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. )

 

[Zipadeelady]

Looking forward to reading more! It brings back memories of our trip in 2010. Although we weren't smart enough to rent a cart, something I regretted. It would have made everything so much easier.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

Loving your pictures.

Thank you Bets! Loved your pics from Planet Hollywood last night. The gelato thing may be a must do for us next trip.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

Looking forward to reading more! It brings back memories of our trip in 2010. Although we weren't smart enough to rent a cart, something I regretted. It would have made everything so much easier.

The cart does increase the cost of the stay, but we wouldn't stay there without it.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

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?

Yes, you can rent kayaks near the Meadows Pool. I have pics of it. Will post as the tr continues. Lunch time and tummies are calling for me.

 

[21stamps]

What the heck do you do with the egg?

Nothing. Kiddo wanted something to "remember Wilderness Lodge".. an egg and some other petrified wood thing. I surprised him and had then shipped home. They sat on a bookshelf for months, then we got new furniture, now they're probably in a box somewhere. He was excited when he received them.. after that, they collected dust. Luckily they are super cheap.lol

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.

Perfect! They're amazing vehicles!

 

[betty rose]

Thank you Bets! Loved your pics from Planet Hollywood last night. The gelato thing may be a must do for us next trip.

You are most welcome. It was great fun for the boys.

 

[DonnaOnTheRocks]

Following! I just got back from my trip May 15, so your report is distracting me from my Disney depression Great start!

 

[MotherofaPrincessLover]

Following along. We're staying at the cabins for a night on our next trip so I'm curious about all your FW adventures.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

Following! I just got back from my trip May 15, so your report is distracting me from my Disney depression Great start!

Thanks for following! I haven't had a chance to deal with Disney Depression yet as there is just too much going on at home.

Following along. We're staying at the cabins for a night on our next trip so I'm curious about all your FW adventures.

Hope I can give you some good insights!

 

[amjt660]

Loving the pictures and details about FW.
I think C (younger DD) and I would dig this type of vacation
S and T ? Not so much
T does almost all the cooking at home so the thought of doing any cooking during a vacation is pretty much off the table
get it . off the table. I crack myself up

Max

 

[mlegerto]

I'm late, but joining in!

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

Loving the pictures and details about FW.
I think C (younger DD) and I would dig this type of vacation
S and T ? Not so much
T does almost all the cooking at home so the thought of doing any cooking during a vacation is pretty much off the table
get it . off the table. I crack myself up

Max

Ha ha Max!! Love the pun! I actually do not cook on vacation either, unless you consider using the toaster for bagels and pop tarts cooking.

I'm late, but joining in!

You're not late. Only started this late last night. Happy to have you on board.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

We had decided that arrival day would not be a park day. I was really going for a more relaxing then usual vacation. So the kids all changed and we golf carted ourselves back to The Meadows pool.

The kiddie water play area is separated from the big pool with a fence and a childproof gate. The pool is just your standard pool, but it is large and my kids love the slide. The slide pays homage to the no longer around Fort Wilderness train. There are life vests available in the pool area. There are games and craft activities everyday in the pool area and those are noted on the activity list you get at check-in. We didn't take advantage of them though.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

I am thinking we stopped in The Mercantile before heading back to our cabin because the next pic @21stamps has dd6 holding this.

Yep, that didn't take long. Surprisingly I think only one other stuffed animal was purchased on this trip, unless you count 3 Tsum Tsums.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

We had an ADR at Raglan Road this evening but instead of driving to DS or taking the bus, I came up with a more relaxing route. We drove to POR and parked in the lot there. Then we walked to take a boat ride on the Sassagoula.

 

[Matt and Kelly]

Following along!! I love the pictures of the cabins and the pool area. It looks gorgeous!

 

[MinnieM123]

Fort Wilderness is a treasure. (It has such a relaxing and pleasant vibe.) What a great place to take the family for vacation.

Although I've never stayed there, I've been there a few times down through the years for lunch, and have also visited the Mercantile--a really fun gift shop with some different items not found at other shops around WDW.

Keep the photos coming--really enjoying this!!

 

[*Flynnderella*]

Ah your pictures of POR are making me homesick!!

 

[Tuvalu]

I thought the water tower on the Meadows pool slide came from River Country?

 

[21stamps]

I am thinking we stopped in The Mercantile before heading back to our cabin because the next pic @21stamps has dd6 holding this.
View attachment 208887
Yep, that didn't take long. Surprisingly I think only one other stuffed animal was purchased on this trip, unless you count 3 Tsum Tsums.

Ha ha that looks familiar. I'm sure your daughter was happy that you actually listened to her request...instead of someone else buying one later

We had decided that arrival day would not be a park day. I was really going for a more relaxing then usual vacation. So the kids all changed and we golf carted ourselves back to The Meadows pool.
View attachment 208883 View attachment 208884 View attachment 208885 View attachment 208886 The kiddie water play area is separated from the big pool with a fence and a childproof gate. The pool is just your standard pool, but it is large and my kids love the slide. The slide pays homage to the no longer around Fort Wilderness train. There are life vests available in the pool area. There are games and craft activities everyday in the pool area and those are noted on the activity list you get at check-in. We didn't take advantage of them though.

Looks like they were having fun!


All of your photos are so pretty! Lovin' your report so far!