Matthew, my observations

I was at ASM from Monday to Friday. We got gas on Wednesday. Thursday we did 3 parks and hit our favorite rides several times. Got more beer and food at 2 gas stations and watched one run out of gas, and a smart manager lock the door to avoid a riot before they ran out of food. I could not believe how quickly the stress level of the crowd elevated, it was ugly.

Back at ASM, we decided to check the food court. Madness, the line for food was out the door into the bus area. My wife talked to a woman that waited hours for a pizza. Everyone was expecting that they would not be leaving the room on Friday, so they would need food and drinks for a full 24 hours. I saw families with stacks of pizzas, and the infamous box lunches. We ate our sandwiches in the food court just to people watch. I bought and extra 6pk of beer to give away. Found a guy who looked like he needed it, and gave it to him. It was one of the most sincere thank yous I have ever received. The next day, I was up at 7am, and expected it to be bad out. I had planned on taking photos of the storm and it's damage. Wind was 30 or less, rain less than average. Decided to check the food court. Free coffee and breakfast being served. By 9am people were out with small children and packing cars. We left at 11 am, easy drive to Key West.

 

[21stamps]

Orlando Sentinel's take.

Well that explained the PTO time. Employees weren't forced to take it.

 

[SorcererMC]

Can someone please answer my questions-

Did the resort 'convenience stores' remain open? Did the counter service restaurants remain open?
If so, until what time?

I've seen anecdotal reports that the hotel convenience stores and restaurants were running out of food by 8-9pm, ie when the parks closed and people headed back to resorts they were waiting in long lines (1-3 hours) to purchase food, and sometimes out of luck.

 

[21stamps]

No traffic to key west, easy drive.

The gift shop at ASM was open on Thursday night, all the food was picked through. At 7pm there was no chips, all the disney popcorn was gone, drinks almost all gone too. I remember seeing people with arm loads of the souvenir type snacks and candy.

That's good news about the traffic. I don't think many south Floridians evacuated north.

Does ASM have one of the stores that sell bread, peanut butter, etc? I don't know if all of the resorts have those or not.

 

[21stamps]

I've seen anecdotal reports that the hotel convenience stores and restaurants were running out of food by 8-9pm, ie when the parks closed and people headed back to resorts they were waiting in long lines (1-3 hours) to purchase food, and sometimes out of luck.

Could they buy food at the parks and bring it with them? I wonder if a lot of people did that.. I would think so.

 

[SSH]

No beer fairy, I just knew that for a few dollars I could make this situation much better for one person. In Florida, beer is high on the list of hurricane preparedness.

And wine.

 

[SorcererMC]

Could they buy food at the parks and bring it with them? I wonder if a lot of people did that.. I would think so.

I would think so, too. I get the impression that there was a run on available stock b/c people didn't know how long they might have to prepare for (eg not knowing about breakfast the next day or how long the storm would last) and didn't know what Disney may or may not do.

 

[SSH]

IDK. Assuming you do not live in Orlando, on Wednesday evening, the local news had us planning for the end. When you keep getting alerts saying "catastrophic, deathly" people here were frazzled. I went to get my supplies Thursday morning and people were fighting over things. There is a large contingent of people who live in central florida (orlando) that say it was severely overhyped. To the governor and major credit, I understand its best to be prepared.

I respectfully disgree. A cat 3-4 storm can kill. A cat 1 took off my roof 10 years ago - and I live in a reasonably well-built home. It's only "overhyped" because the storm turned eastward at the last min. If that had hit dead on, the story would have ended far less magically. Rather than complain and carp, anyone in S or C Fla should be feeling extremely grateful. We dodged a big bullet.

 

[21stamps]

I would think so, too. I get the impression that there was a run on available stock b/c people didn't know how long they might have to prepare for (eg not knowing about breakfast the next day) and didn't know what Disney may or may not do.

I'm sure. I will never forget one time at Fresh Market (Publix was already out of water) myself and another girl were both speed walking to the water isle.. The only thing left was 3 large bottles of Fiji, which still aren't very large and stupid expensive to buy for washing your face and brushing teeth lol... Anyway, we looked at each other unsure of what to do or how rude we were willing to be.. she grabbed one and walked off. I was Sooo grateful!!!

And wine.

.. Don't forget liquor!!

 

[beertiki]

I'm sure. I will never forget one time at Fresh Market (Publix was already out of water) myself and another girl were both speed walking to the water isle.. The only thing left was 3 large bottles of Fiji, which still aren't very large and stupid expensive to buy for washing your face and brushing teeth lol... Anyway, we looked at each other unsure of what to do or how rude we were willing to be.. she grabbed one and walked off. I was Sooo grateful!!!



.. Don't forget liquor!!

Like I mentioned we are from Key West. Wr had beer, cider, rum, and a bottle of champagne for mimosas.

 

[21stamps]

Like I mentioned we are from Key West. Wr had beer, cider, rum, and a bottle of champagne for mimosas.

Perfect! You were well prepared!

 

[Goofyernmost]

Not during a state of emergency.

Except that in Kissimmee (aka WDW) the only state of emergency was anticipation. And I still haven't heard anyone tell me where the idea that it was charged for came from. Especially in light of the report of CM's that they were given out to people that didn't want what was available for sale. I really don't know who to believe now. But, the idea that people that are spending their stay in a resort hotel are unable to afford a box lunch. That is the biggest crock of crap I have ever heard. It's the same as saying that a Millionaire can't afford a Ford Focus. It's ridiculous. The major part of the storm didn't hit WDW. Perhaps if it did they would have given them out. The place were the freebies should have been is on the coastline. As usual WDW was spared any major problem. When the word greed is passed out, does or has anyone given even a seconds thought to how much income that Disney lost today because the parks were closed? It is in the millions easily and all for the safety of the guests, but, by god let the charge for a box lunch for people to eat as a substitute and Disney is money grabbing greedy. Who is really being greedy in this story. Think about it.

Here in NC today, I've had my power go off at least three times so far. It has been raining torrents all day, flash flood warnings have been issued constantly all day long. The winds are pretty high and I'm sure that limbs are falling everywhere. You know what, not one person has come to my door and given me free food. I should sue shouldn't I.

If someone bought the dining plan then they should be given to them because one way or the other, they already paid for it. However, those that opted out agreed to pay as they went. What the hell is so difficult to understand about that. To my knowledge, no one has died in the immediate WDW area due to the storm or even been injured for that matter. Let's put stuff into perspective. I'm getting so tired of the there's a storm so what are you going to give me because you are inconveniencing me, attitude. If there had been devastation and massive damage that is a different story, but, I'm still not sure why Disney is responsible to feed the nation, where are the other agencies that are chartered to do that kind of stuff. We have tons of them over here. I am also still not convinced that they didn't give them out where appropriate. However, anyplace on property where there were other options there is no justification for having someone feed you.

It stems from so many people thinking that they are so special that everyplace they go is their mommy and mommy will take care of me. I tell you Martin... it is getting harder and harder to sign on the Disney boards. I feel like I'm in a group of 1st graders that didn't get their morning nap. We no longer really discuss what we would like to see from Disney in a rational form. We just constantly look for what is wrong with the place. I'll tell you if that is displaying the love toward a friend... they really don't need enemies do they? If one's spouse displayed their love for the other by constantly criticizing every single thing that they did that marriage wouldn't last very long before someone walks away. I am getting terribly close right now. I know that no one will care, in fact, I expect a number of posts from the wonderful Disney enchanted folks about how glad they would be if I did not come back. Simply because that is just how wonderful all the Disneyphiles are. I'm going to sign off now because my blood pressure is pushing bits of my brain out through my scalp. The rest of you can whine about Disney til the cows come home.

 

[marni1971]

Except that in Kissimmee (aka WDW) the only state of emergency was anticipation..

I was going off Obama declaring it for the state.

Don't leave. You'll be missed around here.

 

[Goofyernmost]

I was going off Obama declaring it for the state.

Don't leave. You'll be missed around here.

OK, I know you don't live here, but, he may have called a state of emergency, but, it was for specific areas in the state. Central Florida got wind and rain just like we are getting, but, until it actually arrived no one really knew what was going to be needed. As for WDW, with the wind and rain they might as well have closed the parks to be on the safe side, but, by now I'm sure it is setting up to be full scale in the morning.

 

[trampdog]

You had me until the highlighted sentence. Poor Family at WDW unable to pay for food on a one day basis at WDW. What would they have eaten if the storm didn't interfere.

I hear alligator is readily available.

 

[trampdog]

All the people that Disney sells vacation packages to and busses them in from the Airport and bussed back.

Bottom line is the box meals should not have been sold.
/QUOTE]

"Because everything should be free." -Bernie Sanders

This hurricane was not over hyped.

What part of reality are you from?

This. Tell that to the people in Haiti.

If Hillary and Bill would have used the money they collected to actually build shelters, Haiti would have been a non-issue.

*Moderators - This thread does not belong in Trip Reports.

 

[trampdog]

I am sure there are poor people at Disney. They pack sandwiches and snacks to go to the parks, they eat at McDonalds and CiCis. Their kids get $20 a day to spend. Some got stuck an extra day, our extra night was not free, but we left and did not need it. $13 does not seem like much until you think about a family of four buying 3 meals each and extending their stay by one day. They might have even lost a day of work. It all adds up.

If you don't have money for a $13 sandwich, then don't go to DW. Your priorities are all screwed up.

 

[trampdog]

Like I mentioned we are from Key West. Wr had beer, cider, rum, and a bottle of champagne for mimosas.

And no shoes, no shirt, no problem.

 

[SorcererMC]

If you don't have money for a $13 sandwich, then don't go to DW. Your priorities are all screwed up.

LOL. Disney doesn't care one bit if their guests are rich or poor or what their priorities might be; they care about their willingness to pay. Disney prices their parks and resorts to attract consumers of all income levels ie 'Value', 'Moderate', 'Deluxe'.

 

[21stamps]

LOL. Disney doesn't care one bit if their guests are rich or poor or what their priorities might be; they care about their willingness to pay. Disney prices their parks and resorts to attract consumers of all income levels ie 'Value', 'Moderate', 'Deluxe'.

Ok, no. I have to disagree with you.

They price for many income levels. Disney is not and has never been priced for the poor. It is a luxury.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

4 people died from the storm in Central FL. One, about 30 miles from WDW.

Prepare for the worst. Hope for the best. They make the call when the storm is about 500 miles out. It missed being worst case scenario by 15 miles. The authorities absolutely made the right call.