Disney World Closed on Sunday - Confirmed!!

[DisneyWorld30th]

All Ears. Net is reporting that All Disney World Parks and Transportation will be closed on Sunday, September 5th!! They claim to have the official word!!!

 

[boo52]

Well it is true, since the storm will still be here then. This thing is not in any hurry.

 

[TravisMT81]

it is true

 

[MissM]

Has WDW ever been closed two days in a row like this before? Seriously, I mean, they've only been closed a handful of times ever, let alone two days in a row.

And yeah, since it's stalled out, it's pushed the time tables off by another 24 hours or so. It was supposed to be in Orlando today but clearly that's not the case. I'm over in the Tampa Bay area and we've had some wind and a few sprinkles, but otherwise, it was a pleasent day. Certainly park open worthy weather.

I feel bad for all those people in the resorts. What in the world did they do today?
-m

 

[Atta83]

I think they are possibly going to do the same thing they (resorts) did when Charley came through. Although I have not heard offical word but I talked to Dave who is over at Fort Wilderness Lodge and he is being entertained by characters.

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

I just said to my mom about the parks being closed for 2 days in a row. It's probably the best thing for everybody, both CM and guests. Please take care everybody!

TheDisneyGirl02

 

[aimster]

And yeah, since it's stalled out, it's pushed the time tables off by another 24 hours or so. It was supposed to be in Orlando today but clearly that's not the case. I'm over in the Tampa Bay area and we've had some wind and a few sprinkles, but otherwise, it was a pleasent day. Certainly park open worthy weather.

Not sure what part of Tampa you are in, but I'm in north Tampa and we got a kinda nasty 10 minute rain squall around 5pm today. Been pretty calm since then though.

 

[tiggerscorner]

We are here in Pop Century

We are here in the Pop Century resort. Since the parks were closed today, most of the guests here were either in the pools, walking around the grounds, or in the everything pop with the character, in the arcade, or shopping and eating. The parks are going to be closed tomorrow too, But I expect (and hope) that the storm passes through for the most part during the night.

 

[Nicole]

When I was at Epcot Thursday night I overheard a CM telling his friend that he was going to be "working the hurricane" at the Y&B because Disney was paying double time for that duty. Probably it's a better deal for lots of those CPs anyway because otherwise they'd just be stuck in their apartments watching the storm.

 

[MissM]

Not sure what part of Tampa you are in, but I'm in north Tampa and we got a kinda nasty 10 minute rain squall around 5pm today. Been pretty calm since then though.

I'm actually over in Pinellas. We've been getting bursts of heavy rain, but my friend over in the Citrus Park area has been getting more then we have so far.

I know it's going to be on-again/off-again squalls for the next 24 hours though around here, so we'll try to stay dry and you do too!
-m

 

[boo52]

While this is not official, most of the ride out teams at WDW have been told that they may not be released until Tuesday. The storm will be passing all night Sunday as well and clean up won't be able to begin until early Monday AM. SO the parks may be closed on Monday as well. Like I said it's not official, but the way they are now planning I wouldn't be surprised.

 

[Gregory]

Saturday, September 4, 2004 - 6:00 p.m.

Based on information from the National Weather Service and consultation with emergency preparedness officials, Walt Disney World theme parks will be closed on Sunday, September 5. We anticipate returning to a normal operating schedule on Monday, September 6.

Additional schedule announcements will be made as updated information becomes available.

Our focus remains on maintaining a schedule that will allow us to safely care for the tens of thousands of Resort Guests who will be staying on Walt Disney World property throughout the weekend.

We have an extensive hurricane preparedness plan and are staffed and prepared for a realm of possible impacts that this type weather could have on our property.

On Sunday, all first- and second-shift hourly Cast Members should not report to work. All third-shift hourly Cast Members should plan to report to work. Given the changing condition of this storm, all Cast Members should stay in contact with their leaders, call their local area phone numbers or the Cast Information Line at 407-566-3635 for details regarding their Sunday and Monday shifts.

Guests who have questions should call (407) WDW-INFO or (407) 939-4636.

MEDIA CAN CALL (407) 560-7959 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Official Disney Press Release

 

[askmike1]

Has WDW ever been closed two days in a row like this before? Seriously, I mean, they've only been closed a handful of times ever, let alone two days in a row.

Disney has closed it's park in 1999 for Floyd, 9/11/01 for the terrorist attacks, earlier this month for Charlie, and now these two days. Three times in one month is too much. In reality, they could have opened the parks today (Saturday), but I guess it is better to be safe and sorry. For the guests though, I hope they show more movies than just Brother Bear, Nemo, and a Bugs Life.

 

[MKBurn15]

Wasn't the last time WDW was closed in 2001 because of the terrorist attacks? I think this made the news too which is weird because during Charley, I kept saying, "IS DISNEY WORLD OK?" Also, it's a good thing I left last Tuesday! :lookaroun And have fun with your hurricane party everyone!

 

[HumanOddity]

I'm glad they were closed today. It gives them plenty of time to lock up whatever isn't bolted down and make the parks/resorts as storm ready as possible. Yes, the weather today wasn't too bad (in Pinellas, other than a brief ugly spell that left as quickly as it came), but I would rather Disney have the opportunity to get everything done in a manner where it's not rushed. The storm is encroaching, and even an early close may not give them enough time to get everything done in an adequate and safe manner.

 

[pepsistar]

Just talked to my daughter and grandson who are at Disney's Port Orleans/ French Quarter. I stayed home to take care of the house and our "3" cats--

They said the weather was perfect for the parks today No rain, overcast sky and a little cooler. However, everything ! was closed. They were told everything would also be closed on Sunday.

Seeing nothing was happening they went to the game room for a little while and were asked to leave about 4:30. The bigggest problem-- FOOD COURT also closed then???? :fork: The letter they got said the food court would be open later!! than normal? HUM!

I read on one of the trip reports that they had things to do for the children in the lobby during the day/night they closed for Charley, and a free buffet -- NOTHING here. Snacks are ok but I thought they would at least have something to offer. ( of course no mousekeping )

In the letter that was left on the doors, they told everyone to buy snacks, medicines, and etc. Snacks are OK but---- I am very dissapointed!! Does anyone have any information from friends, relatives at one of the other resorts? Anything different there?

I understand that they need to take care of their homes and family too but I thought Disney would do something for the guests. :lookaroun "two days of snacks" :goodnevil Oh MY!!

 

[Mary Poppins]

Just talked to my daughter and grandson who are at Disney's Port Orleans/ French Quarter. I stayed home to take care of the house and our "3" cats--

They said the weather was perfect for the parks today No rain, overcast sky and a little cooler. However, everything ! was closed. They were told everything would also be closed on Sunday.

Seeing nothing was happening they went to the game room for a little while and were asked to leave about 4:30. The bigggest problem-- FOOD COURT also closed then???? :fork: The letter they got said the food court would be open later!! than normal? HUM!

I read on one of the trip reports that they had things to do for the children in the lobby during the day/night they closed for Charley, and a free buffet -- NOTHING here. Snacks are ok but I thought they would at least have something to offer. ( of course no mousekeping )

In the letter that was left on the doors, they told everyone to buy snacks, medicines, and etc. Snacks are OK but---- I am very dissapointed!! Does anyone have any information from friends, relatives at one of the other resorts? Anything different there?

I understand that they need to take care of their homes and family too but I thought Disney would do something for the guests. :lookaroun "two days of snacks" :goodnevil Oh MY!!

The Sheriff of Orange County wanted people off the roads by noon today. Not to mention the decision was made last night (to close the parks today) when the storm was expected to be here by 2pm. No one, least of all Disney expected the storm to stall twice and slow to 5 mph. There are cms that work on "ride out" crews. However, in resorts where the buildings are apart from the lobby they limit what is available as they don't want people walking outside to get to the main buildings. Decisions like this are made to ensure the safety of the guests and cast members.

 

[prberk]

Just talked to my daughter and grandson who are at Disney's Port Orleans/ French Quarter. I stayed home to take care of the house and our "3" cats--

They said the weather was perfect for the parks today No rain, overcast sky and a little cooler. However, everything ! was closed. They were told everything would also be closed on Sunday.

Seeing nothing was happening they went to the game room for a little while and were asked to leave about 4:30. The bigggest problem-- FOOD COURT also closed then???? :fork: The letter they got said the food court would be open later!! than normal? HUM!

I read on one of the trip reports that they had things to do for the children in the lobby during the day/night they closed for Charley, and a free buffet -- NOTHING here. Snacks are ok but I thought they would at least have something to offer. ( of course no mousekeping )

In the letter that was left on the doors, they told everyone to buy snacks, medicines, and etc. Snacks are OK but---- I am very dissapointed!! Does anyone have any information from friends, relatives at one of the other resorts? Anything different there?

I understand that they need to take care of their homes and family too but I thought Disney would do something for the guests. :lookaroun "two days of snacks" :goodnevil Oh MY!!

I am sorry, but I cannot understand your comments at all. Your children are safe... and many Disney employees are away from their families to make sure that yours are kept safe while a storm the size of Texas approaches.

Extra Disney employees to "entertain you" just means more people have to leave their own homes just to make sure that you are entertained. How selfish it is complain about that. And I can't believe you would want your children to grow up this spoiled.

Sorry for the harsh words, but at the end of this storm, people will be dead and homeless, and no doubt some who were out in the storm working to keep others safe. I think that the relatives of those who end up homeless or hurt would give anything to trade places with you. And I doubt that they would complain for the lack of entertainment and food court amenities.

Right now, most of Florida is shut down (including its biggest ports -- where food and gas supplies come in). Real conservation is taking place, and Disney has one goal now: to ensure the safety of its guests. And that is as it should be. Consider yourself fortunate.

 

[kevmagkingdom]

If I'm not mistaken weren't they closed for a few days after 9/11/01?

 

[prberk]

If I'm not mistaken weren't they closed for a few days after 9/11/01?

No, I think it was just for part of 9/11/01, the day itself. Just very light attendance after that.