Can't really believe we're on the bus right now

[dvcterry]

We're on LI, no damage from Sandy but more than half of our block still has no electricity and gas lines are incredible. If we survive the Noreaster set to hit tomorrow and LaGuardia Airport doesn't flood, we'll hopefully be in WDW Fri Night to enjoy the weekend at F&W. So glad you are able to take your vacation. Think of it as a mental health week and enjoy!!!!

Oh gosh, prayers and hugs to you. Stay safe and warm. Keeping fingers and toes crossed that you'll be able to go and enjoy your trip. We've made it through in CT 6 days no power, heat, telephone in this brutal cold but so many still suffering.

 

[AnnaS]

I know what you mean - try to relax and enjoy your time there. We have some areas here that were hit really bad and areas are destroyed. 23 deaths on Staten Island. I walked down to two beach areas not far from me and just cried. It's so sad. We still have no power, phone, or heat - thank God we were able to get a generator this weekend. Hoping the gas lines get better too.

We just received our ME tags for our early December trip - no excitement here yet - just numb. Let's hope today does not add to it either.

 

[MinnieLee]

We just returned from on 11/5 from 11 days at WDW. Not one of the most relaxing trips. My daugher is on LI (she had no power, cell for 6 days), son in DC and son in Del. We are also on LI. Trying to get through to anyone to find out if they were OK was the worst feeling. Fortunately, for us we had minor damage. Son in Delaware had nothing. DC son had no power and some branches. We have friends that have lost their homes and cars. Some friends are still dealing with no power 12 days after the storm.

Yes, I picked a good week to be off of L.I. but worrying about friends and family and seeing some of the devastation in NJ and NY was heartbreaking. We met a couple on 10/28 who had 1 1/2 feet of water in their garage on Sunday before the storm came in. When speaking to my son on Wednesday he told me that where they lived in NJ no longer is there. My heart goes out to them. We were also on a Friendship boat from DHS to EPCOT and there was a guest who was looking at her cell phone. Someone at her home was taping the water just coming through the home and all you heard from "Oh my God" coming from the phone. Another guest sitting behind her just tapped her on the shoulder and said I am so sorry. THe women whose house it was just was in shock and said what am I going to do, I can't get home. Everyone was so supportive and sympathic when they found out where you lived and Disney was really very good with extending the stays on anyone who could not get home.

We came home to looooooonnnng gas lines and starting today we go odd or even. I know NJ started that last week. Then a Nor'easter on Wednesday night. Onthe plus side, I consider myself very lucky that everyone in my family is ok and that I still have a roof over my head. My sincere sympathy to anyone who was affected by Sandy.

I also got back 6 of my vacation days since where I work was closed!

If you live near any of the affected areas, if there is anything you can do, I know that it would be appreciated. People have lost everything thery own and just have the clothes on their backs. Fire houses here have drop off areas, schools, Red Cross, etc. I think many could use a little Disney magic with donations!

Thanks

 

[mjc2003]

OP here, thank you all so much for the thoughts. We arrived back on Friday, and we had a completely awesome trip. This trip was very spontaneous, in hindsight perhaps it was destiny, as we booked it just a month ago. We managed to get 6 nights with a cash discount in a 1BR at our beloved BCV; I was surprised, as there was NOTHING left with points.

I really appreciate all the kind thoughts, and the reality is that we returned to a much better environment but the wounds are deep for so many and it's so terribly sad to see the places you know so well suffering like this. People will recover, because they always do, but it's going to be a long road.

With regards to our trip, we loved visiting the F&W festival, we were there almost every evening. The kids even enjoyed the music, and trying different foods. It was a great escape. We had a 5 month old with us (one of the reasons this trip was spontaneous was b/c we were going to take a year off since the baby is so young) but she was amazing, taking it all in and hardly fussing at all. We didn't push it, which helps, but she was a total angel and made us feel even better about our decision to go.

We were able to commiserate with so many fellow Jerseyans, and even ran into several friends from home so that was great.

Thanks again all, your many kind words were very appreciated.