Here in Florida, just about every year we are faced with the threat of a hurricane. Officially hurricane season is from June 1st through November 30th. Some years it’s far worse than others here in Florida. So if you are ever faced with an impending storm before your trip you may be wondering what will happen and what to expect. So first you should know Disney’s hurricane policy which we have added below.
Disney’s Official Hurricane Policy
If a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area or for your place of residence within 7 days of your scheduled arrival date, you may call in advance to reschedule or cancel your Walt Disney Travel Company Magic Your Way vacation package and most room only reservations (booked directly with Disney) without any cancellation or change fees imposed by Disney.
If you have products and services provided by third-party suppliers included in your vacation such as airlines, hotels, car rental agencies or vacation insurance companies you will continue to be responsible for any non-refundable payments, as well as cancellation or change fees assessed by those suppliers. The policy does not apply to certain special events or dining experiences.
This policy also applies to Disney’s Vero Beach Resort or Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort in the event a hurricane warning is issued for those destinations.
If you have questions or you wish to reschedule your vacation due to a hurricane warning, please call (407) 939-7675. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.
What to Expect at Disney During a Hurricane
If you do happen to be at Disney during a hurricane you can expect standard hurricane procedures. If the storm gets close enough to central Florida that it poses a threat to guests, Disney will close its parks. We saw this happen in 2016 when Hurricane Matthew temporarily shut down the theme parks across Orlando.
Disney is likely to advise guests to do exactly the same thing the locals are told to do. For example, standard hurricane procedure is to stay indoors, away from windows, fill bathtubs with water, etc. In addition, if conditions look especially perilous, Disney has evacuation procedures for guests in the event that a move to an interior room without windows (like a ballroom or interior meeting area) becomes necessary.
Also in the days leading up to the storm and the days following you can expect some rain. If things are still open you are going to want to check out Singing in the Rain! How To Do Disney World in the Rain.
Checklist of Items to Cancel in Event of a Hurricane at Disney
- If you booked through Disney you can cancel your stay or reschedule free of charge.
- Be sure to cancel those dining reservations! They will charge you $10 per person for a no-show, even during inclement weather. You of course as always can cancel free of charge more than 24 hours in advance of your reservation.
- Air Reservation, Disney doesn’t cover the cancellation fees on this. You will have to check the policy of wherever you booked your airfare through.
I have been visiting the parks annually since my parents first brought me at just a year old. Recently I was able to fulfill my life long dream of being a Florida local and moved from the wintery Northeast to the sunshine and fun of central Florida. Now I am hoping to share my Disney knowledge with you so you can have the best vacation possible!
