MickeyBlog.com Goes To Washington (Post)
Okay, pardon us for getting a little excited.
However, when the paper of record recognizes your Editor-in-Chief as an authority – well, let’s just say it’s pretty cool for everyone at the outlet.
And that’s exactly why The Washington Post — yes, The Washington Post of “All The President’s Men” and “The Post” — interviewed our very own Greg Antonelle about Walt Disney World.
Unfortunately, the article happens to be about a downer of a subject – the imminent landfall of Hurricane Dorian and what it means for Disney World.
But hey, its good to be in the know — and work for those in the know — nonetheless. So read up…
To Go Or Not To Go
Hannah Sampson of The Washington Post (!) wrote:
Tourists flocked to Central Florida on Thursday for an intergalactic experience: the grand opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World. But they may be in for some atmospheric action as well.
Hurricane Dorian continued on its path toward the Southeast United States the same day, with landfall possible in Florida by afternoon on Labor Day. The latest National Hurricane Center forecast predicts the storm could grow to a major Category 4 hurricane by the time it reaches land, though it’s still not clear exactly where that will happen.
“It couldn’t come at a worse time,” says Dennis Speigel, president of consulting firm International Theme Park Services. “It’s the perfect storm, literally: It’s Galaxy’s Edge, it’s the holiday, and it’s just horrible.”
The Fear of NOT Being There
However, MickeyBlog.com’s Antonelle, also the chief brand officer at MickeyTravels, responded that many many guests were actually moving up their vacations; all so they could get it all in before the storm hits Florida to see the opening of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge and Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.
“Their fear is that their flight gets canceled on Sunday,” Antonelle told The Post. “They’re not concerned about coming here or being here, they’re actually concerned about not being here on time, so they’re moving their trips up.”
And, Greg added, there’s Disney World’s reputation for maintaining a normal footing during the worst of conditions.
Disney World: Safety First
“Worst-case scenario, the park might be closed for a day if it comes to that,” he said. “Disney’s always good about cleaning up, and safety is number one.”
Meanwhile, there’s one possible upside to the storm.
If you can get to Walt Disney World Resort, the crowds could be a whole lot less when you head to Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Epcot.