I think a DISMeet at the Fort sounds like a great idea. Main thing for folks is to put a stake in the ground on a potential date that people can plan around. That way if they were going to put a planned trip together at a different time of year, they might consider the DISMeet date in order to make just one trip rather than try two.
DW looked over my shoulder just now and said October is not good for her (meaning it's not too good for me either
). October is nice weather-wise and some school systems have fall breaks that could be used but I know my old school system nailed down their Aug-May calendar in January (as in January 2018 for Aug18-May19 school calendar). Or we could use the May date of the Gulf DISMeet and schedule something in 2020 at the Fort in May. IMO May is as late as I want to push a WDW vacation at the Fort personally. There are folks who already have 2019 Gulf reservations (me included) so I'm leaning toward a 2020 Fort DISMeet. But lots of folks are in school (kids and DISsers who are teachers or spouses of DISsers) and if their fall break didn't line up with the DISMeet date, they are out of luck.
I admit I am emotionally attached to the Gulf DISMeet because they've been lots of fun and a great way to meet people. But it might be better for other folks and their availability to put a 2020 Gulf DISMeet on hiatus and use that date for a Fort DISMeet. Just an option to consider. I remember having that discussion about a Fort DISMeet, tiggerdad, now that you mention it.
Yes, a Fort DISMeet would also probably attempt to hold ONE SPECIFIC NIGHT out so we could have some sort of group dinner/cookout. It would help with planning ADR's, park days, etc. if that is nailed down well in advance.
So boil down my points:
1. Fort DISMeet (who would be in favor of attending)? Any interest out there to try this?
2a. What month a Fort DISMeet? (May-Memorial Day week, October-not around Halloween, other TBD) Determine dates WELL IN ADVANCE (over a year ahead)
2b. What year for a Fort DISMeet-2019 or 2020? remember advance lead times and the 500 day booking calendar
3. Use a
Travel Agent or everyone book individually?
Let's kick around ideas over here and then maybe narrow some alternatives down and do a poll on the main Camping Board to get the idea out to a wider audience.
Ed
PS - the more I think about it, a Memorial Day week trip to the Fort in May 2020 might work. Gulf would go on hiatus for that year. That's my lean for now.