We have been very fortunate to visit The Fort each year and wouldn't even consider staying anywhere else. We have stayed at the Grand Floridian, Yacht Club and Wilderness Lodge and they can't hold a candle to The Fort. To us The Fort is so much more than a resort, it is a community. All the CM's are so friendly. We go to Trail's End several time while we are there and we like to think that the CM's there remember us - they probably don't but they sure do act like it. One year Housekeeping "played" with us leaving us fun towel animals. She left us an "alligator" in the bath tub and the next day created a little family on the bed wearing our hats and sunglasses, remote in hand, watching TV. I always get the feeling like the CM's there really love what they do. They must because we see many of the same ones each year.
Anyway, I could go on forever. Thanks again for all your pictures and posts. We are looking forward to being there looping in just another week.
2Silly,
Thanks for the kind words. You seem to understand the appeal of the Fort. Let's keep that amongst ourselves, shall we? We don't need more competition for campsites or cabins!
I read the Resort/Hotel boards and I know that people there tend to look down on the campground and campers in a general sense.
They think we can't afford the GF....
FW is SO FAR AWAY from everything...
There are few dining options because we all eat tomato and mayonnaise sandwiches and Campbell's chicken soup because we can't afford crappy counter service (at a minimum).
They think the campground is just a place for people to steal a one night reservation to get free Magic Bands, avoid the daily parking fee, and make early ADR's and FP+.
But you and I know the REAL story -
We get to sleep in our own bed at Disney World. How many people can say that? Some of our campers cost more than the hotels' peoples' houses. My trailer is my cabin in the woods, my condo at the beach, and my own little DVC. I take it with me everywhere I go.
Campers are mostly outdoor, friendly folks. They love to talk (and talk and talk..). They are outside and accessible (and friendly). When did you last talk to the family in the room next you at CBR? Find out where they're from?
My "resort" room is as big as the all outdoors. I awake to the mist hanging over the Spanish Moss, the deer by the canals, the turkeys walking through the campsites like they own the place, the squirrels shaking down campers for hush peanuts, not to mention the toots of the boats, the thunder of the fireworks, a relaxing boat ride to the MK, and horses clip clopping through my loop. It's RELAXING.
We bring our kitchens with us. I can eat out, eat in, eat fat, eat thin. Counter and Table Service has declined so much I'm happy to eat a sandwich with my chips and cinnamon applesauce (chilled, thank you). In the last year I've been in London, Paris, Monaco, and the Riviera and the BEST MEAL I had in those 12 months was the Trails End buffet breakfast in January. (although the cider I had at the pub outside London's St. Pancras Station rates up there....)
And the Fort Cast Members? Well there are a few (one) that like to talk about themselves in the 3rd person but they like to work at the Fort for the same reasons we do. It's a hot, sweaty, outdoor job for many CM but I appreciate all of them. The Fort Campfire with Chip & Dale is a hidden gem. I remember the CM Miss Sundee playing guitar leading a song with Chip & Dale leading a conga line around the benches (okay, it was off season).
Have you seen it change over the decades? Yes. Have I? Uh huh. But it still beats those pretty, cold, sterile hotels.
So 2SillyBirds, come back to the Camping Board whenever the mood strikes you. We will be here. Let's just keep this little secret amongst us, shall we?
Bama Ed