Disney world has been opened just over 45 years and I think they have closed the parks about 3 or 4 times. I really would not worry to muchThanks. Yes, we are staying at Bay Lake, the 7th to the 12th. I guess I'll keep an eye on Irma and maybe have to cancel. He wouldn't understand seeing the park and not being able to leave the resort :-(
Has anyone been to Disney with someone who has autism during a hurricane? Any advise? Are you allowed to leave the hotel? My 19 year old son is very challenged. Worried.
Thanks. Yes, we are staying at Bay Lake, the 7th to the 12th. I guess I'll keep an eye on Irma and maybe have to cancel. He wouldn't understand seeing the park and not being able to leave the resort :-(
Disney world has been opened just over 45 years and I think they have closed the parks about 3 or 4 times. I really would not worry to much
We were there when they closed early for Hurricane Charley in Aug 2004, and they were open on time the next day, despite widespread wind damage in the area, including on resort hotel grounds.
They asked us to all stay in our resort rooms, and Mousekeeping came to each room to drop off a flashlight and to tell us to keep the wood blinds shut, as this would help if windows broke.
All WDW channels switched to showing Disney movies, and we could boxed meals were offered in the food court, as food service was shut down to allow employees to be with their families.
No way would I cancel a WDW vacation due to a hurricane, as historically, park shutdowns have been for less than a full day .
You would be advised not to leave, as it wouldn't be safe.
If the winds and rain are bad enough, he won't be able to see the park. Or you could request a room that doesn't have a park view, for safety's sake.
Having arrived at WDW the day after Charley, I'd consider it a concern. Having my daughter and her family in Houston during Harvey last week, I would be concerned how much stronger some hurricanes are, and their increased chance of reaching inland with that power.
But did you travel with an autistic person who would be very challenged by being confined in a room for 24 hours?
No, but we weren't in the room for 24 hours...not even close. And guests at Bay Lake Towers wouldn't have to stay in the room either.
That was Charley - how about Harvey? My daughter was in her apartment for days. It is a benefit to be at a resort with interior hallways, but what is there to do in the hallway? Is there anything else in the Towers? Would they want you in the elevators? A restaurant, arcade? Although, I'm thinking those will be closed or crammed full if there was a 'lock-down' style hurricane in the area. They'd be stuck in the Towers as the catwalk to the Contemporary would be closed, right? And it wouldn't be safe or wise to go outside.
Your daughter was stuck inside for days because of the flooding that followed the hurricane, not because of the hurricane force winds. Houston has chronic flood issues, the Orlando area does not.
I'm not telling anyone else what to do, that's their business, not mine. But no way would I cancel a WDW vacation because a hurricane might possibly maybe hit .
Multiple days of high winds and torrential rain, actually. They didn't get flooded in their section of Houston.
Are you realizing that the OP is stating that her son cannot handle the confinement to the room? That is the main concern - and a hurricane could cause him to have to stay in the room longer than he could handle. Average family, with kids without issues, sure, but someone who can't handle the confinement? Definitely cause for concern.
OP - others have mentioned going to AKL or WL if you can change the reservation. I agree - the lobbies are spacious and would give you a bit of room to move about if needed.
Did you not read the part where I said I was speaking as to what I would do?
I think you're way overreacting, but it's certainly your right to do so.
Thank you all. Weighing the options and hoping for the best.