Hurricane Matthew Closes WDW - Reopens Saturday, October 8th

[joelkfla]

NOAA Tues 11PM update:

Tropical Storm force wind probability for Orlando at 77%; Hurricane force wind probability 15%. Peak probability period is 8AM Thurs thru 8PM Fri.

Updated track has the center of the storm 65 mi. east of West Palm Beach @ 8PM Thursday, and 51 mi. east of Jacksonville @ 8PM Friday. Orlando is roughly midway between those two (and further inland, of course.)

Further up the coast, the center is about 55 mi. off the coast of Myrtle Beach SC at 8PM Sat.

From the NOAA 11:34PM Local Hurricane Statement:

- A HURRICANE WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR INLAND VOLUSIA
COUNTY...ORANGE...SEMINOLE...OSCEOLA AND COASTAL VOLUSIA COUNTY [includes WDW, Orlando, & Daytona]

 

[im4pacers1]

So, hmmm. We are here now, scheduled to fly home Saturday morning. I wonder if we should try to get out of here early Thursday. That really stinks but I think I'd rather be home than stuck in a hotel room watching Disney movies for 2 days. I'm sure we will have power and I'm assuming they'll have some sort of food for us, but we could probably get some money back and sit at home and do nothing. I honestly don't even know if this is an option with our flights to leave early Thursday. The last time we were here for a hurricane, it only rained for a few hours and it was business as usual. They are predicting much worse for this one as of right now. They haven't told us anything other than they will update us as it moves closer.

 

[Accident]

@im4pacers1 I think it's an option actually. both disney and airlines have put in the weather no penalty to change things rules. hit the front desk button onthe phone and ask.

 

[mjallemand]

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!

Well, my mom went through and cancelled everything she could, from the Disney reservation to the half-dozen hotels they had booked. She only had one give her grief about a cancellation fee and she'll be calling tomorrow to talk to management. What a shame.

 

[joelkfla]

Just want to point out that the probability of Hurricane force winds in Orlando (not the coast) is still just 15%; that's about 1 in 7 chance, or 6 times more likely that we won't see them.

Tropical Storm force winds & rain are likely, but historically I don't think the parks usually close for tropical storms.

 

[whiporee]

Just want to point out that the probability of Hurricane force winds is still just 15%; that's about 1 in 7 chance, or 6 times more likely that we won't see them.

Tropical Storm force winds & rain are likely, but historically I don't think the parks usually close for tropical storms.

That's true, but tropical storm winds still suck. That's upwards of 39 mph sustained, with even larger gusts. And hurricanes aren't tornados -- they last a long time. I don't know whether WDW closes because of the storm, but don't diminish the effects of tropical storm winds and rain. Nothing fun about that, either.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Just want to point out that the probability of Hurricane force winds in Orlando (not the coast) is still just 15%; that's about 1 in 7 chance, or 6 times more likely that we won't see them.

Tropical Storm force winds & rain are likely, but historically I don't think the parks usually close for tropical storms.

Correct, and I'm the furthest thing from a panicked storm guy, but we can still get 73 mph winds at TS force.

Believe me... I have always laughed at many for over estimating the storm impact on Orlando.
While I do believe this will be minimal, it just *could* be a big(ger) one for us.

I'm actually going to pull my porch furniture inside.

MG

 

[joelkfla]

That's true, but tropical storm winds still suck. That's upwards of 39 mph sustained, with even larger gusts. And hurricanes aren't tornados -- they last a long time. I don't know whether WDW closes because of the storm, but don't diminish the effects of tropical storm winds and rain. Nothing fun about that, either.

Yes, certainly it's a personal choice. But so far I think it's unlikely (not impossible) that folks will be confined in their rooms and unable to move around the resort, at least not for more than a few hours.

Correct, and I'm the furthest thing from a panicked storm guy, but we can still get 73 mph winds at TS force.

In fact, there is a 3rd probability included in the NOAA forecast: for winds over 58 mph sustained, about halfway between TS & Hurricane. That's currently at 39% for Orlando.

 

[wonderland5]

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)...

This makes me wonder if grocery delivery orders to resorts will be impacted. We are scheduled to arrive late tonight with a small order to be delivered tomorrow. Mostly fruits, milk, water

 

[AngiTN]

So, hmmm. We are here now, scheduled to fly home Saturday morning. I wonder if we should try to get out of here early Thursday. That really stinks but I think I'd rather be home than stuck in a hotel room watching Disney movies for 2 days. I'm sure we will have power and I'm assuming they'll have some sort of food for us, but we could probably get some money back and sit at home and do nothing. I honestly don't even know if this is an option with our flights to leave early Thursday. The last time we were here for a hurricane, it only rained for a few hours and it was business as usual. They are predicting much worse for this one as of right now. They haven't told us anything other than they will update us as it moves closer.

Can't hurt to ask at this point but you may have waited too late. We got our flight moved yesterday to fly out 24 hours from now, instead of 48. I checked in and went to look at what other flights are left and there are none, planes are all full. And this is fly IN to Orlando. Out could be even more difficult. So if you do decide to leave I'd have a back up plan on what you want to do in case you can't get out.

 

[allymouse]

Here now at BWV and really not sure what to do about our return home to Boston. We are on a JetBlue flight that leaves at 11am Friday which is prime time for this thing as of now.

This is a short trip and we really don't want to miss our day Thursday. Wondering if we should leave Thursday night, but it looks like those flights could be cancelled too because of wind. Other thought is to stay an extra night and leave Saturday afternoon.

You can plan a pretty picnic but you can't predict the weather!

 

[chikabby]

This makes me wonder if grocery delivery orders to resorts will be impacted. We are scheduled to arrive late tonight with a small order to be delivered tomorrow. Mostly fruits, milk, water

I don't know if you are flying in, but we are going to pick up a bunch of big bottles of water at the airport at home. I am also wondering if they will be able to fill our Amazon Prime Now order.

 

[WhateverLolaWants]

I live very close to Disney and have family visiting this week. Trying to debate if a first floor apartment off property or a third floor room at Music on Disney property is better to wait out the storm in on Friday. I figure Disney will have less issues with power but also think first floor > third floor. Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[LMO429]

We are at Disney now nothing has been said to us about the hurricane staying at the grand Floridian. We are suppose to check out Saturday if our flight is cancelled for whatever reason does the gf give some sort of discounted rate for an additional night due to emergency situations. During sandy when we were here we got "stuck" at portofino bay hotel at universal and the hotel allowed us to stay 2 additional nights at a discounted rate I remember the team members said it's some sort of law when it's an emergency to accommodate guests somehow who are stuck they can't just kick you out of the hotel I'm trying to find some information on this does anyone know thanks praying this storm passes soon and we can get out on time Saturday morning with no issues

 

[Nayan]

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/weat...disney-universal-seaworld-20161004-story.html

 

[Atilley]

We are at Disney now nothing has been said to us about the hurricane staying at the grand Floridian.

We are currently at the fort wilderness cabins. We came back last night and had a message on our room phone asking us to notify the front desk of our plans for the incoming weather. We are due to leave Saturday (driving) so we are staying put. I am getting ready to head to front desk to let them know we do not plan on leaving early

 

[anniemae]

Here now at BWV and really not sure what to do about our return home to Boston. We are on a JetBlue flight that leaves at 11am Friday which is prime time for this thing as of now.

This is a short trip and we really don't want to miss our day Thursday. Wondering if we should leave Thursday night, but it looks like those flights could be cancelled too because of wind. Other thought is to stay an extra night and leave Saturday afternoon.

You can plan a pretty picnic but you can't predict the weather!

Thats a tough one. It seems the Friday flight will not happen at this point. Personally, I would not want to be stuck in the storm, sitting in a hotel room waiting to leave Saturday. If you had all next week at Disney, I would stick it out. But if you are just going to leave Saturday, I would probably try to leave Thursday, but that's just me. There is also the possibility you would not be able to get a flight out on Saturday.

 

[JonesFamilyTravels]

As a local perspective, we love Disney World during a tropical storm or hurricane! We are actually heading to Disney Springs today!

 

[randumb0]

As a local you do not want to be outside in a hurricane or tropical storm. It is not fun to feel like you're going to fall because the wind is blowing against you

 

[atricks]

The storm's track has been trending closer and closer, it won't take much deviation left to get it closer to Orlando, just a guess, I suspect about a 50/50 shot of the parks being closed Friday. It's TOO close for comfort being a major hurricane.