New Hurricane Dorian Projections Have Walt Disney World Changing Its Statement

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Latest updates on Hurricane Dorian indicate that it is moving further east and off the Florida coast. In light of this, it appears Walt Disney World has since adjusted their statement on the upcoming storm:

This statement is much more concise than their earlier one where they mentioned contacting guests staying at specific resorts, like Fort Wilderness, for alternate arrangements. Currently, Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions, with Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park closed on Sunday.

The forecasted track for Hurricane Dorian has been updated to miss Florida, with Dorian now expected to make landfall between Georgia and the Carolinas. Florida is not entirely safe however, as the state remains in the “Cone of Uncertainty” which means a shift in Dorian could put Florida directly in the path of the storm.

The National Hurricane Center continues to urge Florida visitors and residents to make preparations ahead of Hurricane Dorian as trajectories can still shift at the last minute, not to mention the effects of flooding and other impacts from being inside the cone.

While Walt Disney World’s Hurricane Policy states that a Hurricane Watch or Warning must be issued for cancellation or change fees to be waived, it appears that Disney Vacation Club is already extending that courtesy to guests with upcoming reservations this weekend, and some of our readers have reported getting it waived for regular Walt Disney World resort reservations and vacation packages.

You can check out Disney’s hurricane policy, here.

Crowd Still Flocking to Galaxy’s Edge Despite Incoming Hurricane

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Hollywood Studios, Uncategorized

The pull of “the force” has loyal Star Wars fans flocking to Walt Disney World’s highly anticipated, $1 billion Galaxy’s Edge attraction –despite Hurricane Dorian’s race towards the Sunshine State.

Though the gates of Disney’s Hollywood Studios were not scheduled to open until 6 a.m. on Thursday, officials surprised the “thousands” of fans gathered with early entry around 4:45 a.m., the Orlando Sentinel reports.

“I’m still on the high,” park-goer Adrian Vazquez of New Jersey told the outlet of the thrilling experience of visiting the Star Wars-themed land at last. “I haven’t slept in about 24 hours.”

Two Florida sweethearts even got engaged in front of the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run ride that day.

“I’ve never been too much of one to have an audience, but that was awesome,” Robert Trevelyan said of popping the question to his girlfriend Megan Bender before the signature ride. “The energy around is just amazing.”

All storm-related concerns aside, Star Wars lovers waited for as many as five hours to hop on the Millennium Falcon ride, while people queued in long lines to buy $6 Coca-Cola sodas in thematic “thermal detonator” shaped bottles.

Months in the making, Galaxy’s Edge visitors can look forward to building their own lightsabers and droids at special shops, kitting themselves out at clothing stores like Black Spire Outfitters and dining at Oga’s Cantina and food stands on iconic fare like blue and green milk from the beloved film franchise, Fox 13 reports.

Despite all the fanfare, locals who live near the Happiest Place on Earth were stocking up on water, gas and the essentials as the Category 2 storm moves towards the Sunshine State, reported the Orlando Sentinel.

Dorian is expected to become a major hurricane Friday as forecasters are warning Florida residents that there is an “increasing likelihood” parts of the state will face “a prolonged period of hazardous weather conditions” early next week.

As of early Friday morning, the Category 2 storm – which has maximum sustained winds blowing at 110 mph – was centered about 255 miles east of the Bahamas, moving northwest at 12 mph. It was only about 1 mph away from reaching Category 3 status.

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Hurricane Dorian Likely to Bear Down on Florida over the Weekend

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

Recent updates from the National Hurricane Center indicate that the now-Hurricane Dorian is barrelling its way towards Florida, affecting all of the eastern coastline and many inland areas, and Governor Ron DeSantis has just issued Executive Order 19-189, declaring a state of emergency for counties in the path of Hurricane Dorian.

The Governor is urging all Floridians on the East Coast to prepare for impacts, as the latest forecasts from the National Hurricane Center project Hurricane Dorian will make landfall on Florida’s East Coast as a major hurricane.

By declaring a state of emergency, Governor DeSantis is ensuring that state and local governments have ample time, resources and flexibility to prepare. The State Emergency Operations Center will activate to a Level 2 on Thursday morning, enhancing the coordination between federal, state and local emergency management agencies.

“Today, I am declaring a state of emergency to ensure Florida is fully prepared for Hurricane Dorian,” said Governor DeSantis.“It’s important for Floridians on the East Coast to monitor this storm closely. Every Florida resident should have seven days of supplies, including food, water and medicine, and should have a plan in case of disaster. I will continue to monitor Hurricane Dorian closely with emergency management officials. The state stands ready to support all counties along the coast as they prepare.”

You can check for any further updates for Hurricane Dorian from the National Hurricane Center here, and read up on Walt Disney World’s hurricane policy here.