for say groceries we load everyone in. I worry enough while here if we go farther than the Magic circle than I just sit in the car with them.

We've learned with the trailer and the dog last year we slowed down our Disney activites. Preferring dog walks and riding our bikes around the Fort. I still need to check in on if the bacon jam flat bread is still at Trails End for lunch. We stumbled on that last year and ended up there twice would have been a third but we ran out of vacation time. LOL.

Well after Ray fixes the bypass valve and gets the hot water going we will be dog walking the path behind the 700/800. We enjoyed it when we were on the 900 last year. Peaceful. Followed by a bike ride once the kids are down for a nap. Dinner at the campsite but of course there will be more bike rides and dog walks. And yes ROMPing at the dog park. You can tell who we are. Ray will be standing quietly watching Keely or maybe talking to other parents while his crazy wife runs along with the short corgi. Oh and we are the black&white corgi WITH (cardigan) a tail. There are 2 corgis here that I think are on the 500 without tails (pembrokes).

That's all I have to report for now. We have lizards to watch since they have become more active since this mornings coffee & squirrel. ;-)

Diane

Hi all!

TCD: i will probably stalk Mo for the low down on Fort decorating. ;-)

Everyone else this will NOT be anywhere near a TCD trip report. You might need coffee to stay awake for this one. LOL

The morning started with coffee and squirrel watching followed by a romp at the dog park.

As soon as we returned to the site we loaded the girls up and headed out to find Camping World Kissimmee (which is where this report is being written while Ray goes for the part he broke yesterday)

In hunting down the Camping World poor Ray got bad directions from my map program and we ended up on Irlo Bronson but the opposite way and in the Super Target lot to make matters worst. Honey! There's a Starbucks! (Yes I am one of those. But really it's more seasonal for the Gingerbread latte, slight addiction).

We also passed the Publex so that is taking care of the other matter we were off property to attend to. I've done Publex before when in the good old days we would get the private car people (before magical express). We were going to do Winn-Dixi but Publex worked out.

Hopefully the day will find us with hot water again as a visit to WL or maybe even a visit to a monorail resort. I am going to find some Christmas today even if I have to poke my head over the MK walls. LOL. ;-). (No worries I hear there is Gingerbread decor at the Contemporary, no Disney police need worry)

Well that is all. Nothing really to report from a parking lot. :)

More later.

Diane

i didn't want to take over the "time till your at the fort" thread and I had a question. Figured I'd chronicle our Turkey adventure. :-D. I have to figure out how to post a photo. I think I've done it once. Lol

First up we had a really smooth trip. Our new truck barely knows our little trailer is back there. The furry kids were well behaved the whole way down. We stayed the 1st night in TN at the Sweetwater KOA. It had a small dog fenced area which is great since the oldest seems to take care of business better with those. She's happy then we're all happy. Lol

Nice place not to far off 75. Sure you can hear some noise but it was nice not having to drive far off and a quick start in the morning. Night 2 was spent again at the Eagle's Roost. Arrived at 4 pm! Long enough 2 days that we were happy with the day. We had planned the long 1st day then the shorter 2nd day. All went as planned and we arrived on all 3 days within the times we had figured.

Today was just settling in. Dinner at Trails End and time with the girls. The youngest was so into the lizards that she probably crashed when we went to dinner. Not a peep was heard on the video feed and Keely never left the couch only moving to change positions. Lol. They are all tucked in now dreaming (kicking/running in their sleep)

I had hoped the Fort would be decorated but since it's not I hope I can sneak out one night and watch it happen. Ray asked a CM and she thought perhaps the 18th? But no date was set that she knew of. So if anyone hears of the date perhaps I can meet up with Mo and watch them decorate the Fort this next week? We leave the 21st.

I've been to Disney this time period before. I've been in December to the resort (AKL visit that year) and I've done enough Marathon weekends to catch all of the holiday decor but I don't think I've ever seen the Fort dressed up for the Holidays. So I don't know what to expect.

Well it's late and I WAS falling asleep during dinner and the light is keeping the rest of the Turkey's awake. .... Oldest fur-kid just gave me the stink eye. So I guess lights out and more lizard chasing fun tomorrow!

Night.

Diane

Awesome!

I tried to look up characters using the MDE app and its 11:05 pm. Was told. "ZZZZzzzzzzz.....The Characters are all asleep". lol

I thought that was too cute though I wish it said where they usually are as an option and not just "current".

Hope your little one gets her chance to meet Marie.

Diane

YAY!!!! Can....not....wait! Lol. :-).

I'd say I'm not sure how we will sleep till then but the pups are snoring during nap time now. Lol

Hurry hurry get here then slow down. ;-)

Thanks Mo!

Diane.

That is so cool! Thanks for sharing :)

Diane

Mo if the time doesn't work keep checking. I've changed 3 times since Tuesday and all because times and dates suddenly appear. Even moments after a change new times opened so I switched until my current and best option

But what to order? We've ordered 1 pork meal (thought I read TCD enjoyed it in one of his reports?) and I ordered a turkey but dislike Dijon. I might switch the turkey to the quiche. I wasn't going for the BOG either but when I got the times I figured I'd give it a try. Then when I mentioned tonight about possibly canceling it Ray said we should see what it was all about. Lol. But currently.... I'm not going to try the grey stuff! Lol. Too many yummy MK treats to eat .

Thanks Mo!!!

Diane

 

Thanks to a tip from TCD, I got to see them decorate the Settlement area at the Fort in the middle of the night one year.

 

It is pretty darned impressive.

Mo? Do you think they will be decorating the Fort while you (we) are there this year? I'd love to see it that!

I saw DaveTN mention the long night ahead when doing the FP+ and wanted to mentioned what hubby and I did since I don't recall seeing it suggested

We both signed into our separate MDE accounts at midnight or just before maybe. But then he took Disney Studios for getting the Toy Story FP and other 2 and I was in charge of going after the Seven Dwarf Mine ride. We had our preferred dates for each parks. Had our dining dates/times on hand and went after our "assigned" park. Whoever got their park done first grabbed the next park

Once all were done hubby very speedily adjusted the times to best suit us.

But if possible I'd suggest the two people sign in and divide and conquer. All said and done I still think it took us till 1 am but that was because we were adjusting our times. I was incredibly stressed out over getting the FP done. I thought I would like it but I've grumbled more times over being so structured and I'm a planner!

I am awaiting the delivery person today. Our bands tracking shows out for delivery. Yay!!!!

Good luck! Hope your get all your rides/dates/times you prefer and have fun on those coming trips!!!

Diane

Is Lou going to "help" me with the issue if having to much to pack up for the return? (As in will I have a non-inflating turkey curbside?). LOL

Well I was on the fence until TCD posted Ha-ha

Thanks all. I think I will go with my original Thanksgiving/ harvest items. :).

Let's see if this posts. I haven't tried from a phone yet I think.

last year when we planned our 2nd trip to the Fort it was decided in Nov and we would bring a air-blown turkey. It's purchased and already in the trailer waiting.

This week I found our Scarecrows Mickey and Minnie and placed them in the pile to go to the trailer. But since I placed them with the trip stuff I've started wondering.

Do most just decorate for Christmas even if it's before Thanksgiving? We are there and gone before Thanksgiving so originally thought decorate more along a harvest theme.

I'm sure there is no right or wrong but are most decorated for Christmas before Thanksgiving? After all, we are planning on visiting the resorts over the weekend just to check out THEIR holiday decorations and plans on trying a gingerbread roof shingle (been before after Thanksgiving yet never had one)

Thoughts?

Thanks!!!!

Diane

And Mo? I'm sure you will see this, I think we arrive the same day you do. Loved Halloween time (was there just before Halloween last year) and the temps were so warm we decided for a later (cooler???) visit this year for the pups.

Hi Cindy!

Coming out of lurk (lazy) mode here cause I just have to say AWESOME job and when can you come to my place? :)

Looking forward to see how you handle the Goofy/volleyball, I can only imagine he will look just as amazing.

Diane.

We were in the 900 loop from Oct 17 - 24.  A couple had the site opposite the path to the dog walk.  They had BLISS lights (Firefly light projector)  they are sold from QVC.  All the neighbors commented on his lights.  He had blue because they showed up the best in the trees.  They are staked in the ground and point up and looked like he had climbed up in the tree and hung a ton of little blue lights.   I was all about getting us some, thankfully I was sitting down when they came up on the screen  LOL  They are really nice but something tells me I'm not getting them soon  

I believe Rebel was on the other side from us so perhaps saw their lights too.  

What a week! and I see I never did get back on to say Thanks to Gary, Gonzo and Jason with the best way to arrive at the fort. We arrived safely today and got all settled in. we've been to Disney quite a few times but always the resorts. I have to say today has been lovely. Everyone saying Hi or waving. Lots of friendly folks. :).

We managed to get the Internet so BradyBzLynn the doggy cam is working at least thru the first time alone while we had di net at Trails Inn. she seems to be enjoying herself and is wore out tonight. I swear it seemed like she knew we were getting close and when we drove up to the MK gate she was on her feet and happy. :).

We are just around the corner from Rebel though the two times I've been past no one was home/out. we have a nice neighbor who has been helpful with tips and friendly to talk with.

Hopefully we will be able to spot some Fiends about. :). With the pup we will probably be around most evenings. I want to be around her for the fireworks though I hope by Monday I can sneak down to the beach and catch the, at least once. :)

a BIG thanks to all the answers and tips that lead to getting here. After today I wouldn't be surprised if we aren't discussing our 2014 return dates on the drive home.

Now back to the regular scheduled plans or lobster Mac and cheese and some sort of chicken dish that has me curious. :). And what's this caramel apple salad I just saw mentioned? I'm drooling! Bummer I have to go back to work before that party. :).

Diane

Is anyone going to have decorated sites up the weekend of the 18th?

Hi Travisma,   I don't have the space for amazing decorations like I know some put out but my pumpkins (fake) are packed and ready. And I have high hopes they will be sitting in front of the camper by 3 pm on 10-17  or the pups and DH will have a grumpy travel companion  LOL  

BTW, which is the preferred way to arrive at the Fort?  Should we take Bonnet Creek to Vista Blvd.  Last visit we stayed at Riverside and when we left it seemed pretty straight forward to get to i-4.  So i'm thinking do the reverse but go past Riverside and make the left on Vista Blvd? (I hope I'm reading the road right, my bigger property map is in the camper and I have a small print off and old eyes LOL)   I think I've read someone has gone thru the MK gates then made the right onto Vista Blvd but I'm wondering if that would be a lot of traffic for 1st time Fort guests and I think we'd be arriving around 1 pm unless we can't sleep       I do have to say our last 2 drive downs we've managed to have interesting arrivals thanks to trip ticks.  The last one AAA had us arrive at the back entrance to Riverside, the security guard was nice and understanding  LOL   The year before that AAA had us leaving POP and taking the scenic route back to the toll road.  It took us forever!    

Looking forward to saying Hi to the Fiends   :10220:    oh and 1 of our potato heads has been looking like this...  :coonskincap:   for probably 3 months now  LOL  we're a little eager!

I owe a review!   We are FINALLY getting ready to take the trip we planned a year ago.  That trip was suppose to be in Jan 2013.  That goes switched to Feb then March and again to April which that April dates lasted as long as it took DH to go to the grocery store and for me to come to the decision why go in April when we could go during Food and Wine?  LOL  Which is where we are now, the camper is partially packed still from last weekend's Halloween weekend.  We picked up a few things last night that we decided were needed for the trip south.  All we will have to pack next weekend is the clothes and food.  Oh and probably the dogs too  LOL

So back to the review.  We ended up taking as our long test drive/trip to Corbin, KY this June.  We stayed at the Corbin KOA after speaking to friends who have parents that stay there.  They have a off leash dog area that is actually spilt with 2 separate entrances. Nice option.  

We stayed from Wednesday night till Saturday morning.  Drove south a bit to meet up with family who drove up.  Went up and visited Berea proper instead of just hitting the visitor center like we normally do.  We walked the girls around for a short visit.  The SCOTS (student store next to the hotel) I believe that was the location allowed the girls to come indoors and gave the girls lots of attention.  We talked a bit with them.  Super nice.  We ended up getting a couple of brooms.   They make multi color brooms and I bought a small hand held whisk like one at the Visitor Center off of i-75 and what I think is really a fireplace sweep?  It's a short broom and has a curved handled.  Anything bigger than our tiny trailer and sweeping would be a bummer but it was cute and it reminds me of the Visitor Center and now our time in Berea.   

Ok that was a lot of topic but I thought they deserve some attention and a fun useful souvenir plus it benefits the college kids.  Back to the actual campground...  we took the "Deck" location.  Which is steps from the bathhouse and office.  The pool is just beyond that.  I think Wednesday and Thursday nights we didn't have much action at the pool.  But Friday night a few more people stopped over and more kids.  They eventually quieted down but they probably wouldn't be the norm as they were stopping for the night and were most likely wound p a bit for the travel day(s).   It sounded like someone told a ghost story and then after that silence.   LOL  I would say that was probably the most noise we had at the campground.  it was pretty quiet and relaxing. 

With staying in June we got the lighting bugs and the show was great.  We get them at home but very little.  The birds enjoyed the brush by the deck.   The deck has a firepit that is steps down and the slop around the pit maybe a bit uneven for chairs.  DH broke our rocking folding chair which in fairness was old and used and trouble so it was just waiting to happen.  But I'd recommend normal camp chairs or something similar down by the fire pit. 

Bathrooms were clean, they were not built yesterday but they were clean and I felt comfortable.  Years back when we camped we tented and one thing I hated about the state park we visited the most  was the spiders.  These bathrooms were clean and well light.  The showers stayed on unlike the local KOA which you have to keep pressing the button. 

We walked around a bit.  There appears to be some permanent sites for weekenders but we never saw any of them.   There were the Camp hosts and one other that I was unsure if he was staying at the KOA and working locally.  It was quiet and never an issue.  I seem to recall reading about permanent sites at other locations possibly more in GA (?) that reviewers on RV sites weren't too happy about.  But so far the permanent campers I have come across have been weekender types and even then they weren't around when we were.  

Oh getting on and off of i-75.  Fairly easily.  Going Southbound you will be making a right and I think it was 2 lanes.  Stay in the center because rather quickly after the gas stations you make a left.  And the left onto the street to the KOA is on a bend.  The road there is probably a normal 2 lane road but I have to say I did feel worried if we were to meet another coming the other way.  But didn't and i'm sure it would have been fine but we are still newbies so I get nervous if a leaf blows by  LOL  (just kidding, sorta LOL)    You will make a left again.  I can't imagine as most are pulling up that you will find another camper on their way out since most would have left earlier in the day but you might come upon cars or motorcycles leaving so be watchful for them.  It might have been the newness of it but I felt it was sharp and worried about other vehicles.  these are not roads to be moving fast on and someone needs to tell that to the turtle that past us.  He sure was going full neck out there.  The actual entrance and exit are 2 separate drives.  There are trees.  We have a smaller set up so not an issues.  The dog park is on your left as you are driving up the entrance/exit area. 

We saw large travel trailers up to the Motorcoachs.   I never spoke to any to see what they thought of the drives.  But from reviews I have read elsewhere people have thought it was tight.  

We totally would stay here again and are planning on this as our 1st night down to Disney.  It's a bit of a long haul for a normal long weekend but if we had plans to meet up with the relatives in GA again with splitting the difference, I'd totally stay here again for that.  I'd like to catch the Moon-bow yet as we missed the full moon both in June and the dates don't line up with our Disney trip.   There is a Super Walmart on the other side of i-75.  The entrance was a bit weird if I recall DH's remarks correctly.  He ended up passing it the first time, I think it had 1 entrance.  

Our coming trip the plan is Corbin,KY for night 1 and push on to Eagles Roost in Lake Park, GA for the 2nd night.  

The return stops are a mystery LOL