We were there for Hurricane Charley, too. It was during our first trip. I remember visiting the parks in the morning and taking pictures of everything being closed/boarded up and battened down. We were staying at the Boardwalk. Disney did a fabulous job of keeping us updated by sliding flyers under the doors (now they'd just send text message alerts). They had free sandwiches and cookies and snacks for guests in the lobby. Because we had a 2 bedroom suite with a kitchen, I was already good on the food department, but DD and I did go down to see what was going on. Kind of a madhouse because folks were freaking out, but again, nothing that Disney couldn't handle. Back in the room they were showing many Disney cartoons and movies. I was somewhat worried (heck, I'd never been in a hurricane before), but realized afterwards that there really was nothing to worry about. Charley came and went fairly quickly. Was quite a spectacular show of mother nature's power to watch. I got up early the next morning to take pictures of the damage, and there was damage, however, WDW was already in full clean up mode. We were back at the parks as scheduled. I do remember that MCO had some pretty extensive damage and parts of some of the terminals were closed. We had to sit in the hallways because the terminal was so damaged. So now I can say that I survived a hurricane at Disney. I also know now, after 14 trips, that things happen. One year DH had a pretty bad case of rotavirus and had to miss the
MVMCP, but DS, DD, and I still went. Was he bummed and were we out the extra money, yes, of course. Illness, injury, hurricanes etc. can happen anywhere at any time. I think we all get so involved in planning, and expectations that if it doesn't turn out just the way we hope it will, then the whole vacation is shot. As with anything in this life, plan for the best, but have that backup plan in place too.