Keeping an eye on Tropical Weather 2024

[fla4fun]

I saw on the news that Rosen Hotels are running $69 a room and no pet fees for the hurricane. But I can’t find anything official from Rosen.

I know they did that for Helene, so I would expect it for Milton as well.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Southwest has not issue travel advisory yet. Seems like most other airlines have. I might book a new ticket on Spirit. Still on hole with southwest

I just received an Email from Southwest this morning.

 

[Lehuaann]

My issue is points used are Dec '23 UY. Cannot bank or possibly use/rebook befor expiry.

If we pull plug will need to call them & hope they give grace

Our checkin date was yesterday. When I called on Thursday to inquire about cancelling, MS said their policy was in effect. I was able to have all points reversed to their UY on Friday with no issues.

 

[Keladry84]

Bucees pumps are almost always packed because people leave their cars at the pumps and go inside the building. It’s a super pet peeve of mine.

Depending on where people are from, that might be their cultural standard and not even realize how it impacts others in a crowded place.

I grew up in a very rural area and that is what everyone does as default, and is the cultural norm. I was traveling with my Dad through Colorado and we stopped for gas at a place with no line, and my Dad left the car at the pump like usual. When we came out, there was a huge surge of people and a backed-up line of like 10 cars. That was the first time I realized that in future it's probably better to move the car after gassing up before going inside. Sadly, I don't think it even registered for my Dad - but he's been leaving his car like that for over 40 years. My guess it's still a left-over habit from when everyone had to go inside to pay cash/couldn't pay at the pump.

I'm betting a lot of people stopping at Bucees might be from rural areas as well. I'm hoping if there's a surge from people getting gas before the storm that they don't do that!

 

[keishashadow]

Our checkin date was yesterday. When I called on Thursday to inquire about cancelling, MS said their policy was in effect. I was able to have all points reversed to their UY on Friday with no issues.

My issue would be 'reversed' points (from an 12 month booked res) would expire in 1-1/2 months as past banking window.

 

[Lehuaann]

My issue would be 'reversed' points (from an 12 month booked res) would expire in 1-1/2 months as past banking window.

‘23. My mind doesn’t even know what year it is anymore.

I will say they are trying. The only points I had an issue with was OTU. She said the managers have the power to override a lot, but the system could not generate a refund.

 

[Willows909]

Hi, At the resort now. Looking for a room one more night. Big surprise, nothing on the website. I also cannot get through the number they’re not taking any calls right now. Would like to stay one more day, thoughts? No car either.

 

[Marrila]

Hi, At the resort now. Looking for a room one more night. Big surprise, nothing on the website. I also cannot get through the number they’re not taking any calls right now. Would like to stay one more day, thoughts? No car either.

Have you asked at the front desk?

 

[rdaky]

Hi, At the resort now. Looking for a room one more night. Big surprise, nothing on the website. I also cannot get through the number they’re not taking any calls right now. Would like to stay one more day, thoughts? No car either.

Talk to the front desk. That will give you an accurate answer.

 

[Gizmo74]

I am at hotel now and getting mixed messages. We are checking out tomorrow which is two days early. Member services told me to go to front desk to modify my current reservation. Then the points will go in holding and they would put back in use year. When I went to front desk it’s a different answer. She told me when checking out tomorrow go to front desk to let them know. I said I am leaving at 4 AM. Not sure why she couldn’t just modify it.

Talk to the front desk. That will give you an accurate an

 

[Lsdolphin]

We are at Disney now and supposed to leave Wed night. I would like to leave sooner but not heard from my airline that they are waiving fees to change. When do you think airlines will reach out to offer changing flights?

Southwest has their post up already offering opportunity to change your flight with no charge

 

[Lsdolphin]

SWA showing Travel Advisory now for Orlando for anyone wishing to reschedule.

 

[Lsdolphin]

 

[Willows909]

Have you asked at the front desk?

I will, in a park now. Hoping that’s how they handle it. Disney statement that they put out making me think that hopefully they’ll be rooms available.

 

[Willows909]

Talk to the front desk. That will give you an accurate answer.

Thank you

 

[CarolynFH]

My issue would be 'reversed' points (from an 12 month booked res) would expire in 1-1/2 months as past banking window.

In this situation they might allow you to bank them even if after the normal banking window. It might be worth a call to MS.

I am at hotel now and getting mixed messages. We are checking out tomorrow which is two days early. Member services told me to go to front desk to modify my current reservation. Then the points will go in holding and they would put back in use year. When I went to front desk it’s a different answer. She told me when checking out tomorrow go to front desk to let them know. I said I am leaving at 4 AM. Not sure why she couldn’t just modify it.

Do NOT let the front desk mess with your DVC points. They don't know how to do it! MS was right - go to the front desk and only ask them to modify your reservation to drop the night(s). Or let the front desk know tomorrow morning when you leave, if that's what the front desk says to do (sounds like if you tell them at 4 AM that you're checking out, that's when they'll modify your reservation). Once your reservation has changed, the points will go into holding - and when you call MS, they can move them out of holding. The front desk can't do anything about points, they can only tell the system that you shortened your stay.

 

[jwolfpack]

My heart goes out to everyone locally affected by this storm as well as everyone who has travel plans that will be impacted.

We are due to arrive Thurs 10/10 at MCO at 11 am. I am so conflicted on the best course of action. We can keep flight as is and hope for the best, move to a later Thursday flight, or just cancel the trip completely. We are returning home early on 10/14, so it was a short trip to begin with. But also an expensive trip - deluxe resort, 4 day park hoppers with LLMP and LLSP booked, MNSSHP on 10/11. My kids are in high school, and we unfortunately don't have much flexibility to reschedule.

In the grand scheme of things, I know this is just a vacation compared to people's lives being potentially upended. We live in Houston, so we understand the complexity of hurricanes. If impacts are minimal, we know that life can largely go on the next day. If impacts are bad, the last thing Orlando will need is a bunch of tourists arriving in the aftermath competing for resources.

 

[goopysolelady]

We are at VGF until Saturday. I'm thinking that we will make a trip to get more groceries and fill up the car with gas today. I'm sure the stores won't be busy or anything today.......

Our granddaughter lives in Melbourne; she stopped by grocery store after church to pick up a couple things I requested for our visit and she reports "shelves are bare" already! Good luck!

 

[goopysolelady]

Southwest has not issue travel advisory yet. Seems like most other airlines have. I might book a new ticket on Spirit. Still on hole with southwest

We received a travel advisory from Southwest about 11:30 AM for our Thursday evening flight so they have been issued.

 

[pigletto]

My heart goes out to everyone locally affected by this storm as well as everyone who has travel plans that will be impacted.

We are due to arrive Thurs 10/10 at MCO at 11 am. I am so conflicted on the best course of action. We can keep flight as is and hope for the best, move to a later Thursday flight, or just cancel the trip completely. We are returning home early on 10/14, so it was a short trip to begin with. But also an expensive trip - deluxe resort, 4 day park hoppers with LLMP and LLSP booked, MNSSHP on 10/11. My kids are in high school, and we unfortunately don't have much flexibility to reschedule.

In the grand scheme of things, I know this is just a vacation compared to people's lives being potentially upended. We live in Houston, so we understand the complexity of hurricanes. If impacts are minimal, we know that life can largely go on the next day. If impacts are bad, the last thing Orlando will need is a bunch of tourists arriving in the aftermath competing for resources.

We are scheduled to come in the evening of the 11th. So far our airline is only allowing changes for Wednesday the 9th. On one hand I’m watching for my trip and seeing what is the best thing to do. On the other hand I’m talking to my sister who will be evacuating for the second time in two weeks with her kids, my daughter and son in law who are visiting, and their dogs. Her husband is on call at the hospital and can’t leave with them this time.

All we can do is wait and see. And that’s hard to do isn’t it? It’s ok to be disappointed about the trip and to have empathy and worry for the people whose lives and homes are affected. I think it’s just going to be a tense week all around.