Offical Hurricane Frances thread!

[tecdavidt]

This is not good at all. I believe this is the first time in DCL history that all ports on the Florida coast are being affected and don't count on the Carolina's, they too could be hit. Also, if this storms does what the model indicated, Tampa could be out because it will be close to Tampa when it crosses over Florida.

I checked out the Hurricane site for the models. I also did a google search for Ft. Lauderdale news to get the news on the storm. I suggest that to all cruisers and call your TA's and DCL. Keep in contact. This one is a mess.

My husband came home and he too was checking out the models, he thinks Castaway might take a huge hit. I remember how Floyd changed that beautiful island. Don't be bummed out if this cruise doesn't make because if it did take a hit DCL will have to rebuild it once again.

I just pray that all cast members, Florida residents, visitors to Florida all make it through safely. Last fall we chartered a boat down in Miami and we cruised past this huge mound on an island--it was the debris from Andrew. They had no place to put all of the debris so they piled it on this island south of mainland Florida. After seeing that, well, it was a huge eye opener.

Please turn and go north Frances! Kathy

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Orlando Sanford was listed as close on Friday on a newsscroll on the local news (they are listing all business/schools/transportation closings).


Disney's reservation line indicates that the weekend is fully booked and no new reservations can be made for Friday through Sunday.

It is possible the ship will have to stay out to sea an extra day. (my speculation, I do not have a source that says this).

 

[SNicksed]

How long did it take them to rebuild CC after Floyd?

 

[WDWLVR]

I get more concerned with every thread I read about this one.

Prayers going out to everyone in the path of this storm. Please stay safe!

 

[WILDCATMICKEY]

Just took this off the Orlando Airport site.

http://www.orlandoairports.net/goaa/main.htm

Orlando International Airport will remain open; however, flight operations will be determined by each individual airline, under the guidance of the FAA.
Therefore, before arriving at the airport, please contact your airline directly to obtain information about specific flights.

 

[tecdavidt]

I can't remember the exact length of time before ships started to stop there but it was many cruises that missed it. We cruised one year later and it looked good but all the plants were a lot smaller and the buildings looked exactly the same. The dock was still under construction on that cruise. The aerial photos of Castaway Cay before Floyd have a different looking dock. The new dock has a lot more concrete. Kathy

 

[NancyDVC]

To all of you who live in Florida, good luck, God Speed and stay safe! My prayers are with you!
To all of you who are anticipating a cruise I am sad for you. I am scheduled for th 9/11 Magic and I wonder if we will get to go. It looks like the highlight of my long anticiapted trip (stopping at CC) won't happen. As long as I can get on the ship I will be happy where ever it goes.

Please everyone stay safe. Follow the evacuation instructions and don't try to 'ride it out' at home. I have seen too many stories about folks getting trapped when they failed to evacuate. Please, please get out while the getting is good.
Now another Turn Frances Turn and give us the sun

 

[TraSee]

THANK YOU to all of you sending prayers our way. I live in Seminole County, about 40 minutes from the beaches and the Port. We are expecting a big one...but...she can still turn. PRAY!
Tracy

 

[cjsmith]

Originally posted by CRSNDSNY
That's not a good sign. Where did you hear this?

Don't panic, this is not the Orlando International, MCO airport, it's the small Sanford airport. They are keeping MCO open with each airline deciding what they want to do. They have no real idea where this hurricane is going to hit and won't close down all of Florida. Jeb Bush declared Florida in a state of emergency and all of Palm Beach County as well as parts of Brevard county are being told to evacuate.

 

[Kalypso]

I'd be willing to bet that most of the Wonder cruises for the next few weeks won't be stopping anywhere - MAYBE Nassau - but if CC gets nailed the way they think it will? That will be a bummer.

Anybody have any insight on this? How long do the "cruises to nowhere" last? We're on the 9/9 Wonder next week.

 

[JLSE50]

Originally posted by Drcell01
I just got off the phone with a DCL CM and was informed that the 9/5 sailing of the Wonder (if we are able to sail) will not be stoping in the Bahamas or Castaway Cay.

Looks like it will be a "cruise to nowhere"!

So much for our first Disney Cruise and going to the Bahamas and CC...

Lets just hope for the best for all of us including the people in FL.

Instead of calling them a "cruise to nowhere" we call them "cruises looking for sun."

Sea days are wonderful. You will have a great time no matter where or what the ship does if you want to have a good time. Just figure it is a surprise--the Serendipity Cruise

Any day on a Disney ship is special and think of the memories you will be making.

Have a good time!!

Jan

 

[Kalypso]

Yes, Jan, DBF and I are trying very hard now to talk ourselves into feeling that way....

 

[MarkRG]

We were at CC not too long after Floyd. Not sure on an actual timeframe. We didn't go ashore, we just sat there offloading supplies. The biggest problem they had was twofold.

One, the surge had dumped saltwater over the entire island, killed the plant life, everything was brown.

Two, It had ruined the original dock. They built a bigger, better one, that may be able to ride this out intact. Between repairing it and dredging the area in front of the dock to be deep enough to allow the ship to enter took the longest.

For safety they had evac'd everyone to a neighboring island out of the path of the storm. I presume they are going to do the same this time.

To read the storm path maps, the top comma shaped island is Grand Cayman, CC is near the bottom of the comma and a teeny bit left. Right now the path has it going right over the top, just like Floyd.

Right before it makes a beeline for the Port.

The best place to get info is going to be http://www.local6.com They were real troopers staying on the air with live web cast all the way thru when Charlie passed right over them.

Hopes and prayer with all of you facing this.

 

[JLSE50]

You know those mushroom thingies in the pier that they put the ropes around to hold the ship in place? They have a name but I forget what they are called.

We heard that Floyd pulled those mushrooms out of the pier. Imagine that!! Out of the pier. They have to have large bases, sunk in the concrete to hold a ship anyway, but the hurricane pulled them out, base and all. Amazing.

Another good reason to evacuate if the authorities tell you to. Those storms have superior strength and it is not predictable.

Best wishes for safe travels for all concerned!

Jan

 

[tifandjim]

this may be old news but i saw this headline on the home page of the Orlando Sentinel....I am not a subscriber, so it would not let me see the article, just the headline....

"Disney Magic rearranges stops; Wonder due back Thursday"


I thought this may be of interest to most of you....

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/

 

[mom2sean_n_alex]

My prayers and Turn Frances Turn and Pixie dust to the mix! I hope that everyone stays safe!!!

Jennifer - in Western NC who tho not near the beach experienced Hurricane Opal! She did some major damage here tho not like she did on the coast...... Glad that I don't have to be where ya'll are now!

 

[cjsmith]

OKay, now I'm flipping out. ABC just showed the newest projected path of Francis and it's entering much lower south on Florida around the Miami area and heading straight across towards us and into the gulf. I don't know how much more southwest Florida can take since they're not even done cleaning up from Charley north of me. I can't find this project path anywhere else. Anyone know of any other websites I can look at beside the Hurricane Center out of Miami?

 

[Cap]

Here's Intellicast's storm track.

http://www.intellicast.com/Local/US...harts&product=HurTrack1&prodnav=none&pid=none

 

[Cap]

Here's Intellicast's storm track.

http://www.intellicast.com/Local/US...harts&product=HurTrack1&prodnav=none&pid=none

 

[alexandrew]

Just got off phone with DCL looking for info for 9/4 cruise...they told me no changes to itinerary or departure port - that the ship is scheduled to set sail out of PC - yeah right (?!)

way to tow the co. line DCL