Update Info on New FW Premium Sites and Pet Loops

[Timon-n-Pumbaa Fan]

Info below posted on another website and comes from a CM, who has always provided very accurate information. Happy Trails!

NEW PREMIUM CAMPSITES – Power, Water, Sewer, and Cable TV included
The sites will feature expanded parking area offers and better maneuverability for the larger RVs of today that exceed 45 feet in length and/or have multiple slide outs. They will be wider (up to 24 ft), and deeper (up to 60 ft). They will also feature new upgraded picnic tables and grills and new landscaping to allow more privacy and better appearance. All sites will include cable and offer high-speed Internet access for an addition daily fee.

The exact size and shape of each campsite will depend on Mother Nature. While all the campsites in this new category will be enhanced, the final dimensions will be based on the limitations of the natural surroundings.

The Coquina area (dirt pad) will be completely removed. Tents will still be allowed on these sites, however, it will be difficult to secure a tent to the ground as the entire campsite pad will be paved, making it impossible to drive tent stakes into the ground to anchor a tent.

Pull-through sites will not be added, but the new sites are much deeper. This will allow across-the-street neighbors to pull all the way back allowing you more room to turn. The entrance of each site will be much wider and easier to back into.

As the sites are converted, pet loops will be re-designated as Loops: 500, 700, 800, 900, 1200 and 1300.

The conversion schedule is as follows:
(Schedule subject to change without notice)

Loop 900 – closed 7/08 to 7/25 – reopens 7/26/08.
Loop 1000 – closed 7/27 to 8/08 – reopens 8/09/08.
Loop 1100 – closed 8/10 to 8/22 – reopens 8/23/08.
Loop 500 – closed 8/24 to 9/21 – reopens 9/22/08.
Loop 800 – closed 9/22 to 11/01 – reopens 11/02/08.
Loop 400 – closed 11/03 to 11/21 – reopens 11/22/08.
Loop 600 – closed 11/30 to 12/19 – reopens 12/20/08.
Loop 1300 – closed 1/4 to 1/23 – reopens 1/24/09.
Loop 1200 – closed 1/25 to 2/06 – reopens 2/07/09.
Loop 1400 – closed 2/08 to 2/13 – reopens 2/14/09.
Loop 700 – closed 3/15 to 4/03 – reopens 4/04/09.

REVISED PREFERRED CAMPSITES – Power, Water, Sewer, and Cable TV included

The most frequently requested locations, loops 100, 200, and 300 will not be converted to Premium campsites due to environmental limitations. Since they cannot be made any larger, campsites in these three loops will remain as Preferred. Also for similar reasons, loops 1600, 1700, 1800, and 1900 will be reclassified as Preferred. All sites will include cable and offer high-speed Internet access for an addition daily fee. Picnic tables and grills will remain as they are now.

As the sites are converted, pet loops will be re-designated as Loops: 300, 1600, and 1800.

The addition of cable TV and Internet will not require any down time but completion dates are as follows:

Loop 100 – Already completed
Loop 200 – Already completed
Loop 300 – Already completed
Loop 1900 – completed by 7/04/08
Loop 1800 – completed by 7/25/08
Loop 1700 – completed by 9/19/08
Loop 1600 – completed by 10/31/08

Remember all dates are subject to change without notice.

TENT/POP-UP CAMPSITES – Power, Water, and Cable TV included

Loops 1500 and 2000 will remain as partial hook-up sites for campers using tents, pop-up campers and van campers. As now, RV will not be allowed on these sites. All sites will soon include cable TV and offer high-speed Internet access for an addition daily fee. Picnic tables and grills will remain as they are now. As now, there are no pet loops in this category.

The addition of cable TV and Internet will not require any down time but completion dates is expected by 11/21/08 for both loops.

Standard Full-Hookup Campsites

This category will be phased out completely as the new Premium and Preferred Campsites become available.

Creekside Meadow

This primitive campsite area will remain unchanged for use by scout troops, schools and other group campers.

Meadow Swimmin' Pool

Enhancements to this area are planned, including the addition of a slide and hot tub, but exact refurbishment dates have not be released as of yet.

River Country

As this area is controlled by Disney Attractions, no changes to this area are expected anytime in the near future, nor will this area be incorporated into Fort Wilderness Resort.

[rapriebe]

Wow, alot of changes. I wonder what happens when you currently have a reservation for a full hook-up site but it is now a preferred site. Is the rate still the same as stated on the reservation or will it increase to the new preferred rate for the same campsite? I booked full hookup because I don't care about cable but will I now have to pay the increased price on my upcoming fall reservation???? Interesting.

[Rhonda]

Originally Posted by rapriebe

Wow, alot of changes. I wonder what happens when you currently have a reservation for a full hook-up site but it is now a preferred site. Is the rate still the same as stated on the reservation or will it increase to the new preferred rate for the same campsite? I booked full hookup because I don't care about cable but will I now have to pay the increased price on my upcoming fall reservation???? Interesting.

You will pay what you have already agreed to. Disney will not charge you more, as long as you already are booked with your deposit paid.

[ftwildernessguy]

If they try to charge me more, I'm just gonna tell 'em Rhonda said they wouldn't!

[Timbo128]

Are the new premium sites going to be for BIG rigs only (class A)? I have a 30 ft. tt and would like to be in a bigger site.

[clkelley]

According to the WDW website when you book a premium site it says the following can be put there:

[jugman]

Are these sites available to reserve already? nevermind

[rapriebe]

Originally Posted by Rhonda

You will pay what you have already agreed to. Disney will not charge you more, as long as you already are booked with your deposit paid.

Thanks for that info, Rhonda. That's really good to know since I have a long reservation starting in October 2008. I just thought about 2009 rates. How will they handle those since the 2009 rates have not been released yet and the reserved rate is still just an estimate? Any thoughts?

[kc5grw]

You will pay the 2009 rates. While Disney will book prior to rates being released you are not guaranteed prior year rates.

[Rhonda]

Yeah.......what Mike said.

[clkelley]

Now, the question that nobody has brought up, what happened to the NEW PREMIUM LOOPS that were supposed to be part of this renovation?? Were they a myth brought on by the way rumors get twisted and warped around, or are they Phase II, which just hasn't gotten announced yet because they don't have to until they are ready to accept bookings for the new loops.

[LONE-STAR]

Good info but I am a 200 looper so nothing changes for me.

[kc5grw]

Originally Posted by LONE-STAR

Good info but I am a 200 looper so nothing changes for me.

Yup, me too.

[shocker]

Originally Posted by rapriebe

Wow, alot of changes. I wonder what happens when you currently have a reservation for a full hook-up site but it is now a preferred site. Is the rate still the same as stated on the reservation or will it increase to the new preferred rate for the same campsite? I booked full hookup because I don't care about cable but will I now have to pay the increased price on my upcoming fall reservation???? Interesting.

Because a site number has not yet been assigned to you and only a site type, you will still be in the same type at the same price.

[TnTWalter]

I'd love more info on the pool...I've been wanting to stay at Ft Wildnerness [especially now that I found out you can rent campers] but the pool has always given me pause. Thanks.

Trish