Stay Safe from Matthew

[Irish_Mike]

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/storm_graphics/AT14/refresh/AL1416W5_NL+gif/153139W5_NL_sm.gif

The 5PM outlook is out - and it's looking as if the storm has once again inched west.

 

[SorcererHeidi]

When I was at All Star Sports last week, I noticed that those buildings are like concrete bunkers. I'd have no problem booking a room at an All Star or at POP if I lived in the area & wanted a safer spot to hide in. Only problem is that there is no indoor access to a restaurant but to be fair, CMs shouldn't have to risk their safety on the roads during a storm just to feed guests. After having a good look at some of the WDW properties, I'd be relieved to be in one of the Value resorts b/c of the construction.

Totally agree, Sam. And being of an "emergency management mind" (having worked there for so many years - I automatically check for the nearest exit wherever I am, always have, always will - that kind of stuff) I always thought that about the values. They are also fairly low profile, another excellent selling point in high winds.

I know WDW also has "ride it out" teams, who agree to stay on property (away from their own homes and families), kind of like those who work in emergency management, first responders, health care professionals, EMT's, etc. When Hurricanes Irene and then Sandy hit the Northern NJ area, I knew plenty of people who worked long shifts taking care of others, then went home to flooded/destroyed/maybe even uninhabitable surroundings themselves. I worked through 2 days of self evacuation while staying at a shelter, then for many days afterwards wading through floodwater up to my knees to get to my 2nd floor apartment. It's just part of the job, and I'd do it all again in a heartbeat.

Maybe someday I should write a book, for people to talk about in a thread on DISBoards.

 

[wilkeliza]

Not to fuel the fear fires. It if it loops back next week it could be even worse. There is a tropical storm in Bermuda and if they merge and follow the projected path for Mathew it would not be good for the Florida coast.

 

[rteetz]

Rumors are Disney is considering a closure on Friday. They are already staffing a ride it out team.

Airlines are cancelling flights already. Seaworld is closing early on Thursday and staying closed Friday. Legoland is closed Thursday and Friday. Kennedy Space Center will also be closed both days.

Ft. Wilderness guests are being moved to other resorts. Saratoga treehouse guests and Poly bungalow guests are also supposed to be moved.

Universal hasn't announced any changes yet.

 

[EPCOT is a verb]

This is our first storm since moving for Florida. Getting ready feels like getting ready for a blizzard in the Northeast. It was crazy today. Walmart was completely out of bottled water. Gas stations are out of gas. Kind of an eerie feeling.

 

[wilkeliza]

This is our first storm since moving for Florida. Getting ready feels like getting ready for a blizzard in the Northeast. It was crazy today. Walmart was completely out of bottled water. Gas stations are out of gas. Kind of an eerie feeling.

Very similar prep. Only major difference is you can't throw your frozen foods out in the snow if the power goes out haha.

 

[EPCOT is a verb]

Very similar prep. Only major difference is you can't throw your frozen foods out in the snow if the power goes out haha.

...but we won't have to shovel when it is over!

 

[wilkeliza]

...but we won't have to shovel when it is over!

Very true. Hopefully there isn't any flooding or fallen trees. Pete was correct in his thoughts awhile back that a storm in Orlando will be bad news. The area hasn't had a strong storm in about 10 years so the next big one will be bad. I hope this isn't it. Trees don't have a strong root system and will probably come up pretty easily. Add to that add the water that has been coming befor the storm and you may see flooding and sink hole issues.

 

[rteetz]

Thursday's Halloween party cancelled.

 

[Anastasia Tremaine]

This is our first storm since moving for Florida. Getting ready feels like getting ready for a blizzard in the Northeast. It was crazy today. Walmart was completely out of bottled water. Gas stations are out of gas. Kind of an eerie feeling.

Us too. Had to stop at the store to get ingredients for a dish to make for work today and noticed the shelves for completely empty for bread, chips, and microwave pasta (like chef boyardee). A lot different than up north where everyone ran out for bread, milk, and toilet paper. Schools are closed here today and tomorrow. And I know no one cares about it, but Legoland made their announcement yesterday that they are closed Friday.

 

[NancyDVC]

In 2004 my friend was evacuated to the convention center at the Contemporary. I believe that was the case at the resorts with convention centers. There were 'brown bag' meals for the guests and some activities to keep folks occupied. We were on the Disney Magic that year after the ships were diverted on teh 2 previous cruises due to all the hurricanes. Our cruise was the first out of Port Canaveral after the channel was reopened and the first back to Castaway Cay. Of course our 'Western' cruise became an Eastern diverted to Puerto Rico and St. Thomas. We made it to Puerto Rico but then were diverted again to Nassau due to 2 more storms.
And I spent 5 days at my job during Sandy. The hospital was safe but the evacuees who had stayed to 'ride it out' on a barrier island here off Long Island were in shock-no electricity, raw sewage, flooding, homes damaged or destroyed. And many of my coworkers were badly affected too. Yet they came to work everyday and took care of all the patients not to mention those who were evacuated with medical issues.
Stay safe all of you in Florida.

 

[k8Davies]

The news over here is saying it could be a direct Hit on Florida and the damage could be "catastrophic" - Although that is coupled with a picture of a Boarded up IHOP - Gotta love the news.

So everyone please stay safe and as @SorcererHeidi said please let us know afterward that everyone is Okay..

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

Stay safe in Florida and those along the coasts of Florida, Georgia and SC - get out. Better to be safe than sorry.

I'm currently trying to get my son to come home from college near Savannah. The college is closed through the weekend now and they are recommending anyone who has a safe place to go should leave.

He says he's not sure yet but has a full tank of gas, bottled water, food that doesn't need to be cooked and several battery operated lanterns so he feels prepared but I know I'd feel better if he was home.

 

[Accident]

The news over here is saying it could be a direct Hit on Florida and the damage could be "catastrophic" - Although that is coupled with a picture of a Boarded up IHOP - Gotta love the news..

the coast is, but there's some distance between that and disney area. we're getting basically tropical storm type impact unless it turns more west when it's closer to land and comes straight for us. still a lot of power so don't take that as it's going to rain, it's still a hurricane.

 

[rteetz]

This storm has a lot of uncertainties it could still become a Cat 5 even.

 

[WiscMomof2]

My thoughts are with the team and anyone else in the vicinity. Stay safe. We were there during Wilma in 2005, which was a pretty scary experience for this northern girl. Hoping Matthew doesn't cause that kind of damage.

 

[Kdbruin]

My thoughts are with the Orlando Team, Florida Disers and their friends and family.

 

[rteetz]

Latest update shows the eye of the storm won't make landfall but Florida will still see very strong winds and coastal communities will see storm surges most likely.

 

[Accident]

2am update has the winds still really strong but much lower and the eye of the storm even more east.

 

[jerseygal]

POSITIVE THOUGHTS and prayers for all who are at WDW during the storm. STAY STAFE!