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

I'm really concerned about the Tennessee family, too. They are from here in Nashville. At the time they left yesterday, evacuees from the coast were going to Orlando for safety - so it seemed like it wouldn't be so bad in Orlando as it looks like it is going to be now. My uncle is in Tampa - about 4 blocks from the bay northwest of MacDill, so I'm worried about him, as well, but looks like they've dodged the worst of it there.
 
People need to stay aware on the east coast of the US. After Charley passes over Fl, it will be back in the atlantic and travel up the coast, only to make landfall again. Who knows if he will gain more power, or weaken. I think the meterologists are waiting to see if the air pressure rises (a good thing, means storm is weakening) after it passes over Fl, to determine it's next path of destruction.

Here is a site of it's probable path:

http://www.hwn.org/atlantic/nhcww3.html
 
I am at the Wilderness Lodge right now with DS. We headed to MK early since it (and MGM and Epcot) opened at 8AM for resort guests...I actually learned of the early opening on the DIS, not from the hotel directly :D

We have actually gotten no information about the Hurricane from the hotel other than a tape recorded message on the room phone last night saying that the parks planned on being opened. This morning I called the front desk and they confirmed that the parks were opening early. On the boat to MK the CM let us know that the parks were closing at 1PM but on our way into the park we received a little notice that "if" the park closed early we would not be charged with a day on our pass for today. I didn't see any sign or anything about the park closing at 1PM but, the original CM was right, the park did close at 1PM, it was just very "low key".

Inside the park it was empty for the first two hours. We did 10 rides in 2 hours and almost all of them were walk-on. After 10AM it got a bit more crowded. Most rides did not have fast passes open. Even though the early morning was very empty, by the time we got over to BTMRR at 10:30, the wait was 75 minutes...UGH! While we were at the park there were lots of CMs busy bolting down a lot of the carts and tying down umbrellas and lights hanging from lightposts.

We left the park at 12:30 and got right onto the WL boat without a wait. When we got back to the hotel it started to drizzle a bit and they closed the pool and started dragging all of the chairs inside. The lobby doors facing out by the pool are covered with plastic and have sandbags stacked at the bottom of the door.

We headed back to our room and found the patio furniture stacked inside, by the sliding glass door. We watched the news for a bit and then headed back down to the lobby just as a bunch of characters arrived...Cinderella, Peter Pan and Wendy, Rafiki and Pluto.

It hasn't been raining for a while now so it is hard to believe that such a major storm could be heading this way...

I hope that everyone who is in the path of the storm gets through it safely.
 
Yea, I'm worried about my Grandmother in St. Augustine. Apparently they're evacuating Anastasia Island and closing the bridges. If anyone is in St. Augustine I'd really, really appreciate a "real time" update.

Thanks & my fingers are crossed for everyone.
 

I'm just north of St. Augustine in the Jacksonville area... I have heard Flagler County area on the east coast will get the worst of it. Jacksonville is probably going to be less affected now because the hurricane is going south of us. They said on the local news that it will be south of ST. Augustine, but they're not sure if it will be too far south of it yet...

Edited to add:
Webpage with Florida Counties:
http://www.flwg.cap.gov/CountyMap.html

I think St. Augustine is part of ST. Johns County if you'd like to see it on the map.

(edited again to add):
THere is a tornado warning in St. jOHn's county in St. Augustine area... Just to let you know
 
Bridgettesmom, my sister lives in Clearwater and works at the Times. She is hunkered down at a friend's large home since she lives in a condo not too far from the water. The weather reports up here show almost the whole state in danger. My heart goes out to all. I know that Disney will go above and beyond to protect their guests but what a way to spend a vacation.

SG/Linda
 
The local news here just named Charley number 15 on the most intense hurricanes list. They are predicting that once it hits Orlando, though it will be down to a category two or one. Also, tropical depression number five has formed in the Carribean and Bonnie is still lingering in the Atlantic. I live about 20 minutes north east of WDW and all we are seeing is overcast skies. It did rain earlier but right now there is no wind or rain. Luckily I had the day off since AK was closed. I had a chance to prepare everything we need. Just keep us in your prayers! :sunny:
 
While I would be dissapointed if the parks didnt open for my trip (starting monday) , the saftey of EACH and EVERY Floridian is even MORE IMPORTANT. I wish you all the best of luck!
 
When we were at Disneyworld Dec 31/Jan 1 (Y2K), Mickey supplied each room with a flashlight. My guess is that if they do have their own source of generating electricy, it is not sufficient for all the properties.
 
Just had a note slipped under my door at the WL...

It says...

This is an Urgent Message!

Due to the proximity of Hurrican Charley, the possibility is imminent that this area will be under storm conditions. In view of the size, strength and possible path of this hurricane, we recommend that if you are in a building away from the main lobby that you remain in your Guest room for your safety and do the following:

- Keep away from windows and stay on the far side of the room

- Keep your connecting room doors open during periods where provacy is not necessary

- So that we may reach you in the even of an emergency, do not double lock your guest room doors.

- Leave your Guest room blinds or drapes closed and all patio furniture in the room.

- Do not leave your room until notified.

For your enjoyment, we will have a continuous showing of the following feature films:

Finding Nemo
Monsters Inc.
Brother Bear

Please continue to closely monitor the weather on your in-room television. We will advise you when weather authorites have determined that the storm has passed. Also, please contact the Front Desk if you have any questions or require further assistance.

Sincerely,

The cast of the Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Villas
 
lizfromfl .... Thank you very much for keeping us up to date! My thoughts and prayers continue to be with all of you in the path of this Hurricane!
 
enchantedpixiedust- Honestly, the time for the anxiety attack is over. Now, that the hurricane is approaching the best thing to do is to stay calm and wait for instructions.

::yes::

On a positive note, I'm glad they are finally keeping the guests informed of what is going on with this hurricane.

lizfromfl- Enjoy Finding Nemo!! :wave2:


slightlygoofy- My uncle has a heart condition, but, he is in good spirits and has been very positive about everything. He says that he does not care about his house or his car..that they are all material things that he can later replace.
 
that darn Charley!!! i am now sitting right in his path. checked out of ASMo this afternoon (asked for late check out) and family brought us to their home. had to 'commando' MK yesterday since it was 1 of 2 days to be at the park. we were planning on going today, but decided to get ahead of Charley and get to family's house. MK, Epcot & MGM were open today 8-1pm...AK closed. but this was only to resort guests.....and FREE!!! :Pinkbounc pretty cool....figured disney wanted you in parks spending $$, even if it was free entry.......
well, i hear thunder and it's getting dark, so i'm outta here........
 
lizfromfl and the rest of the dis'ers in FL,

Stay safe and know we are thinking of you. At WL, that is great they at least are trying to keep you entertained with the characters and the free movies. I wonder how many times you will watch them before you get tired of them!

Stay safe, and keep us updated. :earseek:
 
BigNana212,
I think the reason they did that during Y2K, is because, if you remember, everyone was scared the world was going to basically end. I am quite positive that their electrical sources have the capabilities of being up and running. Usually hotels/resorts have back-up generators to keep things running smoothly. During Isabel last year, my coworkers had to stay in hotels due to their own power outages that lasted for 8-10 days. The generators were the life-savers.
 
Pkdcoastrs- I agree with you, but I too will be VERY disappointed. I am a poor college student and this will be my trip to see my boyfriend of 3 years in Orlando while he is getting his Masters in Physical Therapy at UCF. I just REALLY REALLY REALLY don't want this trip ruined. Believe me, though, I understand hurricanes. Pensacola gets hit by at least 5 TS-Hurricanes every season. I hate it and I feel bad for everyone down there. Just take precautions and hopefully Disney can protect their park so it will open back up tomorrow! *fingers crossed*
:earsgirl:
 
Just heard from my dear sister and while others are waiting out the storm on the floors of shelters she has found refuge with a wealthy friend who owns a huge, secured home on high land. Even has their own power system. Figures. I am relieved.

Bridgettesmom, I applaud your uncle's good sense. He has probably been through a few of these scares in his lifetime and knows better than some. Hopefully it will all be much ado about nothing and signifying the same. (hoping can make it so??)

SG/Linda
 












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