Moderators:Can we get another board for hurricane concerns?

[DebbieB]

Sorry about the junk on the end of my previous post. Trying to get back in the swing might take me awhile

You need to take your trip timer out of your signature, they are no longer allowed.

 

[ducklite]

Anne, how do you like living in Clermont? Some of my friends recently moved to Summit Greens. They seem to be enjoying themselves very much

I LOVE it!

Anne

 

[km39497]

You need to take your trip timer out of your signature, they are no longer allowed.

Thanks! I had forgotten I even had a signature!

 

[gigi1313]

having lived in an area where hurricanes and other coastal storms and similar issues are a big concern, i have to say, although i sympathize totally w/the floridians that have posted their pov's on those that seem to make their main concern "which resort will take better care of me" i also understand completely the pov of the vacationer, who has most likely scrimped and saved and planned and dreamed of their wdw vacation for a long long time, only to have it ruined by weather... both "groups" of people have valid concerns... yes, a vacation is a blip on the radar when houses are being destroyed and lives may be lost, but don't fault those that don't always see the big picture but rather only their own microcosm... perhaps explain it to them, remind them, enlighten them, etc... but to imply that they are shallow and unfeeling because they are concerned about their own family (both enjoyment and safety!) is just plain wrong...

that being said, i'd prefer not to see yet another separate board for hurricanes or weather...

 

[tiki23]

I'm an Admin/Mod on two saltwater aquarium boards, and too many forums does have a tendency to fracture a BB. Weather links, though, would probably be a great help in every season and as someone has said, people will still post questions about severe weather in whatever forum with which they are most concerned. The mods would be very busy moving threads to the weather forum.

I have friends all over Florida and the Carolinas; last year was a nerve-wracking time. I was so worried about all of them that I was wrung out just talking with them and keeping an eye on the latest storm paths! My poor friend in the Keys EV'd two out of the three mandatory times, by the last call he was so tired, he just couldn't do it again. Swore he was going to tie himself to a palm in the yard until December! Luckily, Islamorada was missed all the way around. I had to cancel a vacation to visit him during that time, and while I was sorely disappointed, my worries for my friends far outweighed it.

Just a thought, for those of you afraid of missing the codes post - why not subscribe to the forum or else set that forum as your homepage for DIS? That way you can check it first.

 

[BuckNaked]

having lived in an area where hurricanes and other coastal storms and similar issues are a big concern, i have to say, although i sympathize totally w/the floridians that have posted their pov's on those that seem to make their main concern "which resort will take better care of me" i also understand completely the pov of the vacationer, who has most likely scrimped and saved and planned and dreamed of their wdw vacation for a long long time, only to have it ruined by weather... both "groups" of people have valid concerns... yes, a vacation is a blip on the radar when houses are being destroyed and lives may be lost, but don't fault those that don't always see the big picture but rather only their own microcosm... perhaps explain it to them, remind them, enlighten them, etc... but to imply that they are shallow and unfeeling because they are concerned about their own family (both enjoyment and safety!) is just plain wrong...

that being said, i'd prefer not to see yet another separate board for hurricanes or weather...

Well said, and ITA.

 

[Ziggie]

having lived in an area where hurricanes and other coastal storms and similar issues are a big concern, i have to say, although i sympathize totally w/the floridians that have posted their pov's on those that seem to make their main concern "which resort will take better care of me" i also understand completely the pov of the vacationer, who has most likely scrimped and saved and planned and dreamed of their wdw vacation for a long long time, only to have it ruined by weather... both "groups" of people have valid concerns... yes, a vacation is a blip on the radar when houses are being destroyed and lives may be lost, but don't fault those that don't always see the big picture but rather only their own microcosm... perhaps explain it to them, remind them, enlighten them, etc... but to imply that they are shallow and unfeeling because they are concerned about their own family (both enjoyment and safety!) is just plain wrong...

that being said, i'd prefer not to see yet another separate board for hurricanes or weather...

I agree with you. Because even though hurricanes are a very real concern for me and my family members, I definitely can understand the pov of the vacationer.

In my opinion, life goes something like this ~ we concern ourselves with those things that most directly affect us. It's not that we are insensitive to the plight of others, but we, by nature, are worried by what affects us.

Let's say that I planned and saved for a ski trip to Vail. And let's say that the area was hit by a larger than usual snow storm with the threat of an avalanche. While I would empathic to the residents of Vail and the surrounding communities, I would be most concerned with how the snow, storm and avalanche would *directly* affect me, my plans, my vacation.

It's just the way we are... neither good nor bad.

 

[Ziggie]

I'm an Admin/Mod on two saltwater aquarium boards, and too many forums does have a tendency to fracture a BB. Weather links, though, would probably be a great help in every season and as someone has said, people will still post questions about severe weather in whatever forum with which they are most concerned. The mods would be very busy moving threads to the weather forum.

I have friends all over Florida and the Carolinas; last year was a nerve-wracking time. I was so worried about all of them that I was wrung out just talking with them and keeping an eye on the latest storm paths! My poor friend in the Keys EV'd two out of the three mandatory times, by the last call he was so tired, he just couldn't do it again. Swore he was going to tie himself to a palm in the yard until December! Luckily, Islamorada was missed all the way around. I had to cancel a vacation to visit him during that time, and while I was sorely disappointed, my worries for my friends far outweighed it.

Just a thought, for those of you afraid of missing the codes post - why not subscribe to the forum or else set that forum as your homepage for DIS? That way you can check it first.

I was the owner/operator of a very large website for a pop singer for several years. I totally agree with you regarding having too many forums. It splinters the community and.. in the long run... really doesn't work out very well

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I have to agree with Suzy. While those of you that have vacation plans that may be ruined by a hurricane, our home & lives can be. I personally didn't like the fact that people were "complaining" about the attitudes of the CM's during the storms. They were trying to be as perky as possble, but the thoughts of their homes & family's were on their minds. I don't want to see another year like last year & lastly, I don't want to read a bunch of whiny guests upset with Disney because the parks were closed, or all they had to eat were brown bag meals because the food courts/resturants weren't open. They were lucky to have had that, if they were here with me, they would have had nothing! Charlie hit us head on, I had no water & electric for 5 days & my house got some pretty bad damage. I know when I got my electric on & started going on the boards, I was so upset to see what some guests were complaining about. Yes, you are all entitled to reading them, you all want to hear what is going on, but us Floridians, I think, would rather not read that (even just the captions were getting me upset last year). Yes, a new board for the weather would be great! It not an entire board, at least a sub board so the comments aren't directly in our faces. Hurricanes have become a very touchy subject with me now.
I vote for "Hurricane Central"

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

We can just make it simple. When Jeb Bush says "don't come", we'll post that as a sticky .

I do empathize. I had a trip to my sisters wedding for Jeanne. We were at Disney on Thursday morning. Between the time we left--about 7ish.....to the time we were waiting in the Judges tent to see characters--about 11ish...I was informed by another local "Oh did you hear". Let's just say I beelined home---hit AAA for some reason that I don't recall---sent out a message to a group of people that I knew that I was boarding my house by myself to which someone's teenage son volunteered to come help me do it. In between--packing for the trip I was afraid I would not be able to go on---figuring out evac plans---and wondering if hubby would make it home for a business trip---with a sprinkling of checking the boards and posting as well.

Hurricanes are a valid concern for everyone---and since the primary focus of this board is Disney--and those who like to go to the parks and/or cruise---I think that Hurricanes are the largest weather phenomenon in the USA that affects the most DISers at one time. Having a forum to discuss that--would be most effective--the bulletins can be posted---people can discuss strategies on dealing with the storms--from threads on storm prep for residents to storm prep for vacationers who will be in the zone to what happens to the property when a storm threatens, et cetera.

Lest we forget in years past--when the carolinas had the blessings a handful of hurricanes year after year. It's not just us in the liquid sunshine state.

And then in the winter--blizzards, winter storms, ice storms---the discussion switches around to that.

 

[susy]

I am the OP (just in case you forgot) and I, too, was affected by the hurricanes last year as a resident and as a vacationer.

I had ressies for Labor day weekend. Those were cancelled and rescheduled for the follwowing week or the week after (dont' remember).

When we were hit by Francis, it was supposed to come Friday. Wed was Ds's last day of school (schools would be closed Thurs and Fri). I had just left class myself and met up with DH and DS for dinner. The hurricane did not show up until Sun. My poor baby was so frightened not knowing what to expect that he threw up all over my bedroom carpet (throw). We just threw it out. It is scary for children to see neighbors and businesses boarding up like we are expecting visitors from another planet.

We had to cancel that next trip due to another hurricane and postponed it until the next week. Okay....

Enter Jeanne. First she's coming, then she's not. Hurray!!!!! Two hours before we leave I get a call from my very upset mom-Jeanne IS coming. We leave anyway but have to return a day early (we stayed two nights).

I was the front desk of POFQ Sat morning checking out, when an upset guest was trying to get info. He had been relocated there from CBR. I assured him that he would be taken care of and what to do-make sure you have water, snacks, etc. I had so much knowledge because of what I'd read on here. The CM thanked me. I'm sure she was worried about her own family as well.

I don't rember which hurricane it was , but it was a category five and at the time was headed for south FL. The morning dj's on the most popular radio station down here were bascially telling us to "get out of Dodge" and that they were putting their own families on planes and whoever stayed was crazy. This is scary stuff and I think it was a bit inappropriate to say on the air to a million people.

anyway, these boards do a great job of getting info to people when they need it and there is definteily a need for this kind of info.

I guess I'll have to be patient and stay away if gets to me too much.

 

[momof2inPA]

So, has a decision been made? Have the mods decided not to make a weather board, or is it still up in the air?

Last year, I distinctly remember many supportive posts being sent to the Floridians in the path of the hurricane. Would those be moved to the Weather Board? Even if there is a weather board, people with complaints about CM's or resorts during a storm will still post on Resorts or Themeparks.

 

[CarolA]

If I were the mods, I would vote NO!

Folks won't keep thier posts on the "weather" board so the mods will spend a LOT more time moving posts. If there is a hurricane just admit defeat and figure it will be EVERYWHERE and get over it!

 

[ducklite]

i also understand completely the pov of the vacationer, who has most likely scrimped and saved and planned and dreamed of their wdw vacation for a long long time, only to have it ruined by weather...

I don't think that the majority of people who vacation at WDW scrimp and save for it. With a huge proportion of people being regular repeat guests, this doesn't fly.

Anyone who's worried about their trip being affected by a hurricane should just plan it during a different time of the year.

And bad weather can happen anytime in Florida, or anywhere else in the world for that matter.

Bottom line, buy trip insurance if you are that concerned. (And I don't mean that towards gigi or anyone else on this thread, it's a general comment)

Anne

 

[NCombs]

I don't think that the majority of people who vacation at WDW scrimp and save for it. With a huge proportion of people being regular repeat guests, this doesn't fly.

I must say I respectfully disagree with this comment. You have no way to know that. Yes, many people who post here may be repeat visitors but many are not and many scrimp and save every year to do it even if they are repeat visitors.

And as a general comment, I certainly understand those of you who live in a hurricane area being very concerned and upset about what could happen in your lives. You should be.

However, I do not understand being upset with posters discussing hurricanes in relation to their vacation on this board. This is a board related to vacationing at Disney World. Thus, their comments are appropriate.

 

[Poohbear123]

I must say I respectfully disagree with this comment. You have no way to know that. Yes, many people who post here may be repeat visitors but many are not and many scrimp and save every year to do it even if they are repeat visitors.

And as a general comment, I certainly understand those of you who live in a hurricane area being very concerned and upset about what could happen in your lives. You should be.

However, I do not understand being upset with posters discussing hurricanes in relation to their vacation on this board. This is a board related to vacationing at Disney World. Thus, their comments are appropriate.

Thanks, you said it best...and your not living in Fl.! As a side note, sure I am a repeat visitor, AND I scrimp and save for my trips! I however, do not plan many trips in June/July/August.

 

[shellybaxter]

I don't think that the majority of people who vacation at WDW scrimp and save for it. With a huge proportion of people being regular repeat guests, this doesn't fly.

Anyone who's worried about their trip being affected by a hurricane should just plan it during a different time of the year.

And bad weather can happen anytime in Florida, or anywhere else in the world for that matter.

Bottom line, buy trip insurance if you are that concerned. (And I don't mean that towards gigi or anyone else on this thread, it's a general comment)

Anne

I think your wrong. I think a good chunk of people do scrimp and save. But Gigi1313 also said people plan and dream about their vacations. I think most everyone does that. I've been four times in the last 2 years and I still plan and dream and set my life around when its time to go to disney. If I had chosen the hurrican season, which I may well have done before last year because I wouldn't have known any better. Heck, now I wouldn't plan during July, August, and September, but I understand "offical" hurricane season is much longer than that.

Anyway, if I had planned during a time that was unfortunately effected by a hurricane I would want to come to these boards and ask all of the questions that gigi1313 suggested. I try to understand the point of view of the Floridains and the vacationers during the hurricane disasters.

I still hope there are no more sub boards. I feel that they disconnect the information and make it harder to navigate the site. And I forget to check them (like the codes board - I wish the codes post would come back to resorts)

Shelly

 

[treesinger]

It'll never work. Though we may all be aware of the "weather board", it will not be used appropriately. If a hurricane is coming, especially targetting WDW, multiple people will post details and talk on the CB. The presumption is that most of us care what is happening and will want details to get maximum exposure. So mods will be in constant "move mode" with all of the hurricane posts which I'm sure will just annoy them to no end.

A side note: If the mods find it fitting not to have a seperate board for debates which are much more prevalent year-round, how can anyone justify a niche board dedicated to weather?

 

[ducklite]

I must say I respectfully disagree with this comment. You have no way to know that. Yes, many people who post here may be repeat visitors but many are not and many scrimp and save every year to do it even if they are repeat visitors.

My point is that the posters on these boards represent a small fraction of the people who visit WDW. The planners/savers on these boards do not represent the average WDW guest.

And as a general comment, I certainly understand those of you who live in a hurricane area being very concerned and upset about what could happen in your lives. You should be.

I live in the area, and while I'm a bit concerned, that's why I have insurance, that's why I'm prepared with supplies such as a genny, lots of batteries, a window a/c unit, 40 gallons of water, etc. I could live fairly comfortably for over a week with no power or water. Loss of cable would suck--no Internet LOL! My point is that it's the price you pay to live in the area. No part of the country is immune from some sort of weather or geological related disaster. And if you have a well built home, a good disaster plan, and appropriate insurance, then you should be OK. If you're living in a mobile home 1/2 mile from the shore, then you've made a choice you'll have to live with.

However, I do not understand being upset with posters discussing hurricanes in relation to their vacation on this board. This is a board related to vacationing at Disney World. Thus, their comments are appropriate.

I agree to an extent. I don't have a problem with people asking questions about how WDW and the airlines handle these types of situations. What I have a problem with is 18 different threads from people about the same thing. I hope the mods can keep it all contained into one thread. I also have a problem with people acting like vultures, which resort can they expect to get the most out of if there's a storm. If people are going to head to WDW anyhow, even with storm coming, then they need to be self-sufficient with flashlights, water, and food, and not expect the resort to cater to their every whim.

My hurricane story (a bit off-topic, sorry). We checked into WL CL last year three days after Frances. We had been hunkered down in the house with no hot water, and we just wanted hot showers, (hopefully) a hot meal, and a good nights sleep. I didn't expect much more than that. I asked for some extra towels in lieu of actual turndown service, and was greatful that we were able to enjoy a wonderful meal at Artists Point. And as an FYI, I asked each CM we encountered if they were OK, did they need anything to repair their house--and offered blue tarps, plywood, duct tape, workgloves, etc.--told the concierge staff that if ANY CM they knew needed help we would be happy to give them these supplies. Many of the guests we encountered were "locals" staying there during teh storm, and they were all treating the CM's wonderfully. The people we saw being rude or overly demading were people who were "on vacation" and couldn't understand why things were not going exactly their way. They just didn't get it.

Anne

 

[Ziggie]

If I were the mods, I would vote NO!

Folks won't keep thier posts on the "weather" board so the mods will spend a LOT more time moving posts.

With something as big as a hurricane, people won't only be talking about it in a weather forum/thread. It will permeate every topic/discussion area because it will effect everyone who either lives in the Disney area, or is planning to go there.