Ya killing me Irma!

[helenm29]

I only have 5 days until my Disney world trip...been saving FOREVER! what are my chances of making the trip? exactly how hard is it to get refunds? hoping everyone comes through this bugger safely and the damage isn't too bad. still keeping up the hopes that by the time we get there it will be a lot better! if they need cleanup, we can help! keep you fingers crossed for us too~!

 

[Skywise]

A lot will depend on how bad the impact of the storm is. Nothing will be back to "normal" at that point - but if the damage is minimal WDW should be mostly cleaned up and ready to go by the time you arrive and hide most of the issues from you.

 

[ZBSW]

I honestly feel bad for families that have to alter their trip due to the hurricane. For some it could be a once in a lifetime experience that may never come again.

Hopefully it works out for everyone currently at the resort and incoming.

 

[fla4fun]

I am supposed to check in Tuesday, and just hoping the resort is functional. After all the stress with the storm I just need some down time and pixie dust. I will be happy to sit on a bench and just watch the people go by! So I totally get where you're coming from.

 

[vallygirl0221]

Fingers crossed for all of us next week arrivals as well as everyone else. I am in the same boat as well we arrive next Sunday but are only going (more than likely if my parents go on Thursday, I just need the airport to be open by thursday (I know my dad well enough to know he will take the non-refundable flight even if it is to sit in the condo unless the airline cancels on him)

 

[gratefulfred]

I start driving down next Friday from pa and check in on Sunday. I'm not worried about it.

 

[Micca]

This is going to be an interesting week or so at WDW. I'm thinking that air travel is going to be the biggest obstacle. Best of luck & a bit of Pixie Dust to everyone making their way.

 

[Miked0292]

Insider knowledge at least for one of the resorts, we have a family who works for one of the resorts and Disney has offered her to stay Saturday thru Monday free of charge so there will be extra CMs floating around for when they need them.

 

[DeterminedOne]

We leave in 16 days, so to see hurricane Jose following Irma leaves concern. However, I would much rather fret over canceling a trip than fret over losing loved ones, our home, livelihood, etc. Counting my blessings.

 

[wdw4rfam]

I start driving down next Friday from pa and check in on Sunday. I'm not worried about it.

I'm 1 Day behind, leaving from Ohio on Saturday morning. I'm not too worried, but will do my homework before leaving on road conditions

 

[TNickell27]

I'm supposed to fly in next Wednesday, the 13th. I hope the airport will be open!!!

 

[Echo queen]

My neighbors first trip is September 20, life time trip. I will stay tuned.

 

[helenm29]

For all of you out there in my boat with me.....GOOD LUCK! I refuse to give up until Wednesday night, by then they should know. Hopefully we will be able to get our refunds if need be...but still hoping! be safe out there!

 

[Mickey's Best Girl]

Insider knowledge at least for one of the resorts, we have a family who works for one of the resorts and Disney has offered her to stay Saturday thru Monday free of charge so there will be extra CMs floating around for when they need them.

Disney has "Ride out crews" in place all over property during times like this. From resorts to Utilidors.

Anyone at WDW during the storm will be in good hands with CMs - and hopefully Mother Nature will slow her roll and the storm will pass with little to no damage. Fingers crossed. Stay safe gang.

 

[peabody58]

Feeling your pain and angst. We have plans for US 9/15 - 9/22 with us driving down. I am most concerned about the resources so soon after the hurricane. Gas shortages, 10+ million people trying to return via I-75/I-95/I-4, fresh food shortages impact on resort eateries, damage cleanup/impact, etc., etc. We have until Monday night to cancel. We have already re-booked US for November so for us our vacation has only been delayed.

 

[limabeanmom2003]

We arrived in 2004 right after the hurricane. Crowds were very low and as soon as they can get everything back up and running they will. This all depends on what happens when irma arrives.

 

[vallygirl0221]

We arrived in 2004 right after the hurricane. Crowds were very low and as soon as they can get everything back up and running they will. This all depends on what happens when irma arrives.

Can I ask you how soon after the hurricane you arrived/airports were open? I know each storm is different I am really just looking for anecdotal information at this point so I have more than just my guess.

 

[raddisneyfan]

I honestly feel bad for families that have to alter their trip due to the hurricane. For some it could be a once in a lifetime experience that may never come again.

Hopefully it works out for everyone currently at the resort and incoming.

I agree -- I feel bad for those who have planned and planned and saved and saved to get to WDW as a once in a lifetime trip or once in several years. I get there on the 16th, but I've been many, many times and if the storm is bad enough that the parks are closed or close early or open late wouldn't bother me at all--I'm perfectly happy to hang at the resort and relax. Was looking forward to Food & Wine, but I fear that those special kiosks might be vulnerable if the winds are extreme--hope not. My thoughts are with all those there now--stay safe and keep the magic going!

 

[limabeanmom2003]

Can I ask you how soon after the hurricane you arrived/airports were open? I know each storm is different I am really just looking for anecdotal information at this point so I have more than just my guess.

We arrived within a day or two of it passing through and we flew into Orlando international airport. I'm pretty sure it was the very next day. We were staying at wilderness lodge and when we arrived all the lights on the posts as you drive up we're still tied down to prevent damage. There was still a lot of storm prep visible but the parks were open and EMPTY!!! We walked right on everything for several days. Many of the guests at the resort were not on vacation but were people who came to the resorts to escape the path of the hurricane. I remember them telling us that Disney gave them discounted rates which was awesome. At this point they were relaxing around the pool making the best of the situation. Disney will be up and running as soon as they can. It really just depends on what the damage is. I will say though that they do a great job prepping the property for hurricanes. They have it down to a science and will get the parks and the whole resort back up running again as soon as humanly possible. Closed parks isn't good for business. Plus, everyone hunkering down in the rooms at the resorts is going to have cabin fever very quickly. of course they keep saying how irma is worse than anything they've seen, so who knows.