I'm scared

[Lindsay's4littles]

this isn't exactly purchasing DVC related but I guess it could be because we are currently awaiting closing documents on our AKV contract!
I'm scared for WDW and the animals at AKL and Animal Kingdom. I'm nervous for all the cast members who are so dedicated to their jobs and will be staying at work to make sure their guests stay as safe as possible. I'm nervous for the families who are currently there awaiting this storm!
We live in Kentucky and this morning our local weather reporter said "Disney World is in the direct path of Irma" and my heart sank.

Is anyone currently at WDW? If so I would love updates during this storm and I pray you as well as everyone including the animals stay safe and in the coming days this storm will be a distant memory with no lasting effects!

Lindsay

 

[kristenrice]

In regards to the animals...

We did the Wanyama Safari back in 2009 and the animal keepers were asked about what happens during a hurricane. They explained, in detail, that the animals' structures are built to withstand a cat 5 hurricane. The animals are trained to returned to their barns on cue so they will be safe. The keepers, with a giggle, explained that it is a bit harder to round up the birds because they aren't as well-behaved.

I hope that brings you a little comfort, from one AKV owner to another.

 

[sndral]

I'm no expert, but by the time Irma makes it to Orlando, assuming it does, it will most likely no longer be a cat 4 (which it currently is down from a cat 5) as going overland slows the wind speed down. Still dangerous, yes, but we are still 3 days from any impact in Orlando & lots can change, even last night most models were showing Irma going along the East coast of Florida, this morning they've all shifted back west, Cuba may slow the wind speeds down, the ridges/jet stream steering this thing may shift as well. AK and AKL will take as much care of their animals as they do of their human visitors, of that I'm sure.

The Orlando Sentinel is predicting it to be a Cat 2 when it reaches Orlando, but that's still not certain.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/weather/hurricane/os-hurricane-irma-friday-0908-story.html

 

[Chuck S]

At this point, I'm going to assume there was little, if any, structural damage to WDW. I'm sure they'll be dealing with a lot of downed/destroyed trees and shrubbery all over WDW property.

 

[marcyleecorgan]

The animals will be fine, it's not like they've never seen wind and rain before.

The outer habitats are the main target of destruction and that's why the animals are pulled back to enclosures where the keepers can crew up and take care of immediate concerns.

As pointed out, it's mostly removing all the shrubbery and flora that has descended all over everything. The fauna is fine.