Any word on park closure for Ernesto yet?

[trampslady]

We are supposed to be leaving for Orlando this evening, but doubting that we'll have much fun tomorrow or Thursday with the expected winds and rain. Any word from WDW on closures yet? Their web site is still down.

 

[CDSTapisRouge]

They currently are in a watch and wait phase. They have not made a decision yet. The last update that was issued to CM's was this morning with the 5am track, stating no changes to operating procedures. The 11am track still has it closer to the Orlando area, but that could change a few more times before the storm actually gets to Florida. The area theme parks will wait until the very last minute to make the decision to close the parks, to make sure that it is necessary.

 

[MomofKatie]

Also, realize that WDW has only closed its gates a handful of times in the 35 years it has been operating, and Ernesto is only a tropical storm right now. the last report I heard was that Ernesto should be a big rainmaker, but not an excessively windy storm. IMO, unless that forecast changes significantly, it will be business as usual for WDW. You will probably get wet, but you won't blow away.

 

[Bev J]

We were at WDW in September a few years ago and there was a hurricane in So Florida and the parks never closed. They did open a bit later 11am I think and yes it was raining but not too windy. We spent a wonderful day at Epcot mostly staying in Future World. We wore ponchos and water shoes and yes by the end of the day our feet were water logged. The parks were not busy at all. And we laughed ourselves silly splashing in the big puddles. We just made the best of it. By early evening the sun even peaked out and the rest of the week was wonderful.
Go with a positive attitude and just deal with what ever the weather brings, it will improve...

Bev

 

[Jackmonkey]

Also, realize that WDW has only closed its gates a handful of times in the 35 years it has been operating,

3 days on account of weather I believe. (Of course 2 of them were just last year.) Certain attractions may close temporairly due to high wind, or excessive rain. the only times the whole parks get locked down is if Disney feels that people are in danger of falling trees or blowing debris.
They want you happy and spending money, and the profit margin on bandaids just isn't high enough.
(Hey. Point those flames somewhere else, that was a joke. not a good one, but I am too lazy to backspace all the way back there to erase it)

 

[David R]

Most of us are in a wait and see mode.

I hear there is a 70% chance that schools in Orange County will be closed tomorrow. No idea where they got that number from, but that's what I've been told. Some business may close tomorrow, mostly for the safety of the workers so that we don't have to be driving out in the weather. Personally, I'm hoping for a day off!

But like someone else said, it's just going to be a tropical storm. Lots of rain. Lots of it. But that's about it. Nothing too scary

 

[momandseandodisney]

You will probably get wet, but you won't blow away.

I love that saying

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Orange County schools will be closed tomorrow. Disney is doing a wait and see at this point.

 

[civileng68]

The parks will only close if the power fails at WDW (which is did last year during Wilma) or if guests are in danger.

I dont forsee guests being in much danger (except for possibly a couple of hours, where they could close the parks).

Even last year, during Wilma where Orlando got tropical storm winds, the parks closed but opened 3 hours later.

So, just because they close doesn't mean it's for the day. The parks didn't open until 2:00 in the afternoon during Wilma, but then opened after the storm passed, and the day went along as normal, with Wishes even at night.

By the way, the day that Wilma hit and the parks closed for a while.....when they re-opened, and for the next day or two, the parks were DEAD!

We walked on whatever we wanted.

 

[PCFriar80]

The parks will only close if the power fails at WDW (which is did last year during Wilma) or if guests are in danger.

I dont forsee guests being in much danger (except for possibly a couple of hours, where they could close the parks).

Even last year, during Wilma where Orlando got tropical storm winds, the parks closed but opened 3 hours later.

So, just because they close doesn't mean it's for the day. The parks didn't open until 2:00 in the afternoon during Wilma, but then opened after the storm passed, and the day went along as normal, with Wishes even at night.

By the way, the day that Wilma hit and the parks closed for a while.....when they re-opened, and for the next day or two, the parks were DEAD! We walked on whatever we wanted.

A couple of points:
- With Wilma, only EC and MK opened on 10/24 at 2:00 PM, with limited service at EC for the F&W festival.
- With any tropical storm or hurricane, it's not only guest's safety that is a concern, but animal safety at AK. I would imagine that would be the first park subject to closure if weather conditions warranted.

Just my $.02!



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[Cinderellafifi]

I'm south of the parks in Palm Beach County and we are expecting lots of wind and rain. Orlando is not expected to get a "direct hit" so I would be surprised if they were to close. I am leaving Friday (I know - after the fact) for WDW and I am not altering my Disney plans in the least! Have a fabulous time! The weather after a big storm is usually perfect!

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Orlando is going to be close to the center of the storm.

 

[Karnak]

If I had a visit planned to Walt Disney World there's no way in the world I would postpone or cancel it. My advice is to ignore the storm and have a ball.

Enjoy.

 

[TnTsParty]

I don't think its good advice to tell people to ignore the storm. Yeah I know lots of people are saying its only a tropical storm but as of right now it has max sustained winds of 45 MPH with higher gusts. The track takes it probably just to the east of Orlando. I personally would not want to be outside walking around Disney World with even 30 MPH sustained winds. I am sure Disney will probably not be open at normal opening time tomorrow not saying that they will be closed all day and night. I know Disney resort hotels are safe during a tropical storm/hurricane and usually plans events or plays cartoons in the room so that you have something to do if you can't go outside so enjoy the resort tomorrow and plan for fun in the parks Wed night and after.

 

[GalDisney]

<<it's just going to be a tropical storm>>
Not necesarily. It may turn into a Cat 1. Nothing is certain as yet.

 

[GalDisney]

As of now, according to local Orlando news, orlando area is expected to get 50 mph winds. and much rain. I Don;t think WDW Parks or Universal etc. will be open.

 

[David R]

The parks are going to open tomorrow. Sea World will be closing 2 hours early.

Orlando Sentinel Blog article:
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_weather_hurricane/2006/08/theme_parks_pla.html

 

[seashoreCM]

Would that many people seriously consider cancelling their Disney vacation when at most one day would be encumbered?

 

[trampslady]

I'm the original poster, and, yes, I'm at home on my computer when I should be at the airport boarding a flight in 11 minutes. I work for an airline, and we travel to WDW three to four times per year. The uncertainty of this storm and flight schedules just convinced me to stay home. We may pick up the trip on Thursday evening after the storm has had time to pass.

 

[reginaastralis]

Plan for the worst is the best advice anyone can give at the time.

Worst case: Disney is closed tomorrow, and you have no power. So, bring water snack foods and plan to spend the night in the dark.

Is there a chance of that happening, yes. This is Florida, there's always a chance of a storm coming through hurricane season and knocking out the power. Is it horrid, yes. It's horrid, and hot. Will you live through it? Yep, I'm sure Disney will have every base covered if and when they get hit by Ernesto.

Best case: it brings rain, we do need rain down here. You get wet. I don't mean to make it seem small, since this could threaten people's homes and all ... but as hurricanes go, this one is looking, kinda wimpy.

Amanda