Will Dorian’s Force Affect Galaxy’s Edge Opening?
The FOMO (feeling of missing out for the ‘boomers out there) is real. But, as Hurricane Dorian sets its forecast on Florida, that jealousy turns itself into worry. You see, Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge is just about to open (as is Epcot Food & Wine) — on August 29 — at Walt Disney World. And, the fact that dark weather forces might spoil the party is becoming a story – on top of the concern, everyone in the United States has for their fellow citizens in Puerto Rico and the Southeast!
Dorian Looms Large
The Motley Fool financial news site reported:
There’s no shortage of critics on one side and fan appreciation on the other when it comes to Disney’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, but Mother Nature may be the one storming in for the final word. Tropical Storm Dorian continues to strengthen as it makes its way through the Atlantic, and the latest advisory has it potentially hitting Florida as a Category 2 hurricane during the Labor Day weekend.
There’s never a good time for a windstorm, but it’s downright disruptive to the state of Florida when it happens during a popular holiday travel weekend. The possibility of what would be a Hurricane Dorian strike could upend Disney World’s best-laid plans for what should’ve been one of its biggest weekends in years. Now, the theme-park giant is bracing for resort cancellations with a spike in poncho sales serving as a cruel silver lining against graying skies.
Investors and theme-park fans alike are watching Disney this weekend. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios officially opens on Thursday, the same day as the popular International Food and Wine Festival kicks off at Epcot. With attendance surprisingly down at the original Disneyland last quarter — despite opening its own version of the Star Wars-themed expansion in May — there’s a lot riding on this weekend’s turnstile clicks.
Florida Forecast
However, the Associated Press, as of 4:21 PM on Wednesday, reported:
People in Florida are starting to get ready for a possible Labor Day strike from Hurricane Dorian, which forecasters say could grow into a Category 3 storm.
Gov. Ron DeSantis tweeted Wednesday that: “All Floridians on the East Coast should have 7 days of supplies, prepare their homes & follow the track closely”…
The prospect of Dorian already is dinging the region’s tourism. The head of Volusa County’s Lodging and Hospitality Association says hotel reservations there went from three-quarter capacity down to half through cancellations.
Disney plans to open its long-anticipated Star Wars Land on Thursday, and that had been expected to drive attendance over the three-day weekend. There’s no word yet on any possible closure.
Eyes On SWGA in FLA
But lots of people are keeping an eye on Florida, right now.
Motley Fool’s Rick Munarriz wrote:
Investors and theme-park fans alike are watching Disney this weekend. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios officially opens on Thursday, the same day as the popular International Food and Wine Festival kicks off at Epcot. With attendance surprisingly down at the original Disneyland last quarter — despite opening its own version of the Star Wars-themed expansion in May — there’s a lot riding on this weekend’s turnstile clicks...
Disney is no stranger to the whims of Florida’s summer weather. The resort, which is open year-round, had to temporarily close its gated attractions for Hurricane Irma in 2017 and Hurricane Matthew in 2016. A storm-related closure would push this to three instances over four years, a rare sight at Disney World, which prides itself on being open 365 days a year.
A lot can happen between now and this weekend to change Dorian’s direction and intensity, and any Jedi mind trick that Disney can do to keep the storm out of harm’s way would be greatly appreciated by the state’s tourism industry, as well as its residents.
Hear, hear. May the Force be with everyone in/traveling to/from Disney this week.