How Bad Did The Parks Get Hit???

[hirschberger]

We are listening to the news and not a word about the parks. Did they take much of a hit? Would like to here from the people that are down in Florida at the parks hope everyone is safe.

Karen and Jamie

 

[summersfam4]

We are also thinking of the parks along with our friends living in Tampa. Would love to hear some good news from the Orlando area as we heard that they had 105 mile per hour winds. Anyone have anything to report? Our thoughts, prayers, and pixie dust goes out to all of the families whom have experienced Hurricane Charley.

Kelly

 

[Pop Daddy]

there is a thread here that says Disney is open today, I havent opened it yet

 

[WillyJ]

They just showed a live shot of the Castle and main "hub" of the Magic Kingdom on MSNBC. . .

The newscaster said something like. . "you are looking live at the Magic Kingdon one of many places in the path of the storm that recieved severe damage. . "

Except the live shot of the park showed no visible damage that I could see and there were what appeared to be maybe 50 or 60 customers walking around between the end of Main Street and the area in front of the castle.


I'm guessing there had to be some damage in the parks, but I doubt Disney would open them if it was severe. . probably the newsperson just read what was in front of her- (accuracy does not appear to be a big priority with the major news networks these days. . "breaking the story" is. . )

They did show what looked like quite a bit of damage around the Orlando airport, but it was hard to put in perspective as far as
how widespread it was.


The news is kind of all over the place and starting to concentrate more on where it's headed and slightly less on where it's been, but my impression was that there was a lot of traffic problems, electricity outages, water plants damaged, and lots of minor and some major property damage, but it's not a disaster like some places on the West coast of the state. .


Prayers to all affected by this awful storm. .

 

[iluvdisney]

I was watching that same broadcast WillyJ - I heard earlier that MK was open today to guests but they didn't say anything about any of the other parks. Sure we'll hear something today.

 

[WDWHound]

Most of the parks are open, but Animal Kindom is "Closed until further notice".

 

[Dan Murphy]

AK is closed today

 

[Mr D]

Most news stations, newspapers and other news sites of the theme parks are not releasing any news about any damage from Charley be it little or huge as there is the real possibility of a repeat of what happened after 9/11 and Orlando saw NOBODY and everybody went into a panic mode.
It will take time but eventually the word will get out, I've been in several hurricanes plus I've lived in Orlando and its very likely there was considerable damage especially to trees, shrubbery, awnings, lights at the parks, expect them to be open though but many rides will be shutdown while they are being inspected for any structural damage. Thats a definate thing, Disney wants no interruption in tourist spending as do all the other theme parks.

 

[kylara]

News here said that MK, Epcot and MGM are open but the AK, waterparks, and golf courses are closed.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Directly from Disney's own site:

A Hurricane Charley Update From Walt Disney World

In the aftermath of Hurricane Charley, we completed a thorough evaluation of the Walt Disney World Resort prior to opening today to ensure the safety of our Guests and Cast.

Now that weather conditions have returned to normal after Hurricane Charley, all Walt Disney World theme parks, with the exception of Disney's Animal Kingdom, have opened as usual at 9 a.m. today.


Like other members of the Central Florida community, our property received some damage as a result of Hurricane Charley. While it is too early to assess the total impact of the storm, we would not open unless it was safe for our Guests and Cast.


All Walt Disney World Cast Members are reporting to work as normal.

 

[sters]

Well, that doesn't sound too bad. I understand that they did evacuate campers at Fort Wilderness before the storm hit. I will be very interested to hear some first-hand, eye-witness trip reports! So, will stay tuned.....

 

[Feralpeg]

I'm getting ready to go to Downtown Disney for lunch. I'll post an update on the area when I return.

 

[FINFAN]

Thanks Ferlapeg....please drive safely.

 

[KrnB]

From the Sentinal:

Despite damage and debris caused by Hurricane Charley, nearly all of Orlando's major theme parks and attractions planned to open for business today.

Walt Disney World expected to open the Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Disney-MGM studios at 9 a.m. Notices to guests, however, indicated Animal Kingdom will still be closed.

According to spokesperson Jacquee Polak, this was because so many Disney employees were unable to make it into work today, and the company was unable to staff Animal Kingdom properly.

Polak also said all the parks sufferred some landscaping damage, but none of the attractions were affected by the storm.

However, she said, Jungle Cruise and the Walt Disney World Railroad at the Magic Kingdom were to open late because of downed tree limbs and debris that would affect operation of the rides.

Universal Studios Orlando, meanwhile, planned to open both of its parks at 9:30 a.m.

"We took some minor damage, mostly landscaping, a little bit of structural damage," says Universal spokesman Tom Schroder. "Safety engineers inspected all the rides and determined they are safe. All rides will be working today when we open and are safe."

Schroder said 50 ride inspectors rode out the storm inside the park and then fanned out to check for damage once the storm had passed.

SeaWorld's Web site lists a noon opening.

At SeaWorld, the Fusion water ski show and the Happy Harbour Play Area for Children were closed Saturday morning because of debris.

Discovery Cove is also closed because of downed tree limbs.

Meanwhile, on International Drive, in the heart of Orlando's tourism corridor, hotel operators are out assessing damage and clean-up needs.

Under the large covered entrance at the Peabody Hotel, a man with a leaf-blowing machine tries to rid the area of shrubbery branches and leaves. Around the exterior of the high-rise hotel, there are numerous downed trees and broken branches but no broken windows.

Along I-Drive, work crews are tackling cleanup of fallen trees and branches lining the center median.

The exterior of the Orange County Convention Center, fountains still working, appears undamaged, at least along I-Drive.

 

[WDW Poly Princess]

Glad to hear the parks are able to open! I wonder if maybe the savanah at AK is a wreck, or if the animals are upset from the storms, or if it's just general damage that needs cleaned up before they can open?

 

[WDWHound]

Deleted by WDWHound

 

[Talking Hands]

Originally posted by sters
Well, that doesn't sound too bad. I understand that they did evacuate campers at Fort Wilderness before the storm hit. I will be very interested to hear some first-hand, eye-witness trip reports! So, will stay tuned.....

Evacuating Ft Wilderness is standard preparation for a hurricane. Campers and mobile homes are not built to stand the forces of hurricane winds.

 

[battricia]

I hope none of the animals were hurt.

Glad to hear everything else seems to be OK.

tricia.

 

[Poohbear123]

"There is an invisible Barrier Around WDW---this is why it is ALWAYS open after a Disaster."

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

A ring of Pixie Dust, perhaps?