Best Resort for Hurricane Season???

[twinklebug]

How many of you had stayed at a moderate during the Hurricanes last year. I also am wondering what kind of emergency prepardness they are doing for this years storms/hurricanes????

We were there for Charley last August. Staying at the Cabins, we were evacuated to POR. I was peeved that I had to leave over $100 in groceries behind especially when I found out that POR decided to close down the food court (CMs at the door to the court started telling everyone they were closing around 4pm, but actually they stayed open quite a bit later than that according to some neighbors.) Hearing this, we made an emergency run out to find the only pizza place in town willing to stay open later than anyplace else. Although we were taken care of food-wise, I was extreamly mad at Disney for saying that they were closing down the only resource for food for hundreds of families that evening... thankfully they didn't follow through with their intents.

 

[gigi1313]

yes, we were compensated for the days that the parks were closed with UPHs for that number of days multiplied by the number of people in our party... 2 closed days, 4 in family, 8 ultimate park hoppers to be used w/in the next 20 years!

 

[gigi1313]

Although we were taken care of food-wise, I was extreamly mad at Disney for saying that they were closing down the only resource for food for hundreds of families that evening... thankfully they didn't follow through with their intents.

it wasn't disney's decision to close down the food-resource, but rather it is required by law that they close due to state of emergency along w/doing their utmost to keep their guests and employees safe... i'd rather be hungry than have a full sheet glass wall blow in on me while eating my hot dog, kwim?

 

[Sammie]

Best resort would be one building including the restaurants. WL, AKL, CONT, YC/BC and S/D. BWI and BWV might be OK. Worse would be FW.

I was in Gaylord Palms during one of the hurricaines last year. No major problems.

Again, I totally agree with Lewisc, on this. Being at a resort where you are literally stuck in your room for hours and can not get to the lobby or public areas can be a long wait. And even more so if you have children.

 

[Sammie]

Hi. having never experienced hurricanes, can you tell me their usual season as were coming back september 25th

thanks

Tommy Karen Danielle and Wee Tommy
Dundee Scotland

June 1- Nov. 30

 

[mickeys friend]

We were staying at the Contemporary when hurricane Jeanne hit.They closed the airport the day before we were suppost to leave,so,as soon as we saw that we would have to stay longer,(we were told by airline to call back after the airport reopened)we went to the front desk and asked about staying a day or two extra.We were staying in the tower and I was told to come back later in the day because they were expecting to get word from the higher ups to let people stay at a lower rate.I also asked about if we would need to change to a wing (we were willing if needed)or if we should maybe change to a different resort (a value or mod.),we were told that we could stay in the same tower room and for us not to worry about moving.They did change the room rate (can't remember what it was) and they went way be on what was needed to keep guest informed before and during the storm.We stayed 2 extra days and were given a park hopper pass for each of us (4 adults) because the park was closed for one of the days were had left on our package.We had everything we needed in our room before Jeanne hit (they gave everyone a sheet with things to have and where we could get them)they also came around to each room the night before and gave us flashlights.After it was OK to us to move around (only inside the resort)they did a GREAT JOB of keeping the kids and even us who were not traveling with children entertained.I had told our family that everyone should take extra:money,medicine,clothes,etc,just in case a hurricane came while we were there and I'am glad we did.Did this make me want to change and not go during hurricane season (June-Nov. I think)?Never,we've always gone during during these months and have been in Tropical storms while there,and we are again booked for a trip in Sept.again in the towers (2 rooms this time)and we're even taking a 3 year old.You can't do anything about the weather,because,when were went down there for that trip Jeanne wasn't going to come close to us,but,like hurricanes do so often,she changed course.I did really feel sorry for the people that live in the hurricanes path.But the Contemporary did their best to keep everyone safe and informed.They also opened up Chef Mickeys and reduced the price.Just take extra things and don't worry so much,or you'll ruin your vacation.

 

[Suzanne74]

And btw....we were only kept in our rooms for CHarley that night. We were in MK at 9:00 the next morning. It is just incredible how well WDW is built. It sustained only minor damage and most of it was to trees, or roofing shingles getting lifted.

Actually it is incredible that Disney has the underground city where MANY MANY CM's stayed that night and then were out as soon as it was over to have the parks ready for opening at 9am. The one CM a few weeks ago told me he was out at 4am cleaning debris in Adventureland. Amazing!!!

 

[nhpooh]

Wilderness Lodge was awesome last year during Hurricane Jeanne. They had Mickey and Minnie in the main lobby, musicians playing Disney classic songs, and food and drink in the lobby. They did a great job.

I never even heard the wind blow much the night Jeanne hit. I slept like a baby at the lodge. It must be built like a fortress.

We were at WL during Hurricane Frances, the people at the lodge were great. We will be going back to WDW in Sept. of this year. Disney is the place to be during a hurricane if you have to be in one. As littlestar said they kept you busy during the whole thing. It was great for the kids. We even had Chip visit us in our room.

 

[Lewisc]

it wasn't disney's decision to close down the food-resource, but rather it is required by law that they close due to state of emergency along w/doing their utmost to keep their guests and employees safe... i'd rather be hungry than have a full sheet glass wall blow in on me while eating my hot dog, kwim?

Gaylord Palms didn't shut down their restaurants but their restauants overlook the atrium.

 

[gopack]

We were at WL during Jeanne. It was amazing how the resort handled the situation. Even my DH, who is rarely impressed by Disney, thought they did an incredible job. They had hourly activities for the children and characters were in the lobby. The servers at WC were in top form and Artist Point had a buffet set up. The lines were understandable long at Roaring Forks. By that evening, people were coming from hotels all over Orlando to try and get a bite to eat. When we heard stories from people staying at non-Disney hotels we were grateful to be at the Lodge! The hurricane only shut down the parks for about 1 1/2 days. Things got totally back to normal in a hurry. I would agree with the other posters-if there is a hurricane threat stay at a hotel with an accessible lobby.

 

[Stiff]

Id definitely pick a deluxe so you dont have to go out for anything

 

[Franniepoppins]

Wilderness Lodge was awesome last year during Hurricane Jeanne. They had Mickey and Minnie in the main lobby, musicians playing Disney classic songs, and food and drink in the lobby. They did a great job.

I never even heard the wind blow much the night Jeanne hit. I slept like a baby at the lodge. It must be built like a fortress.

I was at WL for Jeanne, too! I had been in the villas, and was supposed to be heading over to Pop. Once I heard the hurricane was coming, I headed down to the front desk, and got a room in the Lodge. It really was pretty wonderful there.

Francine

 

[MinnieSummer]

I live in South Florida. Have weathered many hurricanes. Last year whenthe first hurricane hit (I can't keep the names straight) I stayed home and had no power for 12 days -- it was miserable. When the second one took aim at us, and we already had reservations at WDW I made the decision to go even though Orlando was also in the path. I helped my husband shutter the house, packed in supplies for after, loaded the car, and at 10:00 that night my daughter and I (the husband stayed home to protect the house from looters -- a serious problem after hurricanes) drove the three hours to Disney. The next morning my daughter and I went off to MK, had a wonderful day while my husband sat at home in a storm with no power. By mid afternoon the winds had picked up and parks were closing early so we went back to our hotel (POFQ), had dinner, visited witht he characters that the hotel had brought in to the main lobby and then went off to our room to settle in. I've got to say that being in a room where you could actually see out the window while the storm was blowing through was much better than sitting in my home with all the windows shuttered and having no idea what was going on outside. It should be pointed out that all Disney hotels are built to withstand category three winds. WDW has never lost power during a hurricane because the power lines are all under ground. Would I go back to WDW when a hurricane is coming? If it was also pointing at my house --YES!!! If it wasn't pointing at my house -- no. But I certainly wouldn't cancel a reservation based on the thought that a hurricane might hit. Afterall, the hurricane disrupted one day. The day before and the day after were wonderful days at the park.

 

[Grumpy92]

I will tell you that we had resv last year at the WL, room only. The day before we decided to leave and head north. They gladly cancelled the resv and refunded us our deposit. We were glad we didnt have a package.
Having been at WDW for several hurricanes I agree a hotel like WL, CR, YC/BC, AKL or BW definitely have an advantage as everything is under one roof. You dont have to move from bldg to bldg to get info, entertainment, food or supplies.
I also know that after Andrew if a hurricane looked liked it was heading towards S FLa everyone seemed to evacuate to Orl. Resvs at Disney hotels sold out in a matter of hours. So realize that if a hurricane looks like it is headed anywhere in Fla Floridians try to make the best of the situation and evacuate to Disney. The best part is the hotels have pre assigned hurricane teams, stocks of food and their own electrical power, separate from the rest of Orlando.
August and September seem to be the months when Fla seems to get its fiercest hurricanes.
So everyone welcome the start of Hurricane season JUNE 1st.

 

[Hunter's Mommy]

I hope I am doing the right, first post!

We stayed at the Poly during Hurricane Frances. We were fortunate because we stayed at the concierge. We had to stay in the concierge building but had access to the concierge lounge. Still went stir crazy. We had friends that were not in concierge and they were stuck in thier room for 24 hours. The grand ceremonial house was closed.

I would stay in a hotel where the lobby and rooms are under the same roof!

 

[old one]

Oh no, looks like I may have made a mistake. Normally my husband and I stay at a nice two bedrrom timeshare. Even thought we enjoy the amenities and the space this year we decided to try staying on Disney property at the Pop. We also decided to get the dining package. Now I have visions of being traped in our modest room, eating crackers that cost us $$ per day on our dining package. UGGGGG!