For those going in next 2 weeks, a question...

[Booknut]

Are any of you concerned about the possibility of another big hurricane (given that they are forecasting 3-5 more), petrol shortages etc? I've never been and am off in 2 weeks and am curious as to how many of you have made alternative arrangements or have contingency plans in place.

I hope nothing major happens and we're all able to have a great time out there! But i'd be lying if I said I wasn't slightly worried.

 

[gilld]

Nope - as far as we're concerned what will be will be. If a big one does hit, I'm sure we'll be fine as they're so geared up for it, and if it means our holiday is inconvenienced or curtained, well I think they all know what they're doing and have our best interest at heart.

Sorry if that sounds a bit holier than thou, but after all we are just going on holiday and if this one is slightly spoiled, then there's always the next.

 

[Mr-D]

We go next Friday and the only thing that bothers me is the petrol shortage. As yet I haven't booked the car hire and now in two minds if we can't drive it anywhere ?

The alternative seems to be stick to the transportation system but it seems to be very expensive for two of us to get from and return to Sanford airport.

D

 

[madgem]

You can check up on the staus of hurricanes on the accuweather website at the hurricane centre. I checked this morning, as I'm going to WDW on Monday for the first time, and the next hurricane 'Lee' is expected to miss Orlando.
I don't know much about the petrol shortages but we can only wait and see.
I hope everything goes smoothly.

Gemxxx

 

[Booknut]

I have been checking the weather on this website: www.worldweather.org, on the left they have a 'severe weather' button which shows you where current storms and which directions they are going in which is quite helpful, Lee and the next one, which I think will be named Maria, don't look like they will be anywhere near Florida.

Our villa company has been very helpful and gives up updates etc. They have even said we won't lose our deposit if we decide to change to a hotel on-site at the last minute because of potential petrol shortages. We can just save it for our next visit. Top company!

Giild: I am not at all concerned about a ruined holiday. Holidays come and go. I am concerned however for my family's well being. And a tad concerned at how disorganised things seem in Louisiana. They certainly didn't look 'all geared up for it'.

 

[gilld]

Giild: I am not at all concerned about a ruined holiday. Holidays come and go. I am concerned however for my family's well being. And a tad concerned at how disorganised things seem in Louisiana. They certainly didn't look 'all geared up for it'.

New Orleans is completely different in that much of the damage was caused by the storm surge, the city is built 6-8' below sea level. Having been there, I can tell you the buildings can not be as well built as many of them are older and the current regulations wouldn't have been in effect. The Mississippi is right alongside and is an extremely violent river at the best of times!

Orlando is a VERY modern city with buildings built to standard. We felt the effects of Hurricane Andrew when we were there in 1992 and were also there in 1995 when Erin passed overhead. Don't forget these hurricanes don't appear without warning, and they change direction often - you can always move to a safer place if concerned.

 

[Booknut]

Gilld: I imagine they have to get ready for stuff like this every year. I hope you're right!

Fingers crossed we all have a safe holiday. Don't forget your brolly's

 

[Strommie]

I go on Wednesday, and am still looking forward to it. I agree with others on here that we would be well looked after if another one affected Orlando. I was there last year for Hurricane Frances and the hotel were absolutely brilliant. They kept us informed daily and we always felt very safe

 

[gilld]

Remember the hurricanes lose strength over land so by the time they reach Orlando, usually they're a bit less of a problem - another reason why the winds were still so strong at N.O.

IF one heads your way, listen to and follow the advice you will hear on TV and at hotels etc and you should be fine.
Have a great trip.

 

[wilma-bride]

This sort of thing happens evey year - September IS hurricane season, after all. As far as we're concerned, if our holiday were to be delayed due to the weather, we would probably have to cancel as we're only going for a week anyway and even a 1 day delay may mean it's just not worth it. However, I tend to agree with Gill - these are the riske you take when you book to go to Orlando in hurricane season and Que sera sera. That's not to say I wouldn't be disappointed (read absolutely gutted) if our holiday was cancelled but I figure we would get a full/partial refund if there was a repeat of last year (where the Airports were closed and nobody COULD go).

Having said that, I really hope that there are no problems and nobody's holidays get ruined

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

The majority of storms just pass on by, its not a major problem.
If you are worried, then keep an eye on this page
http://www.fema.gov/storm/trop.shtm

As you will see, the two current tropical storms are nowhere near florida

 

[maureen4200040]

I have to be honest I'm a bit worried about all these hurricanes, after last years problems and now katrina I keep praying nothing happens in my two weeks.

 

[ukdisneydreamer]

we go on monday and are not concerned in the slightest, we have our kagouls packed and are all set, there is supposed to be gas shipments coming this weekend and i'm sure our hire car will have the full tank we have paid for, after that we will be using disney buses most of the trip so we arent worried

 

[Laurafoster]

i always go in september and last year we were there for the end of hurricane Ivan and hit by Hurricane Jeanne. With Jeanne we just had to stay in the hotel for one day and we were luck as it was a disney hotel and we were well looked after, Disney prepare really well for hurricanes and have there own back up generators! They may hit Florda but very rarely to the hit orlando!

 

[Laurafoster]

This sort of thing happens evey year - September IS hurricane season, after all. As far as we're concerned, if our holiday were to be delayed due to the weather, we would probably have to cancel as we're only going for a week anyway and even a 1 day delay may mean it's just not worth it. However, I tend to agree with Gill - these are the riske you take when you book to go to Orlando in hurricane season and Que sera sera. That's not to say I wouldn't be disappointed (read absolutely gutted) if our holiday was cancelled but I figure we would get a full/partial refund if there was a repeat of last year (where the Airports were closed and nobody COULD go).

Having said that, I really hope that there are no problems and nobody's holidays get ruined

You have to check you travel insurance carefully as i know that lots of people found you insurance doesnt have to give a refund for things like that! As weather is out of their control they are not liable for it. Some companies are better than others and will help out or offer a "goodwill gesture" but some dont offer anything, just to forewarn you as this happened to a friend of mine!