Hurricane season isn’t just a few weeks in Orlando it’s
months – running from the 1st of June until the 30th of
November. Just as we discussed what to pack, what to bring, and what to wear in
another blog post, it’s essential to know how your trip might be affected if
you decide to book your Walt Disney World vacation during hurricane season.
First, hurricane season is half the year! You can’t avoid
some of the warmest months to travel and some of the slowest crowd months to
travel based on hurricane precautions alone. Fortunately, Disney is flexible
and has multiple options built into reservations to allow tickets and travel plans
to be rescheduled for any reason personal or meterological. If a hurricane
warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area within
one week of your arrival date you may call in advance to reschedule or cancel. This
also applies to a hurricane warning for the area of your home. When booking with
Walt Disney Travel Company such as through the WDW website, changes or
cancellations to your vacation can be made
until
31 days in advance of your trip without a fee. If you cancel
your reservation 30 days or less in advance there will be a cancellation fee of
$200. If you cancel within one day of arrival or do not show up for your
reservation there is no refund. Changes to reservations that result in a lower
rate for hotel, tickets, or airfare within 30 days or less prior to arrival
will result in a $50 fee. Advanced dining reservations, FastPass+, and discounts
will be lost but can be rebooked.
But what if you’re already at your hotel and suddenly
Hurricane Thanos is approaching over warm
waters. What do you do? WDW is very
prepared to deal with weather. And no they don’t deconstruct Cinderella’s
castle (#Mythbuster). During a storm all guests will stay in their hotels as
the theme parks will be closed. Water and food will be provided – mostly in
food court style areas or as directed by Cast Members. Entertainment such as
table top games, dvds, performers, activities and characters will be available
as entertainment in the resort hotels for guests. When deciding whether to weather
the weather (#punnyaren’tI) or reschedule a Disney reservation, remember that
although Disney is prepared for extreme weather that does not make it safer. If
you are able to reschedule your Disney trip to another time once a hurricane is
forecast it is worth it to maximize your trip, keep your family safe, and help
your loved ones sleep at night.
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| Photo from WDW Radio |
The build up to a hurricane causes traffic jams as people
leave the area; food and water shortages as people stock up on supplies; and
long lines at gas station as people fuel their vehicles and emergency power
generators. Flights in and out of area will be cancelled and rescheduled. Spaghetti
models can be wrong and hurricanes are a force of nature which Disney cannot
control – despite its growing influences. Being at Disney during a storm means
missing out on 2-3 days of rides, attractions, and food – including costly
Dining Dining Plan credits (especially if you’re using the Free Dining Program).
Disney provides the opportunity to reschedule or cancel trip plans and is not
an option that should be overlooked. Take advantage of their flexibility and be
flexible in return! Visit Disney again when you can enjoy the parks, foods, and
fun without the threat of Big Purple Chin breathing down your neck.
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