ORLANDO, Fla. – Many tourists stuck in Central Florida because of Hurricane Sandy are spending the time shopping, giving Orlando an unexpected economic boost.
Local 6 spoke to several stranded travelers at the Orlando Premium Outlets on Vineland Avenue on Monday who said they were enjoying the good weather and spending extra time shopping.
"We're not complaining about it- when we go home it'll be minus ten probably," said Ali Toghrol of Canada. He said his friends just got off a cruise ship, and are finding out that Hurricane Sandy may keep them in Orlando a little bit longer than planned.
"We're just worried about tomorrow because we have a layover in Washington and all the flights are canceled, and we're hoping tomorrow to be able to get a direct flight to either Toronto of Montreal," he said.
Kayla Ehle works in Manhattan, and couldn't get a direct flight into New York, so she's taking an alternate route.
"I'm flying up to Syracuse hopefully, in a couple hours, and then I'm going to drive down," she said.
Rosen hotels are offering discounted rates to stranded travelers.
"Yea it's helpful yes, if we have to stay it's helpful if the rates are discounted," said Kathy Pope, who is visiting with her family from London.
National Hurricane Center Director Rick Knabb said Sandy was beginning to lose its tropical nature as it merges with a cold weather system that is already dumping snow in West Virginia.