Stranded by Jeanne?

[Jen D]

We are here at the Polynesian-- have been here all week. Our flight was scheduled for 8:15pm Saturday-- all week I have been watching the weather and thought we would get out ahead of Jeanne. Well now MCO is closed (5pm Sat) and our flight is cancelled. I'm calling Song, but they are saying unless I can get to Tampa, which MAY be flying, I'm here until Monday. What to do? Tampa seems risky and how do I get there? Two more days at the Poly are surely not in my budget. Calling CRO in the morning to see what is available and might move to a cheaper resort. Song might be able to get me on a 6:55am Sunday Tampa flight but that seems... iffy. Anyone have any advice here?

 

[dopeys biggest fan]

Have you talked to the front desk about the money issue? Maybe they can help you out. I have heard that disney is very accomidating when it comes to hurricanes and canceled flights.

With that said, I hope everything works out for you!

 

[coach4448]

MCO is not closed and as of 5:30AM today (9/25) the MCO website states that there are currently no plans to to close.
It looks like Delta has suspended flights starting this PM out of MCO, which would mean Song also.
Could you get on another flight that leaves this AM? Could Song put you on another airline that is still flying out of MCO?
Tampa airport currently has no plans to close as of now. If you could get on a flight out of Tampa today, could you rent a car and drive to Tampa? It looks like Delta and Song are still flying out of Tampa.
Looking at the current path of Jeanne I think Tampa would be your best bet.

 

[ruttie]

i would hi tail it to the tampa airport asap to see about getting on another flight they are very accomodating...just getting on a standby flight to anywhere would be better than being stranded especially if you have work

 

[ducklite]

It's possible that Song cancelled all inbound flights in anticipation of the airport being closed. When you think about it, losing $250K in revenue is less expensive than having a large plane damaged and out of service for weeks, so my bet is they want to get all their equipment out of harms way, even if it means a loss of revenue.

Although MCO isn't closed right now, I simply see no way they can stay open based on the current projected path of Jeanne.

As far as getting to TPA, any of the car services will take you, or a cab. It's about $130 plus tip by taxi. One advantage to TPA is it's not in the projected path of Jeanne, and will likely begin operations much quicker after the storm has passed.

Disney will try to work with you on the room.

Anne

 

[AMcaptured]

I would seriously look into leaving from Tampa. We had one of the last flights out of there before Frances. Tampa is an easy drive from WDW....Appx. an hour and a half. I would try to get a rental car from National and drive over there. It shouldn't be that expensive for a one day rental, far less than a taxi. The car rental comp and disney staff will tell you how to get there.

Good luck, I know how you feel.

 

[luvindisneyworld]

Get a rental car.Either go to Tampa if at all possible or drive home if you cant stay.Or you could get a taxi.

 

[Jen D]

Update. Have an extension at the Poly for 209/night and a new flight out of MCO on Monday morning. Couldn't get any help on checking into a cheaper resort on Disney property. No towncars, shuttles or taxis are transporting outside Orlando area today. Am trying to scare up a rental car to leave from somewhere else, even Atlanta, but am coming up short. Looks like I'll be here until Monday unless I can make something happen here.

 

[sillysully]

Lucky you! They're not being so helpful w/me. Trying to get down there a day later and stay a day later and getting nowhere with this!!! Ughhhhh!!!

 

[Geomich]

We had a flight scheduled for this evening but was able to take an earlier flight (usair).

When we woke up yesterday we didnt want to take any chances and when we called (about 8am) they had alot of flights still available and were also able to change our limo service.


It looks like everything will be good on Monday- Good luck to you.

Have you tried a hotel directly outside of the park? May be cheaper

 

[BETTYDISNEY]

Good Luck to all stay safe.

 

[samefay]

We made it out today before they closed. We were staying Poly LVC and left at 6 this morning for a 10 AM flight from MCO into BWI. We figured the airports would be bad and although there were a lot of people in the Southwest line, they processed everyone very fast.
Hope all that are there, cast and guests stay safe. Take care.

Sammie Fay

 

[DebbieB]

MCO is closed until noon on Monday according to their site. After Charley, many airlines cancelled all their Monday flights even though the airport was officially open.

 

[Pigsty333]

There are hotels by the airport that are cheaper. Call and see if they have rooms available. Look it up in the Yellow Pages of the hotel directory.

THere is a Ramada, Sheraton, Marriott, Amerisuites, etc.

Thre also is a Hyatt inside of the Orlando International Airport.

I had posted on other sites yesterday afternoon that the airport was closing as of 5PM today. That was the information they supplied to the press and my husband, who works at the airport, called me and told me.

They need to get the planes out and all loose equipment bolted down, plus the radar has to be placed in neutral so that it does not get damage, making it something like a windvane. Plus, the tower is not made to withstand winds stronger than 130 mph but the FAA closes them down if winds reach 55 mph or more.

 

[Jen D]

Checking in, thanks to all who responded. We stayed at the Poly. Our finances are a bit bruised and battered, but what are ya gonna do. As it turns out we would have been too late on the Tampa option, the flight they wanted to move us on was canacelled anyway and now Tampa is a mess too. We tried to get a car but they would only provide one way rentals to Tampa, they wouldn't entertain one ways to something like Atlanta or NY. As far as the hotel cost in Orlando, the Poly was very accomodating--- we did look into moving to a cheaper Disney resort but basically no one could really deal with us, they were dealing with Florida residents which I completely understand. Moving to an airport hotel would have been an okay option, but you know, now that we are here I am glad we didn't. Our flight out Monday morning has been moved to Monday night and for the sake of the kids and our peace of mind I am glad we can weather out this weekend in a pleasant and familiar setting instead of a new hotel we have no connection to.

We obviously plannned badly, I guess I was in denial; we should have gotten out Friday morning. We had our 10th Anniversary dinner Friday night and I guess I was so looking forward to that I was hoping we could stay until Saturday and get out Saturday morning if we needed to leave early. I had no idea Song would cancel all Saturday flights. I should have kept on the situation, I blame myself.

The good news is the Polynesian is wonderful and we feel safe and cared for. I'm sitting in the room right now enjoying my box lunch and watching Finding Nemo. We actually got a message advising we could visit the Grand Ceremonial House if necessary but that seems nuts! I'm staying put for a couple more hours.

 

[Dizz42]

Say, Jen D, glad you and your family are safe and secure. It truly does sound like you did the right thing staying put. Also, I would like to commend you on your upbeat attitude. It's wonderful and refreshing when someone is thankful for the many little blessing that come disquised as setbacks, aka being "stuck" at the Polynesian - kinda hard on the pocketbook but oh-so-good for the psyche. Never ceases to amaze me how some people complain and refuse to accept any responsibility for anything. You, on the other hand, are a breath of fresh air and I'm sure every CM you encounter will feel your concern and caring. Bravo! Bravo!!

 

[Jen D]

Originally posted by Dizz42
being "stuck" at the Polynesian - kinda hard on the pocketbook but oh-so-good for the psyche.

Yeah, there are worse places to be stuck! They really are taking great care of everyone. Last night there were characters in the lobby and live music; my husband was just over at the Great Ceremonial House and there are acrobats. Ohana and Kona are now open. Weather is still pretty bad, though-- I'm waiting a few more hours to venture out. But as much as it wasn't "in my budget", I'm greatful to be stranded at the place we've called home all week rather than a motel in Tampa! Thanks for all your support and advice everyone.

 

[lts862]

We were at the Poly and were able to get a flight out Friday night to Philly on Southwest. I am sure that the folks at the Poly are taking good care of you. Be safe...it isn't over yet.

 

[dopeys biggest fan]

I'm checking in to the poly on the 28th. How's is holding up? Just curious!

 

[RoLaren]

Originally posted by Dizz42
Say, Jen D, glad you and your family are safe and secure. It truly does sound like you did the right thing staying put. Also, I would like to commend you on your upbeat attitude. It's wonderful and refreshing when someone is thankful for the many little blessing that come disquised as setbacks, aka being "stuck" at the Polynesian - kinda hard on the pocketbook but oh-so-good for the psyche. Never ceases to amaze me how some people complain and refuse to accept any responsibility for anything. You, on the other hand, are a breath of fresh air and I'm sure every CM you encounter will feel your concern and caring. Bravo! Bravo!!

ITA with Dizz42! Bravo! I'm giving you a little one person standing ovation over here lol. You're setting a great example for your family too, and I am sure that the CM's appreciate the way you're handling the situation. You ARE a breath of fresh air and a class act too!

Stay safe and thank you for your posts! I hope that everything will go as scheduled for the rest of your trip and happy you're in a safe place!