Date:         Sat, 19 Feb 2005 05:45:01 -0500
Reply-To:     Christopher Gronski <gronski@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Christopher Gronski <gronski@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Where to stay in Orlando area?
Comments: To: Jim Felder <felder@knology.net>
In-Reply-To:  <e3280ef539479b0df58f0758b315912f@knology.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

If you are thinking about camping, and assuming you can get a
reservation, I would highly recommend Disney's own campground, Fort
Wilderness. It is located inside the Magic Kinddom grounds and
although expensive by campground standards, it is cheap by hotel
standards. The place is well kept, has a pool, a beach, washrooms,
showers, laundry, power , and water hookups.

Three key advantages to staying at a Disney resort are: the
transportation into the theme parks is all taken care of (parking can
get VERY expensive otherwise), there are activities (daily I think)
for the kids even if you don't go into the park on a particular day,
and tons of available (at extra cost) rental equipment sailboats,
bikes, etc.

The biggest caveats is the cost of food. Make sure you are fully
stocked with groceries before you go inside, ideally eating breakfast
and dinner at the van and bringing a lunch with you when you go. Save
restaurant meals for a treat. There is a grocery store and restaurant
right in Fort Wilderness but the prices are just crazy.

I went in 2003 with my girlfriend at the time for her daughter's 7th
birthday. We did a character dinner (where the Disney Characters visit
you during your meal) on her birthday, and at breakfast the next day
in the Fort Wilderness restaurant they even brough a free cake to the
table. Make sre to let everyone know it is her Birthday there are tons
of secret perks.

If I ever go again Fort Wilderness would certainly top my list of
choices of accomidation.

Chris
86 Syncro Westy

On Fri, 18 Feb 2005 20:23:56 -0600, Jim Felder <felder@knology.net> wrote:
> It's time to take the granddaughter to see the mouse via the westy.
>
> Any recommendations among the bewildering array of offers in the area?
>
> We're going late March.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jim
>