BradyBzLyn...Mo

Not camping related, but thought you "puppie" owners would enjoy.
We moved to a new complex in Illinois, where we spend the summer near our daughter, and they tout being "pet friendly".  Well they definitely live up to their word, we got this email today.
DROOL IN THE POOL..
With Monday being the last day the pool will be open, we are dedicating Tuesday September 28th, to our 4 legged furry friends.  We invite all the dogs to come and swim that day from 10 am- 6 pm. We will have special treats for them to enjoy. We will make sure the water is at an enjoyable temperature for them.
We look forward to seeing you all there. 

I think it was also timed as a bunch of cast from the original version said goodbyes on social media yesterday.

I retract my statement.  Those prices aren’t at the level I expected.  I’m going to see if Door Dash delivers to TN.   

The pricing is on the online menus. Still seems to be Disney standard Table Service pricing vs. Signature. 

Breakfast
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/contemporary-resort/steakhouse-71/menus/breakfast/

Lunch
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/contemporary-resort/steakhouse-71/menus/lunch/
Dinner
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/contemporary-resort/steakhouse-71/menus/dinner/

Oops, thanks Jason!  You're right of course.  That'll teach me to think I can multitask. 😎
 
Title fixed.  

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. We will hope for the best. Both of the girls were treated poorly by Disney during the pandemic, and both had previous offers to return to lesser roles that they rejected. Working for DCL, though, comes with some next-level perks and opportunities, so this will hopefully go well for her. 
TCD

That's great to hear - congrats!!

Right back at you friend. This place (and the Fort) really were a lot of fun back in the day. My Disney days would also be behind me but for the fact that the TCD twins still live right outside WDW and one of them just landed her dream job in DCL HR. We all just arrived back yesterday from the first Fantasy test cruise with guests (albeit all DCL CMs and their friends and family) and the twins are heading back out on Saturday for another test cruise. So our Disney journey will continue. 
TCD

Definitely this.  
 

Agreed.  Our priorities have shifted in recent years as well (and for sure our incomes haven't doubled) which is mostly why we haven't been in over 3 years and won't be back until next fall (hopefully).  I don't know if we'll ever be able to justify going every year for multiple weeks again like we did for the prior 15+. But that's ok. Nothing stays the same forever.  I am at least glad that our last big trip was for 6 weeks and we enjoyed every minute of it.

The fact that it sounds even remotely reasonable for the price to have doubled in 6 years is proof that we’ve lost our collective minds.  Housing prices have doubled.  The price of a steak has doubled. The price of a Disney vacation has doubled.  Has your income doubled?  If it has, good for you.  But I bet most people would answer no.  I know we all make decisions and prioritize spending based on what’s important to us, and I am not criticizing anyone for choosing to spend their money at WDW.  I just don’t see how this is sustainable in the big picture.  

I think this is them covering their butts. It’s right around the 509 day mark for those bookings. By announcing it now, they can say they told you to anyone who complains about it. 

I bet when you return to the cabin in the evening, there will be a QR code on your bed to scan and see pictures of towel animals. 

In other Disney news, guests visiting Mickey's Backyard Massage Parlor and Casino are strongly encouraged to be up to date on their tetanus inoculation, and have a current prescription for penicillin on hand. 

Nine Dragons Reopens

Details Released for Disney Very Merriest After Hours
Disney has announced dates, ticket prices and additional details for the After Hours event being held at Magic Kingdom this holiday season!
The event will take place on 24 select nights November 8th through December 21st from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Event dates are:
November: 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 28, 30
December: 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21
Unlike Boo Bash, this event will include holiday fireworks and a parade! “Disney Very Merriest After Hours” will include the nighttime spectacular “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks” and the special holiday-themed parade “Once Upon a Christmastime Parade”.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Here are additional details of what Guests can experience during this limited-capacity, separately ticketed event:
Holiday attraction overlays are also making a comeback! The Jungle Cruise transforms into the Jingle Cruise, and Monster’s Inc Laugh Floor will get new jokes perfect for this joyful season.
After the park closes to day Guests, event Guests can enjoy less time waiting in line for more than 20 attractions including favorites like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, The Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Peter Pan’s Flight, Space Mountain and more.
Sightings of Disney characters throughout the park all dressed in their holiday best.
While Guests are walking down Main Street, U.S.A. they should be sure to look up to the sky, they might catch some magical snowfall!
Guests can dance and boogie the night away at themed Club Tinsel dance party in Tomorrowland.
Guests can enjoy complimentary snacks like ice cream novelties and popcorn, seasonal treats and select bottled beverages.
Specialty holiday food and drinks will be also be available for purchase.
Disney PhotoPass will offer holiday magic shots throughout the night.
TICKET SALES
Tickets will go on sale for the general public on August 20, 2021.
Guests of Disney Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, as well as Shades of Green at Walt Disney World Resort can book their tickets as early as August 17
Tickets range from $169 to $229 plus tax for select November/December nights, and $249, plus tax on December 19 & 21. These dated event tickets do not require an additional day theme park ticket or Disney Park Pass theme park reservation.

Fixed it...

I've heard of Fort Fiends being called many things over the years, but polite company isn't one of them. 

Do you know what $4800 will get you at MBYMPAC? 

I will have a longer review on my page most likely but here it is, and the buffet lovers may disagree/hate me for it. 
 
This was the best dinner I have had at Trails End in years. Sure I missed some minor elements (bread pudding) but the ability of the food was superior and it was hot and fresher than the buffet. Having it served vs. buffet was nice as well. Anything we wanted more of they were happy to bring. The andouille, brisket, rotisserie chicken, breads, and salad and really everything was great. 
 
I am not a fluff piece kind of person. I showed up expecting to be really disappointed or even hate it. Nothing could be further from the truth. 
 
if you have any questions on dinner ask away and I will try to answer them. 

Word is out that you can ask for fried in lieu of rotissere and they oblige.

Yep.  I can count the number of rope drops I've seen on one hand, and often we don't get to the parks until noon.  But we also pick our park of the day based on what's open the latest.  I think I've only ever ridden Peter Pan after midnight (I refuse to wait an hour and don't generally waste a FP on it.)  lol
I'd love for those late hours to return - after midnight almost everything was a walk on and the parks were so cool at night when they weren't crowded - but short of paid events like this, I doubt that will happen.