Tent Camping in Disney World

Blackie Pueblo · Post by **Blackie Pueblo** » Oct Sun 29, 2006 9:24 pm

Hey Disney fans. I know you can help me. I haven't gone camping since I was a kid and my wife has never gone. But she is driving me crazy about going.

So I'm wondering. Has anyone gone tent camping in Disney World? What's it like and is it roomy so someone who hasn't gone camping for a while can struggle to put up his tent with out experienced campers close by and watching?

Also, what is it like to camp in December? I know it sounds kinda crazy, but we are thinking it won't be as crowded and it will be quite the memory to camp around the christmas season

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New blood for the entertainment industry http://www.newlineagefilms.com

knedeau · Post by **knedeau** » Oct Mon 30, 2006 9:35 am

I've gone Tent Camping in Disney! Fort Wilderness is AWESOME! You have enough space and there are "comfort stations" very close by (bathrooms, showers, laundry facilities). They are usually VERY clean too! I've not been in Dec, but I would imagine that it's not too cold (60s and 70s during the day, 40s and 50s at night). But that also may be better than trying to sleep in a tent in 100 degree weather.

Post by **js3901** » Oct Mon 30, 2006 10:12 am

I haven't been yet, but Dr. Ravenscroft and I will be camping there in a tent from December 1 to December 7 this year. when we get back (or even while we're there), I know I'll write up some kind of trip report about the experience. the good Dr. may do the same.

Blackie Pueblo · Post by **Blackie Pueblo** » Oct Mon 30, 2006 11:24 am

Thanks for the info so far. Yeah, My wife and I are thinking about going in late November or early December. knedeau, what do you think about the bus access? I've heard one or two people complain that getting to the buses or back to your tent from the park is a long pain in the butt experience? Did you have any trouble with that?

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New blood for the entertainment industry http://www.newlineagefilms.com

knedeau · Post by **knedeau** » Oct Mon 30, 2006 11:45 am

Well, it depends. Sometimes the busses can be a PITA and take a while, But I really didn't mind the wait all that much as you can sit and watch the squirrels, birds, little lizards, armadillos, bunnies, etc.. or talk with the person you're with.

We rented an electric cart to get around the campground, (you can also rent bikes (or bring your own) ) and we took these (or walked) to the docks and just took the Boats (which I LOVE to do) to the contemporary (or the Magic Kingdom), and from there took the monorail to the ticket and transportation center. But if you're DRIVING to Ft. Wilderness (which you probably are, since you're in a tent) then as a resort guest, you have free parking in the parks and can do that too. It's all up to you!

TQM · Post by **TQM** » Oct Mon 30, 2006 11:51 am

knedeau wrote:We rented an electric cart to get around the campground...

Ditto, here. While we didn't camp, we did have a cabin and it was a pain to get around the campground on the buses. Second day, we broke down and rented a cart for the rest of our time there. Buses out of Ft. Wilderness to the parks weren't too bad though. We never waited much at all (this was April of last year). I'm looking forward to tent camp there someday. The sites looked great.

Captain Schnemo · Post by **Captain Schnemo** » Oct Mon 30, 2006 1:30 pm

December is a wise choice. Camping in the middle of the summer is miserable, and you'll be able to enjoy the campfire at night.

knedeau · Post by **knedeau** » Oct Mon 30, 2006 1:41 pm

Captain Schnemo wrote:December is a wise choice. Camping in the middle of the summer is miserable, and you'll be able to enjoy the campfire at night.

Oh that's Right! The campfire and the free MOVIE (they play disney movies and old disney cartoons! VERY FUN)!! Oh! And don't forget about the electrical water parade! EVERY NIGHT! It is a MUST see! ( We used to go when I was a kid, but I still try to cath it as an adult!!.. just go down to the docks (and find a hammock) around 9ish.

I think they heat their pools too! (you may want to ask a CM). ALSO, if you are into fitness, the campground is a GREAT place for an early morning or evening walk/jog/run. They also have sites if you want to bring your dog (if you happen to have one.... also, ask a CM when you call to make reservations)... I'm staying at the Poly this Dec, but I almost wish I were staying at FW.....:: sigh:: it's a GREAT place, and you'll have a BLAST! (Not to mention it's nice to fall asleep to the crickets!)

Blackie Pueblo · Post by **Blackie Pueblo** » Oct Mon 30, 2006 5:46 pm

Thanks everyone. You've really helped me. The bus situation may be a pain, but it sounds like it'll be a lot of fun. Guess all I have to do now is make reservations. Thanks for all the info! Who else can help you with disney questions but disney fans. You're the best!

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New blood for the entertainment industry http://www.newlineagefilms.com

Post by **js3901** » Oct Mon 30, 2006 7:35 pm

are you thinking of going camping THIS december, or next? like I said before, I'll be going THIS december and will do a whole report, but if you're going to go this year, then it may be a bit late.

I will advise you to book through AAA (if you're a member). I know that for Dr. Ravenscroft and myself, we paid about $737.00 after taxes and that was for 6 nights, 7 days with park hopper option for a campsite and the tickets. the official site lists the price at $788.48 BEFORE taxes. so we ended saving a bit of money (according to AAA, about 10%) savings. Also, we get a bunch of extras cause we booked through AAA, like 15% off tours, discounts on merchandise and food, premium parking (right next to the handicapped spaces near the front entrances), and a few more things.

maybe if you go between December 1 and December 7, we can all meet up (as knedeau is going to meet the good Dr. and me for Breakfast one day)...

hope you get everything worked out!

Post by **Dr. Ravenscroft** » Nov Wed 01, 2006 8:39 pm

I stayed at in the cabin manny years ago at least 8 years now but I do remeber that the buses were a little slow. Maybe after all these years it is better. I was just at the POP Century two weeks ago and the bus service was interesting to say the least, I waited 20 minutes for a bus to AK at one point but most of the time it was only about 10 min. wait. It feels like longer when you are just standing there doing nothing staring at the road.

If it is this year we need to definatly meet up, it would make this years Subsonic Radio East Coast Meeting a little bigger. And maybe you would have a campsite near JS and I so we could hang out around the campfire and such.

Sorry I haven't been around lately I have been working on Halloween and being in WDW for a week was mixed in there too. But now that it is all over, HA, I can get back to normal.

Post by **js3901** » Nov Thu 02, 2006 12:43 am

Dr. Ravenscroft wrote: Sorry I haven't been around lately I have been working on Halloween and being in WDW for a week was mixed in there too. But now that it is all over, HA, I can get back to normal.

yeah, normal for the next 28-29 days, then back to wdw for a week...

Blackie Pueblo · Post by **Blackie Pueblo** » Nov Thu 02, 2006 5:46 pm

Well, you were all right. I can't take my wife camping. I can't believe how booked it is! Thanks for all the info. Guess I am going to have to wait for some time later.

dwellsbct · Post by **dwellsbct** » Jul Tue 15, 2008 1:28 pm

I have camped at Ft Wilderness twice and I love it. I am a native Floridian so I find 50's really cold especially in a tent. I'd advise packing a blanket and PJ's no matter what you THINK the weather will be. I saw deer, squirrels and armadillos while I was there. Breakfast at the Trails End Buffet is great I have even gone there for breakfast while staying at Pop Century

Then the FREE nightly Disney movie with double features on the weekend is great. I'm getting all excited writing this I can't wait to go again!!!