Watching Ivan trip on the 18th

[Mustangdi]

We have been waiting for our trip for so
long and are now worried about Ivan. People
at work are telling me to cancel because of
the terrible weather that is in FL. Ivan
really has me on edge, but I am still going
on with our plans. The Lord willing and our
flights still on, we are going. I would like
to hear from others whose trips are so near.
Your thoughts on going and some encouraging
words. I guess we all need some pixie dust
right now, especially everyone that lives in
the hurricane areas. Hurricanes, please go
away.

 

[Diznut84]

I may be in the minority here, but I think you are doing the right thing. No matter what day I was scheduled to be arriving in Orlando, I would not yet cancel. The latest models project the hurricane to go way out in the Gulf of Mexico.

We just returned from Orlando two weeks ago. We arrived the day after Charlie. We waited until we knew our resort had power, and that things were okay.

Some people have argued that it is in poor taste to visit immediately following a major storm. Again, I disagree. Orlando needs the tourist dollars badly. I would recommend against hoarding gas, bottled water, and ice, though.

Some folks have even gone so far as to recommend cancelling trips to WDW. Personally, I think that is very premature. Ivan is an impressive hurricane, but chances are reasonable that we won't even affect WDW that much. The National Hurricane Center can't predict his path much beyond 48 hours, how can the average person?

Anyway, I've probably been a bit too inflammatory for some on this board, but I wanted to offer you my encouragement. Keep a close eye on Ivan, and watch what the local press is saying in Orlando (i.e. read the Orlando Sentinel).

Best wishes for a safe and GREAT vacation!
Greg

 

[Mustangdi]

I have been so down about this trip and I
am now inspired by what you have said. I
knew that it would help to post to my Dis
friends for help. Thanks Greg, I feel so
much better now.

 

[TarGander]

Don't worry, be happy!

Seriously, relax and do what you feel is right. We are leaving tonight and can't wait to get there!

 

[katienyc]

We're leaving on the 23rd. I'm hoping for the sake of the people in Florida that Ivan doesn't go near them. I don't know much about hurricane season (I'm from the north), but it seems like after these 3 big ones, hopefully the weather will die down soon for them.
As for you trip - if you feel safe going, and want to go - then go. Florida has financially taken such a hit and do need people to go and vacation there. I would be mindful when you interact with residents as it has probably been a very troubling month for them, and you don't know what each person's story is, but go there and spend money to help them get back on track!

katie

 

[Lori-n-NY]

My thoughts are go and have as good of a time as you can.

We need to continue to travel...pays for pilots, airline workers, towncar people get to drive and make money, hotel workers get to work and make money, etc etc etc

If I can help any person that lives in FL keep their job by spending my money in their town I will. An extra smile and thanks to any and all cast members that I see knowing that they have alot of thier own problems to deal with but can be happy for me and my family to enjoy our vacation by giving as much magic as they can.

I will not complain if the bus lines are a little long, or if I do not get towel animals in my room, or any pity little thing because I know Disney is giving 110% and it may be on a smaller scale but they are still trying.

I am going in WDW in 5 days and will help out the recovery efforts by spending my money. Everyone needs to be able to keep their jobs and alot of people that live in and around Orlando have something to do with the theme parks (Universal and Seaworld too).


SO I say go and enjoy your self it is what Walt would do.

Lori

 

[BrianD]

If Disney World is open, I'm pretty sure they want you to come.

 

[kjwdad2]

I hear ya!!!

We fly in on the 19th from NJ and I have been crazed about what to do. We are staying at the Sheraton Vistana, which lost power the last storm. I called a ticket broker on Thursday to order the park passes. He did not even want to sell me the tickets!!! He had no computers, no credit card machine and no web site!!!

He suggested that I wait until Tues/Wed to contact him again. If he answers we are in good shape if not then I move to plan B.
He told me that Orlando is not what it usually is and the crowds are not there. Not sure what that is yet, but we will figure it out. My DW is determined to go, but I am the one with reservations. Hey look at it that way, if we make it we will not have the lines that usually are there.

I am worried about everything!!! the car rental, hotel, gas ect... but I guess we will just have to see.

Keep me posted if you hear any updates send me a PM or and email

Good luck and hope that you make it

Ken from NJ

 

[dvcgirl]

Mustandi,

I live in Orlando. You'll be fine....come on down. Ivan isn't forecasted to go anywhere near WDW and will be long gone by the time you get down here. If another hurricane comes it's only a small chance that it will come anywhere near here. Everything is fine here now. I was just over to the parks yesterday and it was great. No crowds, no lines....best time of the year to visit WDW. Today we have beautiful weather in the high 70s-low 80s. You'll have a ball!

 

[Rozzie]

I am so glad to hear another person going ahead with their plans. We are staying at Poly sept. 19-25th. My husband was just in the room to try to cheer me up. He says full steam ahead. I say full steam ahead. We are in a different situation as the path is going towards us (pensacola, FL) and away from Orlando. Don't worry about your trips out there. I have LIVED on Noaa and trust their information. looks like the steering currents are dragging IVAN toward western panhandle. So as we (panhandle residents that is) sit, it should come very close to us, or on top of us by wed., (we leave next sunday.) my mother even told me even if our roof gets blown off, she will put a tarp on it for us, and for us not to cancel. We are not taking this storm lightly, but humor has gotten us through many many hurricanes in the past! but this will be our first cat 5...

So if the roads are passable, and we can find gas, we are going. Don't let others discourage you. We allready had this vacation planned. We could sit the week here in our house, no telling what a cat 5 will do, or we could go to mickey's house... Mickeys house it is! So for all of you with vacations, take them, it is moving west, west I say... We will see you there! Safe trip for everyone, i am off to walmart now for water and batteries......

sorry for long post, but i feel better knowing there are others out there that understand what I am thinking right now!

 

[Harambe]

We've been on the fence, too. DH and I decided to go ahead with our trip, flying out on the 15th, and I think the info on accuweather.com looks promising. Seems the worst of the storm will be in the Gulf, as others have said.

So if the path doesn't change by tomorrow night, we'll be there with bells on! DS has his fingers crossed, and DD has already packed!

 

[Stitch's mom]

It has not entered my mind to cancel just because I know Florida could sure use my money! I have gone out of my way to talk to the ressie people and ask them how they are doing individually. Making PS one day I asked the guy if it bothered him that people are still trying to carry on with vacation plans while he could be personally suffering through a lot. He said not at all. His problem was with people irritated after being on hold for so long and wanting to take it out on him. I told him, "They must be from 'off'." He laughed and thanked me. I think that you'll be fine. Especially flying. I have good friends down there right now and they are having a great time and even extended their return. They said the parks are empty and the weather is great. If your flying don't sweat it. We're driving and I am concerned about traffic and gas shortages. Have a great trip and spend lots of $.

 

[Kimberle]

We are leaving on the 18th, too. I think Ivan's going to hit at least 100 miles to the west of WDW.

If it changes course, then we'll reevaluate next Thurs or Fri.

 

[SAKPEG99OKW]

DW and I are leaving also on the 18th of Sept and we are driving. Nothing is stopping us from going. This might be are last trip for a couple of years, maybe...or not. But we are going. Besides the people in FL might need our help.

Scott and Peg

 

[trish1970]

It never even crossed my mind to cancel. We are leaving out of Boston on the 18th and hopefully Ivan will be a thing of the past by then. The latest forecast is promising for Orlando.

Rozzie -- we will also be at the Poly (18th-25th) See you there

 

[Merl1977]

I am so glad to hear some positive comments. Like some of you I am also flying out on the 18th (from PA). I was really getting nervous about what to do. But hearing everyones words of encouragment I am feeling better about my trip.

 

[SheDaisy0088]

I live in Florida and am going up to Orlando on the 16th!! I thought about canceling many times. Especially after Frances hit the area where I live. Then I was talking to a friend and she told me that they are needing the money right now. So my trip is still on and I am ready to have some fun after all the stress!!

 

[Jen D]

Another Poly guest for the 18-25. It never has occurred to me to cancel. Ivan should be gone by the 18th! In anycase I think Delta and WDW need my $$$.

 

[Aryn]

We are also leaving for WDW on the 18 and I am really not worried about Ivan. He seems to be moving away from the hardest hit areas, hopefully he will spin himself out in the Gulf.( I can hope, can't I?)

My biggest worry is that the area that I live in (Atlanta) will have flooding and high winds and we will not be able to leave on time.

We are anxiouslly(sp) awaiting the time we can blow all our vacation money on Mickey Bars and Dole Whips. We do what we can for the Florida economy!

Aryn

 

[Geomich]

Leaving the 18th from Philly- Florida should be fine by then. Actually whatever is left should be in my area-as long as my flights going, I am going.

Have Fun!