Wilma is Making Me Crazy!

[msuspartan]

As I posted earlier, we were originally scheduled to fly down to Orlando this morning to begin a 10-day vacation (that's been a year-and-a-half in the making). We decided that we didn't want to risk being down there when Wilma comes through, and especially didn't want to take up a room if someone on the coast needs it more, so we delayed until next Wednesday, Oct. 26. Now I get up and see that Wilma has slowed down again and may not be hitting until Tuesday morning! Are you kidding me?! I do feel guilty about being so bummed about this, because this is just a vacation and others who live down there are worried about their homes and safety, but we have had an incredibly stressful year and were so looking forward to this! I've become a crazy lady...checking the national hurricane center and weather channel Web sites every five minutes! I'm just so worried we're never going to get down there! Ugh!

 

[ducklite]

Sorry to say you shouldn't have cancelled. Chances are very slim that it will come anywhere near enough to WDW to cause more than a day of wind and rain. And frankly, those who live in coastal areas choose where they live and take risks associated with that. There are still over 1000 hotel rooms in Central FL available (that's according to the CVB this morning) and no one who is evacuating should have a problem finding a room--if they do they didn't act fast enough, so shame on them.

Anne

 

[HookedonMagic]

Go Green! Go White!

As a fellow Spartan, and a Central Florida Resident, I say don't feel guilty about stressing. I understand! Sounds like you are really looking forward to this much needed trip and I'm sure it is disappointing to have the weather get in the way of your fun. Anyway, all should be fine by next Wednesday. There may be some lingering effects, like a few days of clouds and some rain, but October is generally a GREAT time to visit. I'll keep my fingers crossed that you enjoy plenty of sun and fun during your visit!

And hey, I have tickets for MNSSHP on Sunday and Wilma is driving me nuts, too!

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Sorry to say you shouldn't have cancelled. Chances are very slim that it will come anywhere near enough to WDW to cause more than a day of wind and rain. And frankly, those who live in coastal areas choose where they live and take risks associated with that. There are still over 1000 hotel rooms in Central FL available (that's according to the CVB this morning) and no one who is evacuating should have a problem finding a room--if they do they didn't act fast enough, so shame on them.
Anne

I am sorry to disagree with you but not everyone choose to pick the coast. Some of us were job transferes. I am not sure about you, but I would rather have a working husband and live here than one that would have been laid off up in NY if he didn't take that transfer. Then there are the real Floridians that were born & raised on the coast & know no other life. So please be careful with your wording. Also, anyone living in FL is taking a risk. Or were you not in your area for Charley, Jeanne, Francis??? You are not safe from a hurricane. The only thing you may not have to worry about is the storm surge. You can still get hurricane force winds, heavy rains, street flooding. Ask anyone that was hit with them in Orlando last year...there are several of them on this board. I don't think now is the time to be bascially saying ...they choose to live there let them take the chance. If I needed to move inland for some reason I would really not like for someone to be so spitful to me. You are saying take the room...they choose to live there..let them go elsewhere. I am sorry to be getting on you so bad but I am here in what was once (maybe still is) the projected path & do not appreciate hearing things like that. I have 3 children & 3 animals... I guess you have no heart.
As far as your adivse that the poster shouldn't have canceled, yeah that is true. The storm will more than likely not hit anywhere near Orlando, but your reasoning is uncalled for. I hope you don't loose your roof in a future storm. I also hope that you never have to evacuate somewhere. When you live in FL eventually your time will come. None of FL is safe from a hurricance nor the tornados that spin off.....

 

[jwfla422]

You and everyone else. Totally understand. I had postponed yesterday (we were supposed to go Th-Mon) and now decided to just cancel our weekend trip. We're driving back and forth from South FL and we don't need to add to the evacuation traffic coming out of our area (or returning next week),nor do I need to worry about the gas situation.

I feel your stress and so do all Floridians. A similar situation happened last year with Frances. Everything, I mean everything was closed and she stalled for an extra day. We all sat in our homes going crazy waiting for it to come and when it finally did she went from a CAT 4 to a CAT 2 so actually that day of waiting was a blessing. I guess it all depends on how you look at it. I think the longer this storm stalls the better it will be for Florida as these fronts approach and weaken her.

I would just proceed with leaving Wed. if I were you. It should be through by then, if not they will either delay your flight or you'll just have 1 or 2 days of rain. If I were flying I would have gone

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Go Green! Go White!

As a fellow Spartan, and a Central Florida Resident, I say don't feel guilty about stressing. I understand! Sounds like you are really looking forward to this much needed trip and I'm sure it is disappointing to have the weather get in the way of your fun. Anyway, all should be fine by next Wednesday. There may be some lingering effects, like a few days of clouds and some rain, but October is generally a GREAT time to visit. I'll keep my fingers crossed that you enjoy plenty of sun and fun during your visit!

And hey, I have tickets for MNSSHP on Sunday and Wilma is driving me nuts, too!

Are you going this Sunday? My daughter has ticktets for next weekend. Friday is MNSSHP & Sunday for HHN. She is leaving to go up on Thursday. I told her the way the storm is moving & keeps getting pushed back a day, it may end up having somewhat of a nasty rainy weekend. I just wish this thing would go away... like maybe fizzle out over the coast of Mexico. Chances of that aren't good though. It will (and hope it stays that way) make it less intense.... I really am not up to a Cat 4 + hitting again. Repairs on my house were finished in Feb from when Charley hit. Parts of Punta Gorda are still not fixed.

 

[msuspartan]

Thanks HookenonMagic! I love to see my fellow Spartans on the board! The upside of this is that I now have a completely free Saturday during which I can watch football!

And just to be clear, we didn't completely cancel, but shifted our entire trip by four days. We're still heading down next week, as long as our flight isn't cancelled! Best wishes to all in FL!

 

[ducklite]

I am sorry to disagree with you but not everyone choose to pick the coast. Some of us were job transferes. I am not sure about you, but I would rather have a working husband and live here than one that would have been laid off up in NY if he didn't take that transfer. Then there are the real Floridians that were born & raised on the coast & know no other life. So please be careful with your wording. Also, anyone living in FL is taking a risk. Or were you not in your area for Charley, Jeanne, Francis??? You are not safe from a hurricane. The only thing you may not have to worry about is the storm surge. You can still get hurricane force winds, heavy rains, street flooding. Ask anyone that was hit with them in Orlando last year...there are several of them on this board. I don't think now is the time to be bascially saying ...they choose to live there let them take the chance. If I needed to move inland for some reason I would really not like for someone to be so spitful to me. You are saying take the room...they choose to live there..let them go elsewhere. I am sorry to be getting on you so bad but I am here in what was once (maybe still is) the projected path & do not appreciate hearing things like that. I have 3 children & 3 animals... I guess you have no heart.
As far as your adivse that the poster shouldn't have canceled, yeah that is true. The storm will more than likely not hit anywhere near Orlando, but your reasoning is uncalled for. I hope you don't loose your roof in a future storm. I also hope that you never have to evacuate somewhere. When you live in FL eventually your time will come. None of FL is safe from a hurricance nor the tornados that spin off.....

I was here starting with Frances, in fact we moved in THAT DAY, as is well documented on my web site. I also had the common sense to spend the extra money to build a home with the materials and in a manner that will withstand up to a strong CAT 3. I live 240 feet above sea level, if I flood, I hope the rest of you have arks. I also have the common sense to have supplies stocked up year round. A weeks worth of non-perishable foods, water, blue tarps, a generator, enough gas to last a week with careful use, a chainsaw, even a window a/c unit, flashlights with plenty of extra batteries, a camp stove, the list goes on. I don't wait until the last minute to run out and buy supplies. I have Storm Stoppers for the windows, pre-measured and prepped, takes me two hours to hang them all by myself. It's called taking personal responsibility.

There are plenty of rooms still available in Central FL, but if people don't bother to book them and then just show up, well, duh. You also have the option of going to shelters in your area.

I have a heart as wide as the Mississippi. I just don't suffer fools well.

Anne

 

[jwfla422]

You sure are prepared Ducklite, just curious though, what are Storm Stoppers?? I think we'll head to your house after any hurricanes LOL!!

 

[GalDisney]

While we are eagerly waiting for Wilma to show up so she can leave, there is another possible huricane brewing near the bahamas..not good. Hopefuuly that wont end up threatening Fl next week.

 

[DianeV]

Anne, I agree with you..my husband always comments about people who live in tornado alley complaining when they get tornadoes! When you live on the Florida coast you know there is hurricane season and you should know how to prepare for it just in case.

Of course I dont wish anything bad on anyone but to make statements like I have been seeing saying that people should stay away, leave the hotels open, dont worry about yourself, what about us etc. is ridiculous

 

[jwfla422]

Thanks for the good news GalDisney, just what we need to hear. If the front is strong enought to take Wilma across the state, I don't think that potential storm will last.

 

[Jotash]

As a South Floridian, I would never tell anyone to cancel their plans due to a possible hurricane. Come on down! Enjoy your trip. You may be inconvienced for a day or two (depends on when it hits, mid-afternoon to mid-afternoon would be an example). We've canceled our trip for next week because we have to stay home to take care of our house and I wouldn't be able to enjoy myself wondering if my house, cats and dogs were okay. If it doesn't interfere with your travel plans, Disney is VERY prepared to take care of you in the worst case scenario.

 

[ducklite]

You sure are prepared Ducklite, just curious though, what are Storm Stoppers?? I think we'll head to your house after any hurricanes LOL!!

http://www.storm-stoppers.com/

 

[sharonRNms]

Ducklite.... i was curious about the logo with the following statement.. Are you referring to MI (Michigan) or MS (Mississippi)....??

Click on the above logo's to see how to help hurricane victims in LA, MI and AL

As someone who was affected by hurricane Katrina we appreciate everyone's help and thank you.

 

[bytheblood]

maybe Fred can tame her.


Hope all works out. Especially for the residents.

 

[SandrA9810]

Well most native floridians don't freak or worry over hurricanes. And right now, I live within the 10 miles of the coast line. But I'm right on the border line to evacuate or stay, and we usually go up to Kari's parent's house any ways which we know is safer and has shutters.
As from what people said about last years storms. You'll probably enjoy your stay. Plus you're in the middle of the state, you don't have to worry about flooding and not being able to get around. From what I've heard, Disney supplies thier own energy, they don't run off of FPL, so they're not connected to the whole state. Which means they'll more than likely have the power up and running before areas around it. And all the lines are below ground, so you don't have to worry about trees knocking powerlines over.
Don't worry about taking up space. It's already a busy month with the MNSSHP and the food and wine festival. Plus if floridians are really in a bind, there are other local hotels besides disney, and shelters.
As far as the path goes, it's lookin like it's heading south.

 

[ducklite]

Ducklite.... i was curious about the logo with the following statement.. Are you referring to MI (Michigan) or MS (Mississippi)....??

Click on the above logo's to see how to help hurricane victims in LA, MI and AL

As someone who was affected by hurricane Katrina we appreciate everyone's help and thank you.

Oops! My bad! Off to fix it now. can't believe nobody noticed it before!

Anne

 

[raven69david]

Well I'm of the opposite opinion. When there are children involved i do not think taking the risk justifies the means....no matter how improbable the outcome may be. Hurricanes are unpredictable. If the storm passes by without affecting WDW at least they are safe and can always reschedule. If they do go and the storm changes track and they are in the path of the storm then the whole family has needlessly been placed at risk. Just my .02 cents.

 

[GalDisney]

<Thanks for the good news GalDisney, just what we need to hear.>
Soorryy But i am just the messenger.. I am stressing overhere myself..I am going to MNSSHP on the 28th and staying overnight at CBR..DONOT want my plans ruined by some stupid hurricane