Hurricane Matthew Closes WDW - Reopens Saturday, October 8th

[Nayan]

If you read the story I posted they have closed the parks due to storms before and I have a feeling they will close for Matthew as well. Tropical storms themselves are no joke and I hope all of you that are there/traveling there pay close attention to what officials tell you and stay safe.

 

[missnic]

To anyone driving down/over/whatever - please make sure you have plenty of gas, and don't let your tank get too low. Our local news (Jacksonville) was reporting that several stations in Palm Coast (just north of Daytona) had VERY long lines and eventually ran out of gas last night. I got up right then to go fill up my car - my station only had regular unleaded at 10:00 last night. They're saying that they're getting quick refills, but don't take a chance! The same goes for water and other supplies. If you need it, get it today. Locals tend to panic at the last minute when a storm is coming

We're headed down this afternoon and were planning on going to MNSSHP tomorrow night. Either way, I suppose there are worse places to evacuate to!

 

[Atilley]

Fort wilderness cabins are preparing to evacuate to other resorts. Just spoke with a manager who says corporate will have a meeting at 9 am and they (fort wilderness) will have a local meeting at 10 am to make a final decision on evacuation. Looks like most will be evacuated to AOA from here.

 

[Princesca]

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?

Honestly I'd go with Disney. They are mega prepared for stuff like this, and you will have access to amenities you might not have in an apartment if things get bad. Additionally, TS winds are not going to blow down ASM. They might break a window but you would have that risk no matter what floor you were on. I would definitely choose Disney because I trust them to be very well prepared and to make sure their guests are as comfy as possible.

 

[scotty11x]

I just cancelled our reservations at Port Orleans. We were flying in Wed-Monday with MNSS Thursday PM. My 12 yr. old was panicking and with basically losing 2 of 4 days to rain and winds, and missing MNSS it just was not worth it. Ticketing let me cancel for full credit MNSS without a fight.... I am so bummed.

 

[kidsgobears]

Are they flying JetBlue? They updated their website today that they will waive fees to change/cancel flights into Orlando.

Not sure. Coach made all the arrangements. My son mentioned that the coach was looking into moving the trip back one day and that it wouldn't cost any extra. Not sure how successful that would be with 30 kids and 4 chaperones. Presently flying in Thursday night and flying home Sunday evening with races Friday afternoon and parks Sat and Sun. To move back a day (and come home Monday evening), would need to change 34 flights, change reservation at CBR on holiday weekend, and be able to switch to races on Saturday. Not likely, but keeping fingers crossed that storm alters track.

 

[VandyZ]

Has anyone called about the Thursday night Halloween party? Since it's a additional ticketed event I am not sure what my options are. I'm an AP holder and I have 3 tickets for tomorrow night and it was our last scheduled night before heading home. I can't reschedule for another night.

 

[dawne98]

I live in Daytona beach area and work in Seminole county no more work for the rest of the week! Orlando is going to get more then just tropical storm!
A hurricane watch has been issued for Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Volusia and Brevard counties as Hurricane Matthew continues its track to hit the region later this week, according to the National Weather Service in Melbourn.

 

[magic kingdom park]

We are here now. We are scheduled to drive back to nc on Saturday up i-95. Does Disney refund your room if you have to checkout early? Or maybe give you credit for future vacations.

 

[patrickpiteo]

Has anyone called about the Thursday night Halloween party? Since it's a additional ticketed event I am not sure what my options are. I'm an AP holder and I have 3 tickets for tomorrow night and it was our last scheduled night before heading home. I can't reschedule for another night.

Call I'm sure they will refund your $..

 

[patrickpiteo]

We are here now. We are scheduled to drive back to nc on Saturday up i-95. Does Disney refund your room if you have to checkout early? Or maybe give you credit for future vacations.

Ask I read somewhere where they are allowing cancelations without any penalties..

 

[csgsu]

Im supposed to leave Atlanta and drive down fri morning and get into orlando around 1-130 on fri. From what I see about 20mph winds and cloudy around that time.....what do you guys think?

 

[TwoMisfits]

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.

Actually, that's a tropical depression - tropical storm winds are 39mph to 73 mph sustained...it's not good...

 

[anniemae]

I just read that Disney is waiving cancellation fees due to the storm

 

[Atilley]

We are here now. We are scheduled to drive back to nc on Saturday up i-95. Does Disney refund your room if you have to checkout early? Or maybe give you credit for future vacations.

We were told if we choose to leave we would be refunded any nights we did not use and any unused ticket days also

 

[TwoMisfits]

Im supposed to leave Atlanta and drive down fri morning and get into orlando around 1-130 on fri. From what I see about 20mph winds and cloudy around that time.....what do you guys think?

I think, with the current storm track, you should probably wait til Saturday afternoon at a minimum...

 

[anniemae]

My friend in FL said she heard on the radio that they said this is the worst storm to hit the area in 150 years. Be careful everyone.

 

[csgsu]

I think, with the current storm track, you should probably wait til Saturday afternoon at a minimum...

yea we are up in the air when we leave....we take 75 to the turnpike so will never be close to coast but I saw on weather.com and accuweather.com that it will be 20mph winds and cloudy in the afternoon so kind of up in the air. I was thinking maybe leaving later on fri and getting there around 6pm fri but I dont know yet

 

[vinotinto]

In preparation for Thursday-Friday potential park closings, we brought a 6-pack of water, snacks (nuts, fruit, PB), 2 bottles of wine, and a few games (cards, dominos, trivial pursuit, dominos). What are your suggestions for additional items we may need if we're staying onsite? We're driving down from Atlanta and will be in Valdosta in an hour And can stop to get extra supplies.

 

[csgsu]

In preparation for Thursday-Friday potential park closings, we brought a 6-pack of water, snacks (nuts, fruit, PB), 2 bottles of wine, and a few games (cards, dominos, trivial pursuit, dominos). What are your suggestions for additional items we may need if we're staying onsite? We're driving down from Atlanta and will be in Valdosta in an hour And can stop to get extra supplies.

Dont know how many people you have with you but get a little more water and flash light with batterys incase power goes out