[inluvwithdisney]

This whole Ivan thing has got me in a terrible mood!!! My kids are so sad and so am I!!

First off I feel really bad for all the people that live in Florida that have been affected by this terrible hurricane season!! But we are suppose to leave in 6 days and we are not sure what is going to happen!!
I again feel bad to be worried about our vacation but we have saved long and hard for this vacation at a time when things have been kinda tight!!!
Now we are at the mercy of Ivan!!! I have had no time off in over a year and really have been looking forward to the break and do not want to give this up!!! I know, selfish!!!
Rescheduling is really not an option because my DH just got a promotion at work and is in training and they were already not very happy with the planned time off!! Besides the fact that my job does not have a lot of flexibility either!!
I am not sure what to do!! Should I be getting ready to go or should I assume we are just going to have to cancel?????
We are suppose to leave Wednesday night 9/15 to Tampa/Clearwater, then on to Orlando on the 19th!!
Opinions on this are welcome and needed!!!!!! Thanks!!!

[MerlinMatt]

First off, it's ok to be concerned for the folks in Florida and still be happy about your trip. We talked about that last week on another thread.

In terms of your trip, I think your timing will be perfect. Currently, it's projected to hit Orlando early Tuesday and it will be substantially weaker by then. Disney has historically (and recently) done a very good job at restoration and recovery after a storm.

I think you'll be fine. Just keep an eye out. Perhaps you could delay the trip one day. If you need to because of weather, then the airlines and Disney will likely let you do it without penalty.

Just hang tight for now and keep saying prayers.

[inluvwithdisney]

Originally Posted by MerlinMatt

First off, it's ok to be concerned for the folks in Florida and still be happy about your trip. We talked about that last week on another thread.

In terms of your trip, I think your timing will be perfect. Currently, it's projected to hit Orlando early Tuesday and it will be substantially weaker by then. Disney has historically (and recently) done a very good job at restoration and recovery after a storm.

I think you'll be fine. Just keep an eye out. Perhaps you could delay the trip one day. If you need to because of weather, then the airlines and Disney will likely let you do it without penalty.

Just hang tight for now and keep saying prayers.

Thanks so much Matt your insight is always reassurring!! And I am sorry about the redundancy of this thread!! It just keep coming back to haunt us with all of these dumb hurricanes!!! Thanks again for the reassurring words!!

[quartz7]

Hi

Ohhh my, I am so sorry you are worrying about this. Try to keep positive. As matt said, it looks like you will be ok. Just think, if you go, maybe other people won't. You might get the parks to yourselves. Just a thought. Sending pixie dust your way!!!!

Janelle

[bumble]

I would say go on ahead with your plans. If you can not come another time it is worth the chance. We never know what these storms are going to do exactly, untill they do it. We did choose to change our plans from labor day weekend, but only because we live so close and can go just about any time. Besides it is a short trip for us. Oh... and also, remember that Florida RELYS on tourists too!! So don't feel guilty about wanting to take your trip. HAVE FUN!! If its rainy, you might not have any lines to wait in, and you could have your choice of places to eat!

[llama]

Don't apologize for worrying about your holiday. You wouldn't be human if you didn't. But chances are everything will be fine. Just continue with your plans. Ivan the Terrible should be well over by the time you're ready to leave. Communities and cities adapt to their own particular weather crises and even if Ivan does cause problems in Orlando, the city will be up and running again as soon as it passes. We have terrible blizzards in the winter and you think that the city will never dig its way out - but it always does, usually within 24 hours.

[acarballo]

Inluvwithdisney,

I am looking at the extended weather forecast for Orlando and it is predicting partly cloudy, 88/72 and 0% precipitation for Sat. Sept. 18! Therefore, I think that you are going to have wonderful weather for your vacation!

I agree with llama, Florida has a lot of experience cleaning up after a storm, I lived there for 6 years and was amazed at how fast they recover, even after hurrincenes!

So, don't worry too much about the weather, and prepare yourself and your family for a wonderful time!

Ciao,
Alfredo

[MissDisney]

Hey inluv... you know what? The storm could mean that a lot of people might postpone their trips, and you might have light crowds at the parks. I know it sounds really selfish, but it is a glass half-full idea that I hope makes you feel better! Also, when it is rainy at the parks, you can still do so much! There are so many great attractions inside! Just pack your ponchoes, and have a great time!

[inluvwithdisney]

Originally Posted by MissDisney

Hey inluv... you know what? The storm could mean that a lot of people might postpone their trips, and you might have light crowds at the parks. I know it sounds really selfish, but it is a glass half-full idea that I hope makes you feel better! Also, when it is rainy at the parks, you can still do so much! There are so many great attractions inside! Just pack your ponchoes, and have a great time!

That is kinda how I am trying to look at it too!!! Thanks for all the words of encouragement everyone!!!
I am sure it will work out the way it should!!!

[pkc123]

I didn't think twice about rescheduling our trip.We are leaving next Friday the 17th. We have kept a close eye on Ivan,and I think the storm will have passed by then.Now We are just forward to our 8 days at Pop Century and WDW.

[geeman]

I know exactly how you feel. I am supposed to be there in less than a month. We are supposed to go on a family reunion cruise. We've been planning for months! But with these storms, you just get a lurching feeling in the back of your stomach. You feel awful for the people there, and then realize that your own plans are also at stake.
I think watching it day by day is the only solution. I'm hoping things will settle down before I get there, but quite honestly, until my sister who lives in Volusia County told me today that she finally got her water and electricity back this afternoon, I was pretty bummed. How could you think about having fun while your family is suffering (even if only mildly)? What this does is affirm that I do want to spend some quality time with them during the time I'm there before the cruise. Means cutting down Park time, but hopefully the parks will always be there.
Now for the cruise portion - we're going on a non-Disney cruiseline, so I've been checking their site, and it seems Port Canaveral is still down for the count at the moment, so some of our ports may be changed.
I'm just hoping Ivan and his friends go away for another century or two.

[disneyguy]

OK here is my opinion: If you can go, then go!! If the airports are open, then go. Maybe you only go to WDW. WDW is maintained well enough that it can withstand wind. It will be fine!! I would definetly say "go!"

[inluvwithdisney]

Well at this point we are planning on going!! I am worried about our flight out mainly!!!!!!! We are suppose to leave on Wednesday night at 6:40 (8:40 Florida time!! So we may lose a day but hoping to still be able to go to the Beach too!!! It looks to be on a path near Tampa so we may have to change that part to the East coast!!!!!!!!

[honeypot]

Hey Inluv....We are leaving on the 19th and I am sooooo excited. Last week I felt guilty on the other thread but everyone made me feel better about going. They're right, it's your vacation that you have been looking forward to and saving for, it's ok to have fun and enjoy yourself. I plan on doing the same thing. I am being very selfish at this point because I'm afraid of anything disrupting or ruining my vacation. Sure, I feel really bad for them and I hope Ivan doesn't damage too much and I think they've had enough but, it's ok to think about yourself.
My advice to you: go to WDW and have the time of your life. If you're there spending money, the CM have jobs and income, and you're having a good time....everyone wins.
Have a great vacation and safe trip and maybe I'll pass you on Main Street.