ImDownWithDisney

Well it was quiet, but 2 of our 8 led tiki torches were stolen last night. I wish I could have caught that thieving f@#k and thumped his skull. 🖕

They had a sign posted yesterday and today stating this. I figured it was for the holiday weekend. 

It's crickets at the Fort. Security has stepped up and people are behaving. It's a nice change. 

It may be a little too early to call it, but so far this weekend has been very tame. There's a ton of rangers out and about in carts, on bikes, and uniformed security cruising the loops in cars. I haven't seen one unruly thing so far. The 2000 loop is basically full and no salsa dancing block parties yet. We leave on Monday so someone else will have to report back. We've been here the last 2 years, and this is the quietest so far. 

11 minutes ago, Grumpy and Grandma said:

Trucks are getting larger and for no reason. Up until 2015 Linda could get in and out of our Silverados with no issue. In 2015 we had to start carrying a folding stool for her to get in and out. Even the new Canyon/Colorado and Ranger are taller and wider, even though poorly designed. I had a  first generation Canyon that I could get in and out of easily, looked at a 2018 and couldn't get in without hitting my head. Even the salesman complained about getting in.  It's a shame that the Big 3 think everybody want's to drive a semi. I'm more comfortable in our new Traverse than what I was in the 2015 PU.

Power running boards help a lot. My wife has a bad back. She loves the running boards on the 450. 

They always direct us to park that way with our dually. 

18 minutes ago, BradyBzLyn...Mo said:

Starting to sound like they're trying to put Brown Paint Guy out of a job.

You would think so,  but most of these are unpainted. I say it's to make way for freestyle cart parking 😂

They are removing the fences around the grass areas in front of the comfort stations. Also the fences in front of the settlement store and the grass islands are gone. The one where the Christmas tree is placed in front of crocketts is partially removed. Some other existing fencing has been marked with spray paint for removal too. 

The new trailer looks great! Congratulations on the new rig. 

9 hours ago, PGHFiend said:

One of the primary reasons I decided on a 5th wheel, so that we ride in a crash tested truck that is designed for wrecks.  Interesting is how the "Class A" they show  actually has the entire wall section come loose.  I think that is because of the use of screws to hold the walls to the floor and screws are very brittle. 

I did hear at one time that winnebago crash tested their motorhomes, but not sure if that's true anymore. 

My wife and I had this discussion a few months ago about class A's. I like the safety of my truck. I've seen motorhomes that exploded in wrecks. No thanks. 

9 minutes ago, Retired and Happy (Ken) said:

I haven't been on here in a long time, but found this thread and caught up in a hour or so. It's good to see many of the "old timers" still around, even if only posting here.   We spent December and into January at the Fort for 15-16 years with APs.  Then we went one year on a 10 day pass, and skipped the next year (to Dollywood).  This year was the first year we have  spent at home for Christmas in all that time.  A couple of Spring Breaks at Dollywood and a lot of the MH sitting in the driveway.  We hope to return to the Fort this winter, but it won't be the same.  Most of you don't know we suddenly lost our dear Kimberly in January a few weeks after she turned 21.  This has hit us hard, but we're trying to cope and keep Shawnee and Blake busy.  I finally packed the Christmas lights away that we had had in our front yard for Christmas.... we made the yard as gaudy as our Fort sites used to be.  We're going to Pigeon Forge for a week in July if I get the fridge fixed.  It goes in for a diagnosis Friday.  It's always something when we try to keep the MH available on a shoestring.  

Very sorry for your loss. 

33 minutes ago, DaveInTN said:

That, and the other thing making me sad is the loss of isolation.  At it's outset, the Fort was planned to isolate guests in a wilderness environment, free from the hectic nature of life including motor vehicles (other than those checking in and checking out).  Remember, back in the day most folks didn't even drive their vehicles every day during their stay...they used Disney trams, boats and  buses.  There wasn't as much golf cart traffic either.  It was a peaceful oasis.  And even now, although there's more vehicle traffic in the resort than there used to be, for the most part when you are at the Settlement there are no vehicles other than golf carts.  Non-guests visiting the resort still need to park out at the overflow lot.  There remains a sense that you are removed from the larger world.  But once this place opens, there will be a constant flow of cars in and out of those parking lots.  Just going to the horse barn, which has always been one of my favorite early morning things, you'll be crossing the main roadway into the resort used by cars and Disney buses.  Imagine a horse barn next to the parking lot at any of the existing Disney resorts.  Not very peaceful.  That's what we will be left with.  The sounds and smells of vehicular traffic in what has been to this point an isolated refuge.  That makes me sad.  

I'm trying to stay optimistic about this crap, but I think this may be a deal breaker for us. I Tish on our last trip that we may only be able to see the Settlement another time or two before everything is changed. The proximity to the Settlement just plain sucks. Really wish they would have pushed this resort a little further along the shore to WL.

9 minutes ago, Starbuc71 said:

I know I can be a complainer and even a Debby downer a lot of the time, but this is just BS. What the hell are they doing?  They own so much land and they are purposely building this right on top of the fort. Iger ruined Disney.  He has no love for the fort, just money. I’m sure we can debate DVC all day here, but in my opinion it’s just another cash cow scam. This gets me so upset that the most peaceful and beautiful place in all of Disney is slowly going to the wayside.  I’m sure it’s just a matter of time until something drastic happens at the campgrounds. Can you imagine the people that will be going to the campfire and the meadows pool once this is built?  I’m sure there will be a card reader to get into the resort but nothing to get into the fort. So so sad. I’m glad we had the memories we did. Good luck faithful Disney campers. You’re going to need it

Fully agree. 

Also the preferred loops, 400, 700, and maybe 800 are going to be within earshot of all of the cars coming and going, slamming doors, screaming kids, etc. The full hookup loops will be the new preferred lol 

Side benefit of all this is we may save a small fortune if we quit going. 

10 minutes ago, Travisma said:

Blogmickey.com just posted a color coded site map of parts of Reflections.  Will make a tear come to eye.

yes it will. It totally sucks

22 minutes ago, LONE-STAR said:

I don't know why I thought it was blue.

Not a blue guy. I'm thinking about ordering a 2020. I'm liking the pearl white metallic,  but my wife says it's ugly and stick with grey...lol 

1 hour ago, PGHFiend said:

I was sworn to secracy. 

What color is your 450?

 

Magnetic....aka charcoal grey

4 hours ago, PGHFiend said:

Can't haul that with a f250.

So a new dually too?

I figure they went from Arizona to Florida to trade rigs before embarking on their mid west tour. They've dropped a few hints about a toyhauler. Marc and I messaged a few times last year about duallies too. 

It's cool y'all got to meet. They do seem genuinely nice. 

48 minutes ago, PGHFiend said:

They are great, my sister got me turned on to them a few years back. 

Fun fact?

I met them at the Fort when I was there last week.  I was walking my dog (alone) on the main road and they were stuck behind a horse carriage in their truck, I looked up and it was them! 

I said, "Marc? Trish?"

They were like "It's us!"

I walked along and talked to them for awhile.  Of course I didn't have my phone and I knew my wife would be so pissed she missed them. I got back to the camper and told her, she didn't believe me!

We were riding our bikes and I spotted their truck.  My wife decided to give them some ears from her store and we walked back over.  Super nice people,  stopped what they were doing and came out to talk, gave us some swag and my wife gave them the ears, obviously took a selfie! 

Fun fact? SHE IS WEARING THE EARS IN THE PHOTO IN THE VIDEO! so cool!!

Big changes ahead for them (already but the channel runs behind )...but they told me not to ruin the surprise...so you'll have to wait!

Toyhauler?

I've been following these guys for a few years. They have it figured out. 

1 hour ago, PGHFiend said:

I think it looks fine.  It's a fence. 

I think the new resort will be a nice thing to check out, and I'm guessing will provide more options for dining and such. 

No matter what they do or change, it's the best campground there is IMHO. 

Remember, it's all a show. 

 

I believe (hope) you are correct. I am not too stoked on the proximity, though. I just wish it was being built a little further back from Pioneer Hall. I think the Settlement area is going to be way more busy. Carts will probably be banned from going in like they do now. And I really hope FW doesn't share a boat with Reflections.

That cleared area behind the 700 loop is going to be retention ponds right?

13 hours ago, YENSIDCAMPER said:

I bet they will be installing cameras in those things before you know it.

If not, this will be the unofficial theme song for them.

27 minutes ago, YENSIDCAMPER said:

Let me know when you cancel I want to pick them up!

No problem