WDW And Hurricaines

[dreiwhit]

I was at a conference in Orlando (not on Disney property) when Charley hit back in 2004. From what we heard at the time and later, Disney did a fantastic job getting back up and running.

I wish the conference would have been on Disney property, since we had to relocate to another hotel due to flooding issues and lack of air conditioning.

 

[disnut8]

Huh.

As a first responder, I'm now honestly tempted to schedule a trip to Orlando the next time a hurricane is supposed to hit, just because I want to see these procedures in action. It's always amazing to watch that kind of well oiled machine.

To follow up to my post about Frances, even though we were locked down for 24 hours, once the "all clear" was given, there were characters at the resort, and the night before, the food court was open until midnight so everyone could get what they needed for the lockdown. Disney had coolers for sale and people were packing those with sandwiches and pizzas were baked and ready to go and take back to the room. Disney also provided three channels of their movies (just DVDs but it was something else to watch beside "the water is at X inches right now!") so while we were bored, we were not in any danger at all.

 

[mjmgsssp]

I was there for hurricane Jeanne in 2004, staying at POR. They closed the parks early on the day it was to hit, and we were "quarantined" to our rooms until about 6pm the following day.

We never lost power. Disney also converted their promo tv channels into round the clock, nonstop, uncut Disney films (both classics and newer releases). We had stopped at a grocery the day we arrived, and had plenty of food in our rooms.

The next morning, only AK opened late, and that was only about 3 hours.

 

[skywaywaver]

We were at Wilderness Lodge in 2005 during Hurricane Wilma. This was before kids so not too big of a deal. They brought characters for meet and greet in the lobby and I know did a lot more that we didn't necessarily take part in. We were at the Halloween party the night before the storm really hit, so watched the Hallowishes in the rain. No parks opened the next morning. Around noon or so, Downtown Disney opened, then I think parks opened around 5. We did go to DTD and then to Epcot. That was to have been our Food & Wine day but no booths opened that late at night. I do remember that the weather changed greatly after that storm - it was in the 50's with wind, so very chilly! Thankfully coming from NY we had sweatshirts anyway but I'm sure Disney made a killing on sweatshirts that week. I am glad we were in the WL, with one lobby with rooms all accessible without leaving outside...may have been a different story with something like All Stars.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

We arrived at WDW about 5 hrs before Charley did. The parks closed at 3. We were at the CR and our CMs ADR was cancelled for that night. Way too open with too much glass. We were told to go to one of the convention rooms to get a box meal. Then instructed to stay in our rooms, away from doors and windows. They had a huge number of channels with various Disney entertainment on. Charley flew right over at about 9 that night. The storm was 'supposed' to make landfall over Tampa, so all those people came to WDW and safety! But, Charley turned, missing Tampa and nailing Orlando!
The next morning MK and Epcot opened on-time. AK was closed, due to tree damage, and DHS opened a few hrs late. I couldn't understand all the talk about CMs not being able to get there. Well, when we returned to MCO, a week later, we fully realized what an incredible job Disney does. The damage off-site was incredible. It was almost as though Charley had gone around WDW...we all know that wasn't the case.
My dd is starting the College Program right after Labor Day. Someone asked me if I was worried about her being there during hurricane season. Nope, not a bit. Disney does an incredible job.

Actually it didn't nail Orlando. It entered down by my side of the State and traveled up thru the State and exiting out the East side. It's literally impossible for a hurricane to nail an inland city. It hits the coastal cities first and weakens as it travels inland. Reason surrounding city and towns looked bad compared to Disney is that Disney has underground utilities. There were no telephone and light poles to knock down. Some areas wete hit harder than others. Yes, Disney did do a good job, but do not be foolish and think nothing can happen. Disney cannot stop a tornado from sprouting out of the hurricane and hitting it's properties. It is not in a protective bubble. My pool cage was left standing, mine was the only one. I only got $50k damage. House on block in front of me was completely demolished. It's just the way the winds go.
It is true those living on the coast head to Disney for safety, but that's because it's inland with a lot of hotel rooms, not because it's in a bubble.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Disney is far enough inland that it will never get a direct hit, or surge flooding. Saying thst, it also is not in a protective bubble from mother nature either. While Disney does have its utilities underground and loosing power may not happen as fast, it can ultimately happen. Disney can also be on the path of, God forbid, a tornado that has formed from the hurricane. So while it may be one of the "safer" places, it isn't 100% safe, no where is unless you are in a concrete bunker
Many feel that Disney can protect them because they have done such a good job in the past. Disney cannot protect you. If you happen to be there, don't be foolish to think, oh it cannot hurt me. We all just saw what happened with wildlife that people didn't think about. I hate to bring that subject up, but use your brains, please. ..yes, they do a great job, but take precautions if you are there during a hurricane

 

[A Mickeyfan]

In the late 70s when I was a free ticket to Disney my family was at Fort Wilderness in an RV when a hurricane came through. They were basically told to leave, that the camp ground wasn't safe. We had 2 days left on the vacation. The CM told my parents our tickets would be honored for the next year and to go home. My bro (who was 9 or 10) still brags about how the hurricane meant he got to go to WDW two years in a row.

I believe they still evacuate FW Campground if a hurricane is heading thst way