Yes we are basic economy and that's what our chapter is going to use for future MAW families. They actually didn't know about the policy until I called and told them. We had 5 carryons packed so I'm glad I doubled checked before we took them to the airport! Maybe I'll call them back and ask about an exception.... thanks!
We're headed to Florida from Utah.
Thank you. The GKTW welcome videos said there were so I thought I'd ask.
I'm worried too. We leave for Florida in the morning. I hope Irma moves past Florida with no damage. But then again, maybe we'll get stuck at GKTW for a few extra days and that wouldn't be so bad!
I am praying so hard!!! We leave next Thursday the 14th. I spoke withy wish coordinator and she said everything is moving forward right now. But I just don't want to have this experience in crazy down pour rain the entire time!!! Have so much fun on your trip! How exciting that you leave in the morning!!!!
We were evacuated from GKTW yesterday to the Disney World Saratoga Springs resort Villas. GKTW was concerned about the loss of power and damage to the property. Here each building has a generator and the buildings are stronger than those at GKTW. We are expecting hurricane Irma in just a few hours. The resort staff are going above and beyond in trying to keep us safe and even entertained. We played fun games last night and today in the performance hall with Pluto, Goofy, Chip & Dale. They opened up the arcade for everyone to play for free, are loaning out DVDs and keeping the restaurant open for as long as possible. We are so grateful for all the food and water sent with us and delivered to us by Give Kids The World Village! The staff and volunteers there are amazing. We are also very appreciative of Make A Wish Utah for extending our stay by two days. Flights were going to be delayed and we were not going to be able to visit Disney World as it is closed for the storm today and tomorrow. This place is so beautiful and we pray that GKTW and Saratoga Springs do not receive extensive damages. We hope to go back to GKTW on Tuesday but that may not be possible, depending on how crazy the hurricane gets and how much damage is done. #goawayirma
I'll let you know what's happening with GKTW as soon as they let us know. We've been worried about everyone with wishes scheduled for this upcoming week. I hope it works out for you to still come. Disneyworld Parks are scheduled to reopen on Tuesday. Seaworld said some of their animals won't be available in the park for a week or so after the storm. Mostly the manatees, if I'm remembering correctly.
I literally just got an email from our wish coordinator saying our trip is still scheduled as planned! So it looks like we are coming. I asked when they would make a final decision to cancel if they do. We weren't planning on going to SeaWorld as we have been there a couple of times with the kids in San Antonio and San Diego. I'm trying to stay positive, but I've been a little bit of a hot mess!!!
I will say that I was told that the last major hurricane that hit GKTW only caused a few shingles to be lost and a couple panes of glass to be broken. Hopefully that's the extent of it his time as well. Stay positive.
That's good to know. So did they evacuate you as a precaution then? I'm just glad you are till getting the "Disney" experience, and your trip was extended! Did they provide you extra funds for the extension?
Yes they evacuated us as a precaution because they do not have generators in every building - only the middle/front villas have them. The middle/front villas also are made of concrete walls and ours wasn't. Initially they were going to move all of us to the concrete villas but then they decided to move us all off property. Everyone who was at GKTW is here with us at this resort. And we got free Magic Bands to boot! Worst case scenario, even if you can't stay at GKTW you will have an amazing time at a Disney property. We are still having lots fun, but now that we are under curfew the kids are getting a little restless. And yes they have given us extra money to get us through the extra days. As a positive, it's like a 10 day Disney vacation now
That is awesome!!!! I'm so happy that it is going well under the circumstances! So the people staying in concrete buildings stayed at GKTW? When will they let you know about returning? Is there a possibility that you stay st the resort for the remainder of the trip?View attachment 268558
Yes they evacuated us as a precaution because they do not have generators in every building - only the middle/front villas have them. The middle/front villas also are made of concrete walls and ours wasn't. Initially they were going to move all of us to the concrete villas but then they decided to move us all off property. Everyone who was at GKTW is here with us at this resort. And we got free Magic Bands to boot! Worst case scenario, even if you can't stay at GKTW you will have an amazing time at a Disney property. We are still having lots fun, but now that we are under curfew the kids are getting a little restless. And yes they have given us extra money to get us through the extra days. As a positive, it's like a 10 day Disney vacation now
Everyone was evacuated, and all the volunteers left as well. There may be a skeleton crew of staff who stay on but they weren't sure. We are scheduled to stay here at the WDW Resort through Tuesday. They will make a determination if we can go back to GKTW on Tuesday after the storm passes. Our new flight leaves Thursday in the evening.
