Ivan

[RoLaren]

Shirley, since you're already in FL, I don't blame you for taking your trip anyway! If we were already in the state, we would too. It just doesn't make sense to fly all the way out there in this situation.

I hope that the storm veers off, the crowds are non-existant for you and that you have a wonderful and relaxing trip!!!

 

[lovmy2girls]

So Charley, Frances and Ivan-Congrats you have become strong hurricans what are you going to do next??? We're going to Disney World !

 

[pandora174]

We're in South Florida & are headed out this Sat. So far I hope Ivan misses South Fl & Orlando. We've thought about cancelling but then we got these awesome rates for Sept & we couldn't afford rack rates for Oct. So there is our dilemma. Also if worse comes to worse being in Disney is better than sitting in our house with no power. We also have no shutters (we rent) so my DH thinks it's safer for us to be at Disney. I'm slightly optimistic since I've read all the posts as to how Disney handled Charley & Frances & how quickly they got everthing back up & running. & this trip has been planned all year. Our DS (21 months) has been thru alot lately (he was a preemie) & has developmental delays so we thought for a while he may have some neurological problems. The last 2 weeks for us has been MRI's, EEG's, DNA bloodwork, visits to every specialist but thank God everything is ok. He just needs more physical, speech & occupational therapy which he's been going thru since Dec. & we also were celabrating that he graduated from wearing a DOC band for the last 5 months (that's a helmet that re-shapes the head) ! & he LOVES disney so much. So we're hoping Sat, Sun are ok weatherwise & we'll see about Mon & Tues. We'll be there 9/11 - 9/19.

 

[Melissa R]

pandora -

We've gone through a lot of the same trip-related thoughts as you have. We're in Fort Lauderdale and lost power for 31 hours (not much compared to some people, but still a long time to a 7 year old and a 2 year old). We've decided to go ahead with our trip (9/11-18) because I figure at least we shouldn't lose power, or not for long if we do. The hard part will be worrying about the house while we're gone if Ivan hits. I pray that we don't get a phone call from home telling us that the house was damaged, or worse.

Go away, Ivan! GO!!!!

Oh, pandora, where are you staying? We'll be at Pop. Have a great trip! (And I hope you come home to an intact house!) Enjoy your trip with your little one!

 

[SweetestThing]

Originally posted by lovmy2girls
So Charley, Frances and Ivan-Congrats you have become strong hurricans what are you going to do next??? We're going to Disney World !

Okay, gotta admit you made me laugh
I leave tomorrow for Disney and I don't really want to meet Ivan.
Shoo Ivan, shoo!

 

[pandora174]

Originally posted by Melissa R
pandora -


Oh, pandora, where are you staying? We'll be at Pop. Have a great trip! (And I hope you come home to an intact house!) Enjoy your trip with your little one!

We're splitting our stay, 9-11 thru 9/15 @ the WL & then moving to AKL for the rest of the stay 9/15 thru 9/19. Keeping my fingers crossed for Ivan to PLEASE PLEASE go away !

 

[susy]

We cancelled.

We were supposed to be a the MK this morning (after leaving yesterday). There are alot of reasons that I cancelled. We were supposed to come back Sunday.

I did not want to get stuck up there on on the roads in FL with everyone trying to evacuate every which way. Gas- did not want to arrive down here and not be able to fill up our tank again.

Probably the most important reason... I go to WDW to get away from the real world. Having this hurricane in the back of my mind, having to hear everyone talking about it up there and having to constantly check the forecasts is not my idea of fun.

Right now I am thinking of other things. Is my home going to make it? I live in a 3 story condo. No shutters on our windows-nothing to protect them and we live on the top floor-hope the roof does not go. If I stay in my home-I hope I live. As much as I love WDW.. I have bigger fish to fry right now!

 

[GOOFYFREEK]

Unfortunatly I hate to say this but its not looking good. No matter what Orlando will get hit. Its just a matter of how much. Its the same where I live. Where going to get it, it just a matter of how hard.

In Orlando you should start to see the outer bands Monday morning.

Your right they dont know where its going. But people get confused with that directional map and think only the area in red will be effected. They tend not to realize this thing is the size of Texas. So while the eye might hit Tampa you will be feeling it all the way up into south Georgia.

But once again Disney is usually only closed half the day the day before all of the day it hits and usually opens the next day.

But I wouldnt plan on AK or any of the water parks.

I seen that Central Florida Theme parks lost 32 Million Dollars due to Frances hitting on Labor Day weekend.


Doug

 

[tnkrbell]

We are still undecided!!! I really dont want to pay hundreds of dollars to sit in a hotle in the rain. (even if Ivan doesnt "hit" orlando if the storm is close it will rain alot. Still confused and still waiting. I guess Ill decide tomrow.

 

[zalansky]

http://hurricanealley.net/Storms/09L.html

CURRENT TRACK

 

[jlieblaw]

I've been praying that Ivan would hit anywhere but Florida, not just because we're going down to Disney but because the state's had enough problems to last the rest of hurricane season. We leave on the 16th for a convention there for the first couple of days followed by a week at the parks. We are staying at WL the whole time. I think by the time we leave the storm will be gone but I'm worried about the effects it will have on Disney and the Orange County convention center. We aren't thinking about cancelling. We figure the area can use our dollars. As a business owner, we know how it is to lose income you were counting on.

 

[DisneyWisher]

Originally posted by RoLaren
Shirley, since you're already in FL, I don't blame you for taking your trip anyway! If we were already in the state, we would too. It just doesn't make sense to fly all the way out there in this situation.

I hope that the storm veers off, the crowds are non-existant for you and that you have a wonderful and relaxing trip!!!

Thanks, actually I have decided to go up a day earlier. One of the reasons I thought about cancelling was because we were only going for 4 days and if it was going to hit I didn't want 2 of those days spent in a hotel. Many things I want to add here but I don't want to chance the fates. We will leave Sunday, I got someone to cover for me on Sunday and dad (my boss)said ok, but I think you are crazy. (sheesh he is just realizing that now) LOL

Now just have to break it to DBF. He can't go til December, it will be his first trip in 30 years. OMG I'm giving away my age. LOL

Everyone stay safe and pray Ivan loses his strength,
Shirley

 

[Rhonda922]

Too bad that we can't see if there's any other hurricanes coming down the pike through the end of the season.

 

[Rhonda922]

We're suppose to stay at CSR next month. Does anyone know their cancellation policy?

 

[jwfla422]

Depending on whether you reserved a package or a "room only" reservation would depend on the canel policy.

A "room only" reservation requires a 72 hr cancel. If you cancel prior to 72 hrs you will get your deposit back. If you cancel within the 72 hrs you will not get your deposit back but you can (and would be best to) use it toward different dates.

If there's a hurricane threat then WDW may drop this cancel policy for that time period.

 

[mousefan]

Disney Cruise Line

With the scheduled re-opening of Port Canaveral this week, the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder will depart from this home port as originally scheduled.

The Disney Magic will set sail on Saturday, Sept. 11, from Port Canaveral. Due to Hurricane Ivan's projected path through the Western Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line has modified this sailing to call on ports in the Eastern Caribbean including stops at St. Thomas and San Juan. Depending on the company's ability to complete beach restoration at Castaway Cay, the third port will be either Castaway Cay or Nassau on Friday, Sept. 17.

The 4-night Disney Wonder cruise will depart as planned on Sunday, Sept. 12, from Port Canaveral. The ship will sail to Nassau, spend the night, and allow clients to enjoy the next day at sea. The Disney Wonder will return to Port Canaveral on Sept. 16.

Disney Cruise Line continues to monitor the path of Hurricane Ivan and will keep agents updated on any operational changes that may occur as a result of its course.

 

[mousefan]

Disney Destinations Hurricane Ivan Update

Friday, Sept. 10, Noon



Walt Disney World and Walt Disney Travel Company

Due to Hurricane Ivan, a temporary cancellation and "No Show" policy has been adopted for travel agents who have booked reservations through Walt Disney World or the Walt Disney Travel Company (agents that have booked through another tour operator should contact that company for its specific cancellation policy).

"No Show" penalties will be waived for any Client arrivals between Sunday, Sept. 12 and Thursday, Sept. 16, 2004.

 

[SnackyStacky]

Originally posted by jwfla422
Depending on whether you reserved a package or a "room only" reservation would depend on the canel policy.

A "room only" reservation requires a 72 hr cancel. If you cancel prior to 72 hrs you will get your deposit back. If you cancel within the 72 hrs you will not get your deposit back but you can (and would be best to) use it toward different dates.

If there's a hurricane threat then WDW may drop this cancel policy for that time period.

Obviously, the cancellation policy has changed - but just for future reference for anyone else reading, you lose your deposit if you cancel 5 days or fewer prior to arrival. Not 3.

 

[LATigger]

Researched it today with the storm hitting Tuesday PM of Wednesday AM and due there Thursday AM for 4 nights @ WL. We are coming IF it is not severely damaged and IF the airport is open. Wouldn't miss it for the world. My travel agent says we could even cancel ON the 16th from the way Disney release reads but sure don't want to.

Happy it is not hitting here at home...most likely.

 

[jwfla422]

Sorry that is correct, i can't add these days (losing track from counting boards on our windows--you can relate if you live here in FL and have been dealing with hurricanes every week)-my mind is frazzled.

It is 5 days and it's been 5 days for quite some time so that would be 120 hours BUT you will NOT lose your deposit if you reschedule because it can be applied to your rescheduled trip. We did this last year.