Wildfires and a tropical storm?

[Morganw42]

My wife just called and told me that Orlando is currently experiencing its worst air quality in years because of wildfires and that there's a tropical storm threatening to make landfall at Deytona Beach. Is anybody down there that can confirm this and tell me how bad it is? We'll be at WDW 5/13-5/17 and on a cruise 5/17-5/20. I can't believe that after 6 months of planning that this is all hitting just as we prepare to leave...

 

[Phedre]

I have an aunt about 40 mins from WDW, and I called to check up on her today. She says it's pretty bad atm. She says there are times when the wind is blowing the 'right' direction and then you don't smell it as much, but there are other times when it just burns your eyes. At night from her house, she can see the glow from the fires. She said the news says that it's not too dangerous to be outside in it unless you already have existing lung issues. I wouldn't worry about it too much. I bet you smell it sometimes but otherwise it doesn't effect your trip

As for the tropical depression, she didn't seem to think it would stick around for long and only was supposed to have winds around 40 mph. She was saying she heard it would hit further north than Daytona... so you are probably okay for your cruise

Don't stress out! It'll turn out to be a great trip!!

 

[DisneyFairy19]

I am So.FL. and We have been experiencing horrible brush fires... I am not sure about Orlando though..GL.. Hope your trip goes well

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

I was at WDW for the wildfires of 1998 and it was interesting, however it didn't really effect our trip too much...which is sad considering that it was affecting so many CMs. I was also there for Hurricane Charlie...I think my family brings on natural disasters! The CMs were great and although they were risking possible damage to their homes, they were wonderful to the guests. Go and have a wonderful time!

 

[Seahunt]

Well right now there are 236 wildfires burning in Florida (87,000+ acres), so I've pretty much decided that the smell will probably be around for quite awhile (yuck) There's even ash settling on the cars when the wind is just right

Local news said the air quality right now is the worst in the nation (due to the smoke/particulates) with this health message: All across Central Florida, Thursday was day three of dealing with thick, irritating smoke. For the second day, Orlando had the worst air quality in the country. People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.

The subtropical storm "Andrea" is fizzling out and just meandering out at sea and not bringing us the rain we so desperately need, so you don't have to worry about that much. There have been really heavy seas with the storm though, so I hope that they are over by the time your cruise starts - otherwise I would probably stock up on Dramamine/Bonine or get a patch from the doctor before I sailed if I was you (though I get really seasick, and you might have better sea-legs like my DH does )