Hurricane Matthew Closes WDW - Reopens Saturday, October 8th

[gwynne]

I was calm last night but now I'm starting to freak out

@yulilin3 Sending good thoughts and a hug your way.
You've got a great source of info here, as well as local news.
PS..Your thread really helped me with planning my last trip, much appreciated!

 

[str86diesel]

For those of you that are freaked out by the Storm coming in. Don't worry, it will be a bit nerving but it will be ok. I have been at Disneyworld during several hurricanes and Tropical Storms and believe it or not, it is probably one of the safest, if not the safest place to be. The staff is great and they will give you clear and prices directions. Usually they bring by flashlights (incase you need one due to power outage) and just tell you to stay in your room until advised. I recommend stopping at a food court or something and just filling up the water bottles and cups with beverages and pickup a few snacks.

The storm is supposed to hit during the evening into the night, which is a good thing, most of the family should be able to just sleep through it. You will be surprised at how quickly Disney will get any damage picked up and make it look like nothing even happened. Just stay inside, stay dry and pretend its a normal night

 

[OKW Lover]

One positive for all resort guests, dw has an amazing generator system. Every park and resort can be up and running in a matter of minutes.

Actually, the on-site generation at WDW can only handle 20-25% of the total load. And running the parks and resorts would still have to assume that the distribution system is unaffected by wind and water.

 

[DLM1980]

What was there before?

A giant canopy and lights for the tv show The Chew

 

[jhaig]

At least now that crane behind the castle can come down for a while. Stay safe everyone.

 

[luvgoing2disney]

I'm working right now at MK and as of right now we are still closing at 7. There's talks of closing at 5 but nothing has been confirmed.

What is the attitude of the guests and CM's right now? I would imagine that even though work and attractions may be on-going, everyone is getting a little nervous and the CM's would probably rather be at home taking care of things.

 

[boomgoesthemickey]

I wonder how they'll secure all the pop up kiosks in epcot, they cannot possibly be built to withstand 80 mph+ winds. Stay safe everyone who's down there I hope its not as bad as they're calling for

 

[gwynne]

Actually, the on-site generation at WDW can only handle 20-25% of the total load. And running the parks and resorts would still have to assume that the distribution system is unaffected by wind and water.

I lived through many months of load shedding on an island. Having the power go off for 3 or 4 hours and then on again isn't wonderful, but it's a heck of a lot better than having no power at all. (Not saying WDW will handle it this way...just how it's done some places.)

 

[dawne98]

At least now that crane behind the castle can come down for a while. Stay safe everyone.

lol get your photo with out it in would be great!

 

[wilkeliza]

I wonder how they'll secure all the pop up kiosks in epcot, they cannot possibly be built to withstand 80 mph+ winds. Stay safe everyone who's down there I hope its not as bad as they're calling for

They'll either count their losses on those or they'all be trying to tie them down as best as possible tonight.

 

[Geoff_M]

What is the attitude of the guests and CM's right now? I would imagine that even though work and attractions may be on-going, everyone is getting a little nervous and the CM's would probably rather be at home taking care of things.

Not to mention the thought of losing a day's pay tomorrow.

 

[NeuroCindy]

CNN has an anchor at a hotel in Daytona beach. There's a family visiting from Indianapolis that can't decide if they want to stay or leave. CNN told them to leave.

Please people, get to safe places.

 

[Sargeant Tibbs]

I'm working right now at MK and as of right now we are still closing at 7. There's talks of closing at 5 but nothing has been confirmed.

And this is what's making me angry. Disney is all about safety first, but it doesn't seem like cast safety is being considered right now at all. Orlando area residents are being advised to be where they need to be by 5pm, yet all these CM's will still be trying to make it home. Come on Disney, make the call. Do the right thing! Every other theme park already has. Even Publix is closing stores early that could potentially be affected.

 

[DLM1980]

What is the attitude of the guests and CM's right now? I would imagine that even though work and attractions may be on-going, everyone is getting a little nervous and the CM's would probably rather be at home taking care of things.

I just overheard two CM talking the one trying to calm down the other one "what more can you do. You already secured your home down"

 

[rteetz]

I'm beginning to wonder what shape the parks will be in after this....

The parks are built with hurricanes in mind. Disney is wrapping glass light posts to prevent shattering though. Disney has plans in place for these things.

 

[sam_justice]

What is the attitude of the guests and CM's right now? I would imagine that even though work and attractions may be on-going, everyone is getting a little nervous and the CM's would probably rather be at home taking care of things.

We're here at the moment, staying offsite in a villa in Clermont (about 2 miles outside of Disney). I think the internet fear is far worse than the real life fear. MK is in great spirits, it's like nothing is going on. People are aware but there is no damper on the day. We've had the management from the villa company come over to say to expect strong winds and rain (about 70mph) but nothing to get too worked up about.

It's going to be bad as hell for the people on the shoreline, but inland here it seems as though it'll be an extremely heavy tropical storm which makes it unsafe for crowds to wander around the park or travel due to the rain. But no one is fearing for lives or anything like that.

 

[Sargeant Tibbs]

Actually, the on-site generation at WDW can only handle 20-25% of the total load. And running the parks and resorts would still have to assume that the distribution system is unaffected by wind and water.

They'll be able to run what's important. Barring malfunction, guests should still have power.

 

[Ametista]

OK, I have a house in Windsor Palms. I rescheduled my flight and am supposed to land Saturday, but how much damage is likely? Will it be habitable or will I be trying to find a hotel? I am really starting to freak out a bit. Just a tad little freaking bit

 

[sam_justice]

OK, I have a house in Windsor Palms. I rescheduled my flight and am supposed to land Saturday, but how much damage is likely? Will it be habitable or will I be trying to find a hotel? I am really starting to freak out a bit. Just a tad little freaking bit

You're freaking out way too much - that way you're looking at 70mph winds, nothing like the 140-150 the coastline will feel.

 

[Irish_Mike]

OK, I have a house in Windsor Palms. I rescheduled my flight and am supposed to land Saturday, but how much damage is likely? Will it be habitable or will I be trying to find a hotel? I am really starting to freak out a bit. Just a tad little freaking bit

Your house will be fine - the biggest issue may be some wind damage to the roof or landscaping.