wendinator

TCD, since you're getting into running, this won't be too far of a drive and a lot less $$$ than a Disney Run.  
Of course this era maybe a little before your time.  I'm guessing a Disco Era run might be more your style.
Put on your groovin' shoes and join us for Goodwill's Hippie Dash 5K! 
Saturday, May 21st, 2016
Downtown Gulfport
Registrations are non-refundable and cannot be transferred.
5K Hippie Dash 
1 mile Walk, Woof & Roll (strollers & dogs welcome)
Flower Child Fun Run
5K Hippie Dash $30/Walk, Woof & Roll $20/Flower Child Fun Run $10
Medals for all finishers!
T-shirt & goodie bag for registering!
Free beer!
Special awards for 1st Place finishers in every age group!
Awards for Best Dressed Dude, Best Dressed Dudette & Best Dressed Dog!
8:00 a.m. -  Hippie Dash 5K start  
8:15 a.m. - Walk, Woof & Roll start
9:00 a.m. - Flower Child Fun Run
The 5K is a chip-timed event. 
Virtual runners welcome.
All proceeds benefit Goodwill's programs for adults with disabilities
and for people with other barriers to self-sufficiency. 
 
Our Sponsors are Outta Sight! 
        
Winters & Yonker, PA
Canteen 
Clear Channel Outdoor   OUTFRONT Media
TECO Peoples Gas
Piedmont Companies, Inc.
Hawkins Construction, Inc. 
Humana
3 Daughters Brewing
Gordon Food Service
 
 

I'm back.
I needed to take a break from the Board.  It wasn't you.  It was me.
I thought I'd stay away for a few weeks, but it ended up being a couple of months.  But, I needed to be gone for a while.  My pixie dust level had gotten dangerously low.  I'm happy to say that after this trip, I'm reloaded.
Are you wondering about the title of this trip report?
ICYMI is internet shorthand for In Case You Missed It.  The kids use this abbreviation a lot on Twitter and such.
In this trip report, I'm going to tell you about 10 new things we saw on this trip that you may or may not know about.  Some of the things have been reported and discussed on other threads, but some of the things haven't been.  Including four that I will mention in this first post.  ICYMI, you know.
In case you're wondering, everything is great with the TCD gang.  It is still good to be TCD.
So that we're all on the same page, the oldest TCD DD is still living and working in Miami.  We all thought that meant we would see her more often, but it hasn't worked out that way.  We saw her more when she was living in Auburn.  But, she is doing well.  Her new job is kicking her butt, but she is kicking it right back.
Twin #1 returned from California in January, and is back in Gainesville.  She's taking her final exam of the Spring semester today, and we expect to be seeing more of her over the summer.  But, she will still be living in Gainesville, and attending school over the summer.  One more year to go!
The big change in the TCD gang dynamic concerns Twin #2.  While she was in California this past fall, she applied to transfer from Florida State University to the University of Central Florida.  This was a difficult choice for her, but working her second Disney College Program at Disneyland reinforced that she wants to pursue a career in Disney management, and she wanted to be closer to the Mouse.  And, you can't get much closer than UCF.  So, she was accepted at UCF, and she made the change for the spring semester.  Now she's a Knight instead of a Nole.  The move has been great for her.  She was able to use some of her networking skills to be rehired as a WDW Castmember, and landed a sweet part-time gig as a MK Attractions CM.  Lately, part-time CM's have had a hard time getting hours, but since Twin #2 is a full-time student, she doesn't really want to work too many hours right now anyway.  The gig comes with all of the standard CM benefits, including a Main Gate Pass for her, and discounts on food, shopping and accommodations.  And all of those CM benefits are great for the TCD gang.  One big benefit for me was that I didn't have to renew her AP this year.  So, my AP monthly payment went down.
Having Twin #2 in Orlando has meant a lot of day trip and overnight weekend trips for Twin #1, who has an air mattress and other supplies stashed at Twin #2's apartment.
It has also meant more day trips for me, and even a few overnight visits for Mrs. TCD, such as a one-night stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge and a celebratory Boma dinner at 50% off to celebrate the twins' return to Florida.
It is good to be TCD.
And that brings us up to last weekend.
We would finally be making it back to the Fort.
The Fort is a lot more attractive when I'm paying $60 a night for a premium site.
Which is what Twin #2's CM discount scored us for this trip.
You know when the last time was that the TCD gang camped at the Fort?
The 4th of July!
But don't feel bad for me.  In that time frame, I visited Disneyland twice, WDW for multiple day trips, and we had that quick AKL visit too.  Several of those day trips involved either a Trail's End breakfast (at 40% off with a CM discount), or a Giddyap and Go chicken dinner (at 20% off with a CM discount).
This trip ended up being just the TCD twins and me.  Oldest DD was going to try and make it, but she had to cover a road trip for a co-worker, and was on a tour of Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts while we were at the Fort.  Mrs. TCD also opted out.  And so did Rocky.  But, not by his choice.
There was nothing special about this date, other than it was one where Twin #2 was able to score a 50% off discount, and we thought maybe the weather would be nice and the Fort wouldn't be so busy.  We were right about one of those things.
So, I packed up the good old TCD camper, and headed east at about 9:30 am on Friday morning, April 22, 2016.  That's a good time for me to leave.  Generally, it means I'll miss the traffic going through Tampa, and have a pretty clear drive on I-4.  And so it was that morning.  I made it to the Fort at just a bit past 11 am.  It is good to be TCD.
Twin #1 was already in town, and had crashed at Twin #2's apartment the night before.  The plan was for them to meet me at the Fort at around 11, as Twin #2 needed to be there with me so she could show her CM ID.  I called the girls when I was close, and we timed our arrival pretty good, but I was a few minutes ahead of them.  My plan was to go through the guard shack, and pull over to wait for the girls.  But, after I pulled through the guard shack, there was an energetic CM in the driveway waving me up.  There were guests in all of the open check-in lanes, and I figured I'd pull up and tell the wildly gesturing CM that I needed to wait a couple of minutes for my daughters to show up.  So I did.  The CM was a very friendly younger man whose nametag said Pete.  I said howdy to Pete and he said howdy back.  He said if I would wait there, he'd direct me to the first lane that opened up.  That's nice.  I've never had a CM do that before.  I thanked Pete and told him that I might not be ready to go when a lane opened, as my daughter was a CM, and I needed to wait for her.  Pete said don't worry about it.  I told Pete that I did that once, and my DD got mad at me because the rule is she's supposed to be there when I check in.  Pete said it's really not a problem. He said he's the manager, and he assured me that there would be no problem with me checking in without my daughter.  Then Pete and I shot the bull about where my daughter worked, and I told him that the girls were twins, and had worked at both WDW and Disneyland.  Pete was a nice, friendly guy.
As I was sitting there talking to Pete, two guests pulled up behind me, and Pete went to greet and talk to them.  Then a lane opened.  The girls were still not there, but Twin #1 had called and said they were almost to the Fort entrance.  Even though Pete had told me to go ahead, and I pulled off to the left, and looped back around the little parking area they have there.  As I did, I saw the girls at the guard shack, and I got back in line.  Pete walked up to me, and I apologized and told him that I decided I needed to wait, as this was something that Twin #2 had stressed to me that she wanted me to do.  Pete was cool with that, and he went back to the girls cars to talk to them.  I couldn't hear what they were talking about, but the twins later told me it was Disney shop talk, which CM's love to do.
So that brings us to the first new thing I have to share.
Pete.
He told me he's the manager.
The girls told me he told them he was the Front Desk Manager.
What about Jose?
Well, look at this:

How do you like that?
Jose is gone.
But, I'm not sure if Pete is his replacement.  Jose was the General Manager.  Pete told me he was the manager, but told the girls he was the Front Desk Manager.
But, Jose is gone.
That's new.
And if Pete is his replacement, I can already tell you that's a good thing.
Because I never saw Jose helping direct guests in the check-in lanes.
So, we checked in.
We had a premium site reserved, and nothing special was going on, so I had sent in a pretty simple site request via the standard fax method- I asked for a site near the comfort station in either the 800 or 900 loop.  That's all.  I've almost always had success with faxed site requests.
Not this time.
We got assigned to Site 1448.
Which is on Little Bear Loop, and not particularly close to the comfort station.
But, the site was ready, and Little Bear Loop used to be a TCD gang favorite, so I just took what they gave me.
And, it ended up being fine.
It was a nice site, with good neighbors, an we weren't too far from the comfort station.
The girls headed off for lunch, and I set up camp.
There was some rain in the forecast, but it held off while I set up.  The plan today was that we were going to head over to Animal Kingdom for the afternoon and evening.  For a while, we thought that we would be there for the Rivers of Light show preview, which was originally announced to debut on this very date.  But, then that got scrubbed.  I still had FP+'s lined up for us at AK.  But, it was definitely going to rain, and we figured AK was going to be busy because it was Earth Day, so we had a change of plans.
We hung out at the Fort for the afternoon and evening.  We did some looping, and we had a GAG for dinner.
Which brings us to New Thing #2.
I knew this was going to happen one of these days.
I just didn't know when.
They've messed with the GAG.
You wouldn't know it from the official Disney website.
I took this screen shot yesterday:

Everything looks cool, right?
Well guess what?
The price of the GAG hasn't changed.
But now you only get 8 pieces of chicken instead of 10.
You heard it here first.
Sneaky.
And, they need to update their website.
If I wanted to, I could sue.
False advertising and all.
But, I can't sue Disney, or say much bad about it.
The twins would have my hide.
And, I like Pete.
But, the GAG isn't quite as good a deal as it used to be.
But, the GAG was just as good as always.
And nothing is better than digging into some fried chicken at your campsite on the first night of a camping trip.
After dinner, we chilled some more, and the rain came, but not too much. Then hopped the boat to the MK, where we closed things down.
And that was day one.
You may have noticed a lack of photos.
For, that I apologize.
I wasn't sure there was going to a trip report.
I seriously was thinking I'd like to enjoy a trip to the Fort without taking a bunch of photos for a trip report.
I kind of liked the idea.
But, it didn't feel right.
So I dug out my camera on Saturday morning, and took it with me when I headed out for my run.
Yes, I said run.
Those of you who have met me are probably surprised to hear that.
But, one of my New Year's resolutions this year was to get in shape.
And, I took a serious step in that direction by dropping some major bucks to sign me and Twin #1 up for a Run Disney event.
We are going to do the Wine and Dine Half Marathon in November.
The offer to sign up was open to all of the girls, but only Twin #1 took me up on it.
And, we're going to run the half marathon.
That's 13.1 miles.
None of this run/walk baloney.
So, I'm in training.
I'm taking it slow.
Just a few miles at a time, a few days a week.
I used to be pretty good at running.
But, I got seriously out of shape.
But, that's changing too.
Just you wait.
So, I began my first morning at the Fort doing something I haven't done on a Fort trip for more than 10 years- putting on my running gear, and heading out for a run to the Lodge.  There was a time when doing that was nothing for me.  I could run to the Lodge and back, and then run around some loops for some extra mileage.  But,  that was over 10 years ago.  When I was young.
I've been training for a couple of months now, and I can finally run a slow mile without feeling like I need an ambulance.  I have a lot of aches and pains in my leg joints that I never had before, but still, that's a good start.
I headed out of the 1400 loop, and paused to take a photo on the bridge that crosses the canal between 1400 and 500.  I guess this could qualify as a third new thing- there's no scum in the canals!:

The sun wasn't quite up yet, and I enjoyed being out and about at my favorite time of day at the Fort- it was quiet, cool, and just getting light:

The canals look so much nicer when they're not full of scum:

There was a full moon on the night of the 22nd, and the moon had not yet set as I began my run. This photo was taken behind the 300/500 bus stop, and the moon was peeking through those trees, but it is washed out in this photo.  Too bad, it was beautiful in person:

Goodnight Moon (even though I can't see you) :

The moon also looked magical sitting in the sky above the old petting zoo, but you can't see it in these photos either.  Fail:


Here's something new, which I am going to count as the third new thing that I'm going to mention in this Trip Report- they have a new sign for the Tri-Circle-D Farm:

My avatar is a photo of the old sign.  I wanted that old sign, and figured I might have a shot at getting it when the bulldozers showed up to plow over the old petting zoo.
But, it looks like I missed my chance.
Maybe it will show up on Ebay.
And that brings us up to the 4th new thing.
The jasmine covering the old windmill is getting ready to bloom:

In fact, it has already started to bloom:

We have some jasmine growing at the TCD house, and it is already in full bloom.
I can't think of too many things that smell better than jasmine in full bloom.
If you're around the Settlement anytime in the next couple of weeks, get over there and get a good whiff.
If you ever want to see some horse trailers and the Magic Kingdom horses heading off to work, around 7 am is the time to do that.
The trucks and trailers are here ready to load up:


From here, I ran down the path.
I expected to see some deer, or something.
But, I saw no wildlife.
I did see this guy walking on the path.  I figure he was a CM who took a bus to the Lodge, and was walking to work at Pioneer Hall:

I've been down this path before, and my favorite thing to do was to take the dirt path that branches off from the paved path.  That dirt path goes along Bay Lake, and used to lead right to the Lodge's marina/bike rental building.  But, it's closed off now because of the construction going on at the Lodge:

Too bad.
Ain't nobody going to be able to get past that impenetrable plastic fence.
So, I kept running:

Here's something interesting.
A bunch of conduit coming out of the ground on the side of the path all the way on the other side of the current location of the automatic gate near the Lodge.  That means something is going to be put here.  Something requiring power and computer lines.  I don't know what they need something like that for over here by the exercise path, but here it is:
]
This photo was taken from that same area, but turned toward the road that connects the Lodge with the Fort.  The automated gates are over that way, but that sign tells me I have to stay away:

If you ever get a chance to walk, bike or run along this path, do it.  Look at these beautiful flowering bushes just growing wild along the path:


This view reminds me of how the interior of the Fort's camping loops used to look before they chopped it all down and ripped it out:

And, just like that, we're at the Lodge.  There was a time, long ago, when you were allowed to park your golf carts here:

The Lodge is right up this path:

But, we're not going there today.  We're heading back the way we came:

Here's a sad sight.  A big tree didn't make it:

But, life finds a way:

That's a good stopping point.
We will take a little detour on the way back to the Fort.
I couldn't help it.
I got lost.
You know, like the old t-shirts used to say?
And, that's where I found the fifth new thing I'll be sharing in this TR.
For now, though, First Page Bragging Rights are up for grabs.
TCD
 

Apparently this was popular enough to make a comeback, although only on selected dates - all of which seem to be holiday weekends.
From OTPN...
http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2016/03/afternoon-tea-returning-to-disneys.html

“God has cared for these trees, saved them from drought, disease, avalanches, and a thousand tempests and floods. But he cannot save them from fools."
— John Muir
I've had a visit to Wilderness Lodge on my to-do list for a few weeks.
I heard that the chainsaws and bulldozers showed up right after Christmas and that they have been going to town on the big DVC expansion over there.
I needed to check on that.  So I did on Sunday, January 31, 2016
Before we get to the "after" photos, let's take a look at what used to be.  I dug up a few photos from the TCD archives for us to examine.
Here's a typical view of the Wilderness Lodge property as seen from a Fort Wilderness-Magic Kingdom boat on Bay Lake.  The Lodge building is right of center. Straight ahead we just see a nice, unspoiled, forested shoreline:

And, that is how the shoreline has looked since before Disney purchased this property and opened in 1971.  The men who planned and built Disney World understood what an asset Bay Lake and its unspoiled shoreline was, so they let it be.  When they built Fort Wilderness, they set all of the development back from the lake, and left it natural.  That respect for the environment and the wilderness was honored when they built Wilderness Lodge in 1994, and again when they added the DVC Villas building to it a few years later.
Here's another look at the shoreline from Bay Lake from another trip.  Again, we see the Lodge near the center.  To the left of it, we can see just the green roof of the little shack used for marina and bike rentals, and we can barely see the rooftop of part of the DVC building behind all the trees:

Even when we zoom in, all we can see is the shack, and then lots and lots of trees, and just a bit of the brown roofline behind the trees:

Here's another photo from another trip showing the Lodge as seen from Bay Lake- you can't see the Villas building at all-it just looks like a beautiful, unspoiled shoreline:

Zooming in again, we can just see the top of the brown roof peeking up behind those nice trees:

Just so we're all on the same page here, let's look at how things looked from the air, as shown on Google and Bing.
Here's a look at the current DVC Villas building on Google maps- they color enhanced the photo- the long building with the brown roof is the DVC building.  You can see the nice blue pool, and the marina and that little shack we were just looking at from the lake view:

And here's how things look from a different angle on Bing Maps- we can see the DVC building, and then a nice forest shielding it from Bay Lake:

And that's how things have looked for the last 20+ years that the Wilderness Lodge has been in operation.  They left the shoreline alone, and focused on the Wilderness.  Everyone was happy.  Especially the trees.
Well, times change.  And the geniuses who run the Disney Vacation Club found out that there's a market for guests willing to pay $2000 a night to stay in waterfront bungalows.  They built a bunch of them over at the Polynesian resort, so why not add a bunch more over at Wilderness Lodge?  Screw the wilderness, let's make hay while the sun shines.
So, they cooked up this plan to add even more bungalows than they did over at the Polynesian:

Why so many? You ask.
Do the math . . . $2000 a night per bungalow is over $700,000 per year in revenue per bungalow. They couldn't get started on this project soon enough.
So bring on the chainsaws!
They did.
That brings us to Sunday, January 31.
Here's a look over the current state of the project as seen from the 6th floor of the DVC building.  The pool is gone, and so are the trees:

Don't worry about the pool, though, there's a bigger and better one on the plans.  They have a lot more space to work with now that they got rid of that awful wilderness that was junking up the place.
Here's another couple of photos from the same spot on the 6th floor- we can see the rental shack and the boat rental dock there at the lake-the view is so much better without all those pesky trees in the way:


Instead of seeing a nice bit of wilderness from the DVC rooms, we now see bare dirt:

Again-don't worry about the dirt.  A gigantic pool is coming.  And probably a nice bar too!
The lucky guests who stay on the lower floors don't have to see that mess.  They get to look at this beautiful artwork wrapped around the construction fencing:

This is what that fence is hiding (it's the same stuff we already looked at, but now from ground level) :


Here, we can see that it looks like they are adding a new road and some infrastructure.  Those guests paying $2000 a night have needs that must be accommodated:

All those drainage pipes stacked across the way over there tell me that a new drainage system is coming, and probably a lovely retention pond.  Maybe they'll stick a fountain in there, and the DVC guests who can't afford those bungalows will have that to distract them from looking at all of those bungalows which will be lining the shore:


And guess what else?  The guests over here at the DVC will now have a pretty good view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks without all of those stupid trees in the way:

Big deal.
So what?
That's over at the Lodge.  We are Fort Fiends.  Not Lodge Fiends.  It doesn't affect us.
Not so fast.
Here's how things look now from the lake:


Let's zoom in on that:

Now you can see that whole Villas building.
So much nicer than all of those stupid trees.
I can see trees anywhere.
Now I can enjoy seeing the moldy roof of the Villas at Wilderness Lodge.
Magical.
And, they're just getting started!
TCD
 
 
 
 
 

While I understand your comment about scooters (and have witnessed it myself), please don't forget that there are many of us who can't enjoy the parks without using an ECV.

Great idea for a thread, Mo.
 
I am always interested in seeing construction walls and wondering what is going on.
 
In this case, a quick look at an aerial photo shows that the area behind these walls is very small, and whatever they may be doing back there is inconsequential:
 

 
The area circled in purple is the only open space they have to work with behind those walls.  That big road you see beneath it is the World Drive entrance into DHS.  I don't think that's going anywhere quite yet.
 
I have seen rumors floating around that the Pizza Planet refurb is going to result in a Muppets themed restaurant.
 
The area behind the walls is contiguous to the Muppets area and could be quickly redone into a meet and greet area for Muppets characters.
 
It could be a quick fix to give guests some more things to do while waiting for Toy Story Land and Star Wars Land.
 
TCD

Welcome!
 
To get to the MK early via boat, you can take the resort boat to the Contemporary, and either take the monorail or walk from there.  If you're able, you want to walk, as the monorail has to make stops at the TTC, Polynesian and Grand Floridian on its way to the MK.
 
Boat times:
 

 

 
 
The route you will walk from the Contemporary dock to the MK is shown on this aerial photo-it's 3/4 of a mile:
 

 
 
If you have car transportation available, you could cut that walk in half by having your husband drop you off at the entrance to the Contemporary Resort, and just cross the street and walk from there.  That would be much quicker and easier than him dropping you off at the TTC.
 
TCD

Here are some more photos I have from my visits.
 
I've eaten at the Skipper Canteen four times now.  I figure that it's going to be impossible to get ADR's for there once it enters the system, so I've gone as much as I can.
 
On one visit, we ordered the dumplings again.  After these were brought out, our server brought us an order of the falafels and said there had been an error in the kitchen, and these were on the house:
 

 
Eating these made me realize that I am not sure what a falafel is.  I guess I've never had one. These were like very moist hushpuppies.  Not bad, but not something I'd intentionally order and pay for.
 
On this trip, I tried the Pork:
 

 
No complaints.  It could have been a bit moister, and the sauce could have been a bit tastier, but it was good.  Notice that same stupid broccoli stalk.  I noticed that the menu calls this Chinese broccoli.  I guess that explains it.
 
It is very dark in the hallway that leads to the S.E.A room, so I took a flash photo of some of the books in the bookcase:
 

 
Those are some interesting titles.
 
On the next visit, I tried the chicken noodle bowl.  There was a noodle dish they used to serve at the Polynesian Resort quick serve, and I was hoping this one would be similar to it:
 

 
It wasn't. When I ordered this, our server told me that it was very spicy.  It wasn't.  It was very bland. Like really, really bland.  Basically it tasted like chicken broth.  The fresh vegetables on top were nice, and the chicken and noodles were good.  But, it needed that spice that the server told me about.
 
I took another photo of a different set of books. These titles are less whimsical, and the book on the right is upside down.  I wonder why?:
 

 
On my most recent visit, I tried the Skip's macaroni and cheese. Our server told me that it was something more like a meat lasagna, with a white sauce, than what I might think of when I think of mac and cheese.  She was right:
 

 
This is one of the cheaper entrées on the menu, and I waited until the fourth visit to try it because I thought it wouldn't be special, but it was.  It's very good, and a nice portion, as opposed to the five shrimp that left me a bit hungry.
 
On this visit, I decided to take some photos of the fez hats they have on display in the bookcase.  There are some interesting names mentioned here:
 

 
Dr. Albert Falls, of course, is the founder of the jungle cruise.
 
Albert the Monkey is the name of star of the Mystic Manor attraction in Hong Kong Disneyland.  It's interesting he's mentioned here.
 
On this shelf, we find the hats of Henry Mystic and Merriweather Adam Pleasure:
 

 
Henry is Adam the Monkey's owner.
 
Merriweather is the fictional founder Pleasure Island.
 
There are more shelves and more hats in the bookcase.  I'm interested now in who those belong to.
 
On our last visit, which was at the tail end of the Christmas break, the restaurant was almost empty for our early dinner.
 
Word has been out for a while now, and the park was busy.  But, the restaurant wasn't.
 
When they first opened Be Our Guest, it was swamped from day one.
 
I'm afraid the menu here isn't appealing to WDW guests.
 
That's a shame, because I really like it.
 
I predict there will be some major tweaks,  And soon.
 
TCD

Classic. In a park that is sorely lacking attractions, they're going to spend money fixing up a neglected space, but only allow access to DVC members? That speaks volumes a our the future direction of things at WDW.
TCD

We went to Jiko for Christmas dinner this year (don't worry - we had a big turkey feast earlier in the month since we knew we'd be away for Christmas day).
 
There have been some menu changes since I was last there.
 
I started with the sunriser again. These go down sooo easy.
 

 
My husband opted for a Zebratini. I forget what all is in it, but it's a lot of alcohol and really more like a dessert. In fact, my brother-in-law had that as his dessert.
 

 
They brought out some rolls made with Ethopian beer. They were very good, but they now come with regular butter instead of the tandoori butter I'd posted in previous reports.
 

 
For appetizers, the Taste of Africa remains though the vessel that they serve the dips in has changed to these pointy bottomed things.
 

 
Do you remember making a little paper folding game thing when you were a kid? It's just like that.
 

 
A charcuterie plate has been added and my husband can rarely pass up the opportunity to have one. I don't remember all of what was on the plate, but the cheese on the left is called Blue Haze - it's a smoked blue. The one on the far right was a lovely smooth creamy cheese. Meats were predominantly duck - prosciutto on the left and sausage on the right, with salami in the middle I think. I don't remember seeing the flatbreads on the menu anymore, but it's possible I just missed them.
 

 
For mains the filet mignon was gone, and I'm not sure whether that's a temporary or permanent change. Our server said that the buffalo rib eye was a special for only Dec 24/25, so my brother-in-law had that. I stuck with the beef short ribs (and neglected to take a picture) while my husband had the lamb shank.
 

 
My Dad had the scallops but I didn't see a picture and forgot to ask how he liked them.
 
The plates themselves have changed and these are an odd shape that means you can't easily rest your knife and/or fork on the edge of them - they either fall off onto the table or land in your plate. Though I'm sure someone thinks they're visually pleasing but I can't say I'm a big fan from a practical use standpoint.
 
For dessert my husband had the chocolate pot de crème.
 

 
I went for the malva pudding again. Still yummy in its new configuration (scroll up to see how it used to look).
 

 
No little cookies with the bill this time and I don't know whether it's because they've stopped the practice or whether it's because we were a large group split into separate checks.

I think I should get 15.  There was a guy making a deposit right behind that door.
 
TCD

Went for tea again today - my first time since March. We didn't get Riley as our server this time and I don't know if it was because she had the day off or because she's moved on.
 
As best I can tell the menu hasn't changed at all since the last time I was there, so once again I (and all my dining companions) opted for the Bedfordshire tea.
 
Sandwiches are still the same — open faced beet, egg salad, curried chicken, cucumber & watercress. Two pieces of cheese (I stashed in a Ziploc bag for later), grapes, two raspberries, two blueberries, lavosh (crackers) and the famous onion tart.
 

 
New to me this time was the presentation of the scones and desserts. A three tiered tray is presented for up to two people so this one here was for me and my Dad. On the top layer you see his cranberry trifle and my pastries.
 

 
I'm beginning to think that the apricot jam I was served last time is a permanent thing. I inquired once again about strawberry jam and my server Amanda sourced some from some other stash on property. I guess I have some preconceived notions about what jam goes with scones, and apricot isn't it. Strawberry or raspberry seem more suitable to me, but what do I know?
 

 
Once again that tiny amount of Devonshire cream seemed insufficient so of course we asked for more. Riley usually brought just another tray like what you see above, but this time we were provided with small plastic tubs with a much more appropriate amount of cream. They took a while to arrive (our server said they needed to thaw) but they did not go to waste.
 
I opted for the pastries this time. The mousse filled swan flavor this time was mint. I guessed pistachio based on the color so was a little surprised to hear it was mint. I guess that was in light of the festive season. Anyway, I like mint and it was good.
 

 
My parents both had the cranberry trifle and they enjoyed it. I've never tried it because I feared it would be too tart. My Dad took a few pictures too so if they're any different than mine I'll post those when I can get access to them.

Sorry guys! Mom and I like to go for tea.
 
From May of 2012.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Went for tea again today - my first time since March. We didn't get Riley as our server this time and I don't know if it was because she had the day off or because she's moved on.
 
As best I can tell the menu hasn't changed at all since the last time I was there, so once again I (and all my dining companions) opted for the Bedfordshire tea.
 
Sandwiches are still the same — open faced beet, egg salad, curried chicken, cucumber & watercress. Two pieces of cheese (I stashed in a Ziploc bag for later), grapes, two raspberries, two blueberries, lavosh (crackers) and the famous onion tart.
 

 
New to me this time was the presentation of the scones and desserts. A three tiered tray is presented for up to two people so this one here was for me and my Dad. On the top layer you see his cranberry trifle and my pastries.
 

 
I'm beginning to think that the apricot jam I was served last time is a permanent thing. I inquired once again about strawberry jam and my server Amanda sourced some from some other stash on property. I guess I have some preconceived notions about what jam goes with scones, and apricot isn't it. Strawberry or raspberry seem more suitable to me, but what do I know?
 

 
Once again that tiny amount of Devonshire cream seemed insufficient so of course we asked for more. Riley usually brought just another tray like what you see above, but this time we were provided with small plastic tubs with a much more appropriate amount of cream. They took a while to arrive (our server said they needed to thaw) but they did not go to waste.
 
I opted for the pastries this time. The mousse filled swan flavor this time was mint. I guessed pistachio based on the color so was a little surprised to hear it was mint. I guess that was in light of the festive season. Anyway, I like mint and it was good.
 

 
My parents both had the cranberry trifle and they enjoyed it. I've never tried it because I feared it would be too tart. My Dad took a few pictures too so if they're any different than mine I'll post those when I can get access to them.

Well, it looks like the TCD gang gets to claim bragging rights as the first Fiends to dine in the new Skipper Canteen restaurant.
 
We went on Saturday, December 19th, just a bit after 4 pm.  We walked right up to the podium and requested a table in the Falls Family Dining Room.  The CM offered a pager or said they could text me when the table was ready.  I elected text, expecting that we'd have a bit of a wait, but she said not to go too far, as our wait would only be about ten minutes.  It was less.  We basically walked in.
 
The atmosphere of the place is fantastic.  The food and service were good. My daughter had the "Tastes Like Chicken," and I had the head-on shrimp. We also tried the dumpling appetizer.  I think the prices are too high, but they are in line with other table service restaurants at WDW.
 
I want to go again as soon as possible.  This soft opening is awesome.  I have a feeling that once they start taking ADR's, then you can forget about walking up for a table.  I predict they have another hit on their hands here.
 
TCD

Lots pictures from today posted here - http://imgur.com/gallery/OZgTb/new
 
(Sadly wasn't me who took them!)

OK, then.
 
TCD's top 10 DCL tips:
 
1.  Alcohol.  DCL's policy is very generous as to what you can carry on.  Carry it on and save $.  Also bring some bottled water- it's expensive on the ship.
 
2. The special premium dining opportunities (Palo and Remy) are worth it.  Go to one or both.  Especially a brunch.  You can reserve this in advance.  If you don't, they will take reservations on the boarding day.  Do it then.
 
3.  The kids' clubs are the best in the industry.  Sign your kid up on the ship on the first day. Don't stand in the long line in the terminal.  You'll have plenty of opportunities on board.
 
4.  Bring lanyards for everyone to carry his or her KTTW card.  You need it for everything.
 
5. If you want to snorkel on Castaway Cay, bring your own gear and save the cost of renting it.  The rental bikes are the best deal on the island- and there's no need for an advance reservation.  Also, they rent by the hour, but no one times you- so only pay for an hour.
 
6.  The Aqua Duck is fun, but always crowded.  Bring swim suits in your carryon and try to ride it early on boarding day, before the sail away.  Other good times are late at night, and port days.
 
7.  Room service is 24 hours and free.  Mickey Premium bars are not on the published menu, but they will bring them.  For free.  Bring a stack of $1's and use those for tips as needed.
 
8.  Do not miss the fireworks on pirate night. 
 
9. Do not pre-book any excursions. You can do what you want on your own for a lot cheaper (you already know that).  And stay on the ship in some ports- you can enjoy some of the amenities when it's not crowded.
 
10.  Get ahold of some Navigators for your particular itinerary now, and rough out what you want to do.  The nightly shows in the main theater are really good, and you don't want to miss them if you can avoid it.
 
That's a good start.
 
TCD

Sorry, I'm not going to be inconvenienced and searched every time I get on a mode of transportation at Disney while on vacation, it isn't East Berlin. By your theory I have to be searched 4 times on my trip from the Fort to the Polynesian. If you are that paranoid, stay home.

Just so I can show off and prove that not only do I have a photo of almost everything at WDW, but can also find the photos when needed, here's a photo of the weapons lockers outside of the MK entrance:
 

 
TCD

TCD I find your level of picture organizational skills top notch.

Are you saying that the ride was open, and operating with the original script?
 
The Disney Parks Blog is now reporting that WDW's Jingle Cruise opens today.  So did they put out all the decorations in one night? http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2015/11/attention-adventurers-jingle-cruise-returns-to-magic-kingdom-park-today/
 
That's weird.
 
At Disneyland, Jungle Cruise has been shut down for over a week, and the Skippers have been in training meetings to learn a new script.  The Skippers have been working to drive Imagineers out into the Jungle to add and tweak decorations and effects.
 
This is all inside, first hand information, straight from one of the World Famous Jungle Cruise Skippers currently working at Disneyland.
 
Disneyland's Jingle Cruise is not set to open until November 13 or 14. Hopefully, I will be there in person on opening day, and ride in my favorite Skipper's bote (that's what the Skippers call boats, FYI).
 
I have it on good information that this year's new jokes will sleigh.
 
TCD

I know a couple with a child who has CF.  So, I know it can be quite a challenge.  I know that they travel with him, but I don't think they're ever tent camped with him.
 
One possible misconception that I see in the original post is that tent camping at the Fort is a less expensive way to visit WDW.  This is something that has been discussed here before, and it is not necessarily true- especially if you don't already own all of your own camping equipment, or have a way to borrow it.  By the time you buy or rent what you need, that inexpensive campsite is going to cost more than a discounted value resort room, and a lot more than a nice off-site room.
 
But, discussions about price will inevitably lead to discussions about value.  A popular opinion held by many here, including me, is that even though it can be more expensive, the Fort Wilderness experience is far superior to a value resort experience.  For me, there is no other WDW resort I'd rather stay at, for any price.
 
With proper planning, you could have a great visit, and all your children's needs can be accommodated.  I wish you the best, whatever you decide to do.
 
And welcome to the Fiend Family!
 
TCD

After I saw Jason's photos and thinking about the changes, I wanted to see if there was anything about these changes on the official Disney site.
 
There wasn't.  I looked through the photo gallery they have, and I found some things that I thought were interesting.  Since those photos will likely be changing at some point in the near future, I screen-shot a few.  I thought some others might find them interesting, so I'll post them here.
 
As I said, these all came off of the official Disney site:  https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/cabins-at-fort-wilderness-resort/
 
I also thought it would be interesting to compare some of these directly to the photos Jason posted, so I'm going to repost three of his photos in this thread.
 
Let's start out with this shot of the living area, showing the old style couch.  I never liked the looks of these couches, nor did I understand why they chose to use a love seat size when a full size would have fit fine:
 

 
Across from the couch, we can see the small table and small chairs along with the TV:
 

 
I remember those chairs- as they were kid sized and not adult size,  but even so, they were too tall for the table, which was annoying. 
 
But here's something I didn't know- some of the cabins apparently had full size chairs.  You can see that these are higher than the chairs in that previous photo (also note that the oven in this shot has a black front) :
 

 
Here's a look at the room lay-out:
 

 
And, for comparison, here's the new look:
 

 
Something else that I discovered from Disney's photos is that some of the cabin kitchens had different layouts.  I never knew that.  I thought they were all the same.  But look:
 
This shot shows the kitchen as I remember it:
 

 
Note the white oven, and you can see the pantry cabinet on the far right.
 
Here's another shot of that kitchen layout:
 

 
There really isn't much counter space.
 
Check this out- Some of the cabins had side by side refrigerators with in-door ice dispensers:
 

 
And then there was this photo, which has the appliances and sink in different spots:
 

 
This is the new kitchen, for comparison:
 

 
Lastly, let's look at the bedroom:
 
The size of the bed in this shot doesn't look any different from the new bed:
 

 

 
But, look at this:
 

 
That bed definitely looks narrower, right?
 
But, read the text there at the bottom, where they say this cabin has a queen bed and a full size pull-down.
 
So, if they are saying these remodeled cabins have a queen bed, I'm questioning that, as they were calling the old beds queen sized as well.
 
Overall, I liked the cabins the way they were better than the remodeled ones.  They could have just swapped out the kitchen appliances, and saved themselves a lot of money.
 
TCD

Please don't take this as my normal negative self, but a few things:
1. Your from Tampa and places that normally don't flood, have flooded this year. Neighborhoods by my home in Trinity are still cleaning up and getting nervous every time it rains
2. Your tent camping. There is always a chance of a tent getting water inside but I do agree it all is determined by the land you set it on
3. As much as I always agree with TCD about fort management, they did try to help by doing the obvious and offering another site, then offered to bring more sand. They even offered money off the site. Usual fort management would do absolutely nothing
I know it's always easy to blame Disney since they are a money hungry company like every other one, and I'm sure after this horrible rainy season in FL they will be looking at sites that flood, but remember you are camping and not dealing with a broken water pipe in a hotel room. Sorry for your bad trip so far. Hopefully it ended better

You can split a fireworks pontoon boat cruise with only 9 other people for $30 per person -- snacks included.