Trip Report Spoiler Alert. No Pandora, but Flowers and Gardens and Waves Galore.

Time for my first trip report!!! Exciting! First off going to tag some people in no particular order. @21stamps , @figmentfan423 , @Gabe1 , @betty rose , @littleroo, @Tony the Tigger , @donaldtoo, @Mr Ferret 88 , @Tuvalu , @TheMouseFan , @blgauger , @bee , @Cesar R M , @Songbird76 , @StarWarsGirl , @MinnieM123 , @MOXOMUMD , @ajrwdwgirl , @93boomer , @Courtney6682 , @amjt660 , @Doc Disney , @Goofyernmost @everybody

If you haven't read the ptr here is a link to it.
http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/our-hopefully-pandora-thrown-in-f-g-trip-2017.925406/

The planning for this trip May 19-27 started in November last year after I received a precious pin code in my email. I couldn't say no to that.

Eventually I ended up getting a better rate when the AP discounts came out(dh had an AP at the time), so I rebooked for the same resort, The Cabins at Fort Wilderness.

Who was going: me, dh, and the 4 kiddos(dd15, ds13, dd9, dd6). Who we were leaving at home(3 dogs, 3 cats, 1 cockatiel, and a dear SIL who was housesitting for a price. )

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

We picked up our cart. (Cart pick-up is right next to the check-in building. The stroller pick-up and luggage service is on the side of the check-in building facing the cart pick-up. ) We did rent a single stroller for dd6. We also brought from home a skateboard attachment for the stroller since we have a stroller from the same company at home. Figured if dd9 couldn't keep up with fast walking dh she could hang on for dear life using the skateboard.

 

[21stamps]

We picked up our cart. (Cart pick-up is right next to the check-in building. The stroller pick-up and luggage service is on the side of the check-in building facing the cart pick-up. ) We did rent a single stroller for dd6. We also brought from home a skateboard attachment for the stroller since we have a stroller from the same company at home. Figured if dd9 couldn't keep up with fast walking dh she could hang on for dear life using the skateboard.

I have never seen that, it sounds awesome!

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

Since our room was not ready( It was around noon I think by the time our check-in was done), we decided to take the golf cart to The Meadows. This is where the Mercantile and the Meadows Pool is located. The plan was to eat lunch at Meadows Snack Bar which is in the pool area. There is golf cart parking there.

On the way we saw these roaming turkeys.

Here are some pics from our walk to the pool from the parking area at The Mercantile. It is just a minute, if that, walk.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

Here is the menu for Meadows. The prices are reasonable for Disney. Sorry about the glare.

I got the Not Yur Yungin's Grilled Cheese. Dh and dd15 split the pulled pork sandwich. Dd9 got the kids cheese pizza, dd6 got nachos, and ds got the hot dog.

The grilled cheese was yummy and so were the homemade chips. Dh and dd15 liked the pulled pork. Dd6 ate the whole pizza. Wish I would have taken a picture of it. It had no resemblance to Pizza Planets dough disks. It had loads of sauce and cheese and was on a thinner crust.
Here was the view from behind where we ate. The eating area is part covered where there are picnic tables and part uncovered if you want to be closer to the pool. It had started to rain while we ate so I am glad we chose to eat under the pavilion area.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

Great names! 3 dogs, 4 kids.. I bet there's never a dull moment at home! Adorable!

Don't forget about the 3 cats and bird. (slaps hand to forehead. What the heck were we thinking.)

 

[Courtney6682]

Thanks for the tag! What a great start so far!!

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

Thanks for the tag! What a great start so far!!

Thank you! Still catching up on your ptr for August. Never enough time in the day for the important things in life like reading tr's.

 

[21stamps]

Don't forget about the 3 cats and bird. (slaps hand to forehead. What the heck were we thinking.)

Ha ha. At least you didn't paint yourself in the dog person or cat person corner Hopefully they all get along!

Here is the menu for Meadows. The prices are reasonable for Disney. Sorry about the glare.
View attachment 208759
I got the Not Yur Yungin's Grilled Cheese. Dh and dd15 split the pulled pork sandwich. Dd9 got the kids cheese pizza, dd6 got nachos, and ds got the hot dog.
View attachment 208760 View attachment 208761 The grilled cheese was yummy and so were the homemade chips. Dh and dd15 liked the pulled pork. Dd6 ate the whole pizza. Wish I would have taken a picture of it. It had no resemblance to Pizza Planets dough disks. It had loads of sauce and cheese and was on a thinner crust.
Here was the view from behind where we ate. The eating area is part covered where there are picnic tables and part uncovered if you want to be closer to the pool. It had started to rain while we ate so I am glad we chose to eat under the pavilion area.
View attachment 208764

I was reading the menu and immediately thought the grilled cheese and chuck wagon wrap sounded good.
That view looks so peaceful!

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

Ha ha. At least you didn't paint yourself in the dog person or cat person corner Hopefully they all get along!



I was reading the menu and immediately thought the grilled cheese and chuck wagon wrap sounded good.
That view looks so peaceful!

Luckily the dogs and cats all get along. That was an initial fear. We only got our first cat, Tigger, because he showed up as a stray by dh's office just about 2 years ago. He has about 6-8 weeks old. Dh grew up with cats and couldn't say no to him. So what was I to do but go to Petsmart and by cat stuff? The dogs licked him until he looked like he had been plunged in a bath, the poor thing. They adored him. Had to get Mr. Tigger a friend because dh said it would be good to have a comapnion. The pet store by us happened to have just received an abandoned litter of kittens. And that is how kitty 2 came. Oliver, #3, was in Petsmart for 3 months. Saw him in September when he was just 3 months old. Figured he would get adopted. Went back on Halloween with the family and he was still there. Kids fell in love and dh was in love and what was I to say but "let's flip a coin". Well the coin flip turned heads and so Oliver came home.

 

[PacNWTigger]

I'm following along too. I'm loving the Lodge pics!

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

After lunch we walked into The Mercantile to take a look around.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

There are refrigerated items, and shelf stable food items, as well as some camping necessities on the other side of the store. I think I have pics of that from another day.
We got the kids Mickey Ice Cram Sandwiches and while sitting on the porch of The Mercantile, we got the text that our cabin, 2310 was ready!

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

Within minutes kids had called there beds. Dh slept on the pull-out in the living area. It is a queen size bed. The mattress is like a wanna be tempurpedic. I think the bed in the bedroom is a full. The mattress was super comfy.

The kitchen has a full size fridge, cooktop, convection/microwave oven and a full sized dishwasher. The cabinets and drawers are stocked with dishes, glasses, cooking utensils, pots, cutting board, utensils, etc. Basically just about anything you need to cook and eat except for the food. There is exactly enough for 6.

 

[21stamps]

After lunch we walked into The Mercantile to take a look around.
View attachment 208765 View attachment 208766 View attachment 208767 View attachment 208768

I bought T one of those stupid eggs..lol

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

I'm following along too. I'm loving the Lodge pics!

Thank you! I was amazed at how great the 7 plus photos turned out.

I bought T one of those stupid eggs..lol

Yes, I remember. We didn't buy any.

 

[21stamps]

View attachment 208770 View attachment 208771 View attachment 208772 View attachment 208773 View attachment 208774 View attachment 208775 View attachment 208776 View attachment 208777
Within minutes kids had called there beds. Dh slept on the pull-out in the living area. It is a queen size bed. The mattress is like a wanna be tempurpedic. I think the bed in the bedroom is a full. The mattress was super comfy.

The kitchen has a full size fridge, cooktop, convection/microwave oven and a full sized dishwasher. The cabinets and drawers are stocked with dishes, glasses, cooking utensils, pots, cutting board, utensils, etc. Basically just about anything you need to cook and eat except for the food. There is exactly enough for 6.

I am in love with these photos. This looks so pretty! We did see cabins on our bike ride, I didn't realize the deck was so big! I also didn't know about the lake! Was that near your cabin? Can u rent kayaks or anything?

 

[21stamps]

Thank you! I was amazed at how great the 7 plus photos turned out.

Yes, I remember. We didn't buy any.

You're smart. We've since redecorated his room, and I couldn't even tell you where the egg is now.lol.
Your iPhone 7 plus really did take great quality photos!
P.s loving your mac daddy ride! I tried to drive one once when we were going camping (my company has a 'vacation' suburban that we can use) decided I shouldn't, and switched for something smaller. My problem is seeing in front of me. I can never judge it correctly. They are sooooo nice though!

 

[Zipadeelady]

I bought T one of those stupid eggs..lol

What the heck do you do with the egg?

 

[betty rose]

Here are just a few pics of the check in for cabin guests. Those with RV's and campers check in at a separate area adjacent to this one.
View attachment 208699 View attachment 208700 View attachment 208701 View attachment 208702 View attachment 208703 View attachment 208704 I love their wildflowers.

Loving your pictures.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

You're smart. We've since redecorated his room, and I couldn't even tell you where the egg is now.lol.
Your iPhone 7 plus really did take great quality photos!
P.s loving your mac daddy ride! I tried to drive one once when we were going camping (my company has a 'vacation' suburban that we can use) decided I shouldn't, and switched for something smaller. My problem is seeing in front of me. I can never judge it correctly. They are sooooo nice though!

I love that car!!! It is a must for a large family. We can pack a boatload in the trunk. Never need to put anything on the top of it. It all fits in the trunk. I am only 5'2" and thought at first I would be too small for it. Nope, I took to it right away.