I boarded DL1021 LGA>MCO at 1130am, (spoiler, back to the gate by 3:30pm).

Captain warned long taxi wait and wisely opted extra fuel - which took a while. Others taxiing now returned for fuel with gate availability issues, but the taxi line therefore got shorter.

Captain shared reports of serious wind shear prohibiting use of runway, and we all experienced heavy rain like being in a car wash. Aircraft was rocking in the wind. By 330pm it was thankfully "back to the gate" and subsequent crew time out. Four hours on board for a travel distance of maybe one mile. I opted to cancel, others were advised new aircraft and crew at another gate with depart ETA 6pm. I later learned THAT was canceled too.

Three other LGA>MCO canceled also, and of course the returns MCO>LGA didn't happen.

I think I saw on flightaware there were almost 500 cancelations at LGA

Despite the major inconvenience for thousands of travelers, I must offer kudos to Delta. Without exception every employee I dealt with was helpful, pleasant, and encouraging, which tempered would-be irate passengers back to a civilized state. FA and Captain were great. Even the gate agent was offering help and advice. Don't forget the ground crew out there in the weather. And Skyclub - yes, the Ambassadors had their hands full, but I'm willing to bet the kitchen crew went through a weeks' worth of food (yes, and drink at the bar).

Other than the occasional hurricane, and Sandy (which was not hurricane strength in NYC) October 30 was the worst weather I've seen in NYC. Biggest shout out to the unpaid ATC controllers.

On this forum we are all aware how massive cancelations yield ripple effects throughout the system with crews and equipment out of place, and those less savvy passengers (and those lacking elite status) are likely still stranded for days.

And, of course, there is the business impact. Tons of fuel wasted, crew salaries paid with revenue forfeited in passenger refunds or rebookings reducing inventory.

Yes, a tough day. But congrats to everybody at Delta for doing better than anybody could expect.