Hurricane Matthew Closes WDW - Reopens Saturday, October 8th

[lovethattink]

Stay safe everyone.

I just had surgery so haven't been able to do much for storm prep. My husband put up sand bags. We have water. All our flashlights seemed to have disappeared. So hopefully can buy some.

My son's doctor appointment in Orlando was canceled for Thursday due to the approaching storm.

All polk county schools were cancelled for Thursday and Friday.

I heard that Legoland will open today, but may close early and is closed Friday. Haven't seen anything official yet.

Both my dh (health care) and ds (food service ) are scheduled to work normal hours tomorrow night as of now.

 

[Nancyg56]

Until you've walked out of a center-building bathroom, after spending 20-plus hours stuck under a mattress in a bathtub, only to find that it's the only room with standing studs (but no roof), please do not talk about Hurricane Andrew.

This is NOT Andrew. Andrew was a tighter storm that actually crossed a narrower portion of Florida - Matthew is a larger wind-based system that is just "cruising" up the coast. Also, Andrew destroyed everything with a perfect storm highlighted by tornadoes, high winds and a massive storm surge.

---------

I'm sorry if I'm being a real d*ck about all of this, but my best friend is in Haiti right now on a medical mission - right outside Port-Au-Prince. She arrived on Sunday (knowing that there was potential for trouble) and is still there helping people save their children from flood waters, helping people just survive - and today, she actually got to work her job as a physical therapist to help people missing limbs, or with injuries, so they can potentially walk down the street (barefoot, by the way, unless the clinic had a used pair of shoes in their size) to go see that the shanty they lived in gone. OH - that's right, there's probably not a bridge anymore.

It's going to be rainy. It's going to be windy. I'm sorry people have to sleep on a cot in a convention center. But Disney is NOT going to lose power. Orlando is going to be fine. It's not a third-world country.

Worry about people on islands, people on the coast. I think everybody needs a real dose of reality right now, and can maybe find it within themselves for a little humility too.

I am not sure it is fair to compete. WE know that there are places that are dealing with catastrophic damage. That does not negate what will occur in Orlando. It is also premature to advise people to be humble when you honestly have no idea what the impact will be. I do think you are being a little sanctimonious.

I am in CT and still shell shocked from Alfred. You see, we knew a blizzard was approaching, have plenty of experience dealing with snow storms, and generally can make plans to ride them out. Blizzards are not hurricanes, so plan for three days and we are good. No, not good. I got stuck with a surprise ice storm one time, and learned, but even my uber readiness was no match for trunk lines drowned in the river, trees sheared like apple cutters and corers went on a crime spree, power lines pulled right from homes, and roads blocked for over ten days. So yes, you have been in a major storm, other areas where infrastructure is not as sturdy have more issues than will happen here in the States. We get it. But just as I would never ridicule those who now prepare for blizzards based on tales of Snowtober and Snowmeggedan, you probably should rethink your derogatory post to those who have reason to plan ahead. Will they experience the tragedy that soem previous hurricanes have brought to the area? I pray not. Will there be conditions such as Haiti is dealing with? By the Grace of God, I hope not. But no matter the way this thing shakes out, your lecture was not helpful.

 

[rsimon]

It's definitely not the best situation and Florida isn't built to withstand this kind of stuff (for who knows what reason, I'm from there, I have no idea why we don't build heavier other than the worry of florida sinking into the ocean I guess) by and far. Though Disney is pretty hardy. Even a Category 1 or 2 might knock down some eaves on buildings but those would be up in a day or two unless the storm just decides to sit and have a picnic over the park. It being a category 4 is pretty impressive. Florida's had a lot of pretty quiet years and the Atlantic looks to be gearing back up again. I'm interested to see if that impacts "hurricane season" crowds if it continues in the future.

Granted a storm this size is hard to build for, but why do you think FL doesn't build for this? All construction for the last several years has to be able to withstand 120 mph wind. That covers most storms, but I am not sure what area you think builds to even higher standards.

I hope everyone stays safe and doesn't underestimate this storm.

 

[Nancyg56]

Stay safe everyone.

I just had surgery so haven't been able to do much for storm prep. My husband put up sand bags. We have water. All our flashlights seemed to have disappeared. So hopefully can buy some.

My son's doctor appointment in Orlando was canceled for Thursday due to the approaching storm.

All polk county schools were cancelled for Thursday and Friday.

I heard that Legoland will open today, but may close early and is closed Friday. Haven't seen anything official yet.

Both my dh (health care) and ds (food service ) are scheduled to work normal hours tomorrow night as of now.

I want to take this opportunity to tell you that your neighbor's to the north are praying for the safety and well being of our Southern friends! Stay safe.

 

[DrunkJam]

I got a good reality check from my son tonight when I raised the possibility of our trip possibly being canceled due to the hurricane hitting Florida. I expected tears and foot stomping, but instead his immediate response was a panicked "Oh no! Are the people there going to be ok?!"


It's humbling as a grownup to get so hyper-focused on "the plan" and saving your vacation only to have your 11 year-old worry about the important stuff and slap you back into reality.

You have an awesome little boy there! Stay safe.

 

[JohnDaleswife]

I have a question. Why would people who live in Orlando, book a room at Disney or Universal to ride out the storm?

 

[ravenclawtrekkie]

I have a question. Why would people who live in Orlando, book a room at Disney or Universal to ride out the storm?

Because their hotels are built better than a lot of our homes, and their power grids and water supplies are more reliable. Plus, for those of us who work in and around the parks, it cuts the commute in bad weather.

 

[cel_disney]

Still here at Poly trying to decide what to do today that makes the most sense for the next few days..we are booked thru Tuesday.

We were supposed to be at AK this afternoon/evening, MK Friday AM and EP on Friday PM/Evening. Thinking that we might head to AK this morning and see what we can do / haven't been able to change any of our FP but maybe it won't be so bad and then prepare to hang at Poly this evening / tomorrow morning.

ADVICE NEEDED: where is the best place in the parking lot to park our minivan rental??? I am thinking the highest ground I can find but need some advice on whether its best to avoid Palm trees, lamp posts, or RVs when selecting a spot.

 

[smallworldnh]

We just heard on the weather report this morning that this storm might boomerang back into the southern states including Florida. I pray that all of you who will be there, and all who are in this storms path, stay safe!! Very scary!

 

[DrunkJam]

Still here at Poly trying to decide what to do today that makes the most sense for the next few days..we are booked thru Tuesday.

We were supposed to be at AK this afternoon/evening, MK Friday AM and EP on Friday PM/Evening. Thinking that we might head to AK this morning and see what we can do / haven't been able to change any of our FP but maybe it won't be so bad and then prepare to hang at Poly this evening / tomorrow morning.

ADVICE NEEDED: where is the best place in the parking lot to park our minivan rental??? I am thinking the highest ground I can find but need some advice on whether its best to avoid Palm trees, lamp posts, or RVs when selecting a spot.

Do stay safe. And, I guess, pick up some water / drinks and snacks for your room?

 

[yulilin3]

Still here at Poly trying to decide what to do today that makes the most sense for the next few days..we are booked thru Tuesday.

We were supposed to be at AK this afternoon/evening, MK Friday AM and EP on Friday PM/Evening. Thinking that we might head to AK this morning and see what we can do / haven't been able to change any of our FP but maybe it won't be so bad and then prepare to hang at Poly this evening / tomorrow morning.

ADVICE NEEDED: where is the best place in the parking lot to park our minivan rental??? I am thinking the highest ground I can find but need some advice on whether its best to avoid Palm trees, lamp posts, or RVs when selecting a spot.

you will see rain off and on but we have been told in Orlando to be indoors and not plan on going out starting at 5pm.
As for the van, yeah try and avoid any trees.

 

[GPC0321]

I can't believe this storm. Up here in NC, we're obviously relieved with the bizarre track that is sparing us here at home. But my thoughts and prayers are with Florida now. I know Disney is more than prepared to deal with this, and is probably as safe a place as you can be in Florida, but I worry for the east coast of the state. If this thing does like some models show and loops back over the Bahamas and back into Florida, I just cannot even fathom it.
Prayers for all to stay safe!

 

[#1hoosierfan]

Turned on the news this morning. They said Orange County can expect 80-90 mph winds. They are telling everyone to be "in place" by 5 today. Still have heard no word from Disney with regards to closures.

It is raining now. We are heading to HS to see what we can get done.

We had placed a garden grocer order, so we have water, granola bars, fruit, for the room. On our way back today I think I will pick up some chocolate and wine.

 

[yulilin3]

good tips for those here now and staying here overnight
* try and keep your phone at full charge all day
* if you have them, charge ipads,laptops, any electronic. It will help if there's loss of power
* get portable chargers and charge those in case of loss of power
* for the kids. Get ear plugs. The noises from a storm can be quite scary especially if we lose power, that will help

 

[flatlandcycle]

We just heard on the weather report this morning that this storm might boomerang back into the southern states including Florida. I pray that all of you who will be there, and all who are in this storms path, stay safe!! Very scary!

The 5 a.m. prediction map from the national hurricane center shows that it will loose strength as it loops east of Jacksonville (after it's done its worst). This isn't an all clear; a boomerang storm hitting already soaked ground could remain strong over land. Hopefully it gets a gulp of dry air from the gulf and has plenty of wind sheer on that second punch.

 

[lucas]

Checking in from South Florida. We live in Boca Raton, which is between Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. We are all boarded up and waiting for Matthew. No work today and tomorrow.

 

[HopperFan]

Until you've walked out of a center-building bathroom, after spending 20-plus hours stuck under a mattress in a bathtub, only to find that it's the only room with standing studs (but no roof), please do not talk about Hurricane Andrew.

This is NOT Andrew. Andrew was a tighter storm that actually crossed a narrower portion of Florida - Matthew is a larger wind-based system that is just "cruising" up the coast. Also, Andrew destroyed everything with a perfect storm highlighted by tornadoes, high winds and a massive storm surge.

---------

I'm sorry if I'm being a real d*ck about all of this, but my best friend is in Haiti right now on a medical mission - right outside Port-Au-Prince. She arrived on Sunday (knowing that there was potential for trouble) and is still there helping people save their children from flood waters, helping people just survive - and today, she actually got to work her job as a physical therapist to help people missing limbs, or with injuries, so they can potentially walk down the street (barefoot, by the way, unless the clinic had a used pair of shoes in their size) to go see that the shanty they lived in gone. OH - that's right, there's probably not a bridge anymore.

It's going to be rainy. It's going to be windy. I'm sorry people have to sleep on a cot in a convention center. But Disney is NOT going to lose power. Orlando is going to be fine. It's not a third-world country.

Worry about people on islands, people on the coast. I think everybody needs a real dose of reality right now, and can maybe find it within themselves for a little humility too.

- The person you quoted clearly stated they are an Andrew survivor. Having relatives that were at ground zero, lost everything including years of their lives "trying" to recover - I don't think you have the monopoly on knowing what it was like to be in Andrew.

- This is not Andrew. That is because every single storm is completely different. We have no idea right now where it will land, travel over or end up. NONE of us can presume what damage will or will not occur.

- This is not a competition, my storm was worse than your storm. This has no place here.

- I hope your friend is okay. She willingly entered a major hurricane on an island with no infrastructure, no plan and run in a way that it probably will never have a future of stability. Her choice and no one here should be attacked for her choices.

- Please don't diminish this storm to rain and wind. It is way more than that, hurricanes bring so many other side affects that impact. This storm can be very dangerous to life if people don't follow the procedures, don't stay away if they can, and to write it off to a thunderstorm does not help all of us trying to get folks to make good decisions.

- YOU have no idea if Disney will lose power, sustain damage or anything else. We prepare for the worse and hope for the best.

- Humility is to realize this storm is big and powerful and we are not invincible. We are but small specks in that storms way.

This is a DISNEY forum, this is a thread to help folks plan for what to do in Orlando/Disney World and in this instance how to plan for this storm. Some in Disney right now have no idea how to make good decisions and looking for input, some planning to head down need some information, folks want to know what is open/closed etc. Again, DISNEY/ORLANDO planning and right now that includes Hurricane Matthew that this morning they are saying is Category 3 but Category 4 maybe even 5 coming on land direct for Orlando. We just don't know. THAT is our priority, helping folks now, Friday, Saturday .... at Disney/Orlando.

 

[Princesca]

Front desk is your best bet, but there is no guarantee you will be able to stay in your same room, resort, or even on property - it ultimately depends on if there is room.

I would go down ASAP and talk to them. If there is no room, there are some hotels in the area with some availability left.

Also, just to remind people that, along with the usual hotels, you can also check websites like airbnb and vrbo.com. You can also try Googling for bed and breakfasts. These are all places that don't tend to show up on crawler sites like Orbitz or Hotwire.

 

[Nancyg56]

- The person you quoted clearly stated they are an Andrew survivor. Having relatives that were at ground zero, lost everything including years of their lives "trying" to recover - I don't think you have the monopoly on knowing what it was like to be in Andrew.

- This is not Andrew. That is because every single storm is completely different. We have no idea right now where it will land, travel over or end up. NONE of us can presume what damage will or will not occur.

- This is not a competition, my storm was worse than your storm. This has no place here.

- I hope your friend is okay. She willingly entered a major hurricane on an island with no infrastructure, no plan and run in a way that it probably will never have a future of stability. Her choice and no one here should be attacked for her choices.

- Please don't diminish this storm to rain and wind. It is way more than that, hurricanes bring so many other side affects that impact. This storm can be very dangerous to life if people don't follow the procedures, don't stay away if they can, and to write it off to a thunderstorm does not help all of us trying to get folks to make good decisions.

- YOU have no idea if Disney will lose power, sustain damage or anything else. We prepare for the worse and hope for the best.

- Humility is to realize this storm is big and powerful and we are not invisible. We are but small specks in that storms way.

This is a DISNEY forum, this is a thread to help folks plan for what to do in Orlando/Disney World and in this instance how to plan for this storm. Some in Disney right now have no idea how to make good decisions and looking for input, some planning to head down need some information, folks want to know what is open/closed etc. Again, DISNEY/ORLANDO planning and right now that includes Hurricane Matthew that this morning they are saying is Category 3 but Category 4 maybe even 5 coming on land direct for Orlando. We just don't know. THAT is our priority, helping folks now, Friday, Saturday .... at Disney/Orlando.

Thank you for articulating what I was clearly not able to do. I have often wondered what I would do if my circumstances were the same as the guests who are now staying within WDW, and know I would be looking to those who have weathered these storms for guidance. If I had questions, concerns or frustrations, I would not find it helpful to be treated to a lecture. WE all know how to prep for a storm in our own areas, but if we have never been through a hurricane or a blizzard, how can we learn if we are afraid to ask for help? And I guarantee that previous post will send some folks away, and for no reason other than one persons need to feel superior to others.

 

[Allison]

This is a DISNEY forum, this is a thread to help folks plan for what to do in Orlando/Disney World and in this instance how to plan for this storm. Some in Disney right now have no idea how to make good decisions and looking for input, some planning to head down need some information, folks want to know what is open/closed etc. Again, DISNEY/ORLANDO planning and right now that includes Hurricane Matthew that this morning they are saying is Category 3 but Category 4 maybe even 5 coming on land direct for Orlando. We just don't know. THAT is our priority, helping folks now, Friday, Saturday .... at Disney/Orlando.

Exactly. This is the perfect place and the most appropriate place to discuss this hurricane in relation to Disney World.

I am sending good wishes for all of those dealing with this right now.