Walt Disney World with Irma -- Part V -- Meeting Irma

They cancelled my flight home days before the storm hit, which I mentioned before. I tried for several days to get out, and then resigned myself to having Irma crash my vacation. To be fair, I can't think of a better place to ride out a storm. They were evacuating people to the resort, so I knew I was in safe hands.

Before the storm, I was a little worried about the wildlife, and hoped all the little animals would find good places to shelter.



I wasn't worried about the pool chairs. I was pretty sure Disney had safe places for those.



They had closed the pool in the days leading up to the storm, but reopened it for a bit. I guess because it was still come, and the rain was not accompanied by lightning.



This is a before shot of the beach volleyball court.



Once the rain set in, they left baskets of towels near the doors of the resort so you could dry off.  Gotta love Disney's attention to detail.



They also prepped the property for high winds, including wrapping the light fixtures so broken glass wouldn't go flying everywhere.



Eventually, only the ducks were allowed to swim.



They kept Hurricane Hannah's open as long as possible, but in a partially shuttered state. The drink of the day was a "Cat 5".



They kept the indoor lounges open. The drink of the day was a "Dark and Stormy".



I found it cozy enough.


Even before the storm really hit, they had characters and activities in the lobby to keep the little ones entertained, and to prevent people from developing cabin fever.



The skies were getting darker, and the rain was getting harder.





The pool was definitely closed.



The Disney Cast who stayed did an amazing job keeping everyone entertained. (I don't have pictures of this, but people evacuated with their pets, so I was treated to the acquaintance of a few fine dogs besides Pluto).





Storm watch in the lounge.



I went to my room, and before the winds got too intense I was treated to the sounds of a father and son duo yelling about the "Gatornado". They later made up a song about it. I loved their spirit.

It wasn't much of an adventure for us really. There was wind, and rain, but we never lost power, or even internet. Disney was showing its best movies on the in-room television, and generally keeping everyone safe and entertained.



The next day we got to see what the storm had brought. The volleyball court was flooded, and there was debris pretty much everywhere, but we had come through unscathed. They asked us to stay inside that day so no one could be injured by debris. Once we were given the all clear to go outside though...









I was glad to see that this little guy was safe.



It was still a few days after this that flights resumed and I finally made it home.  I wouldn't deliberately get stuck in a hurricane, but if I found myself here during one, I don't think I'd have any concerns about how well Disney would take care of me.