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A Disney resort during a hurricane is basically like the twilight zone.
That’s how Jan Tuckwood, who has a home in Lake Worth but spends much of her time in Charlotte, North Carolina, described Tuesday and Wednesday at Disney’s Swan Reserve.
No valet met her at the door when she arrived. Housekeeping and other staffing were limited. Restaurants were closed or had reduced menus and boxed meals.
While Disney parks remained closed Thursday as officials assessed Ian’s impact and cleared debris, hotels were not allowing new guests. But those who arrived earlier in the week or evacuated to Orlando from Florida’s Gulf Coast stayed, content with help from Disney Magic and pared-back cocktails.
“My grandchildren and I were planning a trip, so we had already booked,” she said.
She and her daughter spent Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at the Swan Reserve Hotel before moving next door to the Swan on Thursday. The Swan and Swan Reserve are Marriot hotels.
On Thursday, she didn’t see much damage, mostly standing water and debris from trees and plants.
“Disney World is as you would imagine if an incredible number of children were locked down for two days and had their hopes dashed by the ultimate villain, Hurricane Ian,” she said. “But I saw fewer kids screaming and having tantrums than on other trips.”
Hotels have opened their ballrooms to host children’s activities, play movies and hand out coloring books.
Thursday morning, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort brought characters to the lobby for a dance party with the kids. The Ale & Compass lounge was open and several adults in ponchos were enjoying a morning cocktail.
Tuckwood said she and her daughter, Alena Rodriguez of Denver, spent Tuesday and Wednesday hitting the fitness center, watching the Weather Channel and getting to know the skeletal staff who remained on duty.
On Wednesday night, their 14th-floor room at the Swan Reserve, which opened last year, developed a leak.
“As the rain continued to fall, there was a lot of water on the floors, so they moved us to the ninth floor,” she said.
On Thursday, Tuckwood and Rodriguez were expecting the rest of their family. The parks should reopen from Friday and they are hoping for good weather.
Tuckwood had nothing but praise for Disney, the hotels and their staff.
“It’s a good lesson for kids to learn about flexibility and how to deal with adversity,” she said. “You won’t see Cinderella today, but you will have a Cinderella poncho and you can go jump in a puddle.”
The latest statement from Disney officials
On Friday, Walt Disney World resorts began the phased reopening of their theme parks. Reopening information is available at DisneyWorld.com/Weather.”
Guests who did not use any portion of tickets intended for park closing days were urged to contact Disney to change their travel plans, according to usatoday.com. Customers with partially used multi-day theme park tickets will be able to use their remaining ticket days through September 30, 2023.
Guests who had tickets to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on Thursday will automatically receive a refund within seven business days if they booked through Disney. Customers who have booked through travel agencies or other parties should contact those suppliers.
Disney Springs remained closed. “Drawn to Life”, the Cirque du Soleil show in residence at Disney Springs has canceled its Thursday performances, and the Friday show from 5:30 p.m. has been postponed to 8 p.m.
Those with reservations for Disney Hotels and Resorts for Friday are asked not to arrive until 3 p.m. Fees will be waived for those who must reschedule or cancel trips.
Effect of Hurricane Ian on SeaWorld, Universal
SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando and Discovery Cove also remained closed on Thursday. “Customers are encouraged to return to our website and follow our social media channels for updates,” according to seaworldentertainment.com.
Discovery Cove will reschedule or refund reservations made online or from the call center free of charge. More information is available at 407-513-4600.
Universal Orlando Resort, including CityWalk, plans to reopen Friday. Universal Hotels are currently at full capacity.
Suzy Fleming Leonard is a business journalist with over three decades of experience. Contact her at sleonard@floridatoday.com. Find her on Facebook: @SuzyFlemingLeonard or on Instagram: @SuzyLeonard
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