Camping in central FL for the next few weeks

[perryg114]

We have reservations near Orlando to camp for Oct and I am wondering if the place will still be a mess in two weeks. Power still off in many places, no place to buy food and gas. Roads are bumper to bumper if not blocked.

Perry

[AWCHIEF]

My crystal ball says it will take months if not years for Florida to start approaching what passes for normal down there. You might might want to get in touch with the parks that you have reservations for updates.

[HiJoeSilver]

Call the park and talk to them. Central Florida isn't doing as bad as the coasts. Know a few people wjo already have power back in that general area.

[Lily&Me]

With so many people displaced down there, available campsites might be most needed for refugees and helpers.

Just my thought...

Maggie

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by perryg114

We have reservations near Orlando to camp for Oct and I am wondering if the place will still be a mess in two weeks. Power still off in many places, no place to buy food and gas. Roads are bumper to bumper if not blocked.

If it's a mess now, then I can guarantee it will still be a mess in 2 weeks. If past hurricanes are any example, even with the influx of relief workers from all over the country, there still won't be enough manpower and womanpower to go around.

But even if the campground is untouched and pristine (unlikely), then from a standpoint of social consciousness, if you don't live there and you aren't part of the recovery effort, please cancel your reservation and wait for better times.

With so many people displaced and distressed, the last thing they need is tourists getting underfoot while they try to get back on their feet.

[OTRA15]

No need to speculate about theoretical needs and situations.

Just call the campgrounds and see what they say. They will know if demand is high for recovery workers and/or displaced residents. Their feedback will be specific for each location.

Of course, yielding one's reservation for a higher need might be a thoughtful and compassionate way of contributing to the recovery efforts!

[m.hony]

There is a possibility that some power will be restored and some cleanup will happen by the time you go.
Otherwise, change your plans.

[LazyGray2]

We have reservations at Fort Wilderness in Disney World for the 23rd of this month. It is currently closed, but there is no specific reopening date that I can find. ��

[m.hony]

Disney will open before anything else. They have there own power generating plant, water plant, and maintenance and cleanup crews.
I was working during a hurricane in Florida in 2004 (can't recall the name). Everything was closed. No food. No water. No gas. Tolls were waved on the toll road.
Disney was open and it was if nothing had happened.
I had to leave my hotel due to no power or water, but was able to go to Disney World.
You may have no worries at all.
It's magical!

[kendrick.l.j]

Have to agree with Protagonist, as usual, if you are or were planning on vacations in Florida I would think it isn't great right now with the exception of Disney. A lot of people, including me, are just trying to get home.

[WDEL]

I live in central florida near inverness,fl about 1.5 hr above Orlando. Duke Power just informed us that the tampa counties wont have power before sunday evening. Also i just drove 50 miles to repair a friends house passed 10 gas stations. Only Two were open with lines over an hour long at each. We have had a sever shortage of gas since 5 days before the storm and not likely to get much very soon.

[m.hony]

What days in October?
The further out the reservation is, the more likely things will be restored to order.
Oct 1 is just 17 days away, but a lot can happen in 17 days, especially with Disney magic.
The further away the reservation is the better things will be.
I'm sure you can cal (407) W DISNEY for updates.

[Glenritas]

I hear Branson is nice this time of year ...

Why go to a disaster zone when you can go anywhere else ?

Reservations can be canceled or put off for next year .

[perryg114]

I will wait about a week and call the park and see what they say. My parents are down there but they are safe where they are and the power is back on. If someone needs the sight for cleanup or refuge, they will be more than welcome to have it. I will get the park's recommendation on how to proceed. Around Thanksgiving might be better. Even central FL is in bad shape. I don't want to hinder cleanup effort nor do I want to get stranded down there trying to get fuel to get back home. Four cars could fill up on what a tank in the Excursion consumes.

Perry

[BCC1]

I live in Central Florida (Lakeland). Irma was a Cat 2 when it hit here and much of the damage is very light and mainly power lines and trees.

Florida businesses and their employees thrive on tourism. Many areas either have power or are getting it quickly.

I'd ask the parks you are considering (by email), when they would like visitors. I think it will be surprisingly quickly.

Heck, my favorite Scuba Diving Center down in Key Largo, is trying to open this weekend!

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by perryg114

I will wait about a week and call the park and see what they say. My parents are down there but they are safe where they are and the power is back on. If someone needs the sight for cleanup or refuge, they will be more than welcome to have it. I will get the park's recommendation on how to proceed. Around Thanksgiving might be better. Even central FL is in bad shape. I don't want to hinder cleanup effort nor do I want to get stranded down there trying to get fuel to get back home. Four cars could fill up on what a tank in the Excursion consumes.

Perry

Thanks for the update. In a week you may get good news in those phone calls IMO.

Good luck!

Peter

[369goose]

Protagonist, thank you for answering in such a kind way. I suppose those who've not gone thru something the magnitude of an Irma, Harvey, Katrina or Charley can't comprehend and I pray they never have to.

We have everyone from Army Nat'l Guard to local utility heroes and utilities from all across the country assisting to restore our little bit of paradise to the pristine, beautiful place so many enjoy. Florida is a mess right now and will take some time to pull together. Our Governor & first responders have done an outstanding job supplying resources before, during and now after the hurricane. We are witnessing friends helping friends which is genuinely heartwarming. On the other hand we see that there is nothing common about common sense although the majority of people are using their common sense and are kind and decent. At times like this it is wonderful to see. I hope travelers will visit but give us a bit of time to put the lights back on.

[369goose]

http://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/fl...d=SM_tw_vf_gen

[OTRA15]

Thanks for posting that resource. In two weeks per OP, many areas in Florida may be in good shape to welcome visitors again, and the influx of spending dollars may be just what those areas need IMO.

Again, the campground(s) in question will know what is best for their specific area, and the OP has expressed his willingness to pass along his reservation, as appropriate.

Best wishes for the entire state's recovery and rebound from Irma!

Peter

[normandgrace]

it is Saturday morning in south Florida. electricity is back on, no lines at gas stations, grocery stores are in stock. don't let the people who don't live here scare you. come on down! call the campground to check their status. spend your money here. feel appreciated by the locals. I kept reading posts from non Floridians with the gloom and doom forecast for Irma, but we prepared, we hunkered down and we are back in business. the gloom and doom amateur weather forecasters know nothing. there may be a few bumps in the road, and minor inconveniences, but you will be on the road in paradise in your airstream. what more can you ask for. plus October in Florida can be spectacular. welcome to our home!