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Hurricane season at Disney World is from June to November. Most hurricanes happen from August to October. Hurricanes do not hit Orlando very often, but sometimes Disney World has to close to keep everyone safe. The parks usually open again after a day or two. If you are going to Disney during this time, it is important to be ready and have a plan. Being ready can help you stay happy and have fun.
How to Prepare for a Hurricane Before Going to Disney World
Disney hotels are very safe during hurricanes. According to one Disney cast member,
“Our hotels are designed to keep guests safe during any type of storm. We have food, shelter, and power to make sure everyone is comfortable.”
They have food, shelter, and backup power to keep everyone comfortable. Some hotels are better because they have inside hallways that keep you out of the weather. Deluxe Resorts are a good choice if you want to stay safe inside and not go outside.
Before your trip, make sure to check the rules for canceling or changing your plans. This includes flights, hotels, tickets, and rental cars. Disney World has a hurricane cancellation policy. If there is a hurricane warning within 7 days of your trip, you can change or cancel your trip without any fees. Knowing these rules can help you make quick choices if the weather gets bad.
Travel insurance is also a good idea. It can help if your flights get canceled or plans change. Disney offers travel insurance, but it might not be the best option. It is good to compare other choices. Some travel insurance plans can help pay for food, lodging, or new flights if things change. Having insurance will help you feel safe if unexpected things happen.
Before your trip, check the weather. Use a weather app like AccuWeather to see if there are any hurricanes or storms coming. Keeping an eye on the weather will help you be ready and make choices early, like changing your plans or flights. You can also sign up for weather alerts to get updates on your phone.
What to Do When a Hurricane is Coming to Disney World
If a hurricane is coming, be ready to change your flight if needed. Download your airline’s app to get updates and make changes easily. Sometimes airports close, so it is important to call your airline or check the app to see if you need to make changes. Rental cars might be hard to get if many people are changing plans, but there is a rental car place at Disney World. After a hurricane, airports can be very busy, so think about getting TSA PreCheck to make security faster.
It is a good idea to stay longer at your hotel if a hurricane is coming.
“If you think a hurricane might hit, it’s best to extend your stay as soon as possible. Rooms fill up quickly, and we want to make sure everyone is safe.”
Do not wait—hotels fill up fast, and there may not be many rooms left. Talk to a cast member at the front desk, and they will help you find a room if you need one. Cast members are trained to help during emergencies and will do their best to make sure you are safe and comfortable.
Some restaurants will close during a hurricane, but quick service places and food courts usually stay open. These places are good for getting food without needing a reservation. It is also a good idea to buy snacks and drinks before the storm, so you have extra food if you get hungry. You can also order groceries to your hotel using services like Instacart or Amazon Fresh. Having extra food and water will help you feel ready, and it will make kids happy if they get hungry.
The Ride Out Crew
Disney has a special team called the Ride Out Crew that helps during a hurricane.
“The Ride Out Crew is a special team that stays at the resorts during hurricanes to make sure guests are safe and entertained. We plan games, crafts, and fun activities so everyone can feel comfortable and happy.”
They keep guests and cast members safe and make sure everyone has fun. The Ride Out Crew will plan games, crafts, and other fun activities to keep everyone busy. Listen to their instructions because they are trained to help and will make sure you are okay. They want everyone to be safe and have fun, even during a hurricane.
The parks might not be fully open right after a hurricane. Some rides, shows, and attractions could be closed if they need to be checked for safety or fixed. You need to be patient and flexible with your plans.
“After a hurricane, we work very hard to get everything back to normal. Some attractions may take longer to reopen, but we appreciate your patience as we ensure everything is safe.”
Disney will work hard to get everything open as soon as possible. Some outdoor attractions may take longer to open, so enjoy indoor shows, dining, and rides that are open. Keeping a positive attitude will help you have fun, even if things are a little different.
Essential Items to Pack for a Disney World Hurricane
Here are some important things to bring:
- A portable charger to keep your phone charged if the power goes out. This is important for staying in touch with your family and getting updates.
- An autograph book because you might meet special characters at your hotel. During a hurricane, characters often come to the hotel lobbies to have fun with guests.
- A tablet to keep kids busy if they get bored. Make sure to download movies, shows, and games that can work without internet.
- Extra clothes and rain gear like ponchos or rain jackets, so you are ready if it rains. Have comfortable, waterproof shoes for everyone to keep their feet dry.
- Snacks and bottled water so you have enough food and drinks if some restaurants are closed or have long lines.
How to Stay Safe During Bad Weather When Disney Parks Are Open
If there is a storm while the parks are open, you need to find a safe place to wait. If a storm happens while you’re in the park, head to an indoor space like a gift shop or an indoor ride. Disney wants you to stay safe and dry until the weather gets better. Go to a gift shop or an indoor ride where you can stay dry and safe.
Do not wait in line for outdoor rides, as they may close if there is lightning or strong wind. Use mobile food ordering to avoid lines and make getting food easier. You can order food ahead of time and pick it up when it is ready, so you spend less time waiting in the rain.
Some transportation might not be running during storms. Boats and the Skyliner will close because they are not safe during strong wind or lightning. Instead, take a bus or a ride share service like Lyft or Uber.
Buses are the safest way to get around during storms and will still work when other types of transportation cannot.
To stay dry, ponchos can help, but they can be hard for little kids to use. A small umbrella is good for light rain and is easier to handle.
Wear waterproof shoes to keep your feet dry, because no one likes wet feet. Use a waterproof backpack to carry your things and keep them dry.
Put electronics like phones and tablets in plastic bags to protect them from water. If you have a stroller, do not forget a rain cover to keep your child and their things dry. Taking extra steps like these can make everyone feel better during a storm.
Disney World Hurricane Policy: Walt Disney Travel Company vs. Independent Bookings
Guests who booked their Disney Resort hotel and package reservations directly through the Walt Disney Travel Company benefit from more flexible cancellation and change policies in the event of a hurricane warning. Specifically, if a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area (or the guest’s place of residence) within 7 days of their arrival, they can reschedule or cancel their arrangements without incurring cancellation or change fees.
Guests who booked their accommodations independently (through a travel agent, tour operator, or other third party) are subject to the cancellation policies of those individual providers. Guests must review these terms and conditions or contact their provider directly for information.
While Disney’s direct booking hurricane policy offers significant flexibility, it doesn’t cover every aspect of a trip. Flights, rental cars, and other non-Disney bookings are still subject to the cancellation policies of those specific companies.
How to Stay Safe from Hurricane Milton at Disney World
Hurricane Milton is a storm that will affect Florida very soon. It is very important to follow safety tips and stay updated.
Make sure you have a plan in place and listen to Disney cast members for instructions. They will help keep you safe.
Stay inside your hotel, avoid going outdoors during the storm, and use weather apps to get real-time updates. Be ready to change your plans, and always put safety first.
How to Stay Positive During a Hurricane at Disney World
It is okay to feel sad if a hurricane changes your plans. It is normal to be upset, especially if you were excited about your trip. Try to stay happy and make the best of it.
Spend time with your family and find fun things to do. Disney cast members will do their best to give you activities and entertainment to make your stay fun, even if it is not what you expected.
Focus on safety and having fun with the people you are with. Enjoy the special things that happen only during hurricanes, like meeting characters at the hotel or doing activities with the Ride Out Crew.
Remember that your safety is the most important thing, and other plans can change. Sometimes, unexpected changes can make special memories that you will remember forever. Keep an open mind and try to have fun no matter what the weather does.
