Orlando Theme Parks Hurricane Update Thread (Direct list of closures related to Disney on page 10)

[circus4u]

According to WFTV in Orlando,

"According to Disney’s website: “Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions as we continue to monitor Hurricane Matthew. Recent forecasts indicate that there could be rain and wind in the Central Florida area as early as Thursday evening, October 6, 2016.”


Disney World to evacuate guests in the Ft. Wilderness camp area, moving them to resort rooms in preparation for Hurricane Matthew.


For the safety of our guests and ambassadors, SeaWorld Orlando will be open from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 6 and CLOSED on Friday, October 7. The park will be open from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 8, with normal Spooktacular activities from noon – 7:00 p.m. Please check Park Hours for the most up-to-date information.

A Universal Studios representative said that the parks are open Wednesday, and the park is “currently planning to remain open as scheduled through the week. We are obviously monitoring the weather and will always make the safety of our guests and team members our top priority.”

LEGOLAND Florida Resort will operate as scheduled Thursday, Oct. 6, but LEGOLAND Florida Theme Park may close early due to the approach of Hurricane Matthew. For the safety of all guests and employees, LEGOLAND Florida Theme Park will remain closed Friday, Oct. 7, but LEGOLAND Hotel will be open to admit arriving guests. We expect to operate as scheduled Saturday, Oct. 8, but will continue to monitor the storm’s projected path and will make adjustments as necessary.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will be closed on Thursday, October 6 and Friday, October 7. Visitor Complex officials anticipate reopening Saturday, Oct. 8 at 9 a.m. after a thorough assessment of the property has been completed."
http://www.wftv.com/news/local/what...-as-hurricane-shifts-toward-florida/453647263

 

[circus4u]

I get the tree houses because of height but why the bungalows? As far as pets, I would think those in RVs could just stay but I would have a problem were I there and they asked me to put my dog in boarding. She is tiny small and very submissive and can't be in populations with other dogs.

Even though the bungalows are elevated over the water, that is a large body of water. With hurricane force winds, I wouldn't be surprised if wave action could do some damage.

 

[rteetz]

I have seen reports of people getting refunds for Friday's not so scary Halloween party. That will likely be a last minute decision to cancel that or not.

 

[ChipnDale79]

I have seen reports of people getting refunds for Friday's not so scary Halloween party. That will likely be a last minute decision to cancel that or not.

I have a friend down there now and just got a refund for the party on friday.

 

[Irish_Mike]

Accord to WDWMagic, Southwest has begun cancelling flights into MCO after 4 tomorrow. If they haven't already, I expect other airlines will do so within a couple hours.

 

[rteetz]

Vero Beach and Hilton Head are also closing down.

 

[midaroco]

I am at WDW now and inquired both at the resort concierge and Magic Kingdom and was informed at both places no refunds for Friday nights Halloween party will be given until they announce that they will not hold the party.

 

[Irish_Mike]

From the Alumni page, it looks like Disney has started to prepare the ride out crews for the storm.

 

[Sophie_inBflo]

From the Alumni page, it looks like Disney has started to prepare the ride out crews for the storm.

What's the ride out crew? Assuming it's people who will stay at the parks during the storm, but what do they do?

 

[Irish_Mike]

What's the ride out crew? Assuming it's people who will stay at the parks during the storm, but what do they do?

From what I know and remember, the ride out crew are teams of cast members who are dispatched to various locations across property - almost primarily the hotels. They are kept on the clock throughout the storm, stay in place at the resort, and help assist in primary cleanup once the storm has passed.

Pretty much aim to help reduce any effect on guests in the aftermath. Ride out crews are all volunteers

 

[rteetz]

I am at WDW now and inquired both at the resort concierge and Magic Kingdom and was informed at both places no refunds for Friday nights Halloween party will be given until they announce that they will not hold the party.

That's interesting I've seen at least two reports where people were given refunds.

 

[rteetz]

From the Alumni page, it looks like Disney has started to prepare the ride out crews for the storm.

Yes that is correct

 

[crazy4wdw]

From Disney Cruise Line:

Based on the projected path of Hurricane Matthew, as well as its expected impact on the Bahamas, Disney Cruise Line is making the following adjustments to itineraries:

Disney Dream

• The October 3 sailing of the Disney Dream is being extended by one day, as Port Canaveral will not be available for the ship’s scheduled arrival on Friday, October 7. We are now planning to disembark in Port Canaveral on Saturday, October 8, once the Coast Guard has determined that the port is safe for cruise ship operations. We are working with the guests onboard to assist them with their travel arrangements.
• The October 7 sailing of the Disney Dream from Port Canaveral is being cancelled. Refunds will automatically be processed back to the original form of payment used for cruise bookings. Guests are invited to call us at 1-866-325-3905 or 407-566-7032 beginning Monday, Oct. 10, to book a future cruise at a discount.

Disney Magic

• The October 7 sailing of the Disney Magic from New York is being changed to a Canadian itinerary, with plans to visit Sydney, Nova Scotia; Halifax, Nova Scotia; and Saint John, New Brunswick. Guests who remain on this revised itinerary will receive an onboard credit. Guests who would like to rebook a future sailing at a discount OR cancel their sailing for a full refund are invited to call us at 1-866-325-3905 or 407-566-7032.

Disney Fantasy

• The October 8 Disney Fantasy sailing from Port Canaveral to the eastern Caribbean is expected to sail as scheduled. We will continue to monitor the weather and make any necessary adjustments.

While we always strive to deliver magical cruise vacations, nothing is more important to us than providing a safe experience for our guests and crew. We will continue to closely monitor Hurricane Matthew and provide updates as necessary.

 

[rteetz]

From Disney Cruise Line:

Based on the projected path of Hurricane Matthew, as well as its expected impact on the Bahamas, Disney Cruise Line is making the following adjustments to itineraries:

Disney Dream

• The October 3 sailing of the Disney Dream is being extended by one day, as Port Canaveral will not be available for the ship’s scheduled arrival on Friday, October 7. We are now planning to disembark in Port Canaveral on Saturday, October 8, once the Coast Guard has determined that the port is safe for cruise ship operations. We are working with the guests onboard to assist them with their travel arrangements.
• The October 7 sailing of the Disney Dream from Port Canaveral is being cancelled. Refunds will automatically be processed back to the original form of payment used for cruise bookings. Guests are invited to call us at 1-866-325-3905 or 407-566-7032 beginning Monday, Oct. 10, to book a future cruise at a discount.

Disney Magic

• The October 7 sailing of the Disney Magic from New York is being changed to a Canadian itinerary, with plans to visit Sydney, Nova Scotia; Halifax, Nova Scotia; and Saint John, New Brunswick. Guests who remain on this revised itinerary will receive an onboard credit. Guests who would like to rebook a future sailing at a discount OR cancel their sailing for a full refund are invited to call us at 1-866-325-3905 or 407-566-7032.

Disney Fantasy

• The October 8 Disney Fantasy sailing from Port Canaveral to the eastern Caribbean is expected to sail as scheduled. We will continue to monitor the weather and make any necessary adjustments.

While we always strive to deliver magical cruise vacations, nothing is more important to us than providing a safe experience for our guests and crew. We will continue to closely monitor Hurricane Matthew and provide updates as necessary.

Glad they finally made a decision. I'm also surprised they are offering rebookings at a discount. I think this is being handled very well.

 

[jpeden]

I'm seeing reports on twitter that people are calling up Universal asking about possible refunds or transfers and they won't offer any because they plan on being open.

Wow…way to go Universal.

 

[crazy4wdw]

I'm seeing reports on twitter that people are calling up Universal asking about possible refunds or transfers and they won't offer any because they plan on being open.

Say what??? Predictions are that winds in Orlando may reach 80 mph from early Friday morning until early afternoon.

 

[rteetz]

Say what??? Predictions are that winds in Orlando may reach 80 mph from early Friday morning until early afternoon.

I haven't seen anything out of universal yet. They released a statement early today that they are monitoring the situation though.

 

[rteetz]

The only resort operations officially being closed are the resort Spas. They will all close at 12:00 noon on Thursday and most likely remain closed until Saturday.

There are also teams of character performers who, if necessary, will be stationed at the resorts to provide "enhancements" during the storm.

WDW News Today

Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park will be closed on Thursday, October 6th.

CMs reported an hour ago that parks won't be opening early - changed back to 9:00a opening.

I haven't seen anything that says parks will close early on Thursday.

Theme Parks & Resorts

• Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground is closed now through Sunday. This includes all Thursday and Friday performances of Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue and Mickey's Backyard BBQ.
• Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park and the Learn to Surf experience at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park will be closed Thursday. Both Water Parks will be closed Friday.
• Spirit of Aloha at Disney's Polynesian Village will be cancelled Thursday and Friday evenings.
• Select spa locations, including La Vida Health Club at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, Senses - A Disney Spa at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort, and Ship Shape Massage, Salon and Fitness at Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, will be closed beginning Thursday at 12 p.m. through Saturday evening.

Entertainment, Amenities & Other Offerings

• Characters in Flight at Disney Springs is closed now through Sunday.
• The Baseball Canada game scheduled for Thursday at 1 p.m. at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex has been rescheduled for 10 a.m. the same day.
• Select weekend events at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex have been canceled, including the 2016 Disney Cross Country Classic and Baseball Canada’s Friday and Saturday games/practices.

FROM: http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2016/10/hurricane-matthew-to-affect-walt-disney.html

Looks like Typhoon Lagoon Closure

5 minutes ago from reliable source. I will imagine this will change ...

Taylor Strickland ‏@WTStrick 5 minutes ago
#UniversalOrlando issued a 7pm update to Team Members. No change - normal operation.

UNCONFIRMED but shared for backup planning purposes - if you hear confirmation otherwise please correct me.

Since Weather Channel has just now said worse of it projected for Friday, coming on land not far from Orlando so this would make sense.

ThemeParkHistorian ‏@Applefreak197
@ThemePark @Parkscope Managers and employees have been told not to come into work on friday [EPCOT].

Various updates. Looks like Disney is seriously considering a park closure. Universal still waiting.

 

[Irish_Mike]

Although I think they're absolutely stupid for doing this, Universal is going to wait for Disney to make the first move in widespread closures of the parks.

Which really does suck for the team members waiting in limbo.

 

[jpeden]

Although I think they're absolutely stupid for doing this, Universal is going to wait for Disney to make the first move in widespread closures of the parks.

Which really does suck for the team members waiting in limbo.

I agree. Universal won't close if Disney doesn't. The reality is though, evidence suggests a closure is being considered as stated above.