What Happens At Walt Disney World During A Hurricane?

From the middle of September until the end of November, your Walt Disney World vacation may experience the threat or in fact, the reality of a hurricane or hurricane conditions.

Walt Disney World has in the past had to close as a result of a hurricane. While the decision to close the Walt Disney World Resort is never taken lightly it’s always done with guests’ health and safety as a top priority.

Should Walt Disney World have to close the theme parks as the result of an impending hurricane one day’s notice is provided wherever possible.

Will The Walt Disney World Theme Parks Close During A Hurricane?

The Walt Disney World Resort has been known to close its theme parks as a result of a hurricane or hurricane conditions in the past.

While each closure has been slightly different Walt Disney World tries to give at least one day’s notice of closure to allow people to adjust their travel plans accordingly.

Can You Cancel Your Walt Disney World Vacation Or Walt Disney World Park Tickets In The Event Of A Hurricane or Hurricane Conditions?

Walt Disney World has a severe weather policy in place to help guests quickly either reschedule or cancel their trip in the event of an impending hurricane.

The policy states that 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 Disney Resort hotel packages and most room-only reservations (booked directly with Disney) without any cancellation or change fees imposed.

However, the policy does not apply to certain special events or dining experiences.

If you have booked your Walt Disney World vacation or park tickets with a third-party supplier then you’ll need to read the terms and conditions of your booking or look to your travel insurance to make a claim.

What Happens If You’re Staying On-Site At A Walt Disney World Hotel During A Hurricane?

If you are staying on-site in one of the Walt Disney World hotels during a hurricane then you’ll be informed by a cast member in advance as to the standard procedure for the hotel.

This usually happens one to two nights before the hurricane is set to make landfall in Orlando to give you plenty of time to prepare.

During the hurricane, you’ll be asked to remain inside the hotel.

Meanwhile, additional activities are often provided (inc character meet and greets, movies and games) to ease any boredom.

Should the weather conditions worsen you’ll be asked to either remain in your room, or in emergency situations gather in a large enclosed space within the hotel where there are no windows.

The hurricane standard procedure is modified over time and varies between hotels. As such it’s incredibly important you read all the information you’re provided should you be at a Walt Disney World hotel during this time.

What Happens Before / After A Hurricane Or Hurricane Conditions At Walt Disney World

The Walt Disney World Resort will continue to operate before or after a hurricane (or hurricane conditions) wherever it is safe to do so.

However, while the parks may remain open before a hurricane or re-open after a hurricane, selected rides and attractions may not be in operation.

Outdoor rides and attractions that usually close as a result of rain and severe storms are often inoperational for health and safety reasons.

This can often increase the standby wait times for the rides that are available to guests inside the park.

Should You Cancel Or Reschedule Your Walt Disney World Vacation Because Of A Potential Hurricane?

Deciding whether to cancel or reschedule your Walt Disney World vacation as the result of a potential hurricane is incredibly personal.

Should you have to decide whether to cancel or reschedule your Walt Disney World vacation, there are some things you should keep in mind;

• How close your upcoming trip is – The strength and route of a hurricane can change significantly in the weeks and days before it reaches Florida.

• Cancelled and rescheduled flights – Getting in and out of Florida before or after a hurricane can be a nightmare as a result of days of cancelled flights.

• Some rides and attractions may remain closed – Even if the Walt Disney World theme parks only close for one day as the result of a hurricane, other rides within the park may be unable to reopen due to damage or for health and safety.

• The health and safety of yourself, friends and family – Hurricanes can be deadly. As such you’ll want to consider the health and safety of your family travelling in severe weather conditions.

• The length of your vacation – If your vacation is a couple of days then should the hurricane make landfall it could take up a significant portion, if not the entirety of your vacation.