Hurricane Milton - WDW Resorts Related Updates & Planning Thread

[MommaKetch]

Our reservations are for Beach Club

Assuming you can get a reservation for October 8th at Beach Club, and for anyone else thinking of arriving earlier and riding it out, do think about the resort layout should you be confined to your room or building for the duration of the storm.

Some resorts and locations are better for riding out the storm. If the resorts go into lockdown, they will let you out, but you cannot get back in. You could be confined to just your room if you are in a motel-style room. Or, if you are in the main building of a larger resort (think Wilderness Lodge, Contemporary Main Building etc) you will have access to food and be able to move about in that building.

Jfeasel, are you going to be in the main building at Beach Club, or the DVC Villas? Editing to add that the DVC Villas are separate from the main Beach Club building, which has the lobby, restaurants, and gift shop. If in the Villas I'd suggest stocking up on food and snacks ASAP on Tuesday.

 

[Planogirl]

Ryan Hall noted that Milton is growing very quickly but also mentioned a lot of possible wind shear. He said it could become very strong quickly and then get weaker just as quickly but to assume worst case scenario. Let’s hope it does weaken before landfall. Stay safe Floridians!

 

[CarolynFH]

This is probably off topic (but I didn't want to start a new thread) but we are arriving on Monday the 14th. I have travelled in October every year for the past 13 years and the closest we came to a hurricane was when we arrived about 10 days after Michael came through in 2018. It looks like Milton will make landfall just 4 days before we are scheduled to arrive. Should I be concerned about travel delays (flying)? We already have private transportation reserved and only need to go to/from the airport, but is there a probability that we could have trouble even with that? I had planned a grocery stop, but now I am wondering if I should just pack what we need from home. We are only staying 3 nights and flying SWA so I can pack an extra bag if needed. Anything else I should consider at this point? I am not planning on cancelling at this point. Since I am staying on DVC points, I have the option to cancel, but since it is past my banking deadline, I would want to make sure that I can get a banking exemption.

Since you’re not due to arrive until Monday the 14th, I think you have time to see how this storm unfolds and decide after it passes and damage assessments are made.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1843035777200181671

 

[GADisneyDad14]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1843043088949993867

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Not sure if noted yet, but I noticed new ADRs are unavailable for Wednesday.

 

[ILoveMyDVC]

This is exactly what I need, thank you! We are flying in tomorrow and schedule to leave on Thursday the 10th. Would love information about what Disney did if you had to extend your stay cuz you can't fly out.

Please know that those of us who are DVC and are in the direct path would love to have somewhere safe to stay without having to pay more $$ on top of what the storm is going to cost abut we can't because people are flying into FLA to vacation at WDW during a State emergency.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Well, that didn’t take long. A reminder from post #1.

- No travel judging. Everyone has different travel circumstances - posts critical or judgmental of decisions to travel or not are not helpful or welcome here.

Thank you.

 

[Traveling on cc points]

Please know that those of us who are DVC and are in the direct path would love to have somewhere safe to stay without having to pay more $$ on top of what the storm is going to cost abut we can't because people are flying into FLA to vacation at WDW during a State emergency.

Is dvc allowing people to cancel without leaving those points in holding?
I hear what you are saying. I am local too but it is not someone else’s problem that you want their room.
I think if it easy for locals to forget what goes into planning a Disney vacation from far away.
I don’t blame anyone who decides to still come as long as they don’t complain that everything is closed for a couple days.

 

[DVCjj]

Assuming you can get a reservation for October 8th at Beach Club, and for anyone else thinking of arriving earlier and riding it out, do think about the resort layout should you be confined to your room or building for the duration of the storm.

Some resorts and locations are better for riding out the storm. If the resorts go into lockdown, they will let you out, but you cannot get back in. You could be confined to just your room if you are in a motel-style room. Or, if you are in the main building of a larger resort (think Wilderness Lodge, Contemporary Main Building etc) you will have access to food and be able to move about in that building.

Jfeasel, are you going to be in the main building at Beach Club, or the DVC Villas? Editing to add that the DVC Villas are separate from the main Beach Club building, which has the lobby, restaurants, and gift shop. If in the Villas I'd suggest stocking up on food and snacks ASAP on Tuesday.

For Hurricane Ian 2 years ago, we were at BWV 2 studios. Wind & rain was bad (thought balcony window was going to crash down on us), parks were closed for 2 days, sandbags around Boardwalk Bakery, etc., roads to airport the following day after the storm eased was flooded BUT Disney was fabulous.

The CM's stayed overnight and were at everyone's beck & call. Never once did we feel unsafe or scared. Flashlights were handed out, we were constantly asked if everything was ok, Food was plentiful, the Characters were in the lobby a really lot and the kids were having a ball. Yes, we lost 2 full park days but it could have been far worse. I was so glad we were exactly where we were. BWV was wonderful. I own at BCV and asked around once things opened and they were treated the exact same way.

 

[DVCjj]

This is probably off topic (but I didn't want to start a new thread) but we are arriving on Monday the 14th. I have travelled in October every year for the past 13 years and the closest we came to a hurricane was when we arrived about 10 days after Michael came through in 2018. It looks like Milton will make landfall just 4 days before we are scheduled to arrive. Should I be concerned about travel delays (flying)? We already have private transportation reserved and only need to go to/from the airport, but is there a probability that we could have trouble even with that? I had planned a grocery stop, but now I am wondering if I should just pack what we need from home. We are only staying 3 nights and flying SWA so I can pack an extra bag if needed. Anything else I should consider at this point? I am not planning on cancelling at this point. Since I am staying on DVC points, I have the option to cancel, but since it is past my banking deadline, I would want to make sure that I can get a banking exemption.

Only thing I have to add is we were at Boardwalk Resort during Hurricane Ian 2 years ago around same time (end of Sept I believe it hit ground). Disney treated us amazingly and we were never afraid even though the wind/rain horrendous and sandbags all over. We never felt afraid though, as Cast Members spent the night and went over backwards for everyone. Food plentiful, kids thoroughly enjoyed the characters in the lobby, etc. etc. etc. But what I really want to say is 3 days AFTER, many roads were still flooded...one being to MCO airport. My daughter needed to go back to work so she was getting upset and you couldn't call United to know if we should cancel departure. It was all about the flooded roads. We ended up leaving when planned and had no problems whatsoever.
But it is something to think about. The roads flood badly during/after a hurricane.

 

[TinkAgainU]

...I am wondering if I should just pack what we need from home.

Yes, I would. But I often bring some food along whenever I have the free luggage option - I can use that suitcase/space to bring souvenirs home. If this is the second major east coast event in a short timeframe, there could be stocking delays at the grocery stores. You can supplement with heavy items (water) and cold items (mickey ice cream bars!) when you get to the hotel if you decide not to shop enroute.

 

[TinkAgainU]

Will mention when I've traveled anywhere I thought power might go out - I always pack a larger USB portable power, along with a tiny table light and tiny fan - that can both be operated by the USB power pack. I've used the tiny fan a few times when the a/c was not working well, it's way better than nothing if the room needs to stay closed up.

 

[Tonberry]

Question (or a few):
We are staying a at Art of Animation (family suite) through Tuesday night and supposed to check out on Wednesday morning. On Wednesday, we are supposed to move over to Caribbean Beach for 2 nights until Friday, when we are supposed to board our cruise.
With the worst of the storm probably on Wednesday, how is that move going to work?
Or is it going to happen at all?
Since AoA is more expensive, if we're forced to stay there an extra day or two, do we have to pay the difference? Also then, what would happen to our CB reservation?

 

[ofcabbagesandkings]

Question (or a few):
We are staying a at Art of Animation (family suite) through Tuesday night and supposed to check out on Wednesday morning. On Wednesday, we are supposed to move over to Caribbean Beach for 2 nights until Friday, when we are supposed to board our cruise.
With the worst of the storm probably on Wednesday, how is that move going to work?
Or is it going to happen at all?
Since AoA is more expensive, if we're forced to stay there an extra day or two, do we have to pay the difference? Also then, what would happen to our CB reservation?

If I were you, I would try to move the whole reservation to one hotel or the other for the whole trip. A move on Wednesday might not be safe/possible.

 

[TinkAgainU]

Question (or a few):
We are staying a at Art of Animation (family suite) through Tuesday night and supposed to check out on Wednesday morning. On Wednesday, we are supposed to move over to Caribbean Beach for 2 nights until Friday, when we are supposed to board our cruise.
With the worst of the storm probably on Wednesday, how is that move going to work?
Or is it going to happen at all?
Since AoA is more expensive, if we're forced to stay there an extra day or two, do we have to pay the difference? Also then, what would happen to our CB reservation?

I would call tomorrow and ask about staying in one hotel for the duration - they may be willing to work with you - but be prepared to be on the phone a while and to ask for a manager if they don't seem flexible on the pricing. I'm guessing if they've posted a "no penalty for cancellation policy", they will be having rooms open up at each of the resorts. As someone already mentioned, being at a hotel with a central enclosed area in case you can go in the halls, but not outside, might be a better option if you can manage it. If you're doing a cruise, obviously, check the status of that too

 

[Tonberry]

If I were you, I would try to move the whole reservation to one hotel or the other for the whole trip. A move on Wednesday might not be safe/possible.

I would call tomorrow and ask about staying in one hotel for the duration - they may be willing to work with you - but be prepared to be on the phone a while and to ask for a manager if they don't seem flexible on the pricing. I'm guessing if they've posted a "no penalty for cancellation policy", they will be having rooms open up at each of the resorts. As someone already mentioned, being at a hotel with a central enclosed area in case you can go in the halls, but not outside, might be a better option if you can manage it. If you're doing a cruise, obviously, check the status of that too

I called Sunday afternoon, and they had nothing available. I asked the CM on the phone this very same question, and they didn't know. I've been checking a once every hour, but only the sporadic Tuesday reservation shows up, No AoA or CB. Honestly, with the 2 bathrooms and the kitchenette in AoA, I'd rather be there with my family if we're in lockdown on Wednesday.

 

[Dave006]

I'd rather be there with my family if we're in lockdown on Wednesday.

Milton has slowed down and is it now projected to be an ~8 PM landfall on Wednesday but as always keep an eye out for updates.

Dave

 

[Rory607]

I called Sunday afternoon, and they had nothing available. I asked the CM on the phone this very same question, and they didn't know. I've been checking a once every hour, but only the sporadic Tuesday reservation shows up, No AoA or CB. Honestly, with the 2 bathrooms and the kitchenette in AoA, I'd rather be there with my family if we're in lockdown on Wednesday.

I would go to the front desk and ask them to help instead of calling.

 

[kristenrice]

Only thing I have to add is we were at Boardwalk Resort during Hurricane Ian 2 years ago around same time (end of Sept I believe it hit ground). Disney treated us amazingly and we were never afraid even though the wind/rain horrendous and sandbags all over. We never felt afraid though, as Cast Members spent the night and went over backwards for everyone. Food plentiful, kids thoroughly enjoyed the characters in the lobby, etc. etc. etc. But what I really want to say is 3 days AFTER, many roads were still flooded...one being to MCO airport. My daughter needed to go back to work so she was getting upset and you couldn't call United to know if we should cancel departure. It was all about the flooded roads. We ended up leaving when planned and had no problems whatsoever.
But it is something to think about. The roads flood badly during/after a hurricane.

Yes, the flooding is specifically what I am concerned about. By next Monday, the storm itself will have blown through, but flooding is still a concern. I am curious about how well the WDW property will handle the heavy rainfall that is predicted. It looks like Orlando is expected to get a LOT of rain.

Yes, I would. But I often bring some food along whenever I have the free luggage option - I can use that suitcase/space to bring souvenirs home. If this is the second major east coast event in a short timeframe, there could be stocking delays at the grocery stores. You can supplement with heavy items (water) and cold items (mickey ice cream bars!) when you get to the hotel if you decide not to shop enroute.

Since it's only a 3-night stay, I was only planning on eating breakfasts in the room. I'm working under the assumption that WDW will have water and electricity so I decided to pack a Brita filter for our water needs and I will pack some shelf-stable breakfast foods (protein bars, toaster pastries, pancake cups) and some snacks. I prefer to have fresh fruits, bottled water and scrambled eggs, but I will gladly skip it and leave it for those in need.

Since our trip was booked with DVC points and the flight was booked with SWA points, the only "non-refundable" money we have invested is our MNSSHP tickets, HDDR tickets, a DVC fireworks cruise and a bass fishing trip. I am confident that, under the circumstances, if we had to cancel, I could get a refund.