pixiesteno

Hi all, I have a question,  we no longer have our RV so we won't be staying at the Fort anytime soon.   We are, however, coming to Wdw at the  end of October.  We like to ride our bikes while there as it seems to help releave some of the sorenessin our legs.  We brought our folding bikes with us in January to ride on the  exercise trail at Pop where we were staying.  It runs around hourglass lake between Pop and AoA.  We were rudely screamed at by two CMs at AoA.  When we asked at the desk at Pop why this was when we were on the exercise trail, we were informed that there is no biking allowed at that resort.  Now, if we bring our own bikes can we ride at tje Fort as we were told and how do we get in the gate?  Any experience with this?

When we went in 09 my brother had his all in one utility tool on his belt, as he always does and he was made to remove it and rent a locker at the MK before they let him in.  I mean they could see it right on his belt and none of us thought about it at all.  So if you have  a pocket knife of sorts and they see it, you cannot take it in the parks.  

I happen to prefer being behind the wheel when traveling.  I am much more relaxed when driving than sitting in the passenger seat.  This last trip to the Fort, however, DH hubby tortured me the whole trip by doing all of the driving.  Now, he is a good driver.  He has a commercial driver's license, drove bus.  It's just I have the control issues and it is hard for me to relax in a passenger seat.  One of the things that we looked for when purchasing our travel trailer was it had to have the torsion flex suspension or I wasn't buying it.  We have a cargo trailer with that suspension and I love how it just tracks you down the road.  None of this bouncing all over the place when you go over a bridge or hit a bump.  We left one RV dealership because the salesman was so condescending towards the thoughts of my driving the double cab 4x4 Tundra with a travel trailer that I decided he didn't need the commission from a sale.  They didn't have any torsion flex suspension rigs anyway.  

Now, can I back that bad boy up, not really.  I have and DH hubby has talked me right through it without a problem but I have never attempted to back it in a site before.  I really would like to learn because I am a horrendous ground guide.  I have depth perception problems to so be able to estimate for him distance to the hitch, well rolling eyes.  I have to also use driver's side and passenger side in my directions rather than left or right because I will invariably say it backwards.  What I really need is a week long practice session with my brother, a semi driver, who will be more patient with me with backing up the rig and then I think I would do fine.  Not that DH isn't a patient person, it is just I think I would be more relaxed with my brother at first.  I think both parties who own a rig should be experienced with driving it.  I know when we were kids my Dad and Stepmom had a pop up that they towed with her barracuda (years ago) and one trip dad decided to play on a motorcycle at the company picnic and dumped it.  He damaged his shoulder and my stepmom had to drive home from the Adirondacks and she was freaked out the whole way.   

Not that particular site number but we were just at the fort Nov 8-12 and Nov 16 - 20. We were in the 200 loop for the first part of our trip and the vegetation between the sites was out of control. We were in site 216 and the bushes were on the side of the slide and we had enough room to put the steps of the travel trailer out and a foot of pavement from the steps before the vegetation took over. There was no way that we could have ever put out the awning. Good news is the second part of our trip they were out bright and early with the power pole saws trimming the vegetation around the 1100, 1200, and 1300 loops. So how far they have gotten with the clearing I do not know.

Reporting back on our stay at Lake Magic RV- loved it! We had a premium site, pull through site. The site was completely paved with an extra wide spot for the picnic table. There was a nice amount of room between the sites. We arrived an hour before check-in time but we were promptly give our site. Although there is not a great deal of vegetation between the sites there are trees at the park around the playgrounds, pools, and throughout various places. We were in the 600 area and were pleased that we could actually put out our awning and we didn't have bushes scratching the side of the side (unlike the first part of our stay at the fort). We were given a monthly recreation schedule at check-in and we enjoyed some of the activities. We found that the pools were well maintained and the water was glistening in them. Again, unlike what we found at the small pool at the fort. The location made for a quick and easy commute to the parks. We spent one day at Animal Kingdom and had no problems getting there in under twenty five minutes.

I checked when we left and they allow pop-ups. I did take photos but I have not put them on flicker yet. We definitely hope to return to Lake Magic. Oh, did I mention the price on our site per night including tax $45.00.

Hi all,

We're leaving this weekend to go to FWC.  As this is the first time we have traveled from our GA home I pulled the directions from goggle maps and it says to stay right on I-95S through Jacksonville FL.  We have not driven through Jaxville since 2011 and took the 295 loop as 95 had construction.  

So is there a fiend out there that has come through Jaxville recently and can offer an opinion on going straight thru verses the 295 loop.  We are in a full pickup with a 29 foot V nose TT in tow.  Thanks a bunch, pixiesteno

Most of my kitchen for the RV was stocked from extras in my kitchen.  There were a few purchases that had to happen; the small 4 cup coffee maker with the metal pot was essential.  We had to buy sheets and a mattress pad for the bed as the RV is a short queen and we have a king in our house; however, the extra blankets from the house and comforters go on the bed.  We had extra pillows so they went in the house.  All of the bedding goes in space bags when we are not using it with bounce sheets to keep it fresh.  Our towels are older ones from the house, but I did have to buy wash clothes so they are striped and I know that they belong in the RV. 

We used the RV over the last couple of years here in GA when we were working on the house before we permanently moved from NY.  We actually stayed full time in the RV last summer - fall until the house was finished enough to move in.  So when I cleaned the RV last November I removed all foods and my cast iron cookware.  I will be putting stuff back in this next week in preparation of our upcoming trip. 

Best advice, use the extra stuff from the house first then purchase what you need for cooking, etc. but leave the stuff in the RV once it is there. 

filled up the car the other day here in Augusta and I paid 1.79 per gallon.

Like others have said, not sure what route you are taking but the second rest area south of Jacksonville on I-95 allows for overnight stays and they have a separate area for RVs from where the semis are supposed to be.  

Travisma,

The place is called Lake Magic RV resort.  It is through the Encore group of campgrounds.  If you go to their web site, rvonthego.com, you can look up the campground and see the features.  I am not sure on the Pop up because it just asks for rv or rental on the reservation but there is contact information.  It would be worth a call.  They have three different campgrounds all in the Kissimmee/Clermont area.  This ones address is Clermont but when you map it, it sits right at the intersection of 192 and 27.  There is a Publics right across the street so we can do a restock on the groceries! 

I would go with getting back on to I95 just above Kings Dominion as it can be really hairy in further north in tow.  We spent the last year towing either the RV or a cargo trailer to and from western NY to GA and having to get on to I95 in Fredericksburg was a b *&%h every time.  Now we found that riding the right lane was easier than trying to stay in the center.  I would make sure that I was moving over to the center lane by Exit 89 and then moved into the left lane at the first sign for I295 loop so that I could actually get on the 295.  We found that the 295 loop will usually drop off in traffic by the time that you pass the exits to go to Norfolk area.  When we moved the RV from Western NY to GA we stopped for the night in NC at a campground, I think it is Crossroads??, at Exit 173 on I95 in NC.  We were late coming in but they just let you pull in the overnight spots and then you go to the office in the morning to take care of your bill.  Really nice place.  Also there is the second exit south of Jacksonville FL on I 95 that has separate parking for RV and you can sleep overnight in your rig.  Safe travels!

Plans changed and I was able to book us in at a campground through RVonthego which is located at the intersection of Route 192 and Route 27 a mere 6-10 miles outside of WDW.  This way we can still go to the parks without a lot of fuss or muss.  Thanks to all for your suggestions. 

thanks for the suggestions.  We are actually contemplating staying at Cypress Campground & RV resort, which would be about half way between FWC for our return trip on 11/16 and Mom's place.  If anyone has feedback on this campground it would be appreciated. 

Hi

We have a couple day window between stays at the fort and we will be heading to the Avon Park area to see my mom. Does anyone have any suggestions on a good campground in the area?

I see that you have cancelled your trip but in the event that you decide to do it another year I would suggest that after you see Niagara Falls, or before, take some time to visit the many falls in the Finger Lakes region of central NY.  There are wonderful NY State Parks that have beautiful falls and you can camp.  You would need to reserve ahead of time.  Additionally, the Finger Lakes region is home to many vineyards that have tours/tastings.  If you like to hike there are several state parks where you hike to the falls.  I would suggest Stony Brook Park, Dansville NY; Watkins Glen State Park, Watkins Glen NY, Robert H. Treman State Park, Enfield, NY (just outside of Ithaca), Buttermilk Falls State Park, Ithaca, NY; Taughannock State Park, Ithaca, NY as just a few nice places.  Can you tell where I grew up??? 

Hope your journey is safe and joyous

We stayed at the very site in May of 2011.  They must have done some tree trimming since that time as we had branches basically sitting on our awing.  We had great shade from about the middle of the site to the road, although the back of the site was quite sunny.  Glad you had a nice trip.

Yes, gas stations are very susceptible for skimmers, but they can also show up in other places like at ATMs; even some stores have been hit.  It is always a good idea to let your bank know if you will be traveling and the area so they can eyeball your card for wacky things.  We have started using cash for fueling up even though it can take a couple of extra minutes.  I ask for a receipt and if I paid too much then I go back in and get my refund.  I know this can be a hassle for very long trips around the country.  Over the last year and a half of traveling from NY to GA to work on our house and then the moving process we have become very adapt at figuring out what the tank will hold and how much to pay. 

We had some loud neighbors move in about 6-7 sites away on one trip.  They really set their site up as if they were tailgating at a Saints game.  They were very loud and drunk disturbing most of the neighbors on the 100 loop.  However, it was amusing to note there were several young children that got up early the next day from surrounding sites and they proceeded to enjoying themselves rather loudly.  Later at the MK I saw one of our tailgating neighbors looking green around the gills and sweating her rump off in her black nylon NFL jersey!  Yes, I did snicker to myself   Sometimes it is amusing to see others "hoisted on their own petard" if you will. 

Had they continued the behavior for several nights I probably would have contacted the front desk. 

We used to drive from the southern tier of NY and we would go 15S to 81S to 66E (Winchester VA) to 17/39 to Fredericksburg VA to I95 and on down.  We actually spent the last year and a half commuting to our home in GA via this route.  There is some constructions as you are entering Fredericksburg area about 5 miles out from I95 but it can usually be manageable.  If you do use this route the second rest area outside of Jacksonville FL has a section for RV parking and it allows overnight parking.  From there you are just a couple of hours from the fort

I can't believe that I missed this post too.  Our youngest son who is almost 26 now was diagnosed with Mild to Moderate Autism when he was 3.5 years old.  He was also diagnosed with Echolalia and Hypo-tonicity.  We were living in NY state at the time and the field of special education was and is one of the areas that the state was a leader in providing services to individuals with developmental disabilities.  We were very fortunate that due to state regulations our son received speech five times a week, OT, PT, and then Adaptive PE for years.  He went from not speaking, except to do huge monologues from films, to being able to hold normal conversations.  He is still not very talkative but will participate.  It took me years to figure out that all I had to tell him when he just looked at me was, "Jon, I can't read your mind, you have to open your mouth and talk to me."  I remember the first day I said that, he got this big "OH" look on his face and started talking.

Until I read through all the posts had had forgotten all the joys of food texture issues, clothing issues, melt downs over having to have new shoes, not being able to let go of the grocery cart without him screaming bloody murder, family members who called him a brat to my face -- all the joys that parents of kids with special needs go through.  We did find out when he was in 3rd grade that the muscles in his eyes did not work properly so when he was reading he would move his head at the end of a sentence and this caused him to lose his place and made reading difficult.  With the help of his OT, a behavioral Optometrist, and a computer program his reading skills blossomed.  He loves reading now, and there are book piles all over his room to prove it. 

However, there is light at the end of the tunnel.  Jon graduated high school with an advanced regents diploma and attended college out-of-state (yes, mom was a basket case for that one).  He is back living at home after obtaining a BS degree in Film production from Full Sail University.  He is not working and I will confess I probably am not pushing him on it the way I should.  He is a very intelligent, loving young man and we are blessed to have him. 

We found that when traveling one of the best things that we could do for him was to stay in a place that had a pool so that he could swim at the end of a travel day.  We always pulled him from school to go to WDW during the slower season, and he flies better than I do.  Although if he has a bad experience with something he generally will not try it again, for instance, we went to St. Croix and the first full mouthful of sea water and we could not get him back in the drink to snorkel.  Believe it or not, he tried the TT at HS at the urging of his Physics teacher.  As many of you can imagine, the result was not good.  Melt down, white faced, hyperventilation - but he recovered and now it is a standing joke of "do you want to go on TT?"  He loves Star Tours, go figure.   

So for all of you that are just learning of the wonderful world of Autism and developmental disabilities:  You will survive and you are not alone!!!!

We have a sister unit of the Windjammer, a 2009 Flagstaff V-lite and love it.  One of the most important things that we were looking at when purchasing our travel trailer was to have a torsion-flex suspension verses a leaf-spring suspension.  Both the Windjammer and V-lite models have the torsion-flex suspension.  You ask why this might be important -- lack of sway!  It tows so much better.  Our first experience with a torsion-flex suspension was with a cargo trailer that we loaded to the gills with DS stuff and drove him from NY to FL for college (and back).  The trailers with this type of suspension just track and follow the tow vehicle so much better.  By the end of the first trip with the cargo trailer I could watch a trailer going down the highway and tell which had leaf-spring and which had torsion-flex suspension.  So when it came to the TT that was the first criteria.

Okay, with that being said we love our V-lite and have not had problems with it.  If I were to upgrade at this time I would, in fact, go to the Windjammer line because we noted that had a slightly larger door openings, larger gray water and fresh water holding tank when compared to the V-lite at the time we were looking.  This was several years ago so those things may have changed. 

When we purchased the V-lite we also purchased a Reese torsion flex set up right through the RV dealership (anti-sway) and it works wonderful.  We have a 07 Tundra 4 wheel-drive TRD off road package and find that using the "tow haul" button makes life better.  One word of caution, you will want to make sure that your tow vehicle has properly rated tires for towing, because improper tires can create a lot of problems with handling. 

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