CitaPita...Carmen

Thanks for posting this! I went ahead and entered, too. Hoping to win a fifth wheel so that we're forced to buy a new tow vehicle. :laugh:

I should have known better!

That was a pretty interesting article. I was told by a CM last time I was at the Fort that the island was designated as a wildlife protection area (or something like that, brain is fuzzy) to gain of some tax credits when it was developed into Discovery Island. Now they can't build on it because it's designated as protected land and it's difficult to change the status back (although Disney is working on it). Does anyone know if there is truth to that, or was the CM just telling tall tales? Because if she was just telling tales, then I know of a nice DVC project they can relocate to that lan

We've decided our route! For those who may be interested (or planning a similar trip), we are planning the following: First campsite: Mama Gertie's near Asheville, NC We're going to stay three nights while we take in the sites around Asheville. Second campsite: Anastasia State Park near St. Augustine, FL We'll be camping here four nights Hotel: Cocoa Beach for NASA touring One night (although we'll have two full days of touring) Campsite four: The FORT! :) :) :)

This is a really good point. If they are planning to move the bus stop for the Fort from the Outpost to the Settlement (which makes sense), then this could also account for the larger cart parking area because it will need to accommodate those carts that would have been ordinarily been parked up at the Outpost bus stop. The current cart path definitely needs some enhancements. I wonder if it's not on these plans because it's not officially part of the DVC project? Which makes me wonder...what is the dividing line between these resorts, or is there one at all? The blending of these two, compl

I've been wondering that, too. To me, it definitely seems too big to be 100% DVC.

I don't have anything useful to add, but I did want to say that as the wife of a thoroughly unromantic (but no less amazing) man, the fact that you are surprising her with something, and that surprise is a vacation at a special place for your guys will make a huge impact. Anything else would really be icing on the cake. The idea to renew your vows is amazing, but it sounds like this is going to be a family trip. Given that, I'm thinking that one night at the GF, just you and her, after a special romantic dinner and maybe a walk along the lake would be even more perfect. Almost like you've pl

Thanks you guys! Just made the switch on my reservation to a full hook up site (after reading TCDs recent trip report and concerns over loop 2000) Great info, and I love 1800, so hopefully we'll be parked over there.

Thanks, Jeff, I'll do that! I should probably get a sign for our set-up, too. We'll be staying over in the full-hook up section. To keep this request as up to date as possible, I'll say that I did decide that we'll need to put in some time at Anastasia State Park near St. Augustine. No idea how long we'll stay there, but the sites look nice and private and there seems to be so much to do in the area. The husband wants to stay at a few campgrounds though (so we experience more things), so I still will need to find at least one more place, possibly two. I definitely need one between Indiana

This is exactly what I was going to say. I haven't stayed there yet, but it looks awesome. Here's a video about the area: http://youtu.be/CIZwfVEYTCQ

Yes, absolutely! This is why I lurk around here instead of that other site. :heartsmiley:

That's a really good point! Fort pricing would experience a boom as well, if we were able to access it as a transportation option. I'm not going to lie, I would enjoy a train at the Fort again. So long as it doesn't blow its whistle at 8:00 a.m...This girl likes to sleep!

I'm actually cool with the building and new features. It does look really nice. Especially the new restaurant options, which I would hope they wouldn't lock down for DVC only. If only it wasn't going to be filled with more people, I'd be okay. But the land area of the Fort doesn't get any bigger just because it experiences a population explosion. Gone will be the days of going to Clementine Beach and being literally the only person there. Of course, I'm saying this as an introvert who is highly resistant to change. :)

I know it's only January, but I nominate this topic as the most depressing FF discussion of the year. Even if the new perks over at RC DVC aren't under lock and key (which, they will be), it still wouldn't be worth it to me to have a giant looming building on Fort property. Think of the size of that thing and the sheer number of people it will house. They'd have to make the campfire five times larger just to accommodate those that come over for some "authentic" campfire smores. Either that, or start charging for it as a character experience. Also, pretty sure that they'll be offering golf c

Thank you! That's a good tip about getting far south. I wasn't sure what the weather would be like in the area, as I've never been in TN or GA in November/December. I was in Florida (for a Disney Cruise) in mid-December a few years ago, and it was swimming weather, but I know even that can change. Two days for NASA...maybe we'll try to find a campground around Cocoa Beach?

Because I am lazy, I have no idea where to start, and I don't want to end up boondocking at Walmart again. (Yes, again.) A few details: Trip is November 22 - December 7 (November 29-December 5 at the Fort)Tagging along with be our two DD, ages 6 and 5, our DS who will be 15 months, and my 12 year old sister in law. We're a full house, er...pop-up camper.We're leaving from Southern WisconsinWe like quiet campsites and don't need any bells and whistles besides a flush toilet. (Although not opposed to it, either)We like to hike and see historic stuff Besides that, we'd probably like to go to t

So stinking excited. For the first time ever, my husband and I are finally able to swing a long trip. Two whole weeks of camping fun with six of those days spent at the Fort! :jumpforjoy This will be our second time there. Last year we rented Donnie's fifth wheel, which was awesome, but this time we're towing our Pop-up down and staying in loop 2000. Loop 3000 was sadly all sold out for this trip. We'll be there November 29-December 5, 2014. That's just around the corner, right? I'm going to post a thread over on the "Camping To and From" board about this trip too, because besides th

When we were at the Fort in April of last year, 1900 and 1800 were almost completely empty. I think there was maybe five occupied campsites combined from both loops (even though 1600 and 1700 were nearly full). We definitely have those on our consideration list for next time!

I saw this, too! It was a smallish trailer and the slide-out was completely ripped off of the side and laying on the ground. Five or size Disney workers were cleaning it out for them. They must have had small children because there was a double stroller sitting outside among the debris (which included a mattress just laying on the ground.) I didn't see any sign of a branch or tree so I had no idea what had happened. Three sites around the damaged trailer were also roped off with caution tape.

Happy belated Anniversary! I had that porch view yesterday, myself. :)

Thanks, everyone! I so excited about how these turned out. I will definitely be taking lots of pictures. :)

We leave for the Fort in only three days and just received the custom dresses I had made for my little ones. They will wear them to the campfire one night. I sure hope Chip and Dale approve! The picture is a little pixelated, but the center section with the fire and marshmallows says, "Happy Camper." I can't wait for the girls to see them, they are going to be so tickled. THREE MORE DAYS!

We just snagged a AAA discount starting the week after Easter. Saved a little over $240 over the course of the week. Never hurts to ask and see if it is available! The CM I talked to on the Disney reservation line was pretty surprised there was a discount available since that is the start of their regular season. AAA membership in WI was $60.