Hurricane Matthew Closes WDW - Reopens Saturday, October 8th

[Masonsears3]

Does anyone have any input on whether or not traveling by train is safe during a hurricane? We're supposed to board the train in Philadelphia friday afternoon and arrive in orlando Saturday afternoon. This is our first time traveling by train ever and definitely our first time traveling during a hurricane.

 

[madge]

Hi everyone, been on hold with Disney for over 2 hours and trying to get an answer about Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. We have tickets for Thursday night and that looks like the worst of the weather. FWIW, we are Floridians so we don't mind rain and are driving from the south, where we may be harder hit. Does anyone have experience with getting a refund for a one-off event like the Halloween party? Unfortunately we don't think we will have another night we can go to it. Ideally we will go the following night (Friday) but that will depend on being able to get out of South Florida and drive up. I would rather cancel the ticket and then purchase it day of if we make it up there. Any advice is most welcome - thanks!

We got a refund in on this day in 2012 (thanks, facebook!) It was super stormy & nearly everything was canceled.

We are here now. Was scheduled to fly out Friday afternoon & rescheduled for early Thursday. We had a phone message today mentioning monitoring the storm & would provide updates.

 

[mjallemand]

My parents had a week-long Florida trip planned starting Friday including stops at WDW and Key West and now my mother is in a panic because she's stuck with a bunch of non-cancellable hotel reservations.

 

[Swimmergirl]

Trying to remain calm over here! We were flying in on Thursday, set to arrive a little before 6pm. Looking at the current predictions, winds are supposed to start picking up mid-day Thursday, and I got nervous! Southwest was able to change our tickets at no cost to an earlier flight. We'll arrive at 11am Thursday, hopefully before things get nasty. My husband actually works for Southwest and was planning on using his free flight privileges for this trip, but to do that you fly standby. Something tells me any flight that does get out might be pretty full! So we broke down and bought him a ticket. Here's hoping it all works out!

I'm also hoping that we'll be able to do a grocery run before we get to the resort. Anybody have tips on what we should stock up on? I'm thinking we may need a few more provisions than usual. I'm planning on packing a flashlight and some books and toys for my boys, just in case we're stuck in the room with no power for a bit. Anyone else have some tips for those of us planning to get there?

 

[Tiggerette]

Does anyone have any input on whether or not traveling by train is safe during a hurricane? We're supposed to board the train in Philadelphia friday afternoon and arrive in orlando Saturday afternoon. This is our first time traveling by train ever and definitely our first time traveling during a hurricane.

There could be issues with the timeliness of the train. For example, if part of the Amtrak route is on a freight line, freight could delay the passenger train. Amtrak doesn't always receive right of way. As the storm moves up the east coast (carolinas) there might be an issue with having the track clear of debris… depending on the track location. If I were traveling with that itinerary I'd see if the storm will have already passed the carolinas by then, and I'd have some flexibility built into my arrival timeframe.

I hope you enjoy your train ride. Consider bringing some earplugs, eye covers and toilet paper with you, even if you're in a roomette/bedroom. All Aboard!

 

[Tiggerette]

My parents had a week-long Florida trip planned starting Friday including stops at WDW and Key West and now my mother is in a panic because she's stuck with a bunch of non-cancellable hotel reservations.

My cousins are in Key West right now, and they said (as of this afternoon) there hasn't been any evacuation order, and it's actually one of the more safer places to be in FL. Mainly because the storm ail already be north of them by the time it starts swinging NW. Here's hoping she's able to get to the Keys! If she makes it to Key West, Blue Heaven has some of the best food, brunch and my favorite place for key lime pie! Best wishes!

 

[meaganmusing]

I'm planning on packing a flashlight and some books and toys for my boys, just in case we're stuck in the room with no power for a bit. Anyone else have some tips for those of us planning to get there?

This is a great idea! Adding a flashlight to my bag now!

 

[nduckles]

Does anyone have any input on whether or not traveling by train is safe during a hurricane? We're supposed to board the train in Philadelphia friday afternoon and arrive in orlando Saturday afternoon. This is our first time traveling by train ever and definitely our first time traveling during a hurricane.

It's a good question. You will probably be passing by the storm while passing through North or South Carolina....by then it'll be a bit weaker, I imagine, and you'll be a bit inland. Of course, the thing about trains is that they can't really re-route like a flight can. I'm sure the trains have guidelines as to how much wind/rain is safe and you might find that you simply won't know until you're well on your way. But I bet it'll work out just fine. Good luck!!

 

[Masonsears3]

Thank you so much for your input! I have no idea what we're getting ourselves into and if it's smart to get ourselves into it all all. It sounds like the issues are more centered around a longer train ride. We're prepared to cancel our Saturday plans if so. However, I'm concerned of the debris on the track and that causing a safety issue. Do you know how they typically address that? I guess there's really no way of knowing about debris sometimes until your on top of it.

 

[Masonsears3]

To suppliment my first question....does anyone know when this is supposed to go through the carolinas? I'm thinking waiting to travel until it has passed those areas is our best bet at a safe trip.

 

[Tiggerette]

Trying to remain calm over here! EDIT

I'm also hoping that we'll be able to do a grocery run before we get to the resort. Anybody have tips on what we should stock up on? I'm thinking we may need a few more provisions than usual. I'm planning on packing a flashlight and some books and toys for my boys, just in case we're stuck in the room with no power for a bit. Anyone else have some tips for those of us planning to get there?

Grocery stores might already have a run on them, but if there's some supplies left:
- Water
- Non-perishable protein stuffs
- Handy wipes, in case running water goes out (extreme circumstance: if they tell you fill the bathtub, it's to use to fill the commode after flushing)
- Battery powered radio/batteries. External charge stick for phone.

Because it's Disney, I would plan supplies for roughly one day inside. If you were a local, they'd say plan for three days but that's for your house, not a multi-plex city-resort. Basically, what would you truly need if employees couldn't report to work for the evening.

As you're planning, also think about the wonderful high pressure system that follows a hurricane. That means beautiful skies afterwards! Safe travels!

 

[Accident]

Does anyone have any input on whether or not traveling by train is safe during a hurricane? We're supposed to board the train in Philadelphia friday afternoon and arrive in orlando Saturday afternoon. This is our first time traveling by train ever and definitely our first time traveling during a hurricane.

I've commuted for most of my life and taken the train long distances every chance I had the time to do so.... I know this train very well. There are some spots on this route where flooding is a real problem for the train and trains tend to be next to trees that fall over in heavy storms. expect delays, but call them if you want more solid answers.

It's also very easy to cancel a train and get a full refund if you do it soon enough if you want to change how your traveling. planes can fly over bad weather.

 

[TwoMisfits]

Trying to remain calm over here! We were flying in on Thursday, set to arrive a little before 6pm. Looking at the current predictions, winds are supposed to start picking up mid-day Thursday, and I got nervous! Southwest was able to change our tickets at no cost to an earlier flight. We'll arrive at 11am Thursday, hopefully before things get nasty. My husband actually works for Southwest and was planning on using his free flight privileges for this trip, but to do that you fly standby. Something tells me any flight that does get out might be pretty full! So we broke down and bought him a ticket. Here's hoping it all works out!

I'm also hoping that we'll be able to do a grocery run before we get to the resort. Anybody have tips on what we should stock up on? I'm thinking we may need a few more provisions than usual. I'm planning on packing a flashlight and some books and toys for my boys, just in case we're stuck in the room with no power for a bit. Anyone else have some tips for those of us planning to get there?

I have family in the area - I wouldn't bother with the grocery run b/c as of tonight, they are empty of anything useful (bottled water, bread, batteries, flashlights, etc)...I'd expect any restocks to get instantly bought out tomorrow (and the stores themselves are zoos)...

 

[Accident]

This is a great idea! Adding a flashlight to my bag now!

I recommend you do this anyway for any trip.. I would have one for my daughter and she would be able to find her way to the light switch or bathroom without having to get everyone up because she can't see. It's also really annoying but incredibly adorable the day they use the flashlight to see if your awake and this little face you can barely see behind the blinding light in your eye smiling at you..

 

[Tiggerette]

Thank you so much for your input! I have no idea what we're getting ourselves into and if it's smart to get ourselves into it all all. It sounds like the issues are more centered around a longer train ride. We're prepared to cancel our Saturday plans if so. However, I'm concerned of the debris on the track and that causing a safety issue. Do you know how they typically address that? I guess there's really no way of knowing about debris sometimes until your on top of it.

In my experience, the train is delayed while a crew comes to clear the track. If the track is used by multiple groups (passenger/ freight, etc) then it's not like you're the only train on it. Keep an eye on your status. Myself, I would feel safe taking my family if they'd be okay with potential of delay.

As to the SC/NC time frame, I would't want to guess other than what is already publicly forecasted. Having been through hurricanes, I want to see what happens with FL before putting my faith into what's going to happen with SC/NC. Of course, *geezer voice* back in my day we didn't have these new fangled computer models… we had ridges of pressure systems that told us where the hurricane might go and we watched those pressure systems like the reservations opening for cinderella's table…. */gv* hehehe….

 

[Accident]

Because it's Disney, I would plan supplies for roughly one day inside. If you were a local, they'd say plan for three days but that's for your house, not a multi-plex city-resort. Basically, what would you truly need if employees couldn't report to work for the evening

This has actually happened. the only time disney had a multiday closure (that I know of) was the last big hurricane to directly hit it. Mostly tree damage that disney took care of but outside of property was a different story and there wasn't enough cast members that could get to property for them to safely operate.

I believe the disunplugged team talked about it at least once on the podcasts but not as detailed as I remember other older disunplugged podcasts..

If anyone is interested in their recent take on weather see the below podcast starting at 18:00 for the entire segment and 23:30 for the parts about hurricanes and disney. This is not the most complete time they talked about it, but it's the one I remembered to be able to find it.

I recommend the whole segment as they do discuss how it rains here (which is very different than states that aren't flat) and when it's not smart to be outside in a poncho.

 

[drp4video]

I just got a text message and an email from AAA indicating that the National Weather Service has issued a Hurricane Watch for Walt Disney World until 1/16/2038 until 11:14 p.m. NO, that is NOT a typo.

 

[book_junkie]

I have family in the area - I wouldn't bother with the grocery run b/c as of tonight, they are empty of anything useful (bottled water, bread, batteries, flashlights, etc)...I'd expect any restocks to get instantly bought out tomorrow (and the stores themselves are zoos)...

Might think about trying something like Amazon pantry (I've not tried it so I don't know how guaranteed they'll be in situations like this)... I live right on the other side of MK, and the stores were out of bottled water of any kind as of 7-8 pm eastern (publix, Target, etc). People were VERY upset and anxious- they weren't like this for the last one that came through, so that should tell you something.
If you can get it guaranteed shipped or bring it with you, do it. I'd also read up on how WDW handled the previous big hurricane that actually hit the resort- reading the storm forecasts we're getting from the Melbourne center, I would not be surprised if they closed the parks Thursday afternoon and Friday afternoon. Predictions as of right now are tropical storm to hurricane force winds and rains then, and clear Saturday on. With those predictions, last time that happened they closed the parks early and tried to get everyone inside and safe.

Books, colors, DVD players or digital movies, video or board games, deck of cards, etc. things that can occupy everyone from mid afternoon to morning.

 

[nduckles]

I just got a text message and an email from AAA indicating that the National Weather Service has issued a Hurricane Watch for Walt Disney World until 1/16/2038 until 11:14 p.m. NO, that is NOT a typo.

How helpful.

 

[rteetz]

I just got a text message and an email from AAA indicating that the National Weather Service has issued a Hurricane Watch for Walt Disney World until 1/16/2038 until 11:14 p.m. NO, that is NOT a typo.

They have the inside info on the Star Wars land opening date