If Frances Hits WDW - How long before normal operations resume??

[av8tor]

We are (were) supposed to land at MCO Sunday about 7:15pm and begin our 7 night stay at BCV on Monday. Anyone want to speculate on what day WDW will resume normal operations if WDW takes a hard hit. I need help soon so I can reschedule with SWA and MS. THANKS!!!

 

[BigTigger]

We were there for Charley and my best guess is that WDW would resume limited operations within 12 hours of the storm passing. They would then ramp up operations as CM's and resources allow. Charley was a very fast moving storm. Francis is larger and slower moving. THis could impact the down time as during Charley the parks closed at 1pm on 8/13 and the main storm hit about 9pm. MK, MGM, Epcot, and Blizzard Beach were open the next morning at 9am. DD, Typhoon Lagoon and AK were closed.

Orlando International airport was another story. The last flight left at 2:58pm on the 13th. It didn't reopen until late afternoon on the 14th and even then it had limited operations. It was Tuesday the 17th before all scheduled flights were operating. OIA sustained a lot of roof and window damage which required systems to be shutdown until the power could safely be restored to the gate areas and jetways. The Southwest terminal A was harder hit than the Delta Terminal B.

The Orlando TV stations have great forecasting technology and stayed on top of the storm. It was easy to see where the storm was at and how the cleanup was progressing for the next week.

It may be wise to leave early and beat the storm into Orlando instead of coming later as the airlines are usually the slowest to recover.

 

[AmyBeth68]

I'm not sure I'd want to get into Orlando before the storm hits. This storm looks to be a nightmare, and resources such as water, gasoline and electricity could be affected for a lengthy time period. Not only that, but Florida residents who are evacuated need rooms to stay in, possibly for several days.

I'm not sure I'd like to speculate as to when WDW will be back on normal operating schedule. So much depends on exactly where this storm makes landfall. But regardless, this storm is going to affect Orlando in some capacity, and I'd allow for at the very least 2 days.

I'm so sorry for you that this is affecting your vacation plans . How disappointing! Sending you good luck and pixie dust that you'll be able to get to WDW soon and enjoy yourselves!

Also sending thoughts and prayers to all those affected by this storm in Florida!!!!

 

[Disney Doll]

Hopefully by Sept.17th, since that's when I will be arriving!

Seriously though, unless they et devastated, they are usually pretty good about getting things up and running.

 

[Beca]

I think that would be really tough to guess. I heard on the news this morning that this is the largest hurricane in recorded history, and it is moving very slowly...that could cause GREAT damage!! So...who knows....it depends on where it hits, and how long it stays. Also, keep in mind that flood basins in FL are full right now, any effects of the storm could linger much longer. I would postpone as long as I can, or like someone else mentioned, get there early and plan on a "different" type of vacation.

Also, I know you are a pilot....keep in mind that in all likelihood all SWA planes will be evacuated from FL (I flew for them as a FA for eight years...this is pretty SOP for them in such weather), and so,
1) No planes will go in until all runways are cleared and enough jetways are OP to have planes land,
2) Usually, planes are allowed in on a very limited basis after a storm goes in, and
3) Getting planes and crews scheduled back into airports is a real nightmare (esp. after they have ferryed planes to other places (usually BHM or BNA when MCO was down) when their ferrying ran them over duty regs, and depending on when it hits...getting them out could leave them with illegal crew rest, but that's only a concern if it really does "miss" MCO.

Anyway...just my 2 cents based on past incidents...I have spent more than a little "unscheduled" time in BHM or BNA due to weather. Depending on you and your family...I might really try to get there early if it looks like WDW will be on the "fringes" of the storm





Beca

 

[Par8hed]

It does NOT appear that WDW will be on the fringe of the storm but rather in the eye. I think anyone planning on heading to Orlando before the storm hits ( meaning flying there tomorrow ) is putting themselves at great risk. I hope you reconsider. I also think people should be a little less concerned about when they will get to ride "Tower of Terror" etc. when thousands of people are about to lose their homes, posessions, or worse.

 

[Par8hed]

Sidebar- My above comment is not directed at any of the prior posters, just a generalization that we should remember our priorities.