Community Forums

Doug427 · 07-21-2021, 07:47 AM

In looking at some campground recommendation sites, it looks like there are a few places to stay around Disney in the Orlando area. Most get mixed reviews. Also, not being very familiar with the area, I don't know how the driving times from these places to Disney World are. We're a 43' Class A DP towing a Jeep.

We're not interested in Camp Wilderness - that cost of that place is (to us) rediculous. We're just looking for a clean, close by Disney World RV park that isn't full of run down, moldy, trash strewn rigs that haven't moved in 10 years. I accept that given the area we'll pay more than we're used to paying, but Camp Wilderness is just nuts. Some of the reviews we read online stated that people were paying over $200 a night. Nope, not going to happen here.

Planeteer · 07-21-2021, 08:04 AM

We have stayed at Tropical Palms RV resort. Great place! It was only a few minutes drive.
It's a very clean place, quiet, and lots to do in the area.

El Chapo · 07-21-2021, 08:05 AM

I believe you can get sites at Camp Wilderness under $80 a night. You also won't pay $20 to park your car at the parks each day, and have free, and stress-free, transportation into the parks. In the end, it was cheaper to stay at Camp Wilderness for me

Cousin Ed · 07-21-2021, 08:05 AM

Lake Magic, Tropical Palms, Kissimmee KOA are all decent, but you won't care for their prices either. Ft. Wilderness is expensive but there is nothing comparable to it. We have been cutting back the time we spent there but we love The Fort!

**hamm2018** · 07-21-2021, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug427

In looking at some campground recommendation sites, it looks like there are a few places to stay around Disney in the Orlando area. Most get mixed reviews. Also, not being very familiar with the area, I don't know how the driving times from these places to Disney World are. We're a 43' Class A DP towing a Jeep.

We're not interested in Camp Wilderness - that cost of that place is (to us) rediculous. We're just looking for a clean, close by Disney World RV park that isn't full of run down, moldy, trash strewn rigs that haven't moved in 10 years. I accept that given the area we'll pay more than we're used to paying, but Camp Wilderness is just nuts. Some of the reviews we read online stated that people were paying over $200 a night. Nope, not going to happen here.

We are Thousand Trails members and have a park in Orlando area. We are staying there the week prior to Thanksgiving and then again for 2 weeks on our back from Sunshine Keys while heading to Lake Conroe, evidently. We have a 45 foot tri-axle toy hauler pulled by a Ram dually.
Look into that park.

Doug427 · 07-21-2021, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by El Chapo

I believe you can get sites at Camp Wilderness under $80 a night. You also won't pay $20 to park your car at the parks each day, and have free, and stress-free, transportation into the parks. In the end, it was cheaper to stay at Camp Wilderness for me

Looks like the lowest price spot they have that'll accomodate our sized rig and toad is $166/night plus taxes, fees and all the other usual Disney add ons. At the risk of sounding like the typical 60+ year old grouch (which I most definitely am!

), I don't even like Disney. The wife wants to go and I have no choice but to go along. The place drives me nuts. Bah Humbug and all that......

jrollf · 07-21-2021, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug427

Looks like the lowest price spot they have that'll accomodate our sized rig and toad is $166/night plus taxes, fees and all the other usual Disney add ons. At the risk of sounding like the typical 60+ year old grouch (which I most definitely am!

), I don't even like Disney. The wife wants to go and I have no choice but to go along. The place drives me nuts. Bah Humbug and all that......

One advantage to staying at Ft. Wildrness... you don't have to drive to/from Disney itself. They provide shuttles.

That said, it is a bit expensive. More worth it with kids as there is alot to do in the campground too.

Steve43 · 07-21-2021, 03:51 PM

Parking is now $25 so need to add that in plus park hopping if that is something you do. Much easier when you are on site, not parked in some lot. That, and extended hours for on site visitors but since you are a 60+ year old grouch, extended hours don't matter! But I am a 78 year old 'grouch' and I like extended hours!! <g>

YC1 · 07-21-2021, 04:15 PM

When do you plan to go?

They have not fully ramped back up yet so we find a lot of things are closed. Food and Wine at Epcot started and probably 25% or more of the kiosks are not open. Don't know when they will be back into operation fully.

The buses are now allowing full capacity (versus serious distancing) which took their capacity down to about 25%.

They still require masks while riding the bus and monorail but they are filling them again.

Staying at the Wilderness does cause sticker shock but as mentioned you need to factor the daily parking fees and traveling from park to park.

You can grab a bus or ride a boat to other resorts or the Magic Kingdom. You can grab a family take out meal at the fort.

Unfortunately the Hoop De Do revue is not running at this time. That is a great show.

In the evening you can go to the beach area and watch fireworks (if running) and the nightly boat parade/show. They pull barges along with music and magic happening.

There are two pools, a bar, and a restaurant.

If you have dogs there is a very nice dog park.

IF you can even get reservations, bite the bullet and stay inside the park for a very relaxing time. Take the wife on a romantic boat ride in the evening. Just riding from the Fort to Wilderness Lodge, or the Contemporary is fun. Get out and take a look around at the Lodge. You might find a volcano or a nice lounge with something cold to drink.

Yeah, Disney is not cheap. But the Guest Service is amazing.

TJFogelberg · 07-21-2021, 06:58 PM

I 2nd the recommendation of Thousand Trail's Orlando (Clermont) park.It is a 30 minute drive to Disney. (Fairly easy to navigate). At the endbof a long day at Disney, this park is your retreat. Very quiet, spacious sites, nice pools, near shopping (Publix next door)..WM 1.5 m etc. Very clean, nature park.

PaulTNaples · 07-26-2021, 04:35 PM

W shave stayed at the Kissimmee KOA. Ok place. Clean, good pull thru’s that will accommodate your rig. I will second the Fr Wilderness recommendation. Much easier if your going to the parks. Ask for one of the loops close to the docks. You can walk to the dock and catch a bot shuttle to the Magic Kingdom. Or you can catch a small bot to the Contemporary and pick up the mono-rail there. (Pro tip: Easier to get through security at the Contemporary)