Has anyone ever been affected by a hurricane at Disney?

[KathylovesPooh]

I remember a full day of rain in Nov '98 due to the after affects of a hurricane - but it was no worse than any other time I've been to Disney (that why we have the ponchos).

With the onset of Wilma and our trip a week away, I wonder if anyone's Disney trip has ever been affected. It seems like Orlando is inland enough to avoid any trip interuptions. Any stories?

 

[jajuan]

We had to postpone our trip a week last year for Frances and then Ivan started coming. We went anyway the next week and Ivan did not affect us at all. Although it did affect family in Gulf Shores

 

[joe1946]

We were there last year during Hurricane Frances. We were supposed to fly home on Saturday, but the airport was closed and we couldn’t get out until Monday – a dream come true for me and our kids, ‘cause we got to stay an extra two days! The parks were closed on both Saturday and Sunday; we just hung out at the hotel those two days. They served box lunches and dinners in the lobby. We were also there this year during Katrina, and now DW says we’ll never go in August again.

 

[goofy4tink]

We arrived the same day H. Charley did. We were one of the last flights into MCO. We stayed at the Contemporary. They did shut down all the restaurants at the CR since there is so much glass in those areas. But we were given a complimentary meal in one of the big convention halls. When the time came to eat, they had changed it from being able to eat in the hall to 'please fill up these styro boxes and go back to your rooms' kind of meal. But it was pretty decent. We were then told to close our curtains, and stay away from the windows. They played at least 3 different Disney movies all the time on the TV. The parks closed down that day at about 3:00 pm. The storm went by around 10:00 or so. We basically slept through the whole darn thing!!!
The next morning, we had messages on our phone that housekeeping would be limited to getting clean towels delivered to our rooms. We ate at Concourse Steakhouse, where the CMs' kept apologizing for the shortness of staff and food items. But we had terrific service and the food choices were fine with us...regular everyday type stuff. A lot of the CMs there had slept at the CR in a convention hall close to where we got our food the night before. Those poor people, for the most part, slept on pool chaises!!! And they still had smiles on their faces in the morning.
MK opened as usual in the morning with some tree damage. AK didn't open until the next day, MGM opend a bit late as did Epcot. The FW area was a wreck due to all the trees.
The only problem we had that was due to the storm was the cancellation of some ADR's. We lost our dinner at Chef Mickeys the first night and our HDDR seats since they cancelled all the shows for 2 nights. WE were able to get replacements for HDDR but our table was up in the side balcony area. We were disappointed because we had booked a year before to get some decent seats on the floor. But, all in all, it was a terrific trip. It was a lot hotter and much more humid than our previous August trips though. The humidity after the storm came through was horrendous.

 

[dcgrumpy]

I was there in 1995 when hurricane Erin hit Orlando. They closed PI early that night and all the parks were closed until afternoon the following day. They evacuated FW. My friend's daughter was staying at the Dolphin, they all had to sleep on the ballroom floor.

 

[Steamboat Girlie]

Last year we went to WDW the end of September/early October. It was during the height of the storms. (I can't remember if it was Jeane or Ivan). Anyways, our flight was delayed, but we ended up going, and having fabulous weather. It dindn't rain once!

 

[CamColt]

I was there in 1995 when hurricane Erin hit Orlando. They closed PI early that night and all the parks were closed until afternoon the following day. They evacuated FW. My friend's daughter was staying at the Dolphin, they all had to sleep on the ballroom floor.

I was there then too. It was the last night of our honeymoon.
We were staying at the Poly and during the day we got a letter under our door letting us know all the parks were closing early and it gave us safety tips and stuff. The thing I remember was to keep the curtains closed over the glass door.

DH and I ended up having a great night anyway. We stayed in at the Poly and went to the Tangora Terrace for dinner, something we hadnt planned on, and loved it. We then spent a few hours at the Tambu lounge. The storm outside actually added to the atmopshere.

Our only problem was trying to get home the next day as no planes had flown into Orlando.

 

[julemm]

We were there last year for Jeanne. We arrived Sat and got the last flight in before they closed the airport. We went straight to the hotel and over to MK because they were closing early. There was hardly no one there and my family got to stay on Splash Mountain and ride it twice. The parks closed for the next day when Jeanne blew through but was open on Monday. Everything went great concidering what could have happened, the WL was amazing with the extra stuff they did for the kids, and the day it opened back up was still magical and looked as if nothing happened. I am sure the staff was up all night to get everything cleaned up and checked before they opened. The whole week we were there the crowds were extremely minimal and we did not have to wait for anything. It was a great time and a wonderful vacation!

 

[Horizons16]

I was there in 1995 when hurricane Erin hit Orlando. They closed PI early that night and all the parks were closed until afternoon the following day. They evacuated FW. My friend's daughter was staying at the Dolphin, they all had to sleep on the ballroom floor.

I remember waking up and seeing tree limbs in the pool, getting food and then there were not limbs. They clean up fast.

 

[Uncleromulus]

All I can remeber was one time (a # of years back) when they predicted landfall of some hurricane.or other. We saw them tying down chairs, moving things inside, etc.
And it never happened!! Missed WDW completely, all we got was a gust or two of wind and a squall of rain lasting about 10 minutes.

 

[Lewisc]

I was at the Gaylord Palms during Charley last year. The restaurants and bars overlook the atrium. They never closed. Great job.

 

[angey77]

We were at AKL during Jeanne. The parks closed early the day of the storm. That morning, we met with our pastor for our upcoming wedding and all the Disney weddings for that day were still on, with the exception of the last one being pondered.
Before the parks closed, we went to Epcot and it was like a ghost town. YES! We did almost everything and got our Christmas shopping knocked out with no problem.
Once the parks were closed, we were on lock-down at AKL. The CMs told us AKL and WL were the best resorts to be at during storms since everything is self-contained. For a day and a half, we had drinks at the bar, ate Boma twice, Jiko once, and enjoyed the festivities in the lobby. They brought in Pooh and Chip and Dale for the kids, along with the band you can see on the boat at AK. There were AKL tours, scavenger hunts and all kinds of other activities.
As far as other food, since the food court is only accessible outside, they sold bag lunches inside, along with a discounted buffet.
The only thing that annoyed me was the day after the storm, we were still locked in all day and all night because it was "unsafe" to be outside, according to Orange County (all surrounding counties had lifted the curfew). It was more of a kick in the rear when we looked out our window and saw all the animals were released back onto the savannah and we were still locked in a huge resort!

 

[CathrynRose]

I remember a full day of rain in Nov '98 due to the after affects of a hurricane - but it was no worse than any other time I've been to Disney (that why we have the ponchos).

With the onset of Wilma and our trip a week away, I wonder if anyone's Disney trip has ever been affected. It seems like Orlando is inland enough to avoid any trip interuptions. Any stories?

September of last year - my b/f and I were there for a long weekend, during Jeanne.

Now, the parks closed down, for a day - but they were playing round the clock movies on 4 of their channels, in the room. It wasnt THAT bad... no loss of electricty, it was *okay* - (besides, being in the room alll dayyyy long with only my guy was a-okay with me !!! )

Now, the next day? yeah it affected us. We were spoiled by NO crowds, PERFECT weather....

 

[paladin]

I was there for a conference in 1999 during Hurricane Floyd. I had the dubious distinction of being there the first time the parks were closed (for a whole day) in WDW history. We were staying at the Buena Vista Palace in DTD (I think at the time it was called the Wyndham Resort and Spa). The conference was cut short but my carrier had already cancelled all the flights so I was stuck there. (Normally, I would love being "stuck" at Disney, but with no parks open, it wasn't much fun). At least we had made it to the MK the day before the conference started.

 

[DisneyMim]

We were there for Hurricane Charlie(or Frances? can't remember) last summer. We were staying at the Poly and Disney did a wonderful job. They did close the MK early one day. They kept us informed of everything by putting letters under the doors of the resort rooms. My brother was staying in his RV at Fort Wilderness and they moved his family into PO for a couple of nights. By the next morning we were on our way to Epcot and saw the CMS cleaning up trees, etc. Obviously nobody wants to be in a hurricane, but IMHO Disney did a great job.

 

[pansmermaidzlagoon]

We were there last year during Frances - Disney is the best/safest place to be. You are inland enough to miss the worst - usually. Disney handles everything so well and it really is the safest place to be. When Walt built WDW he set a higher standard for building safety and Disney is the last place the electricity goes out - if at all.

Friday night things were starting to get in gear to prepare - ice (free) and styrofoam coolers (nominal fee)came out (this was at ASMo)- people were asked to start stocking food in their room should they have to close down early Sat - it was kind of crazy at food court. AK will close first for obvious reasons. Friday night I think the only places open were Epcot and DTD - we were at Epcot and it was like a ghost town despite being one of the few places open.

Saturday (we moved to Poly concierge) pool was open until about 1:30 - main house was open with characters, entertainment, and activities for kids. Everything closed down late afternoon, I believe. Prior to this they were selling box lunches for people to take to their rooms. Luckily, we were in concierge - we never were locked down in room - I heard WL guests in main bldg were also allowed to move freely about. We were very glad not to be in ASMo room. We had food, beverages, and full use of lounge the entire time. We hung out, watched TV, played games, etc. Disney ran movies 24/7 on the TV. We were kept informed through flyers left at the door - at all times.

Sunday things opened up around 4 or 5 - including Ohanas served buffet style not familty style - no characters. Monday, I believe just Epcot and MK were open with no monorail service. By Tuesday, I believe everything was back to normal.

Overall, all we lost was the day we planned to go to coast for a beach day - crowds were so low we could easily do everything we wanted in no time...got everything in - although some things like kiosks were down Friday and Monday. It was kind of a neat experience to see how Disney prepares and handles a situation like this - especially in light of the fact we were still able to get in all the Disney magic we were looking forward to.

Also, the weather on both sides of the storm was great - cooler and breezy - on Thursday there actually was a breeze at AK!!!

Hope this gives you some idea of what to expect.

 

[KPeterso]

We were there last year for Hurricane Jeanne. Really not a big deal. Parks closed early on the Saturday and were closed Sunday. Everything re-opened Monday. We went to MK on Monday morning before our flight since we had length of stay passes. It was so quiet. We walked on everything that morning and saw all our favorites by 11:30 AM. My only advice about going through another hurricane would be to not be at at value or moderate since the buildings are spread out. You will not be allowed in the main building because it will be on lockdown. Next time if a hurricane is coming near us, we will ask if we can move to a different resort. This year, we were at WDW when Rita was on her way to Texas. I am not really stressing about hitting another hurricane at Disney. They made me feel completely safe and at ease.

 

[Stitch's Greatest Fa]

I was there then too. It was the last night of our honeymoon.
We were staying at the Poly and during the day we got a letter under our door letting us know all the parks were closing early and it gave us safety tips and stuff. The thing I remember was to keep the curtains closed over the glass door.

DH and I ended up having a great night anyway. We stayed in at the Poly and went to the Tangora Terrace for dinner, something we hadnt planned on, and loved it. We then spent a few hours at the Tambu lounge. The storm outside actually added to the atmopshere.

Our only problem was trying to get home the next day as no planes had flown into Orlando.

Me too! Except the last night of our honeymoon was when Charley hit last year - the Polynesian cast members looked after us really well. We were then flying on to the Bahamas with Delta, we had to stand in line for 5 1/2 hours solid!!!

Incidentally, I rode out Erin too in'95 - my first visit to FLA and the mouse and my first hurricane.

 

[oxfordcircus]

I had my trip postponed as a result of Jeanne last year. My flight was cancelled due to the airport closure. That was fine with me because we had reservations for a "cabin" at the Fort Wilderness campground. Of course, the cabins are nothing more than decorated mobile homes - not a place you want to be during a hurricane! I think the parks were closed for a day and a half as a result of the hurricane. As far as Wilma is concerned, I wouldn't think it would affect the parks much given the path, even if it does pass through Orlando.

 

[cantondisneyfamily]

Count us in with Charlie. What a rush, I was standing on the balcany with a friend at the Wilderness Lodge 4th floor facing the pool. My wife was mad at me for being outside but I just had to see and feel the wind. I live in Michigan so this was my only chance to see and feel a hurricane. Disney did a grat job, everyone was in their room and they left voice mail messages every couple of hours. All the Disney hotels are built to withstand a hurricane, so go and have a good time.