Should we come on Monday? 9/27

[stephbesel]

Hey Everyone! My neighbors are scheduled to leave for WDW tomorrow (9/27/04). They can't decide what to do. They feel like they shouldn't come in respect for the people in Florida, but they have been saving for 3 years to go on this trip and they don't want to disappoint their daughters. What is it like at WDW? Is there power? Will things be functioning tomorrow? Does anyone know? They are flying SW and are scheduled to land at noon on Monday.

We come at the end of October and I feel like I need to do something for the people there before we go. Here I am coming to their state for enjoyment while they are all going through pure hell! Can anyone understand what I mean?

Any comments/suggestions would be great. Especially about what the conditions are there and should my neighbors still plan on coming Monday.

Thanks!
Steph.

 

[dopeys biggest fan]

My sister is at AKL right now, and they haven't lost power and was told that Disney hasn't lost power at all during the last 3 hurricanes. They have underground utilities. As far as not going out of respect for the people in Florida, I say they need alll the tourism dollars they can get right now!! I am also flying in on Monday and it's all go for me!!! I can't wait. the parks are closed today, but plans are to be open tomorrow as planned.

I have a post on the community board "my sister live from AKL" that I keep updating with more information.

 

[ErinInCT]

Steph,
Just remind them to re-check their filght. The airport is closed until noon at this time. Another thread mentioned pretty major flood damage & roof (I think) damage to AA terminal. Rain is still continuing so the airport may be re-opened later then noon. Have then keep checking the airlines & SWA webpages for updates so they can be the 1st to change their flight if the airport is not re-opened.

 

[teachingmykids]

We're driving over tomorrow, will get there Tue. As long as we're not in the way, I plan on spending my tourist dollars there. The last thing they need is for all of us to cancel.

 

[DebbieB]

Here is Southwest's website:

http://www.southwest.com/about_swa/press/hurricane_jeanne.html

 

[JulieWent]

I grew up in Pensacola, and I remember that the days immediately after hurricanes went through were, weather-wise, always the most beautiful days. Assuming we hadn't sustained too much damage, the weather was almost a great way of making up for the hurricane. (I don't think this applies to hurricanes like Ivan!) But, assuming that this one doesn't do much damage (and it doesn't look too bad IMHO), then this week might be a nice time to be down there. (We were there the week after Floyd went through, and it was gorgeous!)

Julie

 

[stephbesel]

bump

 

[John Dobbertin]

Very difficult to obtain good info on conditions in Orlando. One good photo of Epcot on one site -- torrential rains & wind with the fountains still going! I believe one site mentions curfew continuing through the night Sunday & wind & rain continuing. Another photo shows roof shingles blowing off of what looks like the Boardwalk. Question becomes: Can WDW personnel get to work? No solid info, but wonder if WDW will be open Monday? Nothing yet from WDW.

 

[Samirella]

The curfew for Orange County has been extended until 6am Monday. Right now it is hard to say if the parks will be open. No official word has been released. There are a lot of major roadways with damage or downed powerlines. I'll try to post as soon as I hear word.

 

[stephbesel]

Thanks! I will wait patiently for your reply!

 

[Luv2Roam]

It is still very windy here even now. Weather is not predicting to be back to normal until Tuesday.
There is a curfew for this county until 6am Monday. (If that doesn't get extended too. But not looking for that to happen.)
That being said, I would come. If the parks are open, it will be a great time for a guest, I think.
We went to MK yesterday afternoon and to Epcot Friday evening, knowing we would be stressed out and cooped up in the house the remainder of the weekend.
This area could use all the extra dollars it can get right now.

 

[kilee]

I have noticed a lot of the people who were posting last night live from WDW haven't really touched base again today. Here's hoping they are all okay. I think right now everything is a wait and see situation. I think if anything you may just have to delay a day or so. And that's if you even have to delay at all.

 

[John Dobbertin]

It would really be good to hear from anyone in any of the WDW resorts. Very curious as to conditioins there. We're Wilderness Villas members. Much concerned about the situation there.

 

[Luv2Roam]

I would not be surprised to see the parks open a little later tomorrow, and mabe AK not at all.
But it really is hard to tell. Even now the winds are 37 mph, steady, and occasional gusts higher yet. Still some rain.

I was outside in the front yard and the winds feel a heck of a lot stronger than near 40 mph!
I don't believe that at this location!

 

[John Dobbertin]

Press info from Orlando International Airport just posted. Operations remain closed through Sunday evening. Some water damage in terminal area -- no specifics.

 

[Luv2Roam]

Someone who is now staying at a WDW resort posted on another board. In brief they wrote:
There are downed trees and all that is to be expected.
Floridian Way is closed, both directions.
Downed trees on the monorail line to Epcot.
MK and Epcot open at 9am, MGM and AK at 10am.
Fort Wilderness tentatively scheduled to reopen Tuesday, and Vero Beach on Oct. 2.
Hotel Royal Plaza, which has been closed since Hurricane Charley, is missing a few floors from one of their exterior buildings.

Pretty good report. I am surprised at Vero Beach mention. According to the news that area was hit very hard.
I would wait and see what the official park opening times are before going.

 

[Samirella]

WDW Operating Hours for Monday, 9/27

The following operating hours have been updated for Monday, September 27:

Magic Kingdom - 9am - 8pm
Share a Dream Come True parade - 3pm
SpectroMagic - None
Wishes - 8pm

Epcot Future World - 10am - 7pm
World Showcase - 11am - 9pm
Illuminations - 9pm

Disney-MGM Studios - 10am - 8pm
Disney Stars and Motor Cars parade - 3:30pm
Fantasmic! - 8pm

Animal Kingdom - 9am - 5pm
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade - 4pm

Downtown Disney Marketplace shopping & dining-12 noon-11pm
Pleasure Island - Shops - 7pm - 2am; Clubs - 7pm - 2am
West Side - Shops - 12noon - 1am; Dining - 12noon
DisneyQuest - 12 Noon - 11pm

Typhoon Lagoon - Closed
Blizzard Beach - 10am - 5pm

Fantasia Gardens & Winter Summerland Mini Golf - 12pm - 11pm

Golf Courses: Osprey & Magnolia golf courses - Open
Remaining golf courses - Closed

 

[blowinbubbles]

My biggest concern is being able to get fuel. Having just gone through Ivan and witnessed gas shortages and very long gas lines, I know this is a real concern.

Also, didn't they go through shortages after Frances?

Of course, if you have to get stranded somewhere, I guess WDW is the place to be!