by Severe weather like a hurricane can ruin your Disney World trip – here’s what to know.
You’ve spent an entire year or more planning your family vacation. You’ve reserved the hotel room, purchased tickets, and reserved dining. Everything is in line, and then… a hurricane warning.
This terrible scenario happens more often than you’d think. Like clockwork every year, hurricanes swell in the Atlantic ocean, feeding off the late summer heat. Though they tend to lose traction once they’ve hit land, at times they continue, and wreak havoc.
If you’re worried about severe weather ruining your Disney World trip, there are a few things to know. What happens during these events? What can you expect from Disney?
The first thing you should consider: your safety. Do everything in your power to cancel your trip. While most of Walt Disney World’s design withstands severe weather, anything can happen. Contact Disney, the airline, your credit card company, your boss – everyone you can to help change plans. Again, don’t go to Walt Disney World if there is an active hurricane or warning of a hurricane.
Disney World During a Hurricane
During severe weather, Disney World pretty much shuts down. The theme parks close, activities are cancelled, and transportation may stop running. For the most part, guests are confined to their hotels.
Disney is accommodating to hurricanes and allows for cancellations. If your plans are cancelled due to weather, Disney gives you the option to change your ticket to a different date or receive a full refund. For example, those with After Hours tickets have the option of exchanging them for a holiday party or a future After Hours event. Any other cancelled reservations have waived fees (ie: dining) or may be rescheduled (paid dining events only).
So, what do hotel guests do during a hurricane? Well, they stay indoors. For the most part, Disney hotels do a great job of keeping its guests entertained. While you’ll hear thunderous wind and wild rain attacking windows, generally, you’re safe indoors.
Those on property have access to snack packs and/or buffets set up in their hotel. These, of course, will come at a cost. Hotels may also set up activities and those with Disney Dining Plans usually can use their credits for food. You can also ask concierge for games and other activities for your family to enjoy.
Guests pack hotel lobbies during these times. So there are usually other families to talk to and sometimes characters to greet. Cast members work to accommodate your family and make the experience as enjoyable as possible.
Again, being at Disney World during a hurricane is far from ideal. It’s best not to take chances. With that said, any time you travel to Orlando from August through October, it’s a good idea to purchase travel insurance. Some credit cards also give this same insurance at no extra cost as long as you use them to pay for your entire trip.
Whatever your choice, make sure that you review Disney’s severe weather policies before booking: Walt Disney World’s Severe Weather Policy. If you’re staying at a non-Disney hotel, visit their website for hurricane policies.
Want more travel tips for your Disney World vacation? Subscribe to our free Disney e-mail newsletter for updates! Our Walt Disney World travel guide is out now – check it out!
Related Posts to Hurricane at Disney World
- Updated Disney World deals for tickets and hotels
- Follow us on Instagram for even more Disney tips: www.instagram.com/magicguides
