Parks will not open on Monday (email to Cast Members)

[CDSTapisRouge]

Just wanted to update, the weather is really bad (we are about 10 minutes West of Disney property) the wind has really picked up (they just said they are sustained at about 21mph right now with gusts higher) and the rain is relentless. The weather radar has no end in site right now, lots of reds and yellows coming right at us. Tornado warnings keep coming in. They are telling everyone to stay off the roads and the weather man just made the comment that he hopes Sea World will reconsider opening today as it is not safe to be outside and stated that Disney and Universal made the right decison. It is definetly not like Charley, Frances or Jeanne last year, but it is pretty nasty out there right now.

 

[Bumbles]

I can't believe they are planning on closing with only 40 mph winds, gusts around 60-70.

"only" 40 mile an hour winds with 60-70 mile gusts?

Listen, have you ever been in weather like that? We Flordians take this stuff very seriously and last year I had to deal with "only" 40 mph winds with higher gusts. It's scary and I applaud WDW for keeping safety as priority #1

 

[dvcgirl]

I'm in Orlando, Southwest Orange county and there is no way that Disney could have opened today. We have 40mph winds with gusts in 50s here. We've been under tornado *warnings* on and off all night long. I'm really surprised that Disney had its employees drive in this morning in this thing.....

The good news is that it will be out of here quickly. I worry for our friends in South Florida....stay safe!

 

[seashoreCM]

We Bostonians go to work on a regular basis when there are "only" 40 mile per hour winds with higher gusts. (Nashua to Boston is something like Orlando to Cape Canaveral or to Lakeland)

According to one news report, CM's for MK and Epcot were told to report to work also. This suggests that, if weather improves, only those parks might open.

Disney has every right to comp their resort guests with a late afternoon and evening of park fun while charging day guests with admission fees. Disney might choose to use their Stage One etc. capacity control to limit day guests also.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[Ted and Holly]

I did the Seacoast NH to Lowell area drive (60 miles each way) for 7 years. I never saw gusts in excess of 50 MPH.

And I never saw a tornado, let alone the many that have touched down all over Central Florida today.

Disney asks certain CMs to come to work during all storms. They keep watch on the parks and property. If the storm continues the way it has been, there is a chance they can open later today or this evening.

Ted

 

[C.Ann]

And I never saw a tornado, let alone the many that have touched down all over Central Florida today.

Ted

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I've only heard of two so far - Cocoa Village and Brevard.. Where did the others touch down? I have family and friends in various areas down there and up here in the northeast the only thing the news is talking about is the hurricane..

 

[Bumbles]

We Bostonians go to work on a regular basis when there are "only" 40 mile per hour winds with higher gusts. (Nashua to Boston is something like Orlando to Cape Canaveral or to Lakeland)

Do you work at a theme park? Things are a little different there. And, I could be wrong, but I'm not sure the last time a tornado watch went up in that area.

 

[back2disney]

I can't believe they are planning on closing with only 40 mph winds, gusts around 60-70.

If I were a CM I wouldn't come in today, especially if the only guests showing up thought like this.

 

[jfritz]

I just got off the phone with my son who lives in Orlando. He said they have had strong winds and lots of rain but the east side of the eye is already out to sea. It is moving very quickly. Most businesses (including his) were closed today due to the weather.

 

[Ted and Holly]

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I've only heard of two so far - Cocoa Village and Brevard.. Where did the others touch down? I have family and friends in various areas down there and up here in the northeast the only thing the news is talking about is the hurricane..

This morning, there were some pretty strong, rotating cells in the Clermont area that could have spawned tornados. Of course, it was still to dark for anyone to see one.

Ted

 

[cranbiz]

I'm in Deltona right now (about 30 miles from Disney). Heavy sustained rains and sustained winds of 20-30mph with gusts to 35-40mph right now.

A lot of water on saturated ground, potential for flooding is very real. I'm only going outside only to secure loose objects, it's nasty now(and I'm a volunteer firefighter who has been outside working in a cat 2 hurricane before).

Although I would be disapointed if staying onsite, Disney has done the right thing. I can visit tomorrow.

 

[WDWguru]

I'm sitting here in my room at BWV and this thing is all but over. It's really starting to clear up now and the sky is brightening, though it's still raining. We're just waiting it out watching tv. Got a note under the door last night explaining what wouldn't be open and to watch channel 19 for update hours when they know when Epcot, MK, Downtown Disney and the mini golf courses will open up. Supposedly they're showing Spectro and Wishes tonight at MK.

Right now they have three channels showing all kinds of Disney movies. They also served breakfast and lunch in four seatings in the conference center. We made a grocery run last night, so we didn't go get tickets for either of those.

It's really not too bad right now, so I wouldn't be surprised if they're out assessing right now. They could be open by 2!

 

[DawnM]

Hoping the parks open later today. We have been in the car for 2 days and the kids are going nuts! which in turn is driving us nuts! Next time I will be bringing games and books!

Dawn

 

[Ted and Holly]

Yup. Looks a lot better out there now.

 

[HugsForEeyore]

Channel 19 on WDW TV is now saying a 1:00 opening for MK and EPcot now! YEAHHH!! I better stop DISing and get going!! Probably going to be pretty packed since there is no where else to go!!!!!

It also lists at closing of midnight for MK! Wow! Bye bye, Wilma!!!!!!

 

[cara76]

Is that just for guest onsite or for everyone?

 

[Ted and Holly]

The sun is out. It is turning out to be a really nice day.

 

[cara76]

I'm about to call Disney and find out if they are opening for everyone or just onsite guest. We had plans for Epocot today for the Food and Wine Fest and the conert (which is probably canceled). I'm bored and don't feel like cleaning house, hmm what a great excuse to escape. LOL If not I can go tomorrow but I really don't wannna wait.

 

[FanofG00fy]

Originally Posted by BluOrchid2
I can't believe they are planning on closing with only 40 mph winds, gusts around 60-70.

I can honestly say, I believe this poster was just kidding. I did not take it that they were serious. If they were serious, then okay that is their opinion. If they were kidding, I laughed along with them.

Chris

 

[Uncleromulus]

Just curious about Ft. Wilderness--any trailer, camper damage reported???