Hurricane help

[utlegaleagle]

Really have enjoyed all of the threads on here over the past year. They have helped me, a first time visitor to the Dark Side, understand the differences with Universal and get ready to handle this trip. We're set for 4 days, staying at RPR with park-to-parks. (We're then off to WDW, staying at AKL for 4 days.)

But here's the rub. I'm driving us down to Orlando over Thursday night, arriving at 6 A.M. on Friday morning. Calls to Universal seem to be optimistic that the parks will be open and that Hurricane Matthew will not close them. Assuming that to be the case and that Matthew doesn't make it unbearable, what advice do you have for us first-timers for visiting the parks in a hurricane? Early entry is US at 7 A.M., with IOA opening at 9 A.M. My family is full throttle thrill rides, with the 8 y/o boy being without fear (only slightly more than his 6 y/o brother).

TIA!

 

[TheConsciousness]

I can't answer your question, but if you're worried about not being able to enjoy your trip, Universal offers a severe weather policy that allows you to cancel or reschedule your vacation to a later date.

http://www.universalorlandovacations.com/general-information/severe-weather

 

[avic77]

ponchos

 

[Disxuni]

All I have to say is depending on what side you're on in terms of roads you could be facing some serious traffic. Just a reminder. Also, while the park might be open, there is a very high chance several rides will be closed due to the weather, as there will be obviously rain and high winds, and if there's thunder and lightning (which it's likely there will be) they close water rides, as well as rides that go up high, such as outside roller coasters for example. So, if rides you desire to be on are in that category you may miss them. It may not be as bad as what the east coast is getting, but Orlando is getting supposedly up to 40-60 mph winds and has 100% chance of rain. Something to think about.

 

[Metro West]

We are leaving work today at 3PM and are off tomorrow. I plan on going home and not leaving until Saturday or whenever the weather clears. It's going to be a bear getting home this afternoon but it's better than getting stuck. You can't do much in 60 MPH winds.

 

[Grumpy92]

I would strongly encourage you to cancel. The time you are planning to travel is when the worst part of the storm will be hitting the area. It is not something you want to ride through in a car.

 

[ilovefh]

I highly doubt they'all be open tomorrow. At least for their team members I hope they close. We're supposed to see sustained 70 mph winds tonight into tomorrow. This is not a small storm or anything to be taken lightly. Honestly, I'd cancel or postpone.

 

[macraven]

I am at rpr now and services have slowed down or will be slowed down depending on the weather
Depends if employees will be able to get to work once the heavy rains begin

No word from UO yet for operations of the parks
I have the UTH today and private VIP tour Friday and Sunday

Time will tell if they will happen

You are Better off at home then to travel during the weather warning



There are gas stations out of gas and service down here
You don't want to have to deal with that

 

[wdisneyaholic]

Good luck to everyone there now, stay safe!!

 

[idgy]

Our flights just got cancelled. We are thinking about just driving. Husband thinks all will be clear by Saturday. I'm worried power will be out all weekend. I know no one knows for sure, but I would love to hear advice. We're bringing two college kids on fall break so our dates are firm (they have to be back to school Wednesday morning). I just want to cry.

 

[skylock]

Our flights just got cancelled. We are thinking about just driving. Husband thinks all will be clear by Saturday. I'm worried power will be out all weekend. I know no one knows for sure, but I would love to hear advice. We're bringing two college kids on fall break so our dates are firm (they have to be back to school Wednesday morning). I just want to cry.

It may be clear by then, but you have to think about the gas situation. Very likely power outages. It is not just the storm to think about.

 

[cbsnyber1]

ponchos

Many, many ponchos . . .

 

[book_junkie]

In Orlando we've been told to be inside by 5 pm today (Thursday) and stay inside until Saturday am at the earliest. We're being told to expect power outages, downed trees and shingles, and while the storm will the through on Saturday, the clean up will be starting. No one will know how bad it will actuall be. While the parks and resorts will be fine, getting to them could be hazardous. There will be NO transportation going until Saturday.
I'd postpone or reschedule and not drive.

 

[Seeker615]

I just saw that Universal is closing early today and will be closed tomorrow. (as well as Disney)

 

[hubbard53]

we were planning on driving down Saturday morning and doing parks on Sunday prior to a cruise on Monday... we are NOT optimistic. I imagine the traffic getting BACK into Orlando will be troublesome if the storm does what they say its going to do. We may be scrapping the whole trip depending on the cruise.

 

[Bluer101]

The president just authorized FEMA aid for Florida, you now know its serious. Lucky I'm all boarded up and playing the waiting game.

Just like others have said, it's not the rain and wind that will pass, it's the lack of electricity, gas, and such. We are all sold out down here in palm beach and heard almost all of east florida.

 

[avic77]

Obviously "Ponchos was a tongue in cheek response. Things are looking really bad, not just some rainy weather. The theme parks in Orlando almost never close, and they have issued closures so I hope you canceled and are home safe and sound.
Prayers with those in the path.

 

[Ruth B]

I am at rpr now and services have slowed down or will be slowed down depending on the weather
Depends if employees will be able to get to work once the heavy rains begin

No word from UO yet for operations of the parks
I have the UTH today and private VIP tour Friday and Sunday

Time will tell if they will happen

You are Better off at home then to travel during the weather warning



There are gas stations out of gas and service down here
You don't want to have to deal with that

Stay safe Mac and everyone

 

[kohlby]

I'm at a Disney hotel and we have been told not to leave our rooms until they tell us tomorrow. Our doors open up to the outside so they don't want us going anywhere - not even to the lobby.

 

[gzmtlock]

I'm at a Disney hotel and we have been told not to leave our rooms until they tell us tomorrow. Our doors open up to the outside so they don't want us going anywhere - not even to the lobby.

Stay safe!