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

[daisylove]

I was justthining. If you are going to get any supplies grab a rol of masking tape. We use it or duct tape to tape X's across the windows so if a tree limb or wind breaks it the glass would be contained a bit. Also if it really hits WDw keep you window drapes closed for this reason as well. please do not go on the balconys to watch the storm! I have seen people picked up and thrown by hurricane winds.

 

[seashoreCM]

If you are concerned about flight delays, consider trying an early stand by.

Depending on the severity of the storm, WDW guests may be evacuated to shelters. I am told that some such shelters are on-site, I don't know where.

Should you be evacuated to an on-site location, even if there is entertainment there, keep in mind that you are now "in a storm shelter" as opposed to "at WDW".

The biggest danger in staying in resort rooms during a hurricane is flying glass from windows broken by blown objects. Probably the next biggest danger is to people who venture outside to "experience the storm in different ways".

If power goes out, you may find it desirable to get some fresh air by opening the room door, holding it almost closed with the little folding security bracket.

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

 

[HauntedMansionFreak]

We can be in Orlando before noon but our check in isn't until 4PM. We are trying for an early check in. ALso, we are staying at a private pool home - not a hotel. We are about 10 minutes from Disney. Do you think we will be safe? I have been in tornadoe's but never a hurricane. Is anyone in Orlando evacuating??

I am scared to death still. I feel so stupid for driving into this. I don't know why I'm even considering it.


To all Florida peeps - PLEASE keep us posted....will be checking this thread ALOT.

Thanks!

 

[seashoreCM]

Friday 5PM EST National Hurricane Service weather forecasts (bulletin #14) suggest that Charlie would be delivering strong winds to WDW by mid PM on Friday. Winds would be diminishing around midnight.

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

 

[daisylove]

HauntedMansionFreak Call the rental office and find out what they do to prepare for storms like this. If shutters have to go up? Find out who will do it. Ask what numbers could you use in an emergency. Office workers will probably be scarce as they prepare their own family and homes. after this is shoudl be a fine weekend. Just use your common sense and stay out of the worst of it. Keep informed! and be safe!

 

[mommie2angels]

OK so we have a last minute trip planned just for the weekend. It's not a neccessity for us to go. We would be driving. What are ya'll's opinions? Go or stay. Thanks in advance for any thoughts ya'll have!

 

[alloyd1170]

taximom-you may want to follow this closely as the current projected path has it coming across the savannah area and then basically following the cold front all the way up the eastern seabord. you may have a tough time finding a hotel if you dont have rsvps already. you might also want to get a cooler and stock it up with some food and water just in case you have to hang out in the hotel or the power goes out. things will be worse to the east of the storm if im correct. things can still be rough even if it weakens. weve already had several tornados, heavy rains and wind today from bonnie, and are expecting more tonight as she comes into the middle part of sc. goodluck to you all!

alison

 

[NotUrsula]

Another good thing to do if it looks like the power might go out is to run water into the bathtub and fill it. This water can then be used to pour into toilets so that thay can be flushed. (When you do a manual flush this way, turn off the water valve behind the toilet first, and don't flush anything that doesn't HAVE to be flushed. Put your tp in the trash whenever possible.)

 

[goofy4tink]

Well, here's hoping we can get there tomorrow. We leave Logan at 8:40 a.m. and land MCO at 11:47. Hopefully we'll beat Charley. Kinda figured my one shot at an E-night would be canceled!! Ah well.

 

[phamton]

The local tv station WKMG just did a report on the theme parks preparation. They said all the theme parks plan to be open (WDW and Universal). They told of some of the things they do like securing trashcans, etc.

I looked for the story they did but it wasn't up on the website yet but it may be up later:
http://www.wkmg.com

 

[safetymom]

mommie2angels

If you are planning on arriving on Friday I would stay at home where you will be safe. This storm is nothing to mess with.

 

[NotUrsula]

Sometimes when bad weather is predicted and flight delays are anticipated, airlines will let you fly BEFORE your scheduled departure, in order to free up seats for flights that follow cancelled flights. If you are due to head *to* Florida tomorrow or Saturday, you might be able to go tonight. Call and ask, but also check with your hotel in Orlando; they may be sold out already. Still, lots of people think sleeping in a hotel lobby beats sleeping in the airport.

BTW, for anyone driving anywhere in Florida this weekend, if you can't delay your trip, prepay your on-the-road hotel reservations NOW. When an evacuation order is in effect, roadside hotels jack up prices and will ruthlessly sell the rooms of anyone who is reserved but not prepaid. Most hotels in Orlando will be sold out by midnight tonight, as the evacuees from the South and West move inland. (Shelters don't allow pets, so people who have them tend to get to the motels ASAP. In spite of pet policies, sneaking is relatively easy at a motel, but nearly impossible at a shelter.)

 

[Blueberry]

Mommie2angels,

I would pick another weekend for your trip. WDW in bad weather is no fun and they may close the parks again...just my two cents..sorry this happened to you and all those there now....

 

[GOOFYFREEK]

ABSOLUTLY LIVID

I just spent 4 days at Disney and luckly today was my last day. Upon checking out this morning at All Star Sports, I hear a lady from Ohio ask the CM if they should be worried or take any preperations for the incoming storm. The cm behind the desk said she did not know and walked over to the head desk and asked the CM there. The CM from the other desk walked over and told the lady she had noting to worry about that if anything it would be just a little rain and wind which they recieve the majority of the time this time of year.

I looked at that CM like she had lost her damn mind. The CM that was in front of me was covering her mouth cause she knows what that the CM just told the lady was completly wrong.

I ran and caught up to the lady and told her if she gets a chance she should go to a near by grocery and pick up your basic supplies of water and dry goods just in case.

I have lived in Florida for 28 years and have never taken a Hurricane lightly but for a CM to tell someone from out of the state that has no clue what a hurricane is that they might expect a little rain or winds and it was nothing out of the ordinary for this time of year is absolutly absurd.

All in all had a wonderful trip but I am sorry the 3 hour drive home drove me nuts thinking how many of the CM's where telling these people this.

Doug

 

[LoveToDisney]

We have gone to WDW long ago during a time when a hurricane was headed there because when you're flying you've already bought the ticket, etc. Well, we noticed all the lamps were lashed to the post and the umbrellas and things were taken down--they definitely have a solid plan in place for high winds. The hotel we were staying at had placed all their patio furniture in the pool. The next day the hurricane veered off and didn't hit directly. Within no time, everything returned to normal.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Local stations are running a news ticker of closings for tomorrow. Schools, government offices, colleges and the like. AND the message that WDW will be open tomorrow.

 

[LibertyBelle]

WDW is currently planning on being open tomorrow. They have told us that they will be opening at 8am (instead of 9am) to get extra time in. They are not anticipating closing but the option is always there if the weather starts to get bad or if the projections change. As far as the parks, they are currently removing objects that could potentially fly away as well as tieing down the larger stuff. As with Hurricane Floyd a few years ago (that missed us) they have as much prepared as they can and still be able to operate. Then if the decision is made to close they can quickly finish up any additional preperations that they need. Our latest memo states:

In the past 30 years, WDW has only had to close once due to a hurricane. According to Park officials, it's anticipated that all Parks will open on Friday. However, if the storm's path becomes a threat to Central Florida, operations may be adjusted accordingly. A final decision on tomorrow's operations will be made by Friday morning at 7 a.m. At that time, guests will be notified of any changes when they enter the Parks as will Cast Members.

 

[BCV23]

I heard that the parks are closing at 3:00.

Stay safe and dry everyone.

 

[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?

 

[seashoreCM]

If only people would have basic supplies on hand all the time as opposed to having to rush out to the grocery store just before every storm...

For all I know people actually do (except for adequate drinks and water) and don't realize it. Canned goods, cereal, etc.

Those checking IN don't have to run to the grocery store. As mentioned above there will be emergency food and water at WDW in the days following the storm as things get back to normal.