Hey Ernesto...Try, Just Try and Ruin My Vacation

[Blueberry]

OMG - we might be on the same flight!!

We leave tomorrow at 8:05am (outta kennedy- Jet Blue)so if you are on the same flight look for us (me, wife, son(11)daughter(5) on the plane come and say hello (I have a goatee and hazel eyes) we can fight ernesto together.

Ernesto aint gonna ruin our time.

~hftmrock

Isn't that something if you are on the same flight..how cool is that..

I like being an ERNESTO FIGHTER...count me in as one of those too..

 

[musicmama]

in less than 12 hours!

DD and I have sworn to survive - especially since DNiece is coming up from West Palm Beach on Thursday night.

See y'all there!

 

[notnothin]

Latest pic from NHC, hopefully it'll fizzle out a bit for all of you about to leave for vacation:

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Be careful how you state things.
Famous last words . . .

1) It will miss us, no problem (Katrina victum)
2) It is unsinkable (Titanic passenger)
3) Here, boy, nice fishy (Pinnochio)
4) Settle down, now, bossy (Mrs O'Leary)
5) Try to stop my vacation, Ernesto . . .

 

[anbouk]

OMG - we might be on the same flight!!

We leave tomorrow at 8:05am (outta kennedy- Jet Blue)so if you are on the same flight look for us (me, wife, son(11)daughter(5) on the plane come and say hello (I have a goatee and hazel eyes) we can fight ernesto together.

Ernesto aint gonna ruin our time.

~hftmrock

We are actually depart LGA with Delta at 8:05 am! That would of been too COOL to see a disser on the same plane!!!

 

[lsutigger2]

I'm liking all this positive energy!! Way cool !

I'm not scheduled to be at WDW until Nov, but I'll be thinking 'bout all you folks who have trips planned this week.

Keep those positive thoughts going. And think of lots of indoor activities in case the parks close for a period of time.

 

[Blueberry]

Ok...this is going good...come on people going this week, join us in this Ernesto bashing effort. We are going to have fun....no matter what the weather..

I am on a good attitude high here right now..nothing can bring me down...

 

[jwfla422]

Good luck to all of you that our WDW bound! We have a trip scheduled the end of next month and I have that "hurricane" thing in the back of my mind...but as a South Floridian, we just hope our unfinished roof (from being damaged during last year's season & being shammed by a lousy roofer) stands up to Ernesto if he decides to come our way...and I can only imagine that same concern is lurking in thousands of people's minds from here to the gulf coast.

Just keep in mind that tropical storms and even minimal hurricanes aren't like typical afternoon storms you encounter on during the rainy season. The winds are much stronger and the rain is much more intense when it comes at you sideways. Ponchos aren't going to help a whole heck of a lot in a tropical storm. I personally wouldn't be walking around outside with flying debris (tropical storm winds are in the 40-65 mph category). Many rides will close if the winds exceed a certain speed. It's also possible the parks could close early as well.

 

[yeaitspootie]

I live in New Orleans, so I feel for you, hurricanes ruin everything!! I'm rooting for you!!!

 

[Seahunt]

Just keep in mind that tropical storms and even minimal hurricanes aren't like typical afternoon storms you encounter on during the rainy season. The winds are much stronger and the rain is much more intense when it comes at you sideways. Ponchos aren't going to help a whole heck of a lot in a tropical storm. I personally wouldn't be walking around outside with flying debris (tropical storm winds are in the 40-65 mph category). Many rides will close if the winds exceed a certain speed. It's also possible the parks could close early as well.

And also that the outer "bands" of the hurricane that keep coming across the state are usually filled with tornadoes, so there will be many weather problems to watch for if the track stays as shown tonight ....

I agree to keep a great attitude, especially since these storms can switch directions at any time BUT you also might want to be a little prepared just in case - pack a flashlight and some snacks and games just in case you are required to stay in your rooms - take advice from these previous other DIS posters about their hurricane stays at WDW:

We arrived at WDW the same day Hurricane Charley did in '03!! We were staying at the CR, and as we were checking in at about 1 PM we were told that the parks were closing in an hour. We got into our room, in the North Garden Wing, ground level, facing the lake and WL...great room. As the day wore on, there were a ton of people in the food court area stocking up on food. We had PSs for Chef Mickey's but they were canceled for the night. none of the restuarants were serving food after about 5. We were told to go to a particular ball room in the convention area (a place, I've never been before, so it was an adventure) where they would serve a complimentary dinner for us. Well, when we got there, at about 6:30..the time we were told to get there...they had decided that the storm was just too close to have everyone out and about, so told us to grab a styro box, fill it up at the various stations and head back to our rooms. It was a very decent meal, well it was if you were lucky and paid attention to them and got there right on time. They shut the doors at about 7:15, so those who hadn't picked up their latest phone messege didn't get the word and missed out.

Charley passed over around 9ish. All was well. In the morning we could't get a seat at CM's so ate at the Concourse Steakhouse. It was very good..the staff kept apologizing for not having a full menu...looked fine to me! MK did open at 9 the day after the storm...MGM opened a bit late and AK didn't open at all that day. Epcot was fine. We did lose our HDDR seats since FW was shut down due to the damage...they had even moved all the campers out to the other resorts! We were able to get seats for a night later in our trip.
*******
Unfortunatly they confine you to your room even at the Deluxes. We had the honor of being at the WL during Charlie. This is the one in Aug. 2004 that changed course the last couple of hours and came straite through Orlando. They pulled up the rugs in the loby and sanbagged the doors leading to the pool. A lot of water came in. Disney closed all restraunts and everyone was to stay in there rooms and away from the windows. Well, this was our first really big hurricane, so I was halfway on the balcony. What an awsom sight. The wind and rain comming off of bay lake. I'll never forget it. We had camped for 11 nights before our three at the WL so we had lots of snacks and drinks with us. I felt sorry for all the familys with small children who could not get dinner. At first they sold box lunches but they lasted about 30 minutes. DD was at the ASM with her family. Also stuck in the room. Disney did play several movies for free all night long.
*******
We were at POP when Hurricane Charley made a detour right for WDW. Disney closed the parks at 2 PM the day of the storm and it was a "hard" close. Not even shops were open at the MK after 2 PM. The food court stayed open until around 6PM I think and then we hunkered down for the storm which arrived around 10PM. They showed endless Disney movies on the TV bewteen times. The food court re-opened around midnight.

As for me and many other Fl Res - tomorrow is one of those hurricane coming-better-get-to-Publix-and stock-up-before-the-crowds day!

 

[Blueberry]

No..I plan on taking no chances, just saying we will make the most of it of the time we have. It is still family time with my DH which is rare to have a week off together for us. I will not take any crazy chances and be out in it, if it is other than just rain, I have great respect for Mother Nature and what she can do.

Positive Attitude is what keeps people going..so I plan on staying upbeat and make the best of whatever comes along.....

 

[Praying Colonel]

I live in New Orleans, so I feel for you, hurricanes ruin everything!! I'm rooting for you!!!

Doesn't have to ruin everything. It depends on several factors, including hurricane size, shape, strength, time spent in the area, local construction, topography, etc.

We were visiting WDW in 2004 when Charley hit. Peak winds were around 100 mph, but the area within the hurricane where peak winds existed was very small and Charley was moving very fast (around 20-25 mph, IIRC) when it went through Orlando. So the most destructive winds didn't stay in the area very long. Charley went through around 9 p.m., and 3 of the 4 parks were open the next day with minimal disruption (monorails weren't running and FASTPASS wasn't operating).

DS was with my in-laws visiting in northern Louisiana (Monroe area) when Katrina hit last year. I wish I'd saved the radar image. About 10 miles east of where they were, lots of ugly greens, yellows and oranges, but completely clear in their little town. They said they got a couple of small thunderstorms and that was it. And this was the same state where Katrina caused so much devastation.

I don't say this to minimize the impact a hurricane can have--I was in Puerto Rico when Hugo hit in 1989, and I experienced the devastation first-hand. People should definitely take the warnings seriously and heed recommended precautions. I just want to point out that not every hurricane yields Katrina-like destruction.

Stay safe!

 

[nhpooh]

DH called from work this morning, said our friend might have to go and help out after the storm. He works for the state of Florida, they told him to pack a bag and be ready. Now my DH said we might not go

I still want to, I have been looking forward to going I love Florida

 

[Docsknotinn]

We leave in the morning. If there is a shelter I guess we should have DIS flags. LOL I lived in FL for about ten years and weathered more than a couple of hurricanes. I expect to loose a day to rain. O bummer. I get to sleep for a whole day. Like others said You still need to heed the warnings. Take a small candle, a small flashlight, a roll of TP might not be a half bad idea. When we arrive I'll be buying some water and snacks I normally wouldn't bother with and an extra book. If your renting a car make sure your CC offers insurance. If not this is one time you might want to buy it. I think all of our positive energy is enough to turn the storm back out to sea.

 

[toyotaae86lg]

This is the latest from NHC. I know to always wait till the last minute for changes but if it stays somewhat like this I should be fine. I'm traveling Thursday morning and should be arriving in Orlando at 3ish so the storm should be up north when I get up there. Right? This is just civilian speculation....I could be very wrong

 

[stschaefer]

Our original plans were to leave early Friday morning - but will keep track of where Ernesto is going. Hope this will leave for light if no rain for next week. Been planning this trip for a long time so anxiety at a high level.

 

[The Mick]

Keeps on moving East... keep going, keep going!

National Hurricane Service site:
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at5+shtml/144607.shtml?5day

 

[penguingirlie]

If it keeps moving east like it has been doing it will completely miss Florida! I know it is still early but I am optimistic! Hopefully our vacation will go on as scheduled!

 

[shelleyr25]

Heading out of Newark on Thursday morning....as long as we can land okay I am anticipating having a great vacation, rain or no rain!!! I will have my Baggellini bag with my green Mickey DIS tag hanging off...look for me and say hi

 

[nuzmom]

We have plane tickets for the flight leaving Pittsburgh at 8:45 am, Wednesday. I'm more than a little nervous. If the path stays the same, I can't imagine Orlando airport being open during the time we're to arrive (10:55 am, Wed). We're renting a car and then driving to WDW.

I'm not "letting" Ernesto ruin our vacation, but if the airport closes, we'll have to adjust.

I have considered changing plans to arrive tomorrow night, but seems to make more sense to wait this out at home (if the airport closes).

I have to say, I'm dreading the thought of getting up early (w/ DS10 and DS5) to get to the airport only to find out we have to wait 10 - 12 hours for Orlando airport to reopen.