Hurricane Irma?

[Mr. Drauer]

Anyone know how the grocery stores are doing in the Orlando area? Even if Irma bypasses Florida and goes out east into the Atlantic (as I think we want as little landfall as possible), I assume grocery stores might be stripped of goods.

We are supposed to arrive on the 17th and had a case of water in our Garden Grocer delivery... maybe Garden Grocer won't have resources to fulfill our order. Perhaps we should pack granola bars in our luggage (in case Disney is fine, but areas surrounding are out of stock?).

The news is only showing Miami shelves being empty on TV. Right now, we are hoping this all goes smoother than expected and our trip won't have to be cancelled.

Right now, grocery stores here in Orlando are restocking the shelves constantly. They are receiving trucks throughout the day and are getting water, ice, and perishables. Publix is headquartered in Lakeland (about 40 minutes south of Orlando) and are providing near constant re-supplying trucks. Walmart also has 3 distribution centers in the central Florida area to provide supplies. Gas stations were refilled by tankers overnight throughout the area here. Of course there are going to still be stations that run-out based upon volume, and some stores in heavy traveled areas will not get water resupplied as often as others. Those in the tourist district will probably be the worst off for obvious reasons, but that doesn't mean that supplies are not available. Amazon also has a distribution center just south of Disney so that might be an option to put in an order for water. Safe travels.

 

[LadyLeem000]

A ground stop today is only temporary. As soon as they are able, air traffic control will allow planes to land and take off again.

Do ground stops usually last a day or two? Our flight is at 3:05 tomorrow and we would be landing at 6:something...

 

[BigMac3001]

Seems like 5 tomorrow is still the (un)Magic time. They'll probably confirm it later today.

Saturday. Not tomorrow.

 

[HarperLeigh]

Just a thought and it may have already been stated but how much does the cast member contribute to the magic of your trip? People working at WDW may simply not be able to go to work.

WDW insures they have employees available by staging them at resorts and not allowing them to go home.

 

[LadyLeem000]

Also...it looks like the latest models have this beast swinging out a tiiiiiiny bit further east...

 

[HarperLeigh]

Do ground stops usually last a day or two? Our flight is at 3:05 tomorrow and we would be landing at 6:something...

No. They typically only last a couple hours or less, unless they are weather related.

 

[BigMac3001]

Do ground stops usually last a day or two? Our flight is at 3:05 tomorrow and we would be landing at 6:something...

Ground stops could be for just a few minutes. Depends on the situation.

 

[MandyLovesMulan]

They should be able to be restocked immediately. That said, if there is any long lasting power outages or damage to structures that changes things but if it's just to replenish supplies bought during this week, with everything back to operating normal next week you'll be fine

Thanks. Looks like restocking must be easier/faster in USA than other countries.

 

[fla4fun]

I would call the rental company to make sure they have cars. I've heard reports of in the FLorida Keys and southern areas of cars being booked for evacuees. Not sure if this would be true for the Orlando area and if you have a reservation, I'm sure they will have one available but if it was me, I would call ahead just to double check and make sure.

Definitely. My sister and her husband were stranded in Syracuse due to a snowstorm. Once their flight was cancelled, they booked a car rental figuring they would drive home. When they go to pick up the car, there were shortages and only his elite status got him a car. There were definitely going to be people showing up with reservations who would not be getting a car. I can totally see that happening in a situation like this - especially if people have cars they are supposed to return, but can't because of the weather.

 

[LadyLeem000]

A ground stop today is only temporary. As soon as they are able, air traffic control will allow planes to land and take off again.

I'm sorry, I just read this again. Multitasking and reading is not my speciality. Thanks for the info!

 

[Tonyz]

Saturday. Not tomorrow.

Yeah my mistake

 

[ellie05]

WDW insures they have employees available by staging them at resorts and not allowing them to go home.

To an extent they keep the minimum employees they need so things won't run like they normally would. Last year during Matthew and the curfew it was a big concern that CM couldn't get to their jobs. Also the problem came that since all schools were closed and because of the curfew people were not supposed to out and those CM that have kids they didn't have anyone to leave them with.

At our universal hotel we got a nice letter saying they were closing the kitchens and not to expect housekeeping because they wanted to let most of their employees go be with their families. There was going to be food provided but not full menus.

 

[HarperLeigh]

I'm sorry, I just read this again. Multitasking and reading is not my speciality. Thanks for the info!

 

[HarperLeigh]

To an extent they keep the minimum employees they need so things won't run like they normally would. Last year during Matthew and the curfew it was a big concern that CM couldn't get to their jobs. Also the problem came that since all schools were closed and because of the curfew people were not supposed to out and those CM that have kids they didn't have anyone to leave them with.

At our universal hotel we got a nice letter saying they were closing the kitchens and not to expect housekeeping because they wanted to let most of their employees go be with their families. There was going to be food provided but not full menus.

That is how it should be. Good for Universal for allowing their employees to be home where they belonged.

 

[KStash]

This is extremely generous and kind. Thanks for bringing some Disney Magic to this thread.

Last year I went with the whole family, but this year is just a quick solo trip for my 40th birthday, so that allows me some flexibility. I'm a very lucky person, I have my health and a good job, and for that I am very thankful. While I'd be sad to have to delay, it wouldn't be that big of a deal in comparison to what she and her family are going through.

Just seeing the devastation to Texas, Barbuda and some of the Caribbean islands makes me realize how lucky I am. This has been a rough couple of weeks for a lot of people.

 

[Vintage princess]

So I cancelled and moved our trip after being on hold for hours. I had to switch to POR from AKL to cover the cost of loosing free dining as well as pay additional money and drop our park hoppers so we could afford it and now I have read several times that guest services honored free dining for people. If I call and talk to guest services now that I already changed things would I be out of luck?

 

[ravenclawtrekkie]

WDW insures they have employees available by staging them at resorts and not allowing them to go home.

"Not allowing them" isn't really correct. Cast members in a variety of areas volunteer to ride out the storm at work in order to provide guest service at resorts and to secure the parks and provide immediate clean up when everything is done. No one is forced to stay, at least not that I've ever been aware of.

 

[Tonyz]

From MCO twitter:

This info was based on internal discussions & released prematurely.

I think that all but confirms it. Just not ready for release.

 

[Sarahboo]

Do ground stops usually last a day or two? Our flight is at 3:05 tomorrow and we would be landing at 6:something...

We're landing then too on an Alaska Airlines flight from PDX.

 

[KimBean]

So I cancelled and moved our trip after being on hold for hours. I had to switch to POR from AKL to cover the cost of loosing free dining as well as pay additional money and drop our park hoppers so we could afford it and now I have read several times that guest services honored free dining for people. If I call and talk to guest services now that I already changed things would I be out of luck?

I have seen 1 person say this and not say much about it. Where are you seeing multiple people say it (asking not questioning.) I would like the info as well.