First time at the fort (Tent camping) April

We don't tent camp but I would be aware of the squirrels also as another said. They are crrraaaazy there hehe. We literally had a squirrel try to jump on our laps while eating Mickey bars. I wonder if someone fed it to him before bc it would not leave even after trying to shoo and really tried to climb on our laps. I mean I love animals but I was laughing and literally screaming at the same time lol. I think they would really try to get in the tents if they could. :squirrel::squirrel:
 
Actually, was probably 'no see um' bites. Chiggers don't 'bite' immediately, but settle into the skin in a warm spot and are really 'attached' to the skin and feed there (like ticks). They're just so tiny you don't think of them the same. I'm a deep south girl with lots of experience with them unfortunately. My dh is 'very' allergic to them, so we've read up on most of the basics, and how to deal with them.

I live in Florida and know exactly what chiggers are and how their "bites" feel and look. These were most definitely chiggers.

Some info on them.
 
I live in Florida and know exactly what chiggers are and how their "bites" feel and look. These were most definitely chiggers.

Some info on them.

Not going to argue with you madam, as I said, am deep south through and through. They do cause horrible bites and itching, but not 'instantly'. They are of the arachnid family like a tick, and don't cause 'immediate' bites, but they insert their mouth (for a better word) into the skin and feed on skin tissue causing extreme itchiness.They are very, very tiny.

You can find all this information online, but this is all I'll say about it - you can believe whatever you want, doesn't really matter.

We stay out of the grasses and bushes as that's where they mostly are during the summer.
 


They do cause horrible bites and itching, but not 'instantly'.

I don't recall saying anything about the bites or itching appearing "instantly." In fact, they didn't, it was the next morning when I realized I had them. But thanks for your assessment, Dr. North of Mouse, who didn't even see them. You are not the only person to live in the south, as I certainly do, and the link was for the information of the OP, not for myself.
 


Thanks I love all those suggestions. I am not sure we will be bringing a cooler because we will most likely have the dining plan. But maybe I should bring one anyway. Also do you use the tent stakes that come with your tent or do you have any you recommend. Someone else recommended ones but I am wondering what others do.
Never camped @ Disney (although I'm alone in my household of wanting too, LOL) but here are tenting basics for any locale that I can pass on:

You'll probably be fine with those junky tent stakes most all tent manufacturers provide for first time use. As they break or are hard to get out of the ground opt for new ones not from Walmart's/Coghlan's/Coleman since those are also a waste of money (the plastic heads separate from the long metal shanks or those made of plastic lose their guyline hooks). These are the best style of tent stakes I've ever used and the additional cost is worth the lack of aggravation:

https://www.amazon.com/TNH-Outdoors...aho47bfqs_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&s=sporting-goods.

Buy a rubber mallet w/ wooden handle NOT made specifically for camping at a lower price (and better quality) at your local hardwood store. Drill a starter hole in the center of the wooden handle's top and insert a galvanized steel cup hook (ensure the rounded top makes as close to a full circle as possible for better leverage) so you can remove the tent stakes w/ relative ease.

Purchase a connecting dust pan and broom for ease in cleaning (optional). The wider the pan's edge and broom, the less stooping you have to do. I'll be honest...I rarely use the dust pan and broom anymore when car camping. A full size corn broom (or whatever is already in your house) is fine for not only keeping dirt out of the tent but wiping the roof down just before site breakdown. My second year of car camping I bought a foldable plastic rug and only swept the floor when we left. It also helped that my second irrevocable camping law is no shoes in the tent. Take them off at the front door and if you want to get fancy, store them atop a weatherproof doormat.
Google foldable woven plastic rugs and you'll find a whole new world, in design and price. I bought ours from either QVC or HSN but they are not always available.

DO NOT store food or eat in the tent (my first law). It's just an invitation for critters, big and small, to join you. You can store the bungee secured cooler under the picnic table (great for shade) or if you've a 2 door tent put it next to the underused second door so you know when young ones are leaving the tent in the middle of the night. Whether you plan to eat at the campsite or not, a cooler is nice for late night/early morning cold drinks and snacks.
I sing the praises of Coleman's 5 or 6 day Extreme coolers as a great bang for buck as a non ice waster on any camping forum I'm on, LOL. Not that enthused about Igloo's MaxiCold; despise anything Rubbermaid makes in the cooler department and if you've the funds and need, Yeti is seriously worthy. Whatever cooler you opt for pre-cool it with a sacrificial bag of ice or two the night before you go and freeze quart plastic milk jugs filled w/ water/lemonade/ice tea for additional cold. As they melt, drink 'em.

I frequently camp at places w/o firepits and/or grills, have no garage or attic to store camping equipment so opted for this two for one beauty by my second or third year of camping:

https://snowpeak.com/products/pack-and-carry-l-fire-place-st-032?variant=671152781

Apparently, the price has gone up over the years (it was never inexpensive for it's start up cost but think I initially paid about $120.00 for it) but it has paid for itself many times over in rental and storage costs. I would suggest you don't buy it unless you've a need or are serious about camping for a few seasons.

For bug death/avoidance use a spray bottle of Permethrin and dose your tent and any fabric (chairs, cots, etc) with it; thing of beauty:

https://www.rei.com/product/768970/sawyer-permethrin-pump-spray-24-oz

You can also buy it at some Walmart's and Cabela's.

Never camped with a/c but can attest to the beauty of O2's portable fans. Don't bother with Coleman's fans or fan lights; you'll be disappointed in the purchase as I was. Also we just grab bedding from home and avoid the cost of sleeping bags for convenience camping.

I've no current pics of our set up since my pics are on photobucket and my brain currently refuses to figure out how to move them to a different site, LOL.
I can tell you that I car camp with a Eureka Copper Canyon 1210 and a Paha Que 12*12. We sleep in the Eureka (up to 5 people w/o using the zippered 2 room configuration in a queen size air mattress on a stand, bunk bed cot and twin air mattress on the floor) and use the Paha Que as an all weather cooking/ living room/ and extra bedroom for overnight guests. I originally thought I'd put the tent over the picnic table but somehow have never done so even though it would fit. The ceiling is about 12' high so it's fine for a Coleman 2 burner but I always put the Weber grill outside.

HTH and have fun out there!
 
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Sorry for the long wait, work has been keeping me busy.

This is of our old tent. It has a Queen air mattress and two cots for the kids.
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This is of our new tent 19x17, again with the queen and two cots.

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Thanks so much it was worth the wait. I love your set up. Did you do any waterproofing to your tents or just use them right out of the box?
 
Never camped @ Disney (although I'm alone in my household of wanting too, LOL) but here are tenting basics for any locale that I can pass on:

You'll probably be fine with those junky tent stakes most all tent manufacturers provide for first time use. As they break or are hard to get out of the ground opt for new ones not from Walmart's/Coghlan's/Coleman since those are also a waste of money (the plastic heads separate from the long metal shanks or those made of plastic lose their guyline hooks). These are the best style of tent stakes I've ever used and the additional cost is worth the lack of aggravation:

https://www.amazon.com/TNH-Outdoors...aho47bfqs_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&s=sporting-goods.

Buy a rubber mallet w/ wooden handle NOT made specifically for camping at a lower price (and better quality) at your local hardwood store. Drill a starter hole in the center of the wooden handle's top and insert a galvanized steel cup hook (ensure the rounded top makes as close to a full circle as possible for better leverage) so you can remove the tent stakes w/ relative ease.

Purchase a connecting dust pan and broom for ease in cleaning (optional). The wider the pan's edge and broom, the less stooping you have to do. I'll be honest...I rarely use the dust pan and broom anymore when car camping. A full size corn broom (or whatever is already in your house) is fine for not only keeping dirt out of the tent but wiping the roof down just before site breakdown. My second year of car camping I bought a foldable plastic rug and only swept the floor when we left. It also helped that my second irrevocable camping law is no shoes in the tent. Take them off at the front door and if you want to get fancy, store them atop a weatherproof doormat.
Google foldable woven plastic rugs and you'll find a whole new world, in design and price. I bought ours from either QVC or HSN but they are not always available.

DO NOT store food or eat in the tent (my first law). It's just an invitation for critters, big and small, to join you. You can store the bungee secured cooler under the picnic table (great for shade) or if you've a 2 door tent put it next to the underused second door so you know when young ones are leaving the tent in the middle of the night. Whether you plan to eat at the campsite or not, a cooler is nice for late night/early morning cold drinks and snacks.
I sing the praises of Coleman's 5 or 6 day Extreme coolers as a great bang for buck as a non ice waster on any camping forum I'm on, LOL. Not that enthused about Igloo's MaxiCold; despise anything Rubbermaid makes in the cooler department and if you've the funds and need, Yeti is seriously worthy. Whatever cooler you opt for pre-cool it with a sacrificial bag of ice or two the night before you go and freeze quart plastic milk jugs filled w/ water/lemonade/ice tea for additional cold. As they melt, drink 'em.

I frequently camp at places w/o firepits and/or grills, have no garage or attic to store camping equipment so opted for this two for one beauty by my second or third year of camping:

https://snowpeak.com/products/pack-and-carry-l-fire-place-st-032?variant=671152781

Apparently, the price has gone up over the years (it was never inexpensive for it's start up cost but think I initially paid about $120.00 for it) but it has paid for itself many times over in rental and storage costs. I would suggest you don't buy it unless you've a need or are serious about camping for a few seasons.

For bug death/avoidance use a spray bottle of Permethrin and dose your tent and any fabric (chairs, cots, etc) with it; thing of beauty:

https://www.rei.com/product/768970/sawyer-permethrin-pump-spray-24-oz

You can also buy it at some Walmart's and Cabela's.

Never camped with a/c but can attest to the beauty of O2's portable fans. Don't bother with Coleman's fans or fan lights; you'll be disappointed in the purchase as I was. Also we just grab bedding from home and avoid the cost of sleeping bags for convenience camping.

I've no current pics of our set up since my pics are on photobucket and my brain currently refuses to figure out how to move them to a different site, LOL.
I can tell you that I car camp with a Eureka Copper Canyon 1210 and a Paha Que 12*12. We sleep in the Eureka (up to 5 people w/o using the zippered 2 room configuration in a queen size air mattress on a stand, bunk bed cot and twin air mattress on the floor) and use the Paha Que as an all weather cooking/ living room/ and extra bedroom for overnight guests. I originally thought I'd put the tent over the picnic table but somehow have never done so even though it would fit. The ceiling is about 12' high so it's fine for a Coleman 2 burner but I always put the Weber grill outside.

HTH and have fun out there!

Great info thanks. I love soaking up all this information. We are still undecided about a cooler as we will have the dining plan and dont expect to eat at camp aside from snacks. I get having it for cold drinks but do i really want to be going back and forth to the ice machine, I may as well just take my refillable mugs to the snack place. Maybe i will still bring it if i have room not sure yet.
 
String lights are awesome. It is so dark. Also, plan showers at night. The bathrooms/showers are very busy in the morning. You might want to consider a cooler for left overs and cold drinks. If you take bikes, consider lights for them. Have a great time!
 
Last year the mosquitoes were terrrible, we got eaten alive. Of course it was just after the hurricane came thru and that may have had something to do with it. The other trips we took, did not encounter any.

The refillable mugs, will be more trouble than they are worth if you are in the 2000 loop, unless you are spending a day at the pool. In the 1500 loop at least the Meadows is close, and both are a bus ride away from Trails End.
 
The walk from 2000 to the Meadows isn't too bad. Cutting through the group camping and across the bridge into I believe the 900 loop then crossing the road to the Meadows, maybe a 5-10 minute walk.
 
Inclined to agree with PA Hunter on 1500 loop being more convenient to Meadows Complex and Trading Post and there by the coffee. Price of "FREE" Refill mug is a bit steep but we tend to stay longer and do more FORT time so it works out for my coffee addiction. That it has a lid is for me I a plus as I use it year round when I stop for coffee on my way to meetings or on an extended drive. Most places here charge less if you bring your own cup.
 
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Great info above on best loops and if my family ever let's me plan and execute a family camping trip again I'll keep it right in my mind!
Had a ten year run so guess I should be grateful:).

My advice for "skeeter" avoidance past the Permethrined surfaces is to use the highest level of DEET as an active ingredient you can find. 25-30% is a goodly amt.
My preference in application is a combo of an air pump and towelettes. Less spraying the air and more product on you while the towelettes are particularly useful for kiddos since they always miss a spot or 2 w/ any kind of spray. Off! Deep Woods wipes are 25% DEET and Repel Sportsman are 30%; either one will keep biting insects away for a reasonable amt of time.

I realised I forgot the "how to illuminate your site" aspect in my previous post so here we go.
Christmas lights always make me giggle on the campsite and provide great site ID, fun factor and ambient light.
Still there are times you might find a need for direct lighting and over time these became my solution to the seeing problem of playing backgammon, a board game or cards at night. Remember, that for me, the smallest storing capacity is a requirement since I have to pay for storage.
This doesn't change the "true" light these products give off:

http://www.coolhunting.com/tech/snow-peak-tulip-lantern

^^^^^
This one has been discontinued but is really nice because it gives off both direct and indirect light. it also has a USB port and thus can be used at home too.
I never bought the hanging stem since I already had a gardening crook on hand that I purchased for at least 15% of the specialised equipment. You can still find it on resale sites.

Still in production and can illuminate a 12" by 10" interior space, light your way to the food court or bathroom w/ a minimum of light pollution to your neighbors (nothing like being awoken by sudden lights during a deep sleep) or even allow you to cook after the sun goes down which I know you don't want to do nor did I. Preferred to watch the sun go down with an after dinner cocktail in hand:

https://snowpeak.com/collections/lights/products/mini-hozuki?variant=39784325135

Again, if this Disney camping visit is a one and done, just borrow/buy secondhand as much camping equipment as you can. You can purchase a used Coleman lantern for a lot less.
 
:)Thanks to everyone for the photos and tips here.
We'll be arriving next week for our first fort vacation and I'm piling up all the gear, hoping it will all fit tomorrow when I load up the van. I've never tent camped with a refrigerator and fan before :).
Something that has been probably mentioned in multiple threads but I'm just not seeing it is whether soap and/or shampoo are provided in dispensers at the comfort stations. As my piles are growing, any little thing that I don't have to bring will be appreciated.
 
Sorry Bloomcruisers personal hygiene items at CS are on you so you need to add to your pile, Or you can get once you arrive. I can't remember if the trading Posts in FtW carry BASIN products or not . I do know that I have seen their shampoo and rinse in Wilderness Lodge Shop Plus they carry some of the great soaps from Goat Mtn Soaps in scents like Bear Breath, Dog Team Drool, Moose Snot, Piggy Poop and my favorite Ferret Fart ( I may be an old one but I can smell like a fresh one ) The kids will love them
 
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Sorry Bloomcruisers personal hygiene items at CS are on you so you need to add to your pile, Or you can get once you arrive. I can't remember if the trading Posts in FtW carry BASIN products or not . I do know that I have seen their shampoo and rinse in Wilderness Lodge Shop Plus they carry some of the great soaps from Goat Mtn Soaps in scents like Bear Breath, Dog Team Drool, Moose Snot, Piggy Poop and my favorite Ferret Fart ( I may be an old one but I can smell like a fresh one ) The kids will love them
Thanks for the heads up. So a couple of bottles of Pantene products onto the pile. I'll be sure to check out the goat mnt soaps when we get there because my GS would love it. He's a big fan of the Bertie Botts jelly bellies so this sounds right up his alley.
 

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