HURRICANE INFORMATION (AUGUST 15, 2004): All parks except TL are OPEN

[Lisa AF]

I would appreciate any suggestions of things to do during Charlie. I feel like I'm going to lose a day of vacation!!!!

 

[Kitster]

IMHO............yes.

 

[DebbieB]

Originally posted by imamicki2
I know this may sound weird, but our towncar driver told us a few years back that if Disney had to, they could dismantle the castle within so many hours? Is this too crazy to believe?

There's an urban legend that they can take down the spires (towers). I don't think it's true.

 

[bethzfl]

I read on a site that the castle story is an urban legend - false. The site said the castle was actually made of fiberglass.. and it's all one piece.

 

[flyinglizard]

Southwest Airlines has posted instructions on their web site for passengers with tickets August 12-15 for Jacksonville, Orlando and Tampa.

See www.southwest.com

 

[LibertyBelle]

The castle story is Urban Legend The castle itself was built of steel and fiberglass and made to with stand I believe 125-150 MPH winds.

As for the park closing at 3pm as of right now that is not the case. They still currently have no intention of closing the park tomorrow (other than canceling E-Ride). They are intending on opening at 8am but have made no decision on when they will close. It will be based on the path of the Hurricane and when it is due ot make land fall.

As of the 11pm report it was not due to make landfall until 11pm (as it is slowing down) but of course that can and probably will change again by morning. As I hear more info through the cast information I will be sure and pass it along.

 

[pumpkinfish]

I just wanted to inform those coming through VA, that Sat night and Sunday morning we are expecting rain and 50 mph in SE VA. Most people travel on 95 south, and that is inland, but sometimes the wind will be felt along 95 near Richmond. I just wanted to get the warning out there.

Good luck to all of you. Hurricanes are nothing to mess around with.

 

[JT3000]

Is anyone in Orlando evacuating??

There wouldn't be a reason to evacuate Orlando, unless you're leaving the entire state altogether. Orlando is as far inland as you're going to get in Florida, so most people from the West coast are evacuating to Orlando. Even though we were actually predicted to get the eye the other day, now it's expected to go up through Tampa and around us to the North. We'll probably still get the heavy right side of it, but not the eye.

 

[pumpkinfish]

I wanted to post the site that shows more of Charlie in reference to my above posting about VA. Click on stike area and you will see what I mean.

http://www.wavy.com/Global/story.asp?S=1364063&nav=23ijGwmP

good luck!

 

[PlutoPony]

Just heard on The Weather Channel that WDW is going to decide ~ 7 a.m. Friday whether they will be opening in the morning. Don't know what their source is though. Seems a bit late to make a decision given their announced 8 a.m. opening....

 

[Ahrizel]

Well, unless they actually close the parks-something they very seldom do-I'd go to the parks! Orlandlo is inland, and unless the storm is very strong and hits dead one, it will very be a very rainy and windy day not ideal but doable. It will not be pretty day and I would use caution if you're driving, water on the road and wind. Mind, I'm from Pa my experience with hurricanes is mostly rain. Which we are getting in spades right now. Flood watches already, and neither tropical system has even hit us yet If WDW was coastal it would be a whole different ball of wax, right now I just say enjoy the parks if there open. As always, use common sense and watch the weather.

 

[LibertyBelle]

They are supposed to make a desicion on whether or not the parks will be open around 7am tomorrow morning. As of right now they are anticipating opening All 4 parks at 8am for resort guests (with no current plan to close early but the potential is always there). The 11pm weather report stated the Charley had slowed down some and was not expected to make landfall until late tomorrow night (into Tampa Bay). They are anticipating Hurricane (cat 1) to tropical storm winds for the interior with sustained winds anywhere from 30-90mph for central florida (inland) if this is the case you can be assured there will not be much going on at WDW. When the parks were closed for Hurricane Floyd (which never hit) the hotels were really good with the guests, having activites set up and things to do. Just play it by ear and see what happens. If it plays out the way the 11pm news reported it will be mostly overnight. Watch the news before you head out in the morning and get the update... if the parks are open then go and enjoy (at least it will not be packed).

 

[phamton]

They just announced on the Orlando News13 that WDW will decide at 7 AM whether to open tomorrow. They also asked for all castmembers to call in tomorrow before coming in. Universal employees are being told the same thing.

 

[seashoreCM]

5 AM forecasts (Bulletin 16) still suggest that the storm will go just to the west of Tampa but heading straight north at that time. Being closest to WDW around 6 PM Friday.

We do not suggest that visitors consume their return trips early but rather partake of shelters and resume their vacations tomorrow.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

If, expecting weather problems, you actually show up early for an earlier flight that is not full and the airline won't let you on at no extra charge, and then your regular flight is cancelled due to weather, then the airline did not use its best efforts to transport you.

Part of deciding whether to open the theme parks must include guessing how much time it would be before a closing may be needed. Otherwise rainchecks would have to be issued after a very short day and for all intents and purposes that wipes out the turnstile income.

 

[safetymom]

Parks are closing early today at 1 PM. DTD, AK, are not opening at all.

 

[safetymom]

Parks are closing at 1 PM Friday. DTD, AK, Typhoon Lagoon will be closed for the day.

 

[newholiday]

just read on the CB that WDW is closing at 1pm today
If I were you, Id make it a resort day. Get your monies worth out of the room

 

[crazy4wdw]

WDW has announced that the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios, and Blizzard Beach will operate from 8 am to 1 PM today. Animal Kingdom, Typhoon Lagoon, and Downtown Disney will be closed.

 

[5wdwnutz]

Guess it's going to get pretty bad down there. Shame DTD is closing too, atleast if the parks are closed some shopping could still go on.

 

[charlie,nj]

Every time I mention my name I get abused ..when I call to make a dinner PS .. I say my name “Charlie” and the PS person starts yelling “go home we don’t want you here” ha ha ha…and forget about the abuse the waiters give me when I sign the bill. (I use to be a great tipper..hmmm..I will need to rethink that)

not to mention all those "Charlie go away signs"

We are down here on vacation… it is kind of exciting listening to the news broadcasts about Charlie. Hopefully there won’t be much damage in Florida. Prayers to the people who live on the coast.

My son’s are a little worried about the coming storm…but they say there feel a little better every time we buy them toys or snacks.(little con artists they are)

The hotel left a message at 8:45pm saying that the parks will be open on Friday..but to stay tuned to see if the hours will be altered due to the path of Charlie. There are messages on the bottom of the TV screen telling WDW cast members to call their leads to see if they are to report to work. They are also messages about school closings and where to pick up free sandbags..etc.

We just got back from MGM…all of the food table umbrellas are closed tight will plastic ties. All of the pushcarts are being emptied…they have signs on them.. we think for later movement. The popcorn cart over by the Great Movie Ride had a sign on it that said…”move under dig site” (whatever that means)

I will keep you posted on any new developments from WDW….

Charlie out!


******** UPDATE ******

Thanks


Got a hotel message at 7:30 am…

MK, MGM, Epcot will be open from 8 to 1 for on property WDW hotel guests only. AK closed.

Parks mayclose before 1 depending on weather..


We are off to MK now.

Charlie out!