Say it ain't so! Tropical depression!

[vital]

OK, I live in Mississippi where that (&#$(#*&$ Katrina messed us up. Now I FINALLY get to go to WDW for the first time and now a tropical depression is forming . I know it won't last the whole time, but come on! What does Disney do if a storm heads their way? How long are the parks closed before it hits? I could just scream!

Thanks for letting me vent!

 

[TDC Nala]

Don't worry about it yet...keep an eye on the hurricane center, though. According to the public advisory they don't have up the results from sending the plane to investigate it yet. I know the 3 day forecast looks like it's cutting right across Florida. If it gets upgraded to TS they will call it Alfredo.

For us hurricane season travelers:

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

Usually they seem to move through pretty quickly, but I was in WDW for Frances and she was slow as molasses, the parks were closed two days for her. If they need to close the parks they will close them right before the storm is scheduled to hit, the storms are tracked very closely and they will know when that is. They'll open the parks back up as soon as possible.

 

[MelanieC]

Keeping my fingers crossed for you that it doesn't affect your vacation. Sending lots of pixie dust your way!

 

[vital]

Thanks for the NOAA site! I don't leave until the 19th but am a bit apprehensive whenever a storm is mentioned! The site shows it way gone by then! I was on a cruise last year during hurricanes Dennis and Cindy. Luckily we were able to dock in Couzumel and spend 2 days there with only a few hours of rain! So you can see why I jump the gun sometimes .

Thanks for the pixie dust melanieC!

 

[goofy4tink]

Try not to worry too much. We arrived the same day H. Charley did in '04!!! Passed right over us. But, the parks were closed for only a short time....at about 1:00 pm on the day Charley was due to arrive (which he did at about 8ish that night), then most of the parks opened on time the next morning. Ft. Wilderness was closed for a few days due to the water and wind damage. AK was closed for half the next day also.
I have to say that Disney handles these storms extrordinarily well. There was very little actual damage inside the parks and little to no damage at the resorts...some roofing shingles and such but that was it.
It was only when we returned to the airport 6 days later that we saw any big damage. And it was then that we realized how truely 'ready' WDW is when it comes to storms.
If you can get to WDW, then you will be fine!!!

 

[Mecha Figment]

this storme is schedueld to hit our area here in orlando sometime on tuesday.

 

[pafer]

I can feel your pain. I live near New Orleans so I know what Katrina did. We had a trip scheduled in October last year. Wilma hit while we were on vacation and the parks closed for half a day. The CM's told us they only close the parks when the winds reach a certain speed which is considered unsafe for the attractions. We did MGM in the rain one night and had a small shower the day of our MNSSH. Other than that the parks only closed for half a day and then reopened. There was minimal damage to the Disney property and if we had not opened the curtains in the room we would not have even known it was raining and windy.

Oh and for the record I have plans to leave for Disney on Tuesday night so I too was a little peeved about this depression. I am not even sure yet if it has been identified as tropical anything. Last I heard they were only watching it and thinking the shear might end which would allow it to better form. Here's to hoping that does not happen.

 

[DisneyFan06]

I live in Florida and I am used to this. Let's just all hope or the best. Florida got really lucky last year - lets pray for the same. I am going to Disney in July, and I am not going to let some Hurricane or Rain stop me. I am going to go and have a good time. It is important that we all keep hope and pray it doesn't come our way.

 

[DisneyFan06]

35 mph winds, I just seen it on the Weather Channel. They said Cuba and Jamaicia should be the major concern. However, in Florida it will just be rain. Therefore, Disney Fans - Bring your Ponchos!

 

[DisneyDork712]

If it gets upgraded to TS they will call it Alfredo.

I know this is waayy off topic, and I really don't mean anything bad by it, but... Did anyone else think TS=Table Service?? I think I've been on these boards too much.

Here's some more Pixie Dust for you! * ** ** Have fun on your trip!!!

 

[LUVMICKEY]

We were there last October for hurricane Wilma and everything was just fine. We did get alot of wind and rain through the night and morning, but around 10:30- 11:00 it all stopped and the sun came out. By 1:00 MK and Epcot were both open and off we went for the rest of the day. It did however, stay just a little windy and slightly chilly. We still saw The Beach Boys that night and had an awesome day. Try not to worry. We will also be just getting there on June 20.

Michele

 

[Sammie]

At the most even during Charlie, everyone was inconvenienced less than 24 hours.

Considering that fires are getting very close to the Disney property, one on 192W just this past week, rain would be a blessing.

 

[TigerKat]

I'm from New Orleans and feel the pain in this thread, believe me. However the TS - Alfredo thing has me chuckling!! I too live on the dining page!!!

 

[nightowlky]

Ah, it'll be a distant memory come the 19th.

Crossing fingers for no more storms for FL (or the Gulf)

 

[TDC Nala]

And it won't be Table Service, er, Tropical Storm Alfredo...it's Alberto. Like in VO-5.

I think from the forecasts, even if it does progress to TS it won't mean anything to Florida but some badly needed rain.

 

[NancyIL]

I'm more concerned about flying to Florida than what happens while I'm at WDW. Now - if a hurricane should keep me at WDW a few extra days at the end...not a problem! Leaving 2 weeks from tomorrow for a quickie 2 days in FL.

 

[vital]

Thanks to all for your reassurances . I went to Target and the Dollar Tree and got some ponchos! I was worried about the flight in but since it's gonig to be over by Tuesday I should have no problem . I just hope it can douse the fires burning near WDW!

By the way, if there is a Target near you they have kid ponchos for $1 at the dollar spot thingy right inside the door. Oh, it's called a display!

 

[Miss Jasmine]

I don't want this to ruin anyone's vacation, and it won't if you are prepared for rain, but this rain is needed for Florida. I swear the state is about to burn down. In fact, we had to leave AK early today because of the smoke from the fire burining near there.

 

[kakjoe]

My wife and I are from Gulfport, MS. We to are arriving at Disney on the 17th of June thru the 25th of June. I think that for the most part this depression should be moved past by then. Although I can handle the rain I am hoping that it will be pretty much rain free while we are there. Although I know we all know about the wonderful summer scattered thunderstorms midday though.

Hope your trip is a great one!

 

[drgnfly30]

We just arrived today to the news of the Tropical Depression & the nearby fires Just our luck!