by: guide4wdw – Collin
After last night’s hurricane related events, we are really starting to get a closer look at some of the after effects related to Disney property. First and foremost, it appears as if a majority of Disney property has kept or is regaining power at this point. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the surrounding city.
Some resort guests have reported across social media (considering we are not local to verify) that wifi is working as well at many locations on property. As for the parks and resorts themselves, here is a list Disney debuted earlier today regarding the property and damage:
- Animal Kingdom – lots of trees down, debris
- Epcot – trees down and flooding
- Disney’s All Star Resorts – several trees down
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – flooding in the lobby area, trees down
- Disney’s Art of Animation – trees down
- Disney’s Beach Club – tree debris
- Disney’s Boardwalk – tree limbs down, debris
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort – tree down, debris
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort – 90mph wind speeds recorded and transformers exploded near the resort, some trees down
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – leaky roofs
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – large trees downed, some longhouse roof damage
- Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter – main building closed due to flooding, several downed trees, lots of tree debris, some pool fencing and light fixtures down
- Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside – large trees down and uprooted
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs – trees down, lots of debris
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – large pine tree down blocking bus entrance, trees down in parking lot Disney’s Yacht Club – tree limbs down, debris
Many resort guests have verified these issues across social media with images and updates (please share your images with us if you want them included in this article). Based on what has been posted since this morning’s release, it appears as if the French Quarter main building could have reopened to guests. Also worth noting is that many guests have commented that a few of the trees which have been downed may be salvageable and put back in place if the root system is not overly harmed (personally I do not know if that is an option from Disney’s perspective).
All things considered, after the incredibly powerful eye wall of the storm rolled through, Disney seems to have suffered only minor damage and has avoided much of the “worst case scenario” situations. Orlando did take a direct hit from the hurricane which will take some time to recover from, but the city was prepared and will certainly recover. Our thoughts go out to each and every one of you affected by this unfortunate situation.
Again, we are not local, so don’t worry about us. If you have family in the area or friends on vacation, be sure to check in with them over the next few days.
Disney theme parks are set to reopen tomorrow on the following schedule (waterparks will not reopen quite yet):
- Magic Kingdom: 9am-7pm with Extra Magic Hours beginning at 8am.
- Epcot: 9am-9pm with Extra Magic Hours from 9-11pm
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: 9am-9pm
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: 9am-9pm
- Disney Springs: 10am-12am
Overall, these hours should be a confirmation that at least a good portion of the parks have survived the storm without any excessive or “delaying” damage. The parks are typically surveyed extensively for damage before guests are welcomed back in after rare, weather related, events. Also, for those of you who may be wondering, Cinderella’s castle is still standing and has not been damaged (it was originally built to withstand incredibly high winds as experience by the area last night).
Lastly, many resort guests have commented on the excellent job the cast has done throughout the entire experience. Parties were held at some resorts to keep guests preoccupied, and many characters were brought in to really turn a poor experience into an extraordinary memory.
Guest photos (add yours to the list: send it to us on social media):
“Port Orleans French Quarter. Flooded lobby and a bunch of down trees. But we did not lose power.”
“Saratoga Springs here. Never lost power, lots of debris and downed trees.”
“Beach Club. Never lost power, trees uprooted here and Yacht Club, some broken lights and lots of debris. They had the villa pool back open this afternoon and will have Stormalong Bay back open tomorrow.”
Animal Kingdom Lodge: “The pool is full of tree limbs and stuff we also took on water”
“Lots of trees down at Yacht Club and along the path to Hollywood Studios”
“Caribbean Beach Resort, a lot of debris and tree limbs. The cast and crew here has been amazing.”
Hopefully this post gives you a closer look at Disney property after the storm. If you have any first hand pictures of damage or other weather related images be sure to share them with us on social media if you’re interested in them appearing in the article. Thanks!
After this whole situation passes, be sure to check out Destinations to Travel (clickable link) if you’re considering a trip to Walt Disney World in the future! Tell them Guide4WDW sent you in your message! Their services are second to none and have helped many guests in this incredibly unique circumstance. Quote request form below!
After this whole situation passes, be sure to check out Destinations to Travel (clickable link) if you’re considering a trip to Walt Disney World in the future! Tell them Guide4WDW sent you in your message! Their services are second to none and have helped many guests in this incredibly unique circumstance. Quote request form below!
