Classact....Mike

Thanks Mo for the tips on sites in 500- we got one of your suggested sites and we love it. Haven't seen any Fiends signs yet we will get out and explore some tomorrow.

Thx! Headed that way in 30 minites. 29...28

What other Fiends are at the Fort foe the next week? We are checking in today. Looks like we'll be "premium" guests this time (we always felt like we were premium anyway!) Since our favored loop 300 is booked up. Will probably shoot for loop 500. If anyone has site recommendations in Premium Pet let me know! Maybe we'll see some other Fiends at the Fort. Woo Hoo!

Curious - does anyone actually pay the $5/dog/day as indicated in the pricing schedule for the pet loops? We've never paid it, including registering with our dogs climbing over us while doing so. -Mike

I'll second the vote for Topsail Hill Preserve State Park at Santa Rosa Beach, FL (E of Destin). Each site has sufficient vegetation to offer lots of privacy, nice, large, level, paved sites. You can ride your bike or walk to the beach, or hop on the shuttle the runs continuously. One of the few state parks in FL with full hookups. LOVE IT!

Hey fiends, I realize this is an old post but I'm always baffled at the Fort's logic for "approved" fire pits. Makes no sense that the propane fueled "campfires" would not be permitted - they aren't burning wood, so there are no sparks to create an ignition. Also, the fire pits with a solid metal top are marginally better at keeping any sparks than the lower traditional type fire pits in the "unapproved" list. I can fully appreciate the need for fire safety in a place like FW, but it seems like any fire pit that keeps the fire up off the ground and is fully enclosed by a screen would be

It would indeed be nice to reserve specific spots, however I understand the reasoning why they don't. Many (most? all?) of our favorite campgrounds do not reserve specific sites. It sounds good in theory, but when someone cancels a reservation, or stays longer than they planned, or...whatever...it causes a domino effect on site availability and before you know it, you have a headache. We have called up front and changed sites numerous times with no hassle. We have also unhooked the toad and drove back to scope the assigned site before taking the motorhome back. They've been accomodating

As your Doctor if eating more boiled peanuts is right for you!

Thanks for all the nice comments folks. And yes - would love to come over to Defeated Creek in the fall. That's during one of our busiest times of the year with our company but I'll look at the dates this week and see if we can make it.

OK, so I should post a follow up to our trip. First - Mo - we didn't see your post until we got back, but we actually stayed in the spot you all were at when we met your lovely handyman husband last fall - site 334. It was great - for one day. As it turns out, I got the call that my father passed away on day one at FW, so we had to pack up and head back to TN, then on to snowy Indiana for the funeral. So we barely got camp set up before we had to take off. What a bummer!. From 75 at the Fort to 18 degrees and 35mph winds, frozen pipes, and snow blowing horizontally in Indiana. Ugh. Sit

OK Fiends - I wasn't expecting to get more replies on whether you *liked* boiled peanuts than where to buy them! Y'all are funny. I must admit, the first time I tried them I thought there was no way I would like such a mushy, gross thing. But alas, when prepared properly, I am now a fan. For the record, we didn't find any close to the Fort, but if we do...we'll let you know.

Anyone know of a place around Orlando to get boiled peanuts? Thx! Mike

Hey gang, Our little Boston Buck has an ear infection and we need to find a vet somewhere. Any recommendations for someplace Orlando with bonus for close to the Fort? Lots of vets showing up on my Google maps but always nice to have a referral. Thx much Mike

Allrighty then...WHEW, ya'll had me worried, so we called and made reservations! I was moderately freaking out when Kelly above said Preferred was already full. As it turns out, no problem at all - we had the choice of any type campsite, and in our case preferred w/ pets, so that means loop 300 here we come. Looking forward to it. It's 32 degrees in Nashville now. And the forecast for Orlando area next week is decidedly warmer! Can't wait! -Mike

Thx for the reports, folks. We must be lucky...we've never made reservatoins and have been there many times. But in all fairness, we generally go during off-peak periods. Thx much, Mike

Hey gang, We are planning on heading to the Fort the week of March 10; Seeing how that's getting into Spring Break season, is it a necessity to make advance reservations? Do they ever fill up completely in March? Obviously want to make sure we get a spot but we generally just call them while we are driving. Thanks, Mike

So I did some research and looks like the "Electrical Parade" as it was originally called hasn't change much, if any, since the grand opening in 1971. What's amazing is that when my wife and I first visited FW as a couple a few years ago, the moment I heard that corny parade music it transported me to my childhood. To say it was a magical feeling is an understatement. I guess I'm know an older time in my 40's, but I do like how some things at FW and the parks remain the same!

I wish I had more photos. I've been hoping I would come across a photo of a campsite at FW so we could go stay at the same campsite as we did in 1974! I'll keep looking. Something else - does anyone know when the water pageant first started? Somehow I think it hasn't change any in many many years!

My first visit to FW - with parents in 1974