Hurricane Milton - WDW Resorts Related Updates & Planning Thread

[matt_in_nh]

My wife and I fly in on Sunday, Oct 13 and leave on the 18th. Guessing they will be open but could have some impacts. Not sure what to do....

 

[CarolynFH]

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.

My wife and I fly in on Sunday, Oct 13 and leave on the 18th. Guessing they will be open but could have some impacts. Not sure what to do....

I just saw notification that Milton is a Cat. 3 now. The forecast track takes the eye over or near Orlando. I wouldn’t be as concerned about flooding on WDW property as elsewhere in Orlando. And not just flooding but power outages and roadways blocked by fallen trees. All of which could hinder CMs from getting to work.

However, if you’re not due to arrive until Sunday or Monday, I think you can wait for damage assessments to decide whether to change plans.

 

[matt_in_nh]

I just saw notification that Milton is a Cat. 3 now. The forecast track takes the eye over or near Orlando. I wouldn’t be as concerned about flooding on WDW property as elsewhere in Orlando. And not just flooding but power outages and roadways blocked by fallen trees. All of which could hinder CMs from getting to work.

However, if you’re not due to arrive until Sunday or Monday, I think you can wait for damage assessments to decide whether to change plans.

I agree that is where I am at....it definitely depends on where it hits and what happens there....don't want to go if the area is devastated. We will see what happens the next few days....

 

[bdrex28]

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.

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.

The most recent rain prediction I've seen is 5-8 inches with a possible of 12 inches.

Has that changed?

Maybe I'm jaded after living in Dallas and Oklahoma City where Severe Thunderstorms bring winds of 75+ and rain of easily 8+ inches in a few hours.

I would think if it's only 5-8" that Orlando would be completely fine , getting into 12" may be harder but it will also depend on how fast it falls.

 

[OKW Lover]

I am curious about how well the WDW property will handle the heavy rainfall that is predicted.

The WDW property itself will handle the heavy rain just fine. They have a very robust water control system to handle this kind of thing.

 

[Anthony1971]

We were there during a Tropical Storm or better due to leave the day of.... We went to the front desk the day before they were able to find us a room granted at different hotel but still DVC (as we are DVC) and we paid with points. Yes you will pay for additional nights if that is the question it has been reported many times. It is best for you to plan early and book the additional night(s) ASAP. While this may be harsh and no way meant to be Planning when you will be able to leave is NOT a Disney problem they will however do everything they can to help you. In the same if you decided to leave today to avoid the storm Disney would work with you for a refund or credit. One needs to make a decision on ones own of how to proceed.
I will add Disney was great with Food, Movies, games etc when the parks were closed. Yes boring at times but it is what it is.

 

[kristenrice]

My wife and I fly in on Sunday, Oct 13 and leave on the 18th. Guessing they will be open but could have some impacts. Not sure what to do....

You're trip is "sandwiching" our trip...we arrive on the 14th and depart on the 17th.

I share your sentiments...I do not want to come down if there is major destruction in the Orlando area. Rescue and cleanup crews do not need any extra population. However, we do not intend to leave the WDW bubble and as long as WDW is "habitable", I am inclined to keep my 3-night trip intact.

 

[danikoski]

The most recent rain prediction I've seen is 5-8 inches with a possible of 12 inches.

Has that changed?

Maybe I'm jaded after living in Dallas and Oklahoma City where Severe Thunderstorms bring winds of 75+ and rain of easily 8+ inches in a few hours.

I would think if it's only 5-8" that Orlando would be completely fine , getting into 12" may be harder but it will also depend on how fast it falls.

Remember, a lot of Florida is pretty much at sea level and is swamp. WDW has a lot of drainage systems, but that's not true for other parts of the Orlando area. I know during one of the other recent hurricanes, the airport lots flooded at MCO and routes getting to the airport flooded.

 

[matt_in_nh]

You're trip is "sandwiching" our trip...we arrive on the 14th and depart on the 17th.

I share your sentiments...I do not want to come down if there is major destruction in the Orlando area. Rescue and cleanup crews do not need any extra population. However, we do not intend to leave the WDW bubble and as long as WDW is "habitable", I am inclined to keep my 3-night trip intact.

If we both make it we can do an online high five.

 

[CarolynFH]

Maybe I'm jaded after living in Dallas and Oklahoma City where Severe Thunderstorms bring winds of 75+ and rain of easily 8+ inches in a few hours.

I’ve lived on the Gulf Coast for most of my life, but I also lived in North Texas for over ten years. This hurricane has the potential to be like one of those severe thunderstorms, but with high winds and heavy rains continuing for many, many hours, battering a wide area for a much longer time than those thunderstorms do. And with a tornado thrown in too.

I’m not as much concerned for impacts on WDW (although there would be some). I’m concerned about impacts on Orlando infrastructure and especially on CMs, whose homes might be damaged, without power for several days, etc. in addition to having to navigate flooded or blocked streets the first day or so after Milton passes. The trouble is that we just won’t know until it happens.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Just for tracking, Disney updated the time stamp on their website notice, but no change to the text/language from yesterday. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/experience-updates/weather-updates/

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Just a reminder, Post #2 has a collection of links to various resources that have been helpful on similar hurricane threads over the years. For those on X, I particularly appreciate some of the local station weather folks, who tend to be very level headed and clear with their info/graphics/advice.

Post in thread 'Hurricane Milton - WDW Resorts Related Updates & Planning Thread'
https://www.disboards.com/threads/h...updates-planning-thread.3954975/post-65760140

 

[kylenne]

Just a reminder, Post #2 has a collection of links to various resources that have been helpful on similar hurricane threads over the years. For those on X, I particularly appreciate some of the local station weather folks, who tend to be very level headed and clear with their info/graphics/advice.

Post in thread 'Hurricane Milton - WDW Resorts Related Updates & Planning Thread'
https://www.disboards.com/threads/h...updates-planning-thread.3954975/post-65760140

Just wanted to add Denis Philips to the list, I’ve been following him on there for years. He also keeps a FB presence. https://x.com/denisphillipswx?s=21

 

[mrsap]

Disney Vacation Club Hurricane Policy Invoked as Milton Approaches

Disney Vacation Club members can reschedule upcoming Walt Disney World and Vero Beach visits--without any penalty--as Hurricane Milton approaches the central Florida area.

As of Monday, October 7, 2024 Hurricane Milton is currently classified as a Category 4 storm with sustained winds in excess of 150 miles per hour. The storm is expected to make landfall in the Tampa area on Wednesday and continue inland toward the Walt Disney World area. Governor Ron DeSantis has already declared a state of emergency for 51 Florida counties including Orange and Osceola which encompasses all of the central Florida Disney Vacation Club resorts, as well as Indian River county, home to Disney's Vero Beach Resort.

Disney Vacation Club's hurricane policy reads as follows:

From June 1 to November 30, in the event a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area, Vero Beach area, Hilton Head Island, Oʻahu or for the Member's place of residence within 7 days before the scheduled arrival date, the Member may call Member Services at (800) 800-9800 or (407) 566-3800 prior to Check-In to cancel or reschedule, based upon availability, their Disney Vacation Club Resort reservation without any cancellation or modification penalty.

Just call Member Services at (800) 800-9800 or (407) 566-3800 as indicated above. If you were planning on staying at a Member Getaways destination and a hurricane warning is issued for that destination, please also contact Member Services.

PLEASE NOTE:

• We cannot guarantee availability of similar accommodations for the new travel dates.
• The policy does not apply to certain special events and dining experiences (e.g., the Member Cruise).
• This policy pertains to hurricane warnings only. Other weather advisory levels are handled on a case-by-case basis and Members should contact Member Services.

Member Services is currently allowing owners to cancel or reschedule trips for the upcoming week with no penalty, including adjustments to the banking and borrowing status of those points. Owners with unique situations should consult with Member Services to discuss.

As of this writing, Walt Disney World has not made any adjustments to operating hours. However that may change as the storm approaches. Disney has reportedly stopped accepting new hotel reservations in anticipation of some storm affect. During extreme weather conditions, guests are often relocated from more isolated destiantions like Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Cabins, and the Treehouse Villas at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort.

 

[MommaKetch]

For Hurricane Ian 2 years ago, we were at BWV 2 studios.

Disney treated us amazingly and we were never afraid even though the wind/rain horrendous and sandbags all over.

We had a similar experience and were over at Wilderness Lodge during Ian. The cast members were amazing. I always felt safe, although the westerly winds across Bay Lake were powerful. We were in room #5000, right on the northern corner, and taking the brunt of it.

Concerning my post with a warning to consider the resort layout, as you know, the Boardwalk is all one large building. So you were fine being in a DVC room and had access to the lobby etc... some might not know that Beach Club Villas are not connected to Beach Club. I am BCV DVC as well. But, where we rode it out at Wilderness Lodge, Boulder Ridge Villas were cut off from the Lodge (Lobby, restaurants, gift shop) for a time. Consider any resort that you have to exit your building to get to the main lobby. So fun for some, but not for all.

I will add that they moved guests who were in the WL Cabins and PV Bungalows to available rooms on the property.

Very good tip about roads to MCO possibly flooding.

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?

If the hurricane keeps its predicted course, you will not move on Wednesday or likely Thursday. This happened to us during Ian. We were booked to switch rooms on Thursday, and Disney kept us in place until Friday. They suspended check-ins for Wednesday and Thursday. The eye of Ian went South of Orlando around 4 am on Thursday, so very similar to the path and timing they have predicted for Milton..

 

[keishashadow]

If the resorts go into lockdown, they will let you out, but you cannot get back in.

Our last storm we're hunkered down at AKVJ.

They were very vocal, you leave, you don't get welcomed back home

They permitted access out on the lobby balconies at times

All balcony furniture was brought into the rooms. We were in corner room with people at 45 degree on bend who kept lugging chairs back our & leaving them there. GS would appear & drag it back into the room. Scenario repeated, then security appeared.

storm aside, some people are utterly clueless need to be protected from themselves

 

[gottalovepluto]

My wife and I fly in on Sunday, Oct 13 and leave on the 18th. Guessing they will be open but could have some impacts. Not sure what to do....

Nothing. Too soon to know if you’ll be impacted at all.

 

[gottalovepluto]

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 it is unsafe to leave AoA you will have to pay the AoA price to stay. You will be able to cancel CBR as Disney has waived cancellation fees. Reports have been extending during blocked times is best done at the front desk and sometimes you can get a slight discount- sometimes it’s rack rate. Disney has waived cancellation fees. There was a total mess a storm or 2 back when they made people wait until the morning of to book a room for that night, unknown if we’ll see that behavior again. Don’t cancel CBR until you have confirmed AoA extension.

They have blocked Wed-Thur so I don’t see how phone CMs will help. But, there is a dark horse option here if you’d rather not pay AoA prices- when you arrive on Disney property go to CBR first and talk to the front desk about extending that stay on the front end. If they let you extend, cancel the AoA stay since cancellation fees are waived.

ETA- missed you had already arrived, I’d still talk to CBR in person to see if they’ll let you switch early

 

[MommaKetch]

Scenario repeated, then security appeared.

storm aside, some people are utterly clueless need to be protected from themselves

Yes, I felt that security at the resorts was very serious! They had the front entrance to WL locked up like Fort Knox. That's wild about the chairs being brought back out on the balcony. Sheesh!

 

[brockash]

My wife and I fly in on Sunday, Oct 13 and leave on the 18th. Guessing they will be open but could have some impacts. Not sure what to do....

I would love it if our trip was then (we're here now). This shouldn't impact you at all...enjoy!