Disney To Accommodate Hurricane Evacuees

[klwdisney]

I just got off the phone with a VERY helpful Disney Cast Member with whom I made some arrangements for our upcoming trip to WDW. During our conversation, she informed me that Disney Resorts will be accommodating victims of Hurricane Katrina.

At the moment they have not been told what hotels will be utilized or how long the victims will be staying but they were told it would be a LARGE number and would affect a wide range of resorts - not just value resorts.

I wanted to make sure everyone with an upcoming trip planned was aware of this influx of guests as it will surely affect such things as food court and pool crowds, along with the very slight possibility of affecting park crowds. So please plan accordingly. And since we're sheltering a number of victims all the way up here in Massachusetts (at Otis AFB and Camp Edwards), I'm glad to see that Disney is sheltering victims also - so much closer to their homes/families/friends, etc.

 

[minnie61650]

I just got off the phone with a VERY helpful Disney Cast Member with whom I made some arrangements for our upcoming trip to WDW. During our conversation, she informed me that Disney Resorts will be accommodating victims of Hurricane Katrina.

At the moment they have not been told what hotels will be utilized or how long the victims will be staying but they were told it would be a LARGE number and would affect a wide range of resorts - not just value resorts.

I wanted to make sure everyone with an upcoming trip planned was aware of this influx of guests as it will surely affect such things as food court and pool crowds, along with the very slight possibility of affecting park crowds. So please plan accordingly. And since we're sheltering a number of victims all the way up here in Massachusetts (at Otis AFB and Camp Edwards), I'm glad to see that Disney is sheltering victims also - so much closer to their homes/families/friends, etc.

That is wonderful news. I am glad Disney will be helping some of the victims from Hurricare Katrina. I appuld Disney for helping so many. Disney donated 2 1/2 million dollards and is also offering shelter for many who need it. and
Linda

 

[WDWRC]

Yes, Disney is giving some families vouchers for a two week stay with dining vouchers in the Value Resorts.

Tracy

 

[spiceycat]

probably some of the DVC resorts - although technology those rooms belong to members - with the kitchens they would be nice.

I can see FW too - again because of the kitchens.

several places in Ala have shelters.

the army depost in Anniston that got closed a several years ago - is one of the places that is being reopened - 1,000 people (don't how many families) can stay there.

Ala state parks are also being used to help these people. the FEMA is surpose to be bringing in manufacture housing. they are also will be staying in the cabins and hotels that the state owns.

the school here have already taken in several of the kids. the colleges are doing it too.

the schools are also providing everything the kids need (except their old friends).

the red cross shelter will stay open but who wants to live out of a shelter.

I would want my OWN room, it not a kitchen.

many of them are saying they want to stay in Ala. they feel hurt and betrayed by the state and federal.

 

[StrwLady]

I just called CRO and asked about this. My family is going next week and was hoping to find a way to bring my cousin and his kids. He is now staying in the Dallas area because of the hurricane. And if we could swing it we would love to have them at Disney with us. I was transfered by to guest services and was told all they were offering to hurricane evacuees was discounted room based on availablity. I was told the All Star Music would be $59 a night.

 

[StrwLady]

Yes, Disney is giving some families vouchers for a two week stay with dining vouchers in the Value Resorts.

Tracy

Tracy where did you hear this. When I called I was told all they were offering was discounted rooms.

Thanks
Jamie

 

[seashoreCM]

Giving free resort rooms to evacuees for several months would be a huge injustice -- to the other evacuees in other cities who were only given gymnasium style accommodations.

Perhaps operating their normal gymnasium style shelters for a year or so(Disney is an official hurrican shelter for the region) would be a very generous contribution.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[daisy_77]

I think that is wonderful that Disney is doing what they can to help out the unfortunate souls who have nowhere to go.

 

[my3kids]

On our news tonight they started out saying Virginia was getting 1000 refugees and they were looking for private homes to host them. Then they said update...2000. A few minutes later they said just off the phone with the governor's office and 4000 guests were coming and they need private homes to host them.

Good for Disney to open up some rooms. In a time when a lot of landlords are price gouging, how nice to see someone stepping up to the plate to offer a meaningful donation.

 

[Skroops]

That would be cool if WDW opened some rooms to the hurricane victims. I'd like to see them do it for FREE and not for $59 a night. Although some of the insurance companies cover hotel expenses...
It would be cool to have a fund to help families get park passes and dinners out etc. once they are at WDW.
I can't fault WDW if they charge for their rooms, because they already gave generously.
Our news in the Twin Cities is that up to 5000 Katrina victims will be arriving by air this week and staying at Camp Ripley base for 45 days. Then they are looking for people throughout MN to help house the families. Just in time for winter. Man, they are really getting a raw deal. (Don't get me wrong, it's a really nice place to live...I live here, but it's cold!!!)

 

[Princess Mommy]

I called CRO about this aswell... the CM I spoke with didn't know of any such discount or free program for hurricane victims.

 

[Sinderelli]

I am currently in San Antonio, TX because of Hurricane Katrina damage in my hometown of Kenner, La (a suburb of New Orleans). Thankfully, we did not have a catastrophic loss like some people did, but for the time being our house is uninhabitable. I have a vacation planned Feb 25-Mar 2 at CBR and then a 3 night Wonder cruise Mar 2-5. Here is my dilemma: my husband has already started talking about cancelling our Disney trip. I cry when I even think about cancelling it after all of our planning! My DS6 and DD2 talk about the trip almost every day! How can I convince my DH that we really NEED this trip...mostly for our kids who have been absolutely wonderful in this time of uncertainty. They have adjusted amazingly well, as kids usually do. How long are room rates discounted for those impacted by the hurricane...wouldn't it be great if it extended to trips already reserved??!!

 

[ironz]

Sinderelli...
best wishes to you...I used to live in River Ridge, several years ago...was there for the big flood in 1995(?) and that was plenty scary. I can only imagine how tough it is for you all. Good luck with everything!

And a thought...since maybe right now you can't get back in your house, etc? Wonder if it would make any sense to do your Disney trip earlier (like soon) rather than later? Forgive me, if that sounds insensitive in light of the disaster...but maybe that would be making some lemonade out of the lemons if you are not in the position to return home or to work yet?

hugs....

 

[tkldisney]

Per national news Disney donated 2.5 million to relief for hurricane victims! I'd be surprised if they donated free rooms in WDW well. What about rooms in DL too?
Hopefully, lots of other businesses will contribute too. Noticed lots of actors are doing & donating as well. It's great to see them helping out!

It's been a confusing start, but we live in a great country!

 

[GalDisney]

I think it would be great for Disney to give free hotel room, food vouchers and park admission to evacuees. However, I highly doubt Disney would offer their hotels as places for the evacuees to live for a month or longer. WDW is a vacation destination expensive and not a place to live indefinately. WDW hotels are not a place house evacuees for an idefinate amount of time. Dont flame me. I feel for these people too. I could very easily be in their place. I would offer up my home to a family of evacuees if i had more than a 1 bedroom apt.

 

[GalDisney]

I think it is great the WDW is offering 2.5 million to the relief efforts. But i am wondering why the arent offering more?? Wal Mart offered 15 million. Disney is a classier operation than Wal Mart and I am sure they could donate more.

 

[Jpgirl]

Sinderelli
My heart and prayers are with you and everyone. I'm thinking your family sounds like mine. In times of crisis my dh always tries to reduce and conserve-especially financially as he gets stressed out over money because he's the provider. Meanwhile I'm like you and try to concentrate on anything positive( a trip to WDW would do it for me) to get me through. I'd say to hold off on cancelling or making any decisions about ANYTHING until you all have time to process. I know I've made some quick decisions and then regretted it. I'll bet things will look up in 2 months or so and y'all will be able to cope better. By the way-Welcome to Texas-although we'd rather welcome you under better circumstances. Good luck and God Speed

 

[DiscussDisney]

I think it is great the WDW is offering 2.5 million to the relief efforts. But i am wondering why the arent offering more?? Wal Mart offered 15 million. Disney is a classier operation than Wal Mart and I am sure they could donate more.

I think Walmart's earnings are just under 3 billion dollars while Disney's earnings are around 800 million. That is probably one of the reasons why Walmart is able to give much more.

 

[Snurk71]

I think it is great the WDW is offering 2.5 million to the relief efforts. But i am wondering why the arent offering more?? Wal Mart offered 15 million. Disney is a classier operation than Wal Mart and I am sure they could donate more.

You might want to do a little reseach on the size of the two companies and Wal Mart's philanthropical supports before making that statement. For example, do you know how much Wal Mart donates to the Children's Miracle Network every year?

 

[stenogoddess]

Sinderelli: Hang in there! I think maybe your DH is doing the, times are hard, got to conserve thing. I do that too. I think a disney trip would be just what you need to help you take some time for the family where you don't have to think about the hard things 24/7 but can spend some fun bonding time together. I hope you convine him. Good luck to you and your family!