Tornado protocol at WDW parks?

[dreamseeker9]

I saw that there's a Tornado Watch for Orlando until 11:00 PM tonight, and that the water parks have been closed. I hope everyone stays safe if there's any bad weather. Hopefully, the storms won't produce tornadoes.

This got me thinking... if I were at, say, the Magic Kingdom, and a tornado watch turned into a tornado warning, what's the protocol for notifying people and getting them to safe shelter?

If inclement weather were approaching WDW, where would you go?

 

[hogwartsdropout]

When I worked at Epcot World Showcase we were told of safe places to evacuate guests to during a potential hurricane. The only one I remember now was Le Cellier.

 

[kmb584]

I saw that there's a Tornado Watch for Orlando until 11:00 PM tonight, and that the water parks have been closed. I hope everyone stays safe if there's any bad weather. Hopefully, the storms won't produce tornadoes.

This got me thinking... if I were at, say, the Magic Kingdom, and a tornado watch turned into a tornado warning, what's the protocol for notifying people and getting them to safe shelter?

If inclement weather were approaching WDW, where would you go?

I'm sure they have elaborate plans and back-up plans but don't think any of them have been publicized. Evacuation would presumably be the first step but for severe weather that comes out of nowhere a lot of the buildings and the utilidors can double as storm shelters.

 

[lugnut33]

Not totally related, but I was at the Daytona 500 this year when the NWS issued a tornado warning for Volusia county, including Daytona Beach, and the track made the announcement that severe weather was in the area and it was up to the individual to take action to protect their well being.

 

[o0quirkygirl0o]

When I worked at a theme park everyone was told what the nearest shelter was to their specific work zone. The team leads had radios and if a warning was issued the leads would tell us to evacuate all guests to the designated shelter zones. It was not optional. All guests needed to come with you.

 

[lugnut33]

I would think the utilidors would be the safest place around.... or the giant safe they have to keep all the money in.

 

[ArmyVet80]

I would think the utilidors would be the safest place around.... or the giant safe they have to keep all the money in.

I think that Scrooge McDuck has that giant safe covered. He may not let you in while he is swimming around..

 

[disnut8]

I saw that there's a Tornado Watch for Orlando until 11:00 PM tonight, and that the water parks have been closed. I hope everyone stays safe if there's any bad weather. Hopefully, the storms won't produce tornadoes.

This got me thinking... if I were at, say, the Magic Kingdom, and a tornado watch turned into a tornado warning, what's the protocol for notifying people and getting them to safe shelter?

If inclement weather were approaching WDW, where would you go?

Having lived in hurricane and tornado areas (US military lets you observe all possible areas in your home country), I would first heed any warning from the Cast Members. However, should you ever fear for your safety, then go to somewhere that has no windows or glass. That's why an internal bathroom is a great place. Basements are usually good but other than the Utiladors at Disney World, I'd head to the nearest bathroom and stay there. Plenty of room, water is there and so are facilities.

Is this the best plan for families to be together? Probably not BUT. if you fear a drastic storm is coming, it's the safest. Do NOT attempt to get on a bus or in your car to go back to your resort. Stay where you are.

OK - I said all that but remember - that is IF a storm will happen in the next five minutes. Hurricanes have days advance notice and Disney will respond, trust me (been there. done that twice). Tornadoes are another thing and you don't get that much advanced warnings. So, when in doubt, run to the bathroom.

 

[ftballfan7]

Universal Studios makes all guests practice their tornado emergency procedures. I believe it is narrated by Helen Hunt.

yes, I know

 

[Pembo]

Universal Studios makes all guests practice their tornado emergency procedures. I believe it is narrated by Helen Hunt.

yes, I know

 

[The Hub]

At Magic Kingdom, during inclement weather, some attractions may operate as a rain shelter. This includes theaters, omnimovers operating at slow speed boarding every other car, and others. In the event of a reported tornado in the area, leaders will execute a Plan C evacuation and take everyone downstairs. If a warning is in the area, anything that may violate character integrity or ruin the show/magic will be hidden to the best of their ability in the case of a Plan C evacuation. During September 11, Magic Kingdom only had a Plan A evacuation and we have not, to this day, had a live Plan B evacuation.

Hope this helps!

 

[Alice Royal]

Universal Studios makes all guests practice their tornado emergency procedures. I believe it is narrated by Helen Hunt.

yes, I know

Took me a second but I'm rolling on the floor now!

 

[dreamseeker9]

Thanks, everyone - very informative!

Having grown up in Indiana, I'm familiar with tornado protocol but wondered what would I do if at WDW. I agree that the bathrooms would be the best areas, or the utilidor if that were an option. Or maybe down in POTC.

Looks like WDW is getting some rain this evening!

 

[Micca]

I'd head to the Haunted Mansion. It has no windows and no doors!

 

[IsThatYouTigger]

The Twister comment and the Haunted Mansion 'No windows and no doors' comments have made my night!!!!!

 

[stitchrulz]

The Twister comment and the Haunted Mansion 'No windows and no doors' comments have made my night!!!!!

Mine as well!!

 

[Tiffany507s]

i'd head to the haunted mansion. It has no windows and no doors!

YOU WIN!! Hahaha