Hurricane Matthew Closes WDW - Reopens Saturday, October 8th

[baxgirl]

I concur with the above responses. I would definitely have a reservation as folks along the coast are going wherever they can inland to escape. There are not many hotel rooms in North Florida either. Also, with everyone filling tanks and an already tight gas supply in the area, keep your fuel supply solid. There could also be some tight food supplies at restaurants as deliveries will not be made for a few days. If trees fall on the interstate, they will be clear by Sunday. It's the other issues to be more concerned about.

Thanks to you and all my other responses! I did book a hotel in Ocala, Florida for Sunday night so I guess we're getting there no matter what (I should probably call them and say we may not be in until after midnight). We'll bring a gas can just in case we need to fill up ahead of time. Is there any sort of resource that can help us keep an eye on this? I don't necessarily want to lug a full gas can all the way from Indy especially if we don't end up needing it so it would be good to know when we hit northern Georgia if we need to fill it up. We'll also make sure to stop frequently for gas to be safe. Glad to hear roads should be clear of debris by then.

 

[randumb0]

I hate extreme weather and it always makes me nervous (I live on Martha's Vineyard so we get our share of nasty winter storms with high winds and we're trapped here when ferries don't run, which adds to the anxiety) but I really get both sides. I think the people on the coast should be a lot more worried than the people inland, who are going to be getting 50-60mph gusts... to put it in perspective, that is typical winter storm gusting here and the ferries here stop running with about 50mph gusts (or sustained winds over about 30). I'm sure there will be a lot of rain and flooding but if you are sitting in your hotel room, it should not affect you. Sure, anything can happen, but it is not terribly likely that it will given the conditions forecast in Orlando. It doesn't matter if MK or HS flood if you are safe in your room.

If it were me I'd be hitting the supermarket for basic supplies, charging all of my electronics fully (including my backup battery for my cell phone), maybe picking up a game or two and some books and staying out today as long as it is safe before hunkering down for the storm in my hotel room... and I'd advise anyone else to do the same. When Disney calls it a day for their parks and staff, you should stay inside, keep yourself safe and KEEP YOURSELF OUT OF THE WAY. Remember, anything stupid that you do will not just impact you but may impact the lives of anyone who has to help you out of your bad decision. If I had to be in Florida, Disney is the place to be. I'm more concerned with the people and homes closer to the coast and who do not have redundant systems and backup generators and the like. To me this is a "stay inside and stay safe" situation and not a "pray for your butt" situation. JMHO of course

With a Cat 4 inland areas can expect gusts much greater than that

 

[robinb]

I bought one of these on eBay for myself a few years ago!

 

[Lisa F]

With a Cat 4 inland areas can expect gusts much greater than that

last I checked, that was the forecast. inland is on the rainy side of the storm, not the windy side. the sea side is going to have the huge winds but inland is going to have water dumped on them like crazy. Still not "run around outside in it" winds but they are not so bad.

 

[kj2mom]

Good idea also to add on I was at the dollar tree near me in Ohio and there were all kinds of different flashlights there so people could always check there too

Yes, when we were getting our October snow storm that knocked power out for a week I bought these lanterns from the dollar store. They were fantastic because I had small kids and didn't have to worry about candles. We each had one and we could leave it on a table and light up the room or carry it with us wherever we went. I felt like that scene from Scrooge when he carries the lantern up to bed but I loved those things. I used them again the following August when we got hit with the outskirts of a hurricane and lost power again for a couple of days. Just had to be sure I checked the batteries and we were good to go!

 

[Bruiserknits]

I've seen some disgruntled customer moments about how their vacation is ruined. As a lifelong Floridian let me just say that for a whole lot of people their lives are about to become ruined for a long time. They are going to lose their homes, cars, and possibly jobs and loved ones. The weather is unpredictable and Disney does its best to accommodate their current guests. In the past Disney has evacuated their outside entrance resorts (value, POR) into indoor hallway entrance resorts for safety. That is one reason they may not extend reservations or accept new ones.

For those of you staying through the hurricane the doors may not function with your room key if/when power is lost. We stuck a shoe in the door or flipped over the security bar when that happened once and no one was in the room.

 

[HopperFan]

For those of you staying through the hurricane the doors may not function with your room key if/when power is lost. We stuck a shoe in the door or flipped over the security bar when that happened once and no one was in the room.

Good info

 

[sabrecmc]

I'm confused? If MNSSHP has been cancelled, why would the Boo to You performers be reporting " as scheduled"? Is Disney making this whole situation worse by carrying on as "normal"? I know they don't want to induce panic, but seriously, come on!!

Maybe they are having people who are already scheduled and had planned to be there come in to help get things ready? That would seem easier than trying to get people who were not on the schedule to come in at the last minute. I'm sure there is lots of prep involved to secure things for the storm. I worked enough summers in Destin, FL to have suddenly found my gift shop cashier self helping to put up hurricane shutters to know that sometimes what you are scheduled for doesn't end up what you are doing when a hurricane is coming. I don't know. Just a thought. Hope they give the CMs plenty of time to get home before the roads turn dangerous.

 

[awalker1015]

We just checked out of POR two days early. So bummed but it is what it is. Was planning to ride it out until the update yesterday it had turned west. We lived in Charleston for years so hurricanes dont send us into a panic, but leaving was the wise thing to do I think based on current predictions.

I can say Disney credited us the two nights. We booked through a TA so I'll have to get with her but according to Disney the two lost park days should be credited as well. So maybe we I'll have a do over next year.

Currently on I-75 headed home. Rain bands were already coming in as we pulled out of Orlando. For those of you who live there or are riding it out please be safe!

 

[KateP85]

Here is a link to someone in Nassau who is weathering the storm and posting video on Twitter: https://twitter.com/KBente95?ref_src=twsrc^tfw

If you haven't been through a hurricane before, please take a look at this to understand what coastal folks are saying about Do Not Leave Your Room.

Also, here is a the reddit thread with updated info: https://www.reddit.com/live/xpidtdeqm42u/

Looks a bit windy...

We've moved all our patio furniture into the garage, but we are debating what to do with the swing set in our back yard. I'm concerned that it might be in our neighbors yard - or our kitchen - if we leave it out there. Any advice from anyone who has been through this?

 

[KateP85]

Orlando airport closing tonight, and they issued a statement saying that MCO is not a shelter. In other words, if you have a cancelled flight, call the airline. Don't just show up and expect to wait it out at the airport.

 

[Mr. Drauer]

last I checked, that was the forecast. inland is on the rainy side of the storm, not the windy side. the sea side is going to have the huge winds but inland is going to have water dumped on them like crazy. Still not "run around outside in it" winds but they are not so bad.

They are predicting 80+ for Orlando

 

[ErinsMommy]

My CM friends are all reporting to work today as scheduled, even those in Boo to You.

The bolded is for Matthew!!

 

[Elsaalltheway]

Some people's priorities really amaze me. I was born in/lived in hurricane country most of my life, and the safety of lives comes before anything else - including people's petty frustrations.

Come on folks, please have a little empathy and look/see outside your own little box. This is a 'monster' storm and Disney or anyone cannot change a thing - just try to be safe.

I'm sorry I was slow to response, but I think you misunderstand me. I do have empathy. I have it for everybody stuck in that situation. That is the thing. Let's not use the person who was leaving as an example. Lets use anybody who is checking out Thursday or Friday who had their flights canceled, tried to call and get a reservation but was told sorry, but not given another alt. Are they still not in the same situation as the people in the cruise. At least the people coming in for the cruise? Are they still not still people who are left stranded and guest of Disney? I guess that was where my issue was. Just because they were not able to get a call in and get another room before everybody else would be hard, but to be told, sorry nothing we can do. Maybe a litle effort or a little hope of some pixie dust would have made her feel better. Or anybody whose flight is canceled. I would want them to be safe just as safe as the campers or the people in their trailers, so sorry if you thought I was n't being empathetic. I am to everobydy's plight.

 

[Bruiserknits]

They may be using MNSSHP CMs for other responsibilities such as aiding guests at resorts, securing store fronts, feeding guests and staff, and providing entertainment during a scary time. They were already scheduled so why not utilize them? Disney does make sure its CMs are safe though. My daughter is scheduled to work and got a call from her supervisor asking if she could safely come in and if her house and fiancé were safe and prepared.

 

[HopperFan]

UNOFFICIAL BUT from the inside .....................

Disney supposed to close parks today at 5 pm and will be closed all day tomorrow.

 

[pollyanna30]

Just heard from a press conference from the SC governor that most hotel rooms in the state of SC are booked currently due to evacuations. I thought this may be helpful to know if people traveling to WDW from further away may be thinking about getting started on their trip and stopping somewhere closer.

Also, an important reminder that hurricanes can spawn tornadoes inland. Please everyone pay attention and make wise decisions for you and your family's safety! I hope WDW also makes the wise decision soon to keep park CMs home tonight and tomorrow.

 

[Mr. Drauer]

Looks a bit windy...

We've moved all our patio furniture into the garage, but we are debating what to do with the swing set in our back yard. I'm concerned that it might be in our neighbors yard - or our kitchen - if we leave it out there. Any advice from anyone who has been through this?

Take it down if you can - if it is anchored, then remove any swings of other items. Most of those will not survive a hurricane intact.

 

[Accident]

5 lines up roughly with what Osceola county said on the news today about getting inside before the winds pick up at 7.

 

[Geoff_M]

They may be using MNSSHP CMs for other responsibilities such as aiding guests at resorts, securing store fronts, feeding guests and staff, and providing entertainment during a scary time. They were already scheduled so why not utilize them?

Plus, if they're scheduled and told not to report, they still get paid (as I understand it)... so Disney probably figures that they might as well get some use out of them.