Hurricane Matthew Closes WDW - Reopens Saturday, October 8th

[poompalou]

Hey all! We have an 8 night stay that was supposed to start today, but we altered our plans earlier today when we saw the 7am curfew and thought we wouldn't be able to get in (extended our hotel in GA for one more night). I know curfew is now lifted but we are still 5 hours away so are going to wait til first thing tomorrow morning to drive down.

Do you think there is any risk that they don't hold our reservation if we don't show up tonite? Point is, do we need to wait on that crazy 3 hour hold to confirm that we WILL be there tomorrow?

 

[DLM1980]

What truth behind this sign

1. I was there for the 45th
2. I was there for a closing

 

[DaisyD]

We are driving down to WDW tomorrow and now I'm a little worried. Lol. We are leaving MD at 1pm and stopping at Florence SC I would guess around 8pm. Now I'm seeing SC might get hit straight on. I know Florence isn't near the coast but I'm wondering if the storm will still be in SC at 8pm tomorrow. Anyone have any clue as to what I may be in for? Thanks!

 

[joelkfla]

I live in Louisiana and if Florida's curfew is the same, it is not in effect during daylight or unposted hours. So those people out and about aren't breaking curfew.

No, this was explicitly all day today, before it was curtailed. It was based on the expectation of major debris in the roads, traffic lights out, etc. ... in addition to the law enforcement aspect.

 

[robinb]

Hi, new guy here. Our original plan was to fly in Saturday and leave Thursday. Obviously that flight didn't happen, but we are close enough to drive so we are likely to do that.

What is everybody doing that is there at the Park? I know flights are cancelled right now, but are you planning on extending your vacation? Are you going to fly out as soon as flights are available? What are rooms like? Are people checking In or Out?

I'm just trying to get a good idea of what I/we should do. We were originally planning on doing the Not-so-scary-Halloween party Monday night, but with the other ones cancelled, is that going to be wall-to-wall people? I'm wondering if crowds are going to be massive with everything going on.

What is everybody's plans?

(1) If you plan to drive, I would check out the conditions on the roads in advance. Depending on which direction you are driving from the roads may have some problems and/or there may be curfews in place.
(2) I assume that most people were able to rebook their flights already. My guess is that people will check out when they are able to get out of Orlando.
(3) I don't think you have to worry about having a room. Disney will find you one somewhere if you have a reservation.
(4) I don't think crowds will be massive at all. I was in WDW for Hurricane Charley and the crowds were quite light after.
(5) MNSSHP is a limited ticket event. It *might* be more crowded with people who have had to cancel.
(6) Pack you patience and HAVE FUN!

 

[disneydarling07]

We've boated through there a few times. Isn't the Castillo just to the left? Dumb decision by all involved.

I would love to see what that looks like now....

 

[andyman8]

Hey all! We have an 8 night stay that was supposed to start today, but we altered our plans earlier today when we saw the 7am curfew and thought we wouldn't be able to get in (extended our hotel in GA for one more night). I know curfew is now lifted but we are still 5 hours away so are going to wait til first thing tomorrow morning to drive down.

Do you think there is any risk that they don't hold our reservation if we don't show up tonite? Point is, do we need to wait on that crazy 3 hour hold to confirm that we WILL be there tomorrow?

You should call and let them know just to be safe.

 

[HopperFan]

We've boated through there a few times. Isn't the Castillo just to the left? Dumb decision by all involved.

I would love to see what that looks like now....

Yes. Looks so much worse now.

 

[iona]

The giraffes and zebras are both back out on the savannah at AKL. The pool is still shut but they've put all the loungers back out so I'm not expecting it to stay that way.

 

[NanaDisney]

I am so glad to see everyone in Florida fared better than expected and that the worst seems to be behind you all. I am however seriously bummed that Southwest cancelled my flight yesterday afternoon, about 40 hours before takeoff! Does anyone know if a cancellation is permanent, or could my flight come back online? I really want to go to Disney!!

Our airport is still closed. Cancelled is cancelled, so you probably need to re-book

 

[Mr. Drauer]

We are driving down to WDW tomorrow and now I'm a little worried. Lol. We are leaving MD at 1pm and stopping at Florence SC I would guess around 8pm. Now I'm seeing SC might get hit straight on. I know Florence isn't near the coast but I'm wondering if the storm will still be in SC at 8pm tomorrow. Anyone have any clue as to what I may be in for? Thanks!

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2016/graphics/al14/loop_5W.shtml

 

[disneydarling07]

Yes. Looks so much worse now.

This was reported on The Weather Channel's website:

Storm surge in St. Augustine has already been circulated around social media, with scenes of high water engulfing city streets and pushing through residential areas.

The Emergency Operations Center for St. Augustine could not be reached due to phone outages in St. Johns County. However, weather.com confirmed that 20 people, including children, are stuck at the Casablanca Inn on Avenida Menendez.

The owner of the bed and breakfast, who is not on the premises, told weather.com that the guests had been asked to evacuate and refused. Weather.com hasn't been able to reach the guests.

 

[elcmum]

I just watched a video on fb of Pluto and goofy doing the cha cha slide at all star sports with a bunch of happy kids. I hope that anyone with young kids goes and makes some memories and isn't sitting on their phone on this board arguing over direct hits.

My son and I have been VERY impressed with all the activities at ASMo.

Goofy & Max playing cornhole

Free arcade games

Pin trading in the lobby (and there was a large group gathering in the food court when I was leaving)

Stitch was stealing things from the gift shop

One of the two movie screens set up in the lobby

 

[rteetz]

Not on this update but emergency phone lines say Disney Springs will open at 5PM.

 

[HopperFan]

This was reported on The Weather Channel's website:

Storm surge in St. Augustine has already been circulated around social media, with scenes of high water engulfing city streets and pushing through residential areas.

The Emergency Operations Center for St. Augustine could not be reached due to phone outages in St. Johns County. However, weather.com confirmed that 20 people, including children, are stuck at the Casablanca Inn on Avenida Menendez.

The owner of the bed and breakfast, who is not on the premises, told weather.com that the guests had been asked to evacuate and refused. Weather.com hasn't been able to reach the guests.

Then he should have called the police.

The water and that video are nothing compared to what it is now.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Not really sure why anyone thinks this is the appropriate forum for their repetitive one-on-one sniping contests, but it's gone on since yesterday and it's getting old. Can we all stop feeding the trolls? They're pretty well fed at this point.

Why are people trolls, because we don't all agree on things? When you have as many members as DIS does, you will have a variety of opinions. If we all had the same train of thought and same opinions, this would be the Stepford DIS Boards... and no, I am not being argumentative. ..just asking?

 

[Tia1977]

Hey all! We have an 8 night stay that was supposed to start today, but we altered our plans earlier today when we saw the 7am curfew and thought we wouldn't be able to get in (extended our hotel in GA for one more night). I know curfew is now lifted but we are still 5 hours away so are going to wait til first thing tomorrow morning to drive down.

Do you think there is any risk that they don't hold our reservation if we don't show up tonite? Point is, do we need to wait on that crazy 3 hour hold to confirm that we WILL be there tomorrow?

Just my own opinion bc we're in the same situation. Our stay was today through the 16th. We're coming tomorrow instead. We called and cancelled last night. We do not have insurance on our package. Due to the emergency situation, we're receiving a refund for today's stay and today's dining plan cost. Pretty big chunk of a refund. My concern for you is an official no show might give a loop hole for you not to receive a refund? And while it's only a one nights stay, allows them to free the room in case anyone needs it. Again, just my personal opinion without knowing for sure. I'm also not sure if a no show means they won't hold your reservation?

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Then he should have called the police.

The water and that video are nothing compared to what it is now.

Exactly, there had to be someone physically there in charge. I can't believe owners would let guests run the place

OMG...now weather channel is saying people trapped in BAR in evacuation zone, rescue will not respond. What was wrong with these people. ..seriously. This area is under water, definitely going to be loss of lives there... this is why you listen to what is told to you, regardless of what you think is going to happen

 

[ChipnDale79]

My son and I have been VERY impressed with all the activities at ASMo.

Goofy & Max playing cornhole

Free arcade games

Pin trading in the lobby (and there was a large group gathering in the food court when I was leaving)

Stitch was stealing things from the gift shop

One of the two movie screens set up in the lobby

This is goodwill....i like it! Way to go Disney!

 

[Wdwfan2016]

Not on this update but emergency phone lines say Disney Springs will open at 5PM.

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