MousePlanet reader Christopher Wing sent along some photos of the aftermath of Hurricane Charley, which are shown throughout the Update. The following is Chris' first-hand experience with the storm.
I was on vacation at Walt Disney World from August 7 to 14, but had to stay an extra three days because of the hurricane; it was the earliest the airline could reschedule me. Port Orleans Riverside was very nice about letting me keep my same room at the same Annual Passholder discount rate for the extra days. I had friends visiting WDW at the same time (staying at another resort), but for the most part I was travelling alone.
A shattered tree lies on the ground at Port Orleans Riverside after the
storm hit on the morning of August 14. Photo by Christopher Wing.
The day of the storm, the parks all closed at 1 p.m. When I got back to Port Orleans Riverside, the food court was completely mobbed. People were grabbing all the food they could carry. I went to Boatwright's instead and put my name on the waiting list (all reservations were cancelled, and it was walk-up only). They said the earliest I could be seated was 4:45. I arrived back at about 4:50, but my table had already been given away.
Speed limit signs are bent from the force of the winds near the entrance
to the Magic Kingdom. Photo by Christopher Wing.
They gave me a pager and told me to wait, which I did for about two hours, then the crowds started thinning, and eventually when I was the last person left there, they said, “Why are you waiting here? We stopped serving an hour ago." I was alone on this trip, so nobody told me anything until it was too late.
Apparently the storm was upgraded to a Category 4 by this point, and everybody had to go back to their room. The food court was still mobbed, and by now, totally gutted of food. The pizza counter folks were shouting over the crowd that they had no more pizza left. I saw people carrying stacks of 8 large pizzas back to their room. On the way back to my room, one of these people jokingly offered to sell me a slice for $5. Even the vending machines were totally sold out.
Cast iron lightposts snapped off at the base lay beside the walkway between
the Boardwalk and Disney MGM Studios. Photo by Christopher Wing.
I think Port Orleans was particularly severely hit by the food shortage because the entire Fort Wilderness campground was evacuated to Port Orleans Riverside for the duration of the storm. The parking lot was literally flooded with RVs. This put an incredible stress on the facilities at Port Orleans Riverside. I had friends staying at Coronado Springs, and they said that Pepper Market stayed open, and there was some sort of dinner service arranged in the convention center area for the resort guests. No such luck at Port Orleans Riverside. I went to bed without lunch or dinner.
Half of the letters from the marquee at JellyRolls were blown away. Photo
by Christopher Wing.
Back in the room, there was nothing to do but watch TV. All the local stations were covering the storm, of course, and the Disney stations were all showing movies in continuous loops: Finding Nemo, Monsters, Inc., A Bug's Life and Brother Bear. It was funny to note that they just popped in the DVD somewhere and pressed play, because when the movies were finished, the DVD menu would come up, and you could see someone going through to select “play" again.
Every few hours, the message light would blink on the phone, indicating another status update from the front desk, telling us to stay indoors until we got the all-clear. Despite the 100+ mph winds, the building hardly shook at all. The worst part was the noise, which sounded like a freight train howling past.
A shop near the International Gateway's awning is removed after being
damaged by the storm. A little bit remained. Photo by Christopher Wing.
In the morning, messages told us to stay in a little while longer (presumably so Disney could clear away some of the debris that was blocking roads). The food court was again mobbed at breakfast. Instead, I went to the Magic Kingdom. Tony's Town square was not serving breakfast, they said, but they made an 11:30 priority seating for me at the Liberty Tree Tavern.
Service was slow because all their computers were down. My server was very apologetic for the delays, but I told him there was no need to be. It was 27 hours since my last meal, so an extra few minutes weren't going to matter much. Fastpass was down at all the rides as well, so their computer problem seemed pretty widespread.
Echo Lake at the MGM Studios is filled with stripped palm fronds and bark
blown off of trees by Hurricane Charley. Photo by Christopher Wing.
The remaining three days were alternating rainy and sunny, like the weather before the storm. On the news, they kept saying that the airport was NOT a storm shelter, and I thought this was kind of odd. But then when I got there, (see photos) I saw what they meant. The place looked much worse than WDW. I had to walk through a puddle to get to the door of the jetway.
A tree blocking the pathway from Alligator Bayou to the South Bus Depot
was cut with chainsaws to allow guests to pass. Removal of the remainder
was a lower priority. Photo by Christopher Wing.
Thanks for sharing your story and photos, Chris!
Last Monday, Al Weiss announced assistance for Central Florida families and cast members in the wake of Hurricane Charley, saying, “Our Disney family always steps up in times of crisis to assist those in need. We are joining with other caring corporate citizens to provide much-needed help and compassion in the community and within our own company.”
The Downtown Disney AMC Theatres sign has been stripped of its shell.
Photo by Christopher Wing.
DisneyHand, the outreach arm of the Walt Disney Company, announced a contribution totaling $100,000 to the American Red Cross and the Heart of Florida United Way. At the same time, Walt Disney World will conduct a food drive with employees to benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank, while at the same time providing work crews to assist with the recovery effort.
An uprooted tree lies near the entrance to the resort. Photo by Christopher
Wing.
To assist cast members, the resort is providing an array of programs, offering up to $5,000 for cast members who sustained catastrophic damage to their home or severe personal injury, up to $1,000 to assist needy cast members with recovery from the storm through a fund with an initial donation of $50,000 by the resort (additional funds may be contributed by cast members worldwide), complimentary rooms at resort hotels for cast members who have experienced catastrophic hardships or have unique medical needs, a 50 percent discount on resort hotel rooms for cast members who can't stay at their home due to a loss of electricity or other reasons and increased childcare capacity for school-age children at on-property childcare locations.
Orlando International Airport's gate 5 is flooded and taped off. Photo
by Christopher Wing.
In the wake of the response of the Walt Disney World cast members to the strike and aftermath of Hurricane Charley, messages were sent to the cast by company CEO Michael Eisner and Walt Disney World Executive Vice President for Operations Lee Cockerell.
Fallen ceiling tiles were turned into soggy mush by water near Orlando
International Airport's gate 22. Photo by Christopher Wing.
Eisner's message attempted to reassure the cast members (and employees, though what the difference might be is unclear) that the company appreciated their work and that it will provide financial support to those in need.
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Dear Fellow Employees & Cast Members: As I'm sure you're aware, today, Florida is undergoing a massive recovery effort following one of the most powerful storms ever to hit this area. Throughout the state, Hurricane Charley has destroyed a great deal of property and, most tragically, has taken lives. Of our over 50,000 Cast Members living in and around Orlando, many have been affected with damage, flooding, loss of power and other hardships. We sincerely hope that no personal harm has been suffered by our Cast and their families through this tragedy. Even through the devastation of Hurricane Charley, your colleagues at Walt Disney World displayed remarkable dedication to ensure the safety and comfort of the 75,000 guests currently staying at our resort hotels. In fact, with their families secured at home, many of your fellow Cast Members remained to see our guests through this disaster, including approximately 15,000 Cast Members who stayed on-property last night. It's nothing short of amazing to see such commitment and loyalty. At our theme parks and resorts, we've always believed in the concept of “we work while you play,” whether it's the weekend or Christmas Day, but this goes above and beyond the call of duty. We will never forget seeing this extraordinary quality in our Cast after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and I am once again proud of and overwhelmed by their complete and total dedication to the happiness and welfare of others. To help alleviate any burden to our Cast Members affected by this terrible storm, we have already placed Disney Operation Care (D.O.C.) into motion, much as we did for our employees impacted by the horrible Southern California wildfires last October. Through D.O.C., your Company will provide financial and other assistance to help those Cast Members who have experienced significant hardship. In addition, the Company has also committed $100,000 to the American Red Cross and the Heart of Florida United Way hurricane relief funds. While Hurricane Charley has passed through the region and heads up the Eastern Seaboard, reports confirm that another tropical depression is currently forming in the Atlantic. Our thoughts and prayers are with our fellow Cast Members and our fellow Americans during this difficult time. Even after the storms have passed, the rebuilding and recovery effort will continue to be part of their lives for some time to come. As always, we strive to be a responsible member of the Central Florida community, and we will continue to do our part to help. Michael |
Cockerell's note took more of a cheerleading tone, praising cast members for sacrificing and pulling together to continue to bring the magic to reseort guests despite the hard circumstances.
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“Magic” During Hurricane Charley The last few days have been difficult for all of you, I know. Hurricane Charley put everyone under additional stress, and I want you to know how much I appreciate the wonderful job that all of you did under the pressure of taking care of our Guests, while taking care of yourself and your families. From time to time we have a crisis to deal with, and the outcome is always the same: YOU always create “magic” for our Guests. We have been receiving unbelievable comments from our Guests on the extraordinary job YOU all did these last few days. One lady said, “This kind of service and kindness could only happen at Disney.” She is correct by the way. The commitment and spirit that all of YOU show-in good or difficult times-are remarkable. I know that many of you are going through some very difficult personal situations with damage to your homes and property. Please let your Leader know if there is something that we can do to assist you. Even if we can't assist you, perhaps we can direct you to the right resources. Even after Charley passed, the number of YOU who came in to help out and to take Cross-U shifts to cover those who could not get in was again beyond expectation. Because of your commitment, we were able to provide our Guests a “magical” day on Saturday. Michael Eisner in a note to all of you made the following comment: “It's nothing but amazing to see such commitment and loyalty." Bob Iger sent me the following note:
Jay Rasulo was continually in contact with us and offered the following perspective: “The Walt Disney World Cast once again showed the world why we are the best in the hospitality business." Al Weiss, when hearing that the call-ins were below normal on Friday the 13th even with the approaching hurricane, simply said, “That's our Cast." I really cannot add much more to Michael's, Bob's, Jay's, and Al's comments other than to say, “I am proud to say that I am on this Walt Disney World Team of Champions. This is the first big crisis that we have had to deal with since 9-11-2001; and once again, YOU all came through with flying colors." We have had four really serious crisis situations over the last ten years that I remember well because all four of them caused us to close the parks. We had Hurricane Erin, Hurricane Floyd, 9-11, and now Hurricane Charley. We defeated all four of them, and they went home as losers. We are still here creating “magic” and memories, so the score is Visitors 0 - Walt Disney World 4. The reason that we won all four of these big events is that we have a world-class team that always stays focused on our Vision and Purpose while performing our Roles in the show. Great Job, Everyone!… Lee |
Orlando International Airport's gate 22 is flooded, with debris on the
floor. Photo by Christopher Wing.
Following the $2- to $4-million damage caused by Hurricane Charley, Cypress Gardens owner Kent Buescher said that the park will not open in October, as previously scheduled. Many plants and trees were destroyed and several buildings were damaged, including the ice palace theater. There is no new estimated opening time yet. The storm will live on, though, as Buescher said that it's likely that one of the four new roller coasters will be named “Hurricane Charley.”
One portion of the aftermath of Hurricane Charley is not related to destruction of property, but rather standing water. Mosquitos breed very successfully in standing water. Some areas, already wet from last spring's rainstorms, received six to eight inches of rain. As the mosquito eggs hatch this week, the new young mosquitos will be looking for food, which in this case is blood.
With the eggs already beginning to hatch, emergency measures are being taken. Orange County is spraying and distribution of mosquito repellant to those who ask for it, in priority order. The county will have 100,000 cases of mosquito repellant with the active ingredient deet. If you plan to bring your own repellant, please make certain that it includes between 25-30 percent deet.
Florida's high-speed rail project was dealt another setback last week when the Florida Supreme Court approved ballot language for the proposed constitutional amendment repealing the previous amendment that forced the state to go forward with the bullet train project. The approved version of the language notes that the state could save an estimated $20-25 billion over 30 years. When the original amendment was approved four years ago, no cost estimate was included. The amendment will be on the ballot this election day.
We've now been able to confirm that the Pleasure Island price-reduction test we reported on last week will run through December 30. During this test period, not only will Pleasure Island one-night tickets be reduced to $16.95 plus tax, but current Pleasure Island Annual Passholders will be able to get an additional three months added to their Annual Pass by visiting a Pleasure Island ticket booth. Guests purchasing a Pleasure Island Annual Pass during this test also will get a Pleasure Island 15-Month Multi-Club Pass.
Those who read the schedules at the bottom of the Update are probably familiar with the schedule of nightly bands at the West End Stage and three or four nights of music at the Rock and Roll Beach Club. Thanks to the new open access to Pleasure Island's walkways for all guests, it appears that this configuration is coming to an end. As of the beginning of September, Disney is cutting off entertainment at the West End Stage and running nightly acts at the Rock and Roll Beach Club. This appears to be intended to make Pleasure Island more of a “walk through but don't hang out unless you're in the store. There's no word yet on whether this means that the nightly New Year's Eve celebration will be ending due to this.
We reported back in April that the requirements for renting recreational boats had changed. Apparently, the changes are only for the new Sea Raycer boats, due to the increased performance level of the boats. The locations that continue to use the Water Mouse boats (Downtown Disney, Disney's Old Key West, Disney's Caribbean Beach, Disney's Port Orleans, Disney's Yacht and Beach Club and Disney's Coronado Springs Resorts) will continue to apply the old policy, which permits guests at least 12 years old and 5 feet tall to operate independently as long as the parent/legal guardian signs for the child.
Annual Passholder room discounts and fall Dream Maker packages are expected to be released at any point, though they were not available as of press time. Expect them to be available any day, covering August 29 through December.
…We're sorry to have scared those of you who read the Refurbishments and Closures section last week. Disney had listed Liberty Square as being closed from September 9 to 18 and we had resported it as such. They have now clarified that it is the Liberty Square Riverboat that will be down, and the correct dates are now September 5 to 18.
…The mermaid atop the fountain from Splash located near the Backlot Tour at the Disney-MGM studios was broken off by Hurricane Charley, though there are reports that the fountain has already been repaired.
Have any interesting news or rumors? Let us know.
Discounts are available on rooms at Walt Disney World for stays from August 29 through September 29. Reservations must be made by August 28. Additional discounts were also announced for Annual Passholders, Florida residents, and Canadian residents. See the Walt Disney World web site (link) or MouseSavers (link) for more information.
The Florida Resident Play 4 Days Ticket allows Florida residents four days of play in Disney's four theme parks between July 30 and Nov. 21, 2004 for $119 per person ($126.74 including tax). Park-hopping is permitted on the days used. The ticket is available at Disney theme parks, Florida Disney Stores, and other locations such as Florida AAA offices. Proof of Florida residency is required.
A new specially-priced Dream Maker package is available for most nights from August 29 - September 29. The discount is on the room portion of the package only. Reservations must be made by August 28. See the Walt Disney World web site (link) or MouseSavers (link) for more information.
A new Night of Joy Travel Package is available starting at $149 per person, per night based on double adult occupancy at Disney Resort. The Night of Joy Travel Package features: three-night accommodations at a Disney Value Resort; one Ultimate Park Hopper Ticket good for all Walt Disney World theme parks and more from check-in day through check-out day; and one three-day Night of Joy Ticket for Disney's 22nd annual Christian music celebration in Magic Kingdom. The package also includes an Official Walt Disney World Travel Company luggage tag (one per person), two souvenir Disney trading pins and two lanyards (per room) plus a Choice Feature such as miniature golf, a Leave a Legacy tile at Epcot or savings on a dining experience at Planet Hollywood at Downtown Disney West Side. Reservations must be made by August 28.
Radission Resort Parkway, a MousePlanet sponsor, has reduced their rates even more. Rates have been dropped effective immediately to September levels. Book now through the end of September for ratest starting at $75.95. In addition to these reduced rates, guests can receive a complimentary upgrade to deluxe pool view accommodations for the remainder of 2004 simply by typing in the code of UPGR in the promotional field of the reservation.
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Courtyard View |
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8/9/04 - 9/30/04 |
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10/1/04 - 12/23/04 |
$84.95 |
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12/24/04 - 12/31/04 |
$109.95 |
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Click here for more information, or here to make reservations now.
2005 rates will be available shortly.
Florida residents can receive 20 percent off Category Two tickets at Cirque du Soleil in Downtown Disney's West Side from June 1 – September 30, 2004. Blackout dates are June 20 – July 5 and August 22–25. Proof of residency and advance purchase are required. The discount is not available at the ticket window, and there is a limit of four tickets per transaction. To order call 407-939-1282.
Guests of the Gaylord Palms Resort will receive a $75 credit to cover the higher cost of gasoline for stays of at least three nights from June 15 through Sept. 6. The Orlando-area resort will provide the room credit to guests who make a reservation using the promotion code FREEGAS. It is not a requirement that guests drive to the resort in order to get the discount.
Summer Price Slice is back with special-value greens fees on tee times after 10 a.m. daily from May 17 through September 30 on Disney's five championship courses.
Golfers can test the premier Osprey Ridge course after 10 a.m. for $65 (compared to a normal seasonal greens fee of $119) or Eagle Pines for $50 (compared to a normal seasonal fee of $109). Post-10 a.m. rounds on the Magnolia, Palm or Lake Buena Vista courses are $45 (compared to a normal seasonal fee of $99). Cart is included.
Disney's Summer Price Slice also gives golfers the opportunity to play afternoon rounds late into the day. Golfers can take on Osprey Ridge after 3 p.m. for $35 ($30 after 5 p.m.). Eagle Pines, Magnolia, Palm and Lake Buena Vista start at $30 after 3 p.m. ($25 after 5 p.m.).
For tee times, guests may call 407/WDW-GOLF (407-939-4653). For information on the Walt Disney World golf courses Web site (link).
The Walt Disney World Resort is encouraging visitors to buy their theme park tickets before they even leave home, by offering a slight discount on advance purchases. You can save as much as $26 per adult, per ticket with the “Advance Purchase Savings” program. These prices are before the 6.5 percent Orange County sales tax.
You can also receive these Advance Purchase Savings with packages purchased through AAA.
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Receive 10 percent off the price of their lunch meal at selected Walt Disney World Resort hotel restaurants, and the discount is good for up to three guests. The offer is valid Mondays through Fridays. Call 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463) for locations and reservations.
Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through October 2004.
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Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through October 2004.
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| Monday 8/23 | |||
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 8:30p |
Illuminations! 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 8:30p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
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Tuesday 8/24 | |||
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 8:30p Wishes Fireworks 9:30p |
Illuminations! 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 8:30p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
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Wednesday 8/25 | |||
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 8:30p |
Illuminations! 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 8:30p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
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Thursday 8/26 | |||
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 8:30p |
Illuminations! 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 8:30p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
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Friday 8/27 | |||
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 8:30p |
Illuminations! 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 8:30p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
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Saturday 8/28 | |||
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 8:30p Wishes Fireworks 9:30p |
Illuminations! 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 8:30p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
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Sunday 8/29 | |||
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 8:30p |
Illuminations! 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 8:30p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
| Monday 8/30 | |||
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 8:30p |
Illuminations! 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 8:30p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
(Separate admission required)
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| Monday 8/23 | |||
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Elliot Dyson |
80Z All Stars |
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Tuesday 8/24 | |||
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Elliot Dyson |
Harry Dash |
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Wednesday 8/25 | |||
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Elliot Dyson |
Kabang |
Fifth Year Crush |
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Thursday 8/26 | |||
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Joy Wright |
80Z All Stars |
Fifth Year Crush |
Psychedelic Furs with TBA (main room), $17.50 advance/$19.50 day of show; 8pm The Vodkanauts (Blues Kitchen), free; 11pm |
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Friday 8/27 | |||
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Joy Wright |
80Z All Stars |
Fifth Year Crush |
Heart with Lennon (main room), $45 advance/$47.50 day of show; 8:30pm The Damon Fowler Group (Blues Kitchen), free; 11pm |
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Saturday 8/28 | |||
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TBA |
TBA |
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TBA (main room), $5 for 21 & up/$7 all others; 8pm TBA (Blues Kitchen); free, 11pm |
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Sunday 8/29 | |||
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TBA |
TBA |
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TBA (gospel brunch), $30 adult, $15 child (3-9); 10:30am, 1pm |
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TBA |
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(Send an email to Mark Goldhaber)
Mark (@MPMark) is a veteran of dozens of trips to Walt Disney World starting in 1972, with a few Disneyland trips thrown in for good measure. As a Disney stockholder and a Disney Vacation Club member, Mark is always in touch with what's going on with The Mouse. Mark serves as MousePlanet's Walt Disney World content coordinator. Mark is a senior information technology manager working for the State of New York. He lives in the suburbs outside Albany, New York, with his wife and son.
