Hurricane Irma?

[Irish_Mike]

That's because at this point, it's unlikely that Orlando will see Category 4 strength winds. 84 MPH is Category 1 strength, and even that is less likely than not, according to latest NHC charts.

Again, facts (as they are currently available), not subjective judgement.

Important to also remember that those are just sustained winds. Wind gusts are going to be much stronger, and both still pose risks for potential damage (trees down, power outages, etc.)

So yeah, not CAT 4 strength, but still not fun.

 

[DisneyMom93]

To those of you thinking of taking shelter at a Disney Resort, when we got stuck in Disney World during Hurricane Sandy, Pop offered us a Hurricane Rate. It was around $80 a night. Not sure what they offer now, if anything at all.

 

[marcyleecorgan]

To those of you thinking of taking shelter at a Disney Resort, when we got stuck in Disney World during Hurricane Sandy, Pop offered us a Hurricane Rate. It was around $80 a night. Not sure what they offer now, if anything at all.

I would care so much more about survival and avoiding property loss/damage than a discounted hotel rate...
gosh I feel so bad for the CM's who need to be home with their families...

 

[Vintage princess]

So after spending 10 hour total on the phone yesterday and 3 the day before to move my dates to another week, my reservations are missing, hence the fast pass cancellation warning. (they will be cancelled tomorrow bc it shows we don't have tickets) The CM I spoke with tried all sorts of things but could not open my reservation. The first 2 CMs only saw the word "error." The internet help desk told the CM they couldn't find our reservations but could see the pending cancellation of fast passes. They said the only thing to do is to be transferred to guest services again with a possible 4 hour wait......

 

[Gehrig1B]

We are traveling down to Orlando from Atlanta area next Friday 9/15. My biggest concern at this point is the traffic of all the returning evacuees and gas availability. Staying with brother in Polk City for a couple days (if his home is still available) and checking into resort Sunday 9/17 - 9/22.

We evacuated Corpus Christi from Harvey 2 weeks or so ago. The traffic was pretty steady leaving but we witnessed none of the traffic problems on return. It was spread out over several days as some areas got electricity back sooner than others and some of the hardest hit areas were closed to returnees for several days until local services could make the areas relatively safe. I think the return will be much easier than the evacuation.

 

[Lisa F]

Important to also remember that those are just sustained winds. Wind gusts are going to be much stronger, and both still pose risks for potential damage (trees down, power outages, etc.)

So yeah, not CAT 4 strength, but still not fun.

I live in a very windy area accessible only by ferry. It depends on direction and sea conditions, but they stop running ferries at around 30mph sustained winds and 50mph gusts. That happens fairly often in the winter and it is pretty snotty out there when it does get that bad. Utility companies around here keep things REALLY well trimmed or we'd be having power outages on a weekly basis with conditions like that. People bring their stuff inside or tie it down for the winter. I would imagine that sustained winds at 2.5 that and gusts at more than double are worse than people who don't have a frame of reference are imagining. It can get pretty scary when winds get just a little bit worse than the point at which they shut down the ferries... even gusts of 84 are freaky, forget sustained. I hate when we have high wind conditions . I can't imagine how bad a hurricane is based on my experience with much less wind.

 

[mellvswdw1]

Hi all....praying for everyone's safety and praying for this storm to loose a lot of steam! For a first world question, I just added the early check-in onto our flight out of Indy Wednesday morning(were flying with southwest). I've never used the early check in before, and I'm hoping that we will actually be able to get out on the flight because almost every flight out of Indy is sold out from Tuesday to Friday. Does southwest only sell so many early check in's or did I just waste money? Thanks...again praying for everyone's safety!

Edit: if I need to post this in transportation I will...sorry!

 

[crayon3448]

I would care so much more about survival and avoiding property loss/damage than a discounted hotel rate...
gosh I feel so bad for the CM's who need to be home with their families...

I am very tired of these types of replies after people have been repeatedly asked to stop posting them. They are completely unhelpful in what is supposed to be an informational thread.

 

[CyMcCord]

Hope Disney updates sooner than just one day in advance, but I think with the dining reservations stopping for the 10th an 11th, it is a sign that they are expecting closures that day

 

[mkymouse4ever]

Our first ever trip to WDW was in Sept 1999 and we were *lucky* enough to be there when Hurricane Floyd decided to barrel on through. Having never experience a hurricane before I can say that I was extremely happy with the way Disney handled things, from closing the parks (which I believe was a first time ever thing for Disney at the time) to accommodating people who couldn't leave etc. It was interesting to see the cast members go into "lock down" mode, removing or securing anything that could possibly move. I honestly would prefer to be at a Disney resort than in my own home during that kind of event. Our second trip to WDW was in Sept 2001, so we were there for 9/11 which was an extremely surreal experience while in the "bubble" of Disney. Bottom line is, don't go on vacation with us as bad things seem to happen!

Well this is a small world. I was also 9/11 at Wdw. We where 9/6 > 9/22 and after 9/11. Hurricane Gabrielle hit tamp was a tropical storm when hit Wdw. Omg. That was a longggggg 2 weeks. We where at GF. But yes I think tropical storm winds 75+ /mph? We had. All trees side ways and rain sideways

 

[Marionnette]

Current weather channel predictions for Orlando (obviously subject to change over time)

40+ mph wind gusts Sun. AM - Mon. AM
75+ mph wind gust gusts late Sun. PM -early Mon. AM
8"-12" rain expected

Meteorologists are also saying that they do not expect Irma to weaken. If anything, it will sustain its current strength or increase as it passes over the warm water between Cuba and the lower FL peninsula.​

 

[DisneyMom93]

I would care so much more about survival and avoiding property loss/damage than a discounted hotel rate...
gosh I feel so bad for the CM's who need to be home with their families...

Well, I was thinking of those near the coast that maybe just want to move inland and find shelter somewhere reliable. Once you board up your home, business, etc you can't "do anything" to prevent loss/damage. Heading to somewhere safe if you can't leave Florida is better than nothing. Disney offers a hurricane rate for a reason...

 

[Life is Good1]

Well this is a small world. I was also 9/11 at Wdw. We where 9/6 > 9/22 and after 9/11. Hurricane Gabrielle hit tamp was a tropical storm when hit Wdw. Omg. That was a longggggg 2 weeks. We where at GF. But yes I think tropical storm winds 75+ /mph? We had. All trees side ways and rain sideways

it is a small world we were there on 9/11 and I found out yesterday our travel agent was also there on 9/11 and we had plans to be there next week which is 9/11.

 

[SL6827]

I would care so much more about survival and avoiding property loss/damage than a discounted hotel rate...
gosh I feel so bad for the CM's who need to be home with their families...

Are the CMs that are there voluntary or mandatory? I can't imagine having to be one.

 

[DisneyMom93]

I am very tired of these types of replies after people have been repeatedly asked to stop posting them. They are completely unhelpful in what is supposed to be an informational thread.

They act like I was suggesting a fun Disney vacay during a hurricane. I was thinking "reliable shelter," but okaaaay....

 

[vinotinto]

Hard morning. Finally cancelled today's trip late last night to find the storm has be downgraded this morning. (SO thankful for that!). Im a glutton for punishment as I keep second guessing what I did even though I did what was the right thing for me to do in the moment. So, so sad this morning. We were supposed to be getting ready to leave for the airport right now. Lol - even looked at rebooking our trip this morning but nothing available.

All will be better in a few days but it's just hard right now.

Praying for all in FL.

We are DISers, we totally get it. All the excitement for months and now poof. I second-guess everything too, but, keep reminding yourself that the best case scenario is still not what you had planned for months. Start planning the next one.

I now have heard people being able to keep free dining and not stay within same window. Like cancel sept rebook December. Just making sure the info stay up to date. It was for awhile something you needed to get eacalated to guest services and then a manager. But more reports coming out that the first cm is helpingl to rebook and keep FD.

Bottom line if it was me I would stay nice, meek and mild but I wouldn't get off the phone until they honored FD. Edited to say... with the caveat of you have to travel during the time of FD and a FD resort has to available.

The general public free dining did include Dec 8 - 23 as check-in dates. Depending on availability for hotel, check-in dates, length of stay, some may be able to find availability to switch their FD package to Dec and some may not.

We are at Disney now and haven't heard any news just yet. One CM mentioned Sunday and Monday closing. Since we paid for park tickets for those days, will we get a rback fund or to use them next year?

If the parks close, Guest Relations (at your hotel, the parks or over the phone) can reimburse you the unused ticket days. I know this for sure based on Matthew last year.

 

[Jasten]

After canceling everything, i felt much better about our decision but pretty bummed. This morning, DW and I mustered the will to look at availability and scored BC from 12/14-12/21. Were now getting amped up re-planning for our first ever christmas time trip! Be safe everyone and if you can re-book, you should!

 

[CAS239]

I would care so much more about survival and avoiding property loss/damage than a discounted hotel rate...
gosh I feel so bad for the CM's who need to be home with their families...

That discounted rate could push someone to seek out a Disney hotel in order for survival if they feel endangered.

CM's are going to be working the hotels regardless. Just because someone books a room or happens to get a discount room rate doesn't mean that's keeping CM's away from their family.

Same goes for doctors, nurses, police officers, firefighters, etc.. There's tons of jobs where people will be required to work and where just being home isn't an option.

So there's no need to talk down to anyone who might have insight into helping others book a room, get a deal, or just feel safer

 

[FastPasser.]

I feel so bad for the CM's who need to be home with their families...

I wouldn't, because CMs will be there during the storm either because they are scheduled to be there and it's their job or if a CM is participating in the "Ride Out Crew", they volunteered to be there.

 

[focusondisney]

This is the weekend we would normally be going to Disney. But since we have a trip in December with our DS & DDIL & were also there in May, we were already skipping September this year. So thankfully I didn't have to make the go or cancel decision.

I have never been in a hurricane but have lived thru several blizzards & severe ice storms. (Seven feet of snow in 24 hours for one storm). I have been stuck at work & also at home. I know how it feels to be at work & worrying about what is going on at home. And with a blizzard, at least I knew my house would still be there after the storm stopped. But it is still a worry & stressful. And I know how awful you feel not making it to work, knowing you have coworkers there for a day or 2 without relief.

While I would feel safe at Disney & know they will do their best to take care of their guests, I can't imagine what cast members will be going thru. Worrying about their families & homes. Working extra hours & days in stressful situations & doing everything they can to keep resort guests sake & cared for. All while worrying about their own families & homes. I just can't imagine.

If I was planning a trip this weekend, I would definitely reschedule. I would just not want to be an extra burden to cast members who will be doing their best to keep stranded patrons fed & safe. I know the tourist industry is vital to the economy of central Florida, so rescheduling will still put money into the area without putting more pressure on the limited resources & infrastructure.

Prayers to all in Irma's way. May you all be safe.