Hurricane Ernesto Worries !

[carolina cruise gal]

We are scheduled to fly out of RDU on Thurs into Orlando to sail 3nights to Bahamas - We are worried about getting into the airport. The hurricane's path looks like it will be right over us - I haven't purchased insurance yet but considering it first thing Monday morning.

[mom x4,grandma x4]

Hopefully it wont hit Florida again!!!
I live in central Florida and the airport only completely closed down once due to a hurricane. I know they did re-route a few flights. Unfortunately this is something nobody can predict.

If you are arriving the day before your cruise if they land you somewhere else in Florida you could rent a car and drive to the port. Even the same day if you are arriving early in the day. Florida isnt that big a state to drive across. Bring a road map just in case.

I will be blowing lots of PIXIE DUST your way for a safe on time flight!!!

mom x4,grandma x4

[jcanino]

Hopefully it wont hit Florida again!!!
I live in central Florida and the airport only completely closed down once due to a hurricane.

Here is the 5 day projected path.....

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/storm_graphics/AT05/refresh/AL0506W5_sm2+gif/180213W_sm.gif (http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at5+shtml/180213.shtml?5day?large)

[FloridaGram]

Did you book your flight through Disney? Not sure what difference it would make but usually cruise lines work with you more if you have booked the entire trip with them. You could call them if you did and ask them what kind of arrangements they have. It is possible that it will be over with by Thursday, they move pretty fast. Your flight may just be delayed instead of cancelled. And then it just depends on where exactly it hits and how much damage there is.
If the insurance isn't too expensive I would get it if it is not to late. But I imagine if you cannot get here for this cruise then they will allow you to rebook it all later.Sorry I can't be more helpful but hurricanes are so unpredictable. They seldom hit exactly where they say but it appears it will hit us in Florida.

[mom x4,grandma x4]

Keep checking the DCL web site for changes to the port too.
If your plane is delayed or re routed to another airport in Florida you may be able to drive to the port, but sometimes when hurricane comes through they will not come to Port Canaveral, sometimes they are down by Fort Lauderdale or Miami depending on the storm. So even if your planes lands ok, please keep a look out for port changes too.
They have done this a few times the past 3 years with storms.
If your not sure after you land, find the cruise line bus place at the airport and ask a driver, they will know if there has been any port changes or not.
sorry to give you another worry, but I want you to be prepared just in case.

mom x4,grandma x4

[Host Mick]

There was a link on disneycruise.com that gave instructions for guests up against "tropical weather". I don't see it up there now.
I'm on vacation now in Orlando and I'll be trying to leave on Wed afternoon which is exactly when Ernesto is projected to be here according to the Mon morning track.

We were supposed to see Atlantis blast-off yesterday from Kennedy Space Center but lightening hit the gantry and now they are moving her back to the vehicle assembly building until Ernesto passes so we're out of luck there.

If you at all can, fly into Orlando on Tues. that way you're certain to be in FL on Wed and your chances of missing the ship are greatly reduced. Keep in touch with DCL and ask them if the ship will be leaving on time and what they suggest for your situation. They deal with this frequently so they will have good advice for you.

[MHF]

Anyone hear about the cruise that left Port Canaveral on Sunday for 4 days? Bahamas one day and Private Key another. My parents, brother, and nieces are on the ship and I was wondering if they've been diverted to another island or another route.
MHF

[jumbo29]

I live in Orlando and have been here for 10 years. It has been my experience that they make way more of these storms in the news then they really are. I would really not worry too much about this one. It would take a miracle for this storm to become anything stronger then a cat 1 between now and Wed and I don't see that happening. Then there is the path. The one thing I've learned is that they can't predict the path of these storms very well. The bottom line is that you really won't know for sure until it gets closer but the good news is this one is a wimp! Hope this makes you feel better! BTW, the ship will go around the storm so you won't need to worry once you are on board.:eek:

My disclaimer.....I am no weather expert! Just a local....take this info for what it's worth!

[dahuffy]

We're set to sail on Sat. Flying out from Oklahoma City at 6am,landing at noon FL time. Did I mention that I hate to fly? :eek:

[wrp96]

Once the storm is named, it's too late to buy insurance.

[Host Mick]

As of now, it's been downgraded to a tropical storm with 45 MPH winds. 45 MPH winds are also known as a stiff breeze on the San Francisco Bay where I sail.
Again, the ship will sail and now it look like she'll sail from Port Canaveral as planned. Your only worry will be getting into Orlando airport.
Call DCL and ask for their advice. They want to get you aboard and they might have plans to help you do that.

[mom x4,grandma x4]

Jst watched th enoon update her ein Florda and they didnt say anything about the Orlando airport, but they did say that the Miami airport will be closing due to the storm.
I will post if they announce anything about OIA today.
So far Orlando is predicting 55 MPH winds, so maybe that wont be enough to close it down.

mom x4,grandma x4

[Host Mick]

From Disneycruise.com:
Tropical Weather Update
As of 9 a.m. Wednesday, August 30, 2006:
We are currently monitoring Tropical Storm Ernesto very closely as it moves through Florida and are prepared to make itinerary changes if needed.
However, at this time, there have been no changes in the August 31, 2006 sailing of the Disney Wonder. Guests on this voyage should check back here for regular updates throughout the week.
The safety of our guests and crew is always our top priority. If necessary, our Captains are always prepared to alter the ships' itineraries to navigate away from inclement weather for the safety and well being of our guests.
That's good news for the local cruisers but the problem still remains with the air travel. Southwest has shut-down from 8 AM to 8 PM today in and out of MCO. I'm stuck here in Orlando because my 4:30 flight was cancelled. Of course there are few places at which I'd rather be stranded! I'm going to spend the day at Disneyquest playing Centipede and Tron until my carpel tunnels close-up and my retinas burn. I hope that Disneyquest hasn't shut-down like the rest of Florida over this minor storm.
Everyone that is flying in tonight or tomorrow morning should already be in contact with their airline. I hope that everyone makes it aboard.

After being at WDW for two weeks, I can't wait to get home and have a Pepsi.
Good Luck
Mickey

[mom x4,grandma x4]

Well everyone the storm may not be too bad, however many flights coming into Orlando have been cancelled today. I hope not too many cruisers are coming in today. I sure hope most came yesterday or perhaps can reschedule for early tomarrow morning since this storm is suppose to be gone after midnight in the Orlando area.
So far in the Leesburg area we have a slight drizzle all morning and a very light breeze.


Blowing lots of PIXIE DUST for all the cruisers to make it safely an don time to the Wonder tomarrow!!!!

mom x4,grandma x4