UPDATE 8/30/19 - 12PM: Per the Weather Channel, "The biggest concern will be Dorian's slow motion when it is near Florida, placing some areas of the state at an increasing risk of a prolonged, drawn-out event of strong winds, dangerous storm surge and heavy rainfall," the National Hurricane Center said early Friday.
The National Hurricane Center is warning residents & visitors of Florida's east coast about life-threatening storm surge and devastating hurricane-force winds. Residents should have their hurricane plan in place and listen to the advice given by local emergency officials
Disney Cruise Update:
Disney Dream – Friday, August 30
Per Disney Cruise website "Based on our most recent conversations with ports in Florida and to help our Guests better finalize their travel plans, we have decided to turn this cruise into a five-night sailing, departing as planned on Friday, August 30, with an expected return to Port Canaveral on Wednesday, September 4. Once the ship departs Port Canaveral tomorrow, it will keep a safe distance from the storm.
At this time, we anticipate Disney Dream will visit Cozumel, Mexico on Sunday, September 1. Current plans also include a stop on Tuesday, September 3 at Disney Castaway Cay, dependent on the storm’s path. We will continue to monitor weather forecasts throughout your sailing and adjust as needed.
Guests who do not want to sail on Friday, must call us at 866-325-3905 or 407-566-7032 by noon on Friday (tomorrow). Guests will then have until October 31, 2019 to choose a new sail date. They may change their reservation to a later date without incurring a change fee, though there may be a difference in price depending on the new sailing selected."
MCO Update:
No official time has been set for Orlando International Airport to cease operations but they are watching the storm path carefully.
UPDATE 8/29/19 - 8 PM: The Weather Channel reports that "uncertainty continues to be high when it comes to exact forecast impacts in the southeastern U.S. and the northwestern Bahamas. The uncertainty in Dorian's exact track is mainly related to an area of high pressure off the East Coast. If high pressure remains strong over the Southeast, then Dorian would track straight into Florida. But if the western periphery of the high is significantly eroded by a subtle disturbance moving through the eastern United States, then Dorian could turn more northward near or off the coast of Florida."
The National Hurricane Center is stating that tropical storm force winds may start in Florida "as early as" Saturday evening. It is still being reported that Dorian will be a Category 4 when it hits land.
The MCO update and Disney Cruise update remain the same as reported in the previous update at 12 PM today.
Original Story:
With the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival and the holiday this weekend, Disney World Resort was expecting massive crowds and now a hurricane may be headed to central Florida.
In fact, Florida governor Ron Desantis just declared a state of emergency for the state of Florida, “Today, I am declaring a state of emergency to ensure Florida is fully prepared for Hurricane Dorian. 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.”
A lot can happen between now and this weekend and hopefully Dorian's direction and intensity changes. I know Disney will be attempting their best version of a jedi mind trick to keep the storm out of harm's way!
Be careful and stay safe!