Hurricane Season '05?

[John Dobbertin]

For those who were at WDW resorts during the hurricanes: Would you consider returning to WDW in August-September '05?

 

[Kimberle]

I would think very long and hard.

We ducked Ivan on our way out. Not a hurricane, but we had tropical storm winds in the NYC area. We were delayed leaving.

Coming home was a nightmare. Spirit refused to believe there was a hurricane coming and wouldn't let us change our flight w/out penalty. We were to leave on Sun morning. The Sat night prior was to be spent at the airport Hyatt. The Hyatt also would not refund out payment for the room.

Fri evening when it was announced the airport was closing at 5pm Sat, all Spirits flights were booked to everywhere out of Orlando. We called many other airlines before getting seats on Air Tran at $812. (With a stop in VA.)

The Hyatt did eventually agree to refund our money and Spirit did agree to refund the unused portion of our tickets. We are still "out" over $400. We were also VERY LUCKY to have gotten a flight as everything was booked. Many people were stuck until Mon or Tues.

It's not that I mind being at WDW during a hurricane, it's the problems dealing with airlines, etc. that make me hesitate.

 

[BrianD]

Certainly, the extent of the pounding that Florida has taken this year is a fluke. But some meteorologists have suggested that we are entering a more active period where the number of hurricanes will be higher than normal.

I wouldn't say don't plan a trip during these months, but I would say that it is now something to consider just as you would consider planning a cruise during those months.

Let's pray '05 is NOTHING like this year has been!

 

[Luv2Roam]

Agree with BrianD.
I would have to say as a tourist I would work my vacation plans around hurricane season.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I'm afraid DH and I are like everyone else so far. We ARE thinking long and hard. Originally we planned to go next September, 2005. However, after this year's hurricanes, we're definitely having second thoughts. And since we live in an area (near the Gulf) also affected by hurricanes, we figure we could either go to one, or leave one behind, in which case, who knows what would be left of our unattended house. We're seriously rethinking our plan!

 

[Sammie]

If you can come some time other than Hurricane season then why chance it. Yes this has been an unusual season, but according to the experts we are going into a very active cycle that could last years.

If you can't come at any other time, then I would come on and take my chances. Just be prepared that it could happen and be ready to assume that your vacation might include some long periods of time stuck in your room and the extra expense of staying longer.

 

[CaipiraBob]

As a Floridian let me assure everyone that I'll be praying for a solid year that September 2005 does NOT end up being like hurrican season 2004...

 

[Harambe]

I plan on a trip next August - but that's the only time we can go, so I'm hoping poor Florida has a better season next hurricane season, also.

Being from New England, we have the opposite concerns now. We went last January during a brutal cold snap up here - came home to frozen pipes, back wash from the sewer everywhere. Now I won't plan a trip during the dead of winter.

 

[gottaluvPluto]

I think this hurricane season was a fluke. I don't think we will get hit this hard next year. Oh, they have been saying for years and years about the hurricane season getting worse for the next 10 years...... maybe it finally started ..... who knows.....

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Yes I plan on going in September next year but...I live near and can change my plans without any added expense. When you start having airport closers, flight cancellations, extra nights for Resort accommodations, you are adding a great expense to an already expensive trip.

Why do that if you can come at another time and save the money.

 

[Mom of Sleepy Bashful and BabyDoc]

Our two week vacation got cut in half because of Hurricane Frances. I was so glad we drove so we could be more in control of our situation. The airport closed at noon on that Friday. Everyone evacuating from the coast, came in on Thursday(major traffic jams), so when we left Friday at 5pm, no one was on the road and we had smooth sailing. Had no problem finding a hotel that night in S.C..

We had never gone in Sept. before. I might go that time again, I don't know. The heat and humidity were fierce.

But I'll tell you one thing, after everyone's horror stories with the airports and airlines, etc. , we'll definately be driving again.

 

[PlutoPony]

We got there 2 days after Charley (so does my opinion count ??)...... I WOULD go back in August of 2005 with a couple of caveats -
*I'd watch who I flew on (or drive). We all know now which airlines handled this well, and which didn't - and know who to stay away from even if their fares are lower!
*I'd only stay on-site. WDW handled this very well, from allowing changes/cancellations without charge to taking care of people who were there during the hurricane. Yes there were some off-site places that did a great job, but overall my confidence is w/ Disney.
*I'd watch weather reports daily while I was there, just in case something changed (but I would NOT obsess about the weather).
*Lastly, I'd realize up front that there's a chance that my vacation plans could be altered (lose a park day or 2) or that I'd need to cancel - and accept that going in.....

Any hesitation I have has more to do with the very high heat and humidity we experienced and would likely experience again next Aug. (yes, typical FL weather) than the possibility of hurricanes...

Beth

 

[Luv2Roam]

Agree -- almosy any season has issues.
Being from the midwest, just until this year, we flew down here in January. We always had to hope that no ice or snow prevented us coming or going. We never planned any layovers in OHare!
One year we lucked out. We did not fly through Atlanta. They had major weather issues at that time.
So in many ways for those who fly, it is just a roll of the dice.
Just be prepared as much as possible.

 

[gigi1313]

we were there as floyd blew in... left the day before 9/11 happened... spent frances at pop century... and would go the same time again in a heartbeat!

even w/frances, we had an AWESOME vacation! no lines! no crowds! value rates! stranded by our airline and had to stay an extra day! what's not to love? of course, we were blessed that we were safe and did not get hurt...

that being said... you have to be flexible, open minded, willing to toss those planning spreadsheets and just go w/the flow... our family can do that, and i realize that some cannot... the "disney hurricane adventure" was just a "different" disney... as i told some friends, most kids get to see mickey/minnie once or twice during their trip in the judges tent or at a meal, get an autograph, smile for the camera and that's it... my kids got to see them for two days, play, color, interact, and really hang out w/them (and others like pooh, tigger, pluto) at our hotel during the hurricane when the parks are closed and the buses were not running... it was not the trip i had planned, but it was a GREAT family vacation!