Hurricane Frances had affected the operation of both WDW and Universal in Orlando. Heres the latest from Disney:
Walt Disney World® Resort Updated Information for September 4, 2004, 6:00pm Based on information from the National Weather Service and consultation with emergency preparedness officials, Walt Disney World theme parks will be closed on Sunday, September 5. We anticipate returning to a normal operating schedule on Monday, September 6.
Additional schedule announcements will be made as updated information becomes available.
Our focus remains on maintaining a schedule that will allow us to safely care for the tens of thousands of Resort Guests who will be staying on Walt Disney World property throughout the weekend.
We have an extensive hurricane preparedness plan and are staffed and prepared for a realm of possible impacts that this type weather could have on our property.
Guests who have questions should call (407) WDW-INFO or (407) 939-4636.
I didnt find anything from Universal, but I know they are closed tomorrow. The biggest threat from the Frances to the theme parks (Central Florida) will be the heavy rain (possibly upwards of 15 inches) winds in excess of 75 mph and tornadoes. This link goes to the Melbourne, Florida National Weather Service Doppler Radar. Scary looking stuff.
At 7:30pm CDT when I posted this there was a Tornado Warning for Melbourne, which is about 50 miles east of Orlando, where a Flash Flood Warning is in effect. A Tornado Watch is in effect for the entire area.
Keep your fingers crossed guys. More updates as I get them.
I was watching tv this morn, and heard that all of the Central Orlano theme parks lost $41 million dollars combined! They all were closed 1-2 days. That doesn't even calculate damages problems of that nature that might need to be reparied/fixed!
SFGAMkid wrote:I was watching tv this morn, and heard that all of the Central Orlano theme parks lost $41 million dollars combined! They all were closed 1-2 days. That doesn't even calculate damages problems of that nature that might need to be reparied/fixed!
I know that sounds like a lot, but they make much, much more in an entire year.
Well even if hurricane is gone, they still have to inspect EVERY INCH of that park for damage including all the rides, plus, HURRICANE IVAN is on the way so even when they do open they will have maybe a week or 2 until they need to worry again.
but ya, they would have to inspect every ride and anything 100% in the park before re-opening
True that Orlando parks Mkes more $$$ in a year, but when any theme park has to close for a few days on the last major holiday of the summer before school starts, it's not just a "well....we lost some money, let's move on..." issue. Any loss of money is not the best thing for anybody.
Like I stated before, they don't know how much damage was done to any of the parks, so they could end up with more money lost repairing rides and buildings.
Plus being hit by Charlie, Frances, and now possibly Ivan is not helping them out either.
Sure they'll make up the money somehow. Prices will probably drop for guests to save money on property this off-season wether it be hotels or parks.
