Hurricane season is now in full force, and guests at Walt Disney World are looking ahead to how any potential storms might affect their trip — either with a Florida coast impact, or just a week’s worth of rain. We know there’s a lot to be concerned about when a storm is approaching — particularly if you’re not from an area that typically gets large, active systems like a hurricane.
So we’re bringing you some basics of what you need to know if a hurricane threatens Walt Disney World.
Hurricane Isaias from July 2020 ©WESH
Logistics of Hurricanes in Florida
Hurricane season in 2020 officially runs from June 1 through November 30, with the bulk of the action taking place in August through October. Though Florida is frequently in the path of tropical storms and hurricanes, the entire hurricane season on average sees six hurricanes, three of which are (on average) major (meaning category 3 and up). However, analysts have predicted 2020 to bring a higher-than-average number of storms.
Hurricane Dorian Graphic August 30, 2019
But even if hurricanes manage to reach central Florida, they’re often significantly weakened at that point.
Hurricane Impacts at Walt Disney World
That said, Disney World does consider closing the Parks if a serious storm approaches. And Disney has closed the parks in response to hurricanes several times, including in September 2019 in preparation for Hurricane Dorian and September 2017 in preparation for Hurricane Irma. Park and Resort personnel secured loose items like pool chairs, and wrapped light fixtures as precautionary measures.
Contemporary Resort in Disney World after Hurricane Irma
What Happens If You’re At Disney World When A Hurricane Hits?
During Hurricane Irma in 2017, Disney instructed guests with external rooms — rooms not in the same building as the lobby and dining — to remain in their rooms. They provided flashlights in guest rooms as well.
Guests could also purchase packaged meals and snacks in Resort food courts and dining locations (these included items like sandwiches, chips, and fruit). And if your room was in the same building as the lobby and common guest areas, Disney also provided amenities like movie marathons, character meets, and things for the kids to do.
Information for guests staying at Disney World hotels during Hurricane Irma 2017
Special and discounted meals were also offered at resort table-service locations. For example, Yachtsman Steakhouse in Disney’s Yacht Club resort opened to offer extra meals to those staying at the resort.
Hurricane Cancellations and Travel Cost Refunds at Disney World
Disney World has a Hurricane Policy that answers FAQs about cancellations and refunds — click here to read Disney’s hurricane policies.
Disney World hurricane policy
And if you’d like to read about Disney World’s precautions during Hurricane Irma, click here for info about:
- how Disney handled Advance Dining Reservations during a Hurricane,
- how Disney managed cancellations around the Resort during the Hurricane, and
- how long it took the Disney World Parks to reopen after the Hurricane.
DFB Guide also put together this YouTube video with information about weather at Disney World — including hurricane tips!
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Have you endured a hurricane or major storm while at Walt Disney World? Share your experiences below!
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Hurricane Season is June 1 through Nov 30. Irma made the final landfall at Marco Island, FL as a 3, but made landfall at Cudjo Key as a 4 earlier that same day. It never hit Orlando as a 4.
I was supposed to go on a girls trip for Food & Wine during Irma. We were coming from TN and called Disney a couple days before. Disney refunded our entire trip in full (as did our airline).
Deb, May 20 was the date of the first named storm in 2019, so I used that for the date. But you’re correct; officially it’s June 1. I clarified it in the article!
We are looking at Dorian hammering us so we are packing up 2 dogs and a cat and heading to
Disney !!
We were staying at All Star Movies(Mighty Ducks) when Wilma made an appearance. The cast members had every thing battened down the night before. The characters were in the lobby to entertain the guests. Wilma came and blew trees down, etc. The next day we were told the parks would be closed except Epcot and Magic Kingdom would open at noon. We left the room, palm fronse were covering the walkway. Things were blown about but no major damage. We got on the bus for Epcot and had the whole park to ourselves. Wonderful experience. When we returned to the resort-everything was cleared away and back to normal. 2017 on a Western Caribbean Disney Cruise ship the Fantasy left the port after Erma – rough seas one evening and returned before Maria – rough seas. The captain did a beautiful job of evading the weather. The only thing we could not do is play mini golf on the top deck. Too windy! Disney does a fantastic job of keeping guests and cast members safe.
How is castaway cay?
Your link “How long it took the Disney World parks to reopen after the hurricane” mistakenly goes to the review of Oga’s cantina charcuterie board
We stayed at the swan hotel during hurricane Matthew 2016. The parks were closed however there was still plenty to do. We went over to the yacht club where they had plenty of meet and greet plenty of food to o. The only inconvenience we had was leaving as all the airlines were screwed up.
stayed during the 2017 Irma. The TV played movies we were 24 hours in our room and sandwiches were available but people with food allergies need to find ways to get food before the tense part of the storm. The storm was not as bad as thought. I would have liked more information on the process of getting ready but the whole experience was extremely well done and we all felt safe and secure. Even in the scary The magic. of caring was there. Thanks Disney my little family felt safe.
Hello!
I think the link in “how long it took the Disney World Parks to reopen after the Hurricane.” is misplaced somehow? it went to the new star wars cantina Review….
We are leaving the 5th of September hope but that time everything is calm and we are able to enjoy…??!
Lucien, thanks for the heads up! I fixed it.
Thanks, Laura! I’ve fixed up that mix up!
Thom, Disney has said in a statement that CC experienced tropical storm-force winds, but I have not seen pictures/reports beyond that. We’ll update if we do!