Anyone ever ride out a hurricane at BCV?

[wrighter]

We are hoping to get into the BCV next summer - at the end of August. It's been many years since we travelled to WDW during that time of year - and never with kids. I'm nervous about hurricanes!

Has anyone ever spent a hurricane at BCV? I was wondering if they do indoor stuff to keep the kids entertained. Nothing worse than being on vacation and being "stuck" inside! I would hope being "stuck" inside at Disney can still be fun!

 

[Dizny Dad]

DD spent a week in a hurricane at WDW a few years ago. Sorry, I can't remember the Hurricane's name, but we wanted her to cancel her trip. She insisted on going anyway. The World never closed down. She had some wind, rain, clouds, but never anything that shut down The Magic!

 

[DopeyDave]

I've already ridden out hurricaines at both OKW and BWV. OKW was back about 1999 (was that Floyd?), the other one at BWV was about 2006 or 2007. In both events, I felt Disney did a good job of keeping us posted on what was happening. I remember at BWV, they offered a lunch buffet (at a cost, of course) in the convention center. But we also heard DD was opening shortly, and we held off and went to try the new Raglan Road (at the time) for a late lunch. I don't remember any specific organized events for kids, but the DVC does offer the free DVD rentals!! And then there's also the arcades, but they might get busy.

 

[castleri]

Have not been at BCV for a hurricane but did sit one out at OKW. They are very strict about staying in your villa. I think some of the hotel connected ones had some food options available etc. but don't know if they did anything that might be considered fun. I think they may run with a reduced staff so that CMs can be taking care of their homes etc. The next day everything was business as usual. I don't think it is very often that they actually get hurricanes like they did the year in Orlando. We were there in September. We planned our own activities such as card games, movies etc. and just watching the storm was entertaining in its own way.

 

[cj9200]

As a South Florida resident we live with a hurricane threat every year. If I ever had to evacuate I would head to WDW to ride it out. First it is in the center of the state so it will not be as bad as it would be at landfall. WDW is supper prepared for such an emergency. It is highly unlikely you will lose power because power lines are underground. Even if you do, each resort has their own generator system. The buildings are built well above code and sturdy.

I am sure they would want you in your rooms while the hurricane is passing over. Like any major storm, you don't want to running around outside. If it is going to be bad, they will close the parks but have them open as soon as possible. I read that right after one storm, they had a ton of people out there getting it cleaned up and open. You won't starve either. They will provide what food they can to feed everyone. May not be gourmet and you might have to wait for it, but your family won't go hungry. Once it passes and before the parks open, I am sure they will have some entertainment for the kids.

You should have no worries going to Disney during hurricane season. If you are extreamely unlucky and one hits while you are there, you should be able to enjoy your vacation before and after. Think of the stories you will be able to tell.

Like I said, if I ever have to leave I would head to Orlando and check into a Disney resort.

 

[wrighter]

I guess I was thinking more along the lines of "kids' clubs" type activities? Since BCV is an "inside access" DVC resort, I wondered if they might play games in the lobby or something. We've stayed at SSR before where during very heavy storms they've had CMs entertaining the kids, or extra stuff to do in the Hospitality House. But come to think of it - I'm not even sure BCV has a Hospitality House?

I certainly wouldn't be out running around in the eye of the storm, and bad weather won't keep me out of the parks if they're open. Necessarily. Just wondered if during the "quarantine" they had any indoor activities.

 

[lugnut33]

I wouldn't even think of the possiblility. The chances of a hurricane direcly effecting you is very slim.

 

[PORC]

I was there about 10 years ago when a big cat 5 hurricane(forget name) was supposed to plow into central Florida and at the last minute turned away and just clipped to coast. That hurricane was the first time WDW had closed in 25 years and the hurricane never even hit. That as the BEST trip ever to WDW. No one was there, everything was empty. Walked onto every ride, walked into every restaurant, our room was upgraded to a suite with a park view. I remember checking in on thursday afternoon and going to the restaurant that evening and there was no one there. The cast member's litterly pounced on us. We must have had 8 people waiting on us. We saw two people come in after us for dinner. If I saw 1000 people at any given park(expect MK on Sat) that was a very high estimate. IMHO hurricane season is great time to go!

 

[Sammie]

It depends on the severity of the storm. Hurricane Charley probably was one of the strongest to come inland and pass over WDW.

They closed the parks early afternoon and there was some entertainment in the lobbies of certain resorts, but at a certain time, early evening, the resorts went to lock down and all guests were required to go to their rooms and stay.

This was enforced.

By 8am the next morning, we were allowed to come out.

So it depends, but the buildings at Disney are very safe, the major thing is incovenience of being in your room for hours and park closings and possible airport closings and delays.

Disney is exceptional during these events, but sadly it really brings out some of the worst behavior I have ever witnessed by guests. Something I have no desire to see again.

My advice is to watch the long range forecast before you leave home. If anything is developing, bring somes games, flashlights, snacks just in case you get caught in the room.

We were at the Grand Floridian during this time in Club Level Sugar Loaf and Disney gave us free access to the mini bar. LOL. Needless to say we were feeling no pain and were on a sugar high from candy.

During the day we got several messages on the phone advising us of procedures and asking us to help by bringing the patio furniture into the room.

 

[hakepb]

I think I read someone say that because BCV is not connected to BC, there was nothing to do.
While inside BC the CM's did what activities they could for guests and kids..
That said most hurricanes do not hit WDW as a hurricane.

 

[chiclet]

We were at BCV several years ago during a hurricane. I don't recall the name for sure, DD 14 says it was Frances. We were kept in the BCV building. There were 3 characters staying in the building with us, Belle, Pluto, and the Dick Van Dyke character from Mary Poppins (sorry not remembering his name either). He played board games which they provided with the kids. Belle had several story times. Pluto jumped around and played with the kids also. They provided coloring books and crayons as well. There were bagged lunches and dinners available for those that wanted/needed food. We had food in the villa so we just ate there. They took very good care of us. The hotel manager left updates on our voicemail in the room. The worst part was that we were supposed to leave, but the flight was cancelled due to the coming hurricane so we had to stay a few extra days, darn, LOL. The weather the day before and after was beautiful. If I had to spend a hurricane anywhere, it would definitely be there.

 

[JimMIA]

First of all, you have to realize that WDW is approximately 100 miles inland from both coasts. In the extremely unlikely event we had a hurricane during your visit, it probably would not threaten Orlando.

And if it did, it would be greatly weakened by the time it got that far inland. For example, Hurrican Charley, mentioned above by Sammie, was a Category Four (catastrophic damage) hurricane when it hit Punta Gorda, FL near Ft. Myers. By the time Charley got to the Orlando area, it was barely a Category One storm and very few places actually got hurricane force winds. Hurricanes are always much more vivid in people's memories than the scientific reality you see in the National Hurricane Center's archives.

The main concern for WDW travelers from a hurricane is not damage or danger while you're in Florida, but travel disruption coming and going. Hurricanes can cause major havock with airline schedules.

Personally, if I were visiting in August, I would worry more about the heat than anything else. Hurricanes are so rare they're a non-issue -- they're like saying you wouldn't visit California because there might be an earthquake.

 

[RobDoc]

I guess I was thinking more along the lines of "kids' clubs" type activities? Since BCV is an "inside access" DVC resort, I wondered if they might play games in the lobby or something. We've stayed at SSR before where during very heavy storms they've had CMs entertaining the kids, or extra stuff to do in the Hospitality House. But come to think of it - I'm not even sure BCV has a Hospitality House?

I certainly wouldn't be out running around in the eye of the storm, and bad weather won't keep me out of the parks if they're open. Necessarily. Just wondered if during the "quarantine" they had any indoor activities.

We've experienced hurricanes 3 times at OKW and at GF. Both times there were no activitied planned at the resort (they are typically working with a reduced staff) and guests were required to stay in their rooms. They did add some Disney movie channels on the room TVs - one for kids and one for adults - but all transportation was stopped (including guests traveling in private vehicles) since all WDW roads were closed. Guests were kept well informed of these policies.

We were there for Floyd in 1998, where they did close all of the Theme Parks and then the hurricane failed to come ashore, so they opened AK to all onsite guests (since they had announced that the parks would all be closed the day before) and provided transportation from the resorts. AK was not open to off-site guests that day. Other than a little wind and some rain, Floyd was a complete non-event at WDW. OKW provided flashlights for all villas and made just-in-case suggestions like filling the tub with water.

In 2004 WDW took a direct hit from Hurricane Charley as a Cat 2 storm. Also in 2004, Frances and Jeanne were close enough to cause park closures and guest restrictions. All parks were closed, guests restricted to rooms and WDW roads closed during the storm (for about 6-8 hours).

We were there for Floyd (non-event while at OKW), Charley (Tower suite at GF) and Frances (OKW). GF was the hardest hit and the tower our top floor suite even swayed with the strong winds. It was amazing watching the trees and debris blowiing around from the windows.

I would agree that WDW is a really safe place to weather a hurricane. The preparatory steps they took (lashing down anything that could move in a storm, moving vendor carts to indoor locations and caring for guest safety) were amazing to watch. They had a large number of CMs who also volunteered to stay onsite so that resorts would have adequate staffing for emergency issues and guests safety. We never felt threatened in any way and the parks were all open the following day with hardly any evidence of the storm except along the wooded roadway areas (espceially near Epcot).

Orlando Hurricane History

 

[backyardponder]

Personally, if I were visiting in August, I would worry more about the heat than anything else. Hurricanes are so rare they're a non-issue

Jim sure got this right! Last August I was standing in the shade at the MK and passed out from the heat. I got a "fast pass" to the Celebration Hospital. Wow, the ER was busy with folks who had dropped all over the place. Saw a few CM's in there as well.

 

[mjc2003]

Jim sure got this right!

I second this emotion. We were there at the end of August this year. The heat is.....hot.

However, from reading posts I was ready for my shoes to melt to the sidewalk. Yes, it was very hot. However, we swam, took it sort of easy and really only visited the parks for a few hours at a time. People suggested avoiding the afternoon heat, but we found the mid afternoon storms to be a great cool down period. As a matter of fact, after one storm while at Epcot it got breezy and overcast and went from about 95 that morning to probably 80 and breezy for a good 2 hours in the afternoon.
You will also be at the perfect resort to combat the heat.

Hurricanes.....don't worry about them. As Jim said, IF one happens to reach Orlando it would most likely do so as a windy rain storm, not as a hurricane.

 

[JimMIA]

Jim sure got this right! Last August I was standing in the shade at the MK and passed out from the heat. I got a "fast pass" to the Celebration Hospital. Wow, the ER was busy with folks who had dropped all over the place. Saw a few CM's in there as well.

Sorry, but the EMT in me just can't let this pass. Here in Miami (especially at the part of Everglades NP where I work) we see a LOT of heat illness and I've come a lot closer than I wanted to be to losing a couple of patients (once at the Park and once on a rescue ride).

There are three things everyone visiting WDW in the summer should know about heat illness.

1. Heat illness is MUCH more serious than you think. Heat illness can kill an otherwise completely healthy person.
2. Heat illness is PROGRESSIVE. Forget wondering whether it's heat cramps, heat syncopy, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, etc -- it's all the same illness. If it's not treated promptly and correctly, it will get worse. Then it will get MUCH worse. Don't play with heat illness.
3. Heat illness is almost 100% PREVENTABLE.

If you're at WDW in the summer (or any time when it's warmer than you are used to), the number one rule is "Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate." There is no such thing as too much of the right fluids. The right fluids are water and/or electrolyte replacement drinks like Gatorade/Poweraid, etc. Soft drinks containing caffeine are bad. Alcohol is awful and "energy" drinks are also awful. I personally happen to LOVE beer, but I NEVER drink beer in the heat...especially at WDW.

Second strategy -- stay out of the sun. Just moving from the sun to shade can lower the heat index by 15 degrees.

Third -- take frequent breaks, preferably in air-conditioned spaces. And not just for two minutes until you catch your breath. Stay in the AC until you really cool down.

Fourth -- co-morbidity. Fancy word meaning you have underlying health issues. If you're obese, have any kind of cardiovascular issue, have any kind of respiratory issue, are a smoker, are diabetic, have any deficit from any prior illness or surgery -- anything at all -- use extra caution. Heat puts pressure on your body's systems and one or more of your systems are already compromised and therefore less able to compensate.

In addition, the stress of heat can trigger or provoke any underlying issue you may have. In the last year, I have had two patients who initially presented as heat illness but were really in much worse shape than they realized. One was having a heart attack (STEMI alert, for the medical folks reading this) and the other was in insulin shock (not "shocky," IN shock).

For diabetics, eat GOOD meals (not snacks) and be darn sure you keep your blood glucose level UP. High blood sugar is a problem over time; low blood sugar is deadly quickly.

Oh...and have a great time. Come to The Sunshine State and bring money -- we appreciate your business!

 

[chepic]

We rode out Wilma at OKW. Knowing that she was coming, went to Hanks and got a few games, some movies, extra food and waited until she passed and the MK opened around 3:00....no one there!!! It was a great day!!!

My advice is if one is heading your way, just prep with enough to do in the condo that day and wait it out.

Cheryl

 

[Shleedogg]

DH (FI then) and I were there in 2004 when hurricane Jeanne hit. We were at POFQ and we were instructed to stay in our rooms and the entire resort shut down. They ran movies on tv and updates. Thankfully we never lost power. We actually did go out in the eye to take pictures. Dumb? Yes. We were 21. The parks were amazingly dead though the day it was supposed to hit (before the shut down of course).

I remember talking to CMs and someone telling me that the deluxe ones that had inside hallways did stuff in the lobbies. I didn't pay too much attention though as DH and I had just gotten engaged and I was all moony.

 

[Anal Annie]

We are hoping to get into the BCV next summer - at the end of August. It's been many years since we travelled to WDW during that time of year - and never with kids. I'm nervous about hurricanes!

Has anyone ever spent a hurricane at BCV? I was wondering if they do indoor stuff to keep the kids entertained. Nothing worse than being on vacation and being "stuck" inside! I would hope being "stuck" inside at Disney can still be fun!

OK, so first of all, bite your tongue because it's looking like we won't be able to afford the flights to Hawaii in 2012 so we'll likely be going to WDW in August instead. And since we vacation in August too I must insist that you just drop the whole hurricane idea!! Positive thoughts only please!!

We have gone to WDW between late July to mid-August since 2006 and knock wood, have been fine. Have escaped all major storms and only had to deal with the normal daily T-storms. I DO have a few things packed in our Owners Locker "just in case" we ever ARE stuck in a major storm there tho (a couple of flashlights & batteries + a few candles). If the forecast was looking "iffy" right before we left to go down I would definitely bring some extra non-electronic type stuff with us (small games like Left, Right, Center; Boggle & Bananagrams, load extra books on the Kindle etc.). Please don't jinx it this far out!!

 

[westjones]

In 2004 we rode out Hurricane Jeanne at the Poly (after having to get off of our Disney Cruise early).

They shut down the parks and we had to stay in our room for several hours the day the hurricane went through. The night before they sold sack breakfasts so we would have breakfast already in our room (quite reasonably priced for Disney too).

They showed extra movies on the TV that they didn't normal show.

Then once we were allowed out of our room they had entertainment in the main building in the lobby, like Lilo and Stitch, and some dancers from Animal Kingdom and the candy art lady from Epcot. I think there were coloring stations and things like that too.

The next day when the parks opened it wasn't crowded at all. I remember seeing a wedding party who had t-shirts that said the date of their wedding but since the hurricane was coming the day of their wedding they must have had it a day early because they crossed out the date and put the day before's date on it. They seemed to be having a wonderful time at MK even though their plans were changed.