Cortezcapt (Derek)

We had a reservation for the Fort this weekend, they were giving the option of canceling with a refund of the deposit, changing the reservation to a different time, or switching to another resort where they would allow you to bring your pets.

I didn't see the original article, just a screenshot of it from someone and didn't pay much attention. It did give me enough of a nagging fear to do some searching where I came across the post I linked. I did some math on my own and figuring at lowest rates and half occupancy (rarely either of those happen) the Fort would more than make up the repair costs. Not counting BYBQ or Hoop Dee Do. I'll feel better when the Fort is back open!

RUMORS, HEARSAY, & FEARS Spoke with a CM in customer service today because we had a reservation for this weekend at the Fort (3hrs on hold). When she first answered she said the campground would not be open before the 18th of September, later in the conversation she said that she hadn't personally seen the Fort since Irma but a fellow CM told her there was severe damage and that the lobby had flooded. When I asked if they were going to fix and reopen the Fort for sure she said she thought so but that they were still waiting for inspectors to go through and deem it safe for CMs

Just got this email "We have an important update about your upcoming reservation at The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort. For the safety of our Guests and Cast Members, Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground is closed until further notice as we recover from Hurricane Irma. If you wish to relocate to another Walt Disney World® Resort hotel or reschedule your trip, please contact us at your earliest convenience so we can assist yo

Just got this email from Disney "We have an important update about your upcoming reservation at The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort. For the safety of our Guests and Cast Members, Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground is closed until further notice as we recover from Hurricane Irma. If you wish to relocate to another Walt Disney World® Resort hotel or reschedule your trip, please contact us at your earliest convenience so we c

Below is a text I just received from Florida Power and Light. "FPL Alert: Avoid fallen power lines & standing water after Irma. We expect to restore the West Coast area by end of day, Sept. 22, except for areas impacted by tornadoes and severe flooding. Use FPL.com for updates. To continue to receive a daily storm restoration text alert, update your info at FPL.com/preferences"

When I called earlier to see if the Fort would be open on Thursday I was told there was no information at this time and to continue checking back.

192 is bad anytime I can't imagine what it would be like without working lights. Through our downtown area there are 6 lights in a row one every block, one was out and the rest were working which made for a good bit of confusion. Luckily there weren't a lot of people out on the roads earlier in the day.

Oh I'll also add drive safe! It's seemed like everyone is in a daze and has no idea what's happening around them. Saw so many people just fly through stop lights that were out today, or looking at damage and not paying attention to the roads. I was honestly glad to get back home and stay here.

Glad y'all are safe and still have power. That's horrible about that couple. Stay safe! We'll keep praying.

I would say traffic is going to be slow, a lot of people left and I think those that can will wait till utilities are back up before they return home. So will probably trickle in through the week. We are supposed to check in Thursday, but we are south of the Fort so shouldn't be to bad getting there if they have all the major roads cleared which I'm sure they do or will. Fuel will be the main factor.

Still saying 104,000 without power in Manatee county. We went to check on my aunt and cousins houses this afternoon, lots of downed trees and power lines. Reports from friends that they are getting power up in areas. They have closed the schools for the rest of the week here.

Glad y'all are alright BigTom We made it through here in Bradenton, we were very lucky! Some fence down, branches in the yard, a few shingles in the yard but not sure if they are ours yet or not. Amazingly we only lost power for about 30 mins last night. When I looked at the FPL website it says out of 184,900 customers in Manatee county 122,640 lost power with 109,309 still without. When it's safe to get out on the road we will go check my aunt and cousins houses. We are still praying for all those effected and still in the path of Irma. Even though she's loosing str

https://disastersafety.org/ibhs-news-releases/shut-the-doors-on-hurricane-irma/ Friend texted me this, never heard it before but kinda makes sense.

We have about 25mph winds here in Bradenton right now a little gusty light rain off and on. Power has flickered off and on a few times (knock on wood) it's still on. Got up and had a big breakfast, thinking of naps today because I doubt anyone will sleep tonight.

I watched several shuttles go up from the west coast nothing like being at the cape or Kennedy. Sadly one of those launches was the Challenger. I also remember the shuttle flying over to land and the Sonic booms. Have watched rockets from the beach in Melbourne. Unfortunately the time we could have got on property at Kennedy to watch a shuttle the launch was cancelled multiple times till we finally went home, it launched the next day. I definitely want to get back over to see some more rockets go up.

I remember reading on here the Fort was closed for several days but couldn't remember how long. It's not looking good ( mostly wishful thinking on my part) even if they get the Fort open who knows what shape the roads and for that matter our house and trailer will be in after Irma.

For CMs with no one to take care of or even those with families I definitely could see being at work in a Disney resort being better than being at home. Does anyone know if cast members are allowed to bring their family members and or pets with them if they are working through a storm? I know the retirement community my mom works for allows family and pets, but they also require that you work unless you can get special permission otherwise. I guess if they are volunteering to work maybe they don't allow family and pets at Disney.

I second that, well actually hoping for Thursday the 14th when we check in!

Fingers crossed we will be able to make our Fort reservations and do some research for you. Though I honestly don't have a good feeling about it, we are supposed to check in on Thursday! ??

When I first read this I took it as they would be reopening Monday (could just be that my brain is exhausted at this point), I was thinking they are being very optimistic. Makes me feel better after looking more online that they will be closed Sunday and Monday.

Interesting definitely not for me, I like to be able to use it last minute or whenever I want. Plus a lot of wear and tear and to much work as far as I'm concerned. But I'm sure it would/does work for some people.

That's what I was thinking, by Saturday afternoon it will be to late.

This is a big storm with the possibility of effecting most of the state in someway, did the governor react to early maybe but most likely not. Think about hurricane Charlie, it was supposed to make landfall in the Tampa Bay area. Ok great everyone here prepared, but many further south and through the center of the state did not prepare for the strength of storm that they got when it turned and went ashore in the Captiva area. Yes it is an inconvenience to have schools closed, lines, gas shortages and it does make it harder for those who do need to evacuate, could it have been handled differen

When Matthew went up the east coast last year we had a lot of people who evacuated over here to the west coast. If I remember correctly some of the Manatee county shelters opened for them and locals in trailers and low lying areas. I have been surprised by the way this storm is effecting people, me included. I don't even remember it being as bad when Charlie was supposed to come through here and that would have been almost a direct hit. I'm not saying it's a bad thing, just surprising.