Minimalist Tent Camping must haves?

I've only been camping once and that was in someone backyard with cub scouts , so I basically know nothing......but for all these things being added to the the list for purchase or being stored here or there, couldn't you be just as happy at a value resort?
 


jo-jo said:
I've only been camping once and that was in someone backyard with cub scouts , so I basically know nothing......but for all these things being added to the the list for purchase or being stored here or there, couldn't you be just as happy at a value resort?
Click to expand...
It's hard to explain the draw of camping. Yes, we could be ok in a value, but we aren't going into the parks for the days that we are at the Fort, and the Fort offers much more to do. It's hard to have people visit at a value in a hotel room. At a camp site, we can chill out around the picnic table, etc. The kids can ride their bikes, and for my sensory seeking kids, they get much more stimulation being outdoors and running around. It's peaceful and calming at night, I don't have to worry as much about noise (we do stay quiet in quiet hours, but I'm not worried about if my kid jumps off the bed and the people below us thinking someone is crashing through the ceiling, for instance)

Plus, we are gluten free, and I can make our food, which saves a lot of worry. I know I will have food the kids like. We've also camped a lot, so the kids know the drill by now and the tent is familiar to them (which helps a LOT with kids).

Lastly, if my extended family feels like staying the night with us on the camp site, it's not a huge deal because I put them on the reservation, whereas in a value, that wouldn't be an option. Camping works well for us :)
 
KalamityJane said:
It's hard to explain the draw of camping. Yes, we could be ok in a value, but we aren't going into the parks for the days that we are at the Fort, and the Fort offers much more to do. It's hard to have people visit at a value in a hotel room. At a camp site, we can chill out around the picnic table, etc. The kids can ride their bikes, and for my sensory seeking kids, they get much more stimulation being outdoors and running around. It's peaceful and calming at night, I don't have to worry as much about noise (we do stay quiet in quiet hours, but I'm not worried about if my kid jumps off the bed and the people below us thinking someone is crashing through the ceiling, for instance)

Plus, we are gluten free, and I can make our food, which saves a lot of worry. I know I will have food the kids like. We've also camped a lot, so the kids know the drill by now and the tent is familiar to them (which helps a LOT with kids).

Lastly, if my extended family feels like staying the night with us on the camp site, it's not a huge deal because I put them on the reservation, whereas in a value, that wouldn't be an option. Camping works well for us :)
Click to expand...

Well, all that makes lots of sense. Hope you have a great trip.
 
jo-jo said:
I've only been camping once and that was in someone backyard with cub scouts , so I basically know nothing......but for all these things being added to the the list for purchase or being stored here or there, couldn't you be just as happy at a value resort?
Click to expand...

Jo Jo we understand. Camping isn't your thing and you don't understand it's appeal less while at WDW Millions of people don't around here it just so happens we do. For us camping is about spending time with family and friends sharing meals , creating memories and having adventures away from the hustle of everyday life.
Ft Wilderness offers all the amenities of our favorite Campgrounds plus the added bonus of being at Disney. We can tour the parks as much as we want. Enjoy good meals where we want or just hang out and enjoy the quiet and antics of the NSS


KalamityJane said:
It's hard to explain the draw of camping. Yes, we could be ok in a value, but we aren't going into the parks for the days that we are at the Fort, and the Fort offers much more to do. It's hard to have people visit at a value in a hotel room. At a camp site, we can chill out around the picnic table, etc. The kids can ride their bikes, and for my sensory seeking kids, they get much more stimulation being outdoors and running around. It's peaceful and calming at night, I don't have to worry as much about noise (we do stay quiet in quiet hours, but I'm not worried about if my kid jumps off the bed and the people below us thinking someone is crashing through the ceiling, for instance)

Plus, we are gluten free, and I can make our food, which saves a lot of worry. I know I will have food the kids like. We've also camped a lot, so the kids know the drill by now and the tent is familiar to them (which helps a LOT with kids).

Lastly, if my extended family feels like staying the night with us on the camp site, it's not a huge deal because I put them on the reservation, whereas in a value, that wouldn't be an option. Camping works well for us :)
Click to expand...
Couldn't have said it more gooderer
 


We just got back from camping at FW. After 3 nights of camping we transferred over to AKL-Jambo house, so it sounds like we are on similar vacations. My advice to you is to rent an RV. It will be much simpler in the long run and allow you time to focus on enjoying your time at Fort Wilderness, instead of having to run around picking up and dropping off camp supply boxes. Your list of minimal camping needs seems pretty over the top (see coffee press) especially since you are flying.

Rented RV's usually include an option to use their golf cart, which is pretty neat. The RV owners set it up on your site, include all of the pots, pans, dishes, glasses, refrigerator, stove, LP Gas, cleaning supplies, coffee maker, paper towels, camp rugs, bedding, outdoor lighting, chairs, etc... you could possibly need. Especially nice is having a bathroom/shower in the RV for middle of the night, instead of having to grab a flashlight, shoes, and your Magic Band to go down to the Comfort Station. You will then be set to enjoy your vacation time relaxing.

We set up & took down a 3-room cabin tent by ourselves, plus rented an RV and it was still quite a lot of work. I cooked breakfast and dinner every day. It is part of the adventure of camping, but boy was I glad to see that dishwasher by the time we got to Jambo House! I wish you well on your adventure! It is truly a lovely place.. I can't wait to return!

PS It was also nice having a refrigerator and a freezer, so we were able to get by with just one bag of ice for our cooler.
 
FtW Mike said:
OFFICIAL DISLAIMER Opinions Expressed Below are strictly those of the poster and are not those of Management
For minimalist camping I go with the following. A backpack large and sturdy enough to hold the following
1 Sleeping bag rated for season
...
12 Reservations for a cabin as wife not coming with me otherwise
Click to expand...
This is my exact issue!
 
jo-jo said:
I've only been camping once and that was in someone backyard with cub scouts , so I basically know nothing......but for all these things being added to the the list for purchase or being stored here or there, couldn't you be just as happy at a value resort?
Click to expand...

LOL - I almost have to agree!! We've been RVers all our married lives, but I can't imagine piecing together this large a 'minimalist' supply list just for a few nights camping. Too much work and planning for us. Even 'we' would rather go the hotel route! :P
 
Ok, I've got it down to this is what we are bringing -

Tent (this includes footprint/stakes, etc)
Sleeping pads
Cooler (maybe)
Clothes/toiletries/etc

To Buy:
Starbucks Via (unless the coffee at the Fort is good)
1 pan, 1 pot, 1 bowl to prep in
Dollar Tree for small broom/dust pan/spatula/flippers
Paper plates/cups/silverware
Matches
Box fan (could possibly borrow this)
Folding chairs
Clothesline/pins (could bring this)
Tarp possibly

Borrow:
Blankets/sheets
Towels
Coleman (or will just use charcoal)
 
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Not sure what you plan to cook at site - but won't you need pantry items? ie - cooking oil, spices, etc. etc.
 
North of Mouse said:
Not sure what you plan to cook at site - but won't you need pantry items? ie - cooking oil, spices, etc. etc.
Click to expand...
We go simple, I was going to also grab groceries. I'll make toast, fruit and scrambled eggs in the morning, cold cuts/cheese/pretzels for lunches, hot dogs or hamburgers at night, sometimes we do rice bowls (hence the pot). I try to camp with meals that don't require a lot of prep and have overlapping ingredients. We also will probably eat a meal here and there on property.
 
FtW Mike said:
Wait just a minute here!!!! I am not seeing a French Press Coffee maker Listed ANYWHERE on that list. The most important item and you FORGOT IT
Click to expand...
Haha! I do have coffee on there :D Figured it wasn't as vital as I initially thought (though my hubby thinks otherwise )
 
jo-jo said:
I've only been camping once and that was in someone backyard with cub scouts , so I basically know nothing......but for all these things being added to the the list for purchase or being stored here or there, couldn't you be just as happy at a value resort?
Click to expand...

We do two kinds of Disney trips: Grand Californian theme park view when we go to DL and tent camping at the Fort. Sitting in my camp chair, listening to the boat horns on Bay Lake as I drink my coffee (from my French Press! :rotfl2:) under the trees as the sun comes up is way more of a draw than any of the parks.
 
I'm guessing a FW cabin is outside your budget? Because it'd be a lot easier and you wouldn't have to pack all that stuff. Not to mention the full kitchen. And you'd still be at the fort.
 
Sarah_Rose said:
We do two kinds of Disney trips: Grand Californian theme park view when we go to DL and tent camping at the Fort. Sitting in my camp chair, listening to the boat horns on Bay Lake as I drink my coffee (from my French Press! :rotfl2:) under the trees as the sun comes up is way more of a draw than any of the parks.
Click to expand...
YES. We love the Grand! Stayed there many times.
 
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