What Happens at Disney World During a Hurricane?

You should definitely expect rain at Walt Disney World in Florida, especially during the summer months, but what happens at Disney World during a hurricane?

Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, is known as “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” However, even in the midst of magic, Mother Nature can bring her own surprises. While hurricanes are a reality in the region, the Disney team is well-prepared to ensure the safety and comfort of guests.

When is Hurricane Season?

Hurricane season runs from June through November in Florida so if you are planning on visiting during that time it is helpful to know what Disney’s policies are regarding a storm and what will happen to prepare for its arrival.

Having the technology to track the storms before they make landfall is incredibly helpful, but as most Floridians know, the predicted path is never certain and can change many, many times before actually reaching land. If there is an active storm ahead of your upcoming Disney trip, keep an eye on the reports but don’t act too quickly. Be sure to follow reliable weather sources to see what the experts are saying.

Updates for Hurricane Idalia at Walt Disney World as of August 29, 2023

• Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions. They are closely monitoring the path of the projected weather and continue to prioritize the safety of guests and Cast Members.
• Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground: Disney is asking that all Fort Wilderness guests remove and stow all outside items, including décor, and take in camper awnings by 6:00 PM on Tuesday, August 29th. If you’d like to depart early or discuss alternate options for your vacation, you can call (407) 939-2744.
• Travel Flexibility: At this time, change and cancellation fees imposed by Disney will be waived for check-in dates of August 28, 2023 through September 5, 2023. Guests currently staying at Disney Resort hotels whose travel plans have been impacted by the storm may receive a discounted rate to extend their stay through the evening of August 31st, if needed, by visiting the front desk.
• Evacuees & First Responders Support: Florida residents evacuating from the storm and first responders assisting in storm-related recovery efforts may also receive 50% off Disney Resort hotel stays on the evenings of August 29-31, 2023. For evacuees, please call (407) W-DISNEY for details. For first responders, please call (407) 828-3200 (Option 3). This applies to new bookings only and is based on availability.
• Storm Recovery: Walt Disney World is prepared to once again serve as a staging area for storm-related recovery efforts for the state of Florida.
• Due to the inclement weather, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park will be closed on August 30th.
• Due to the inclement weather, Winter Summerland Miniature Golf and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf will be closed on August 30th.

If You Purchased Walt Disney World Vacation Packages and Room Only Reservations

If the National Hurricane Center issues a Hurricane Warning 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 by Disney.

If you have services booked through third-party suppliers included in your vacation, such as airlines, hotels, car rental agencies or travel insurance companies, you will continue to be responsible for any non-refundable payments, as well as cancellation or change fees assessed by those suppliers. You should check with those suppliers directly for their policies. The policy does not apply to certain special events or dining experiences. Click here to view Walt Disney World’s Hurricane policy FAQs.

If your original booking included a discount or special offer, that offer may not be available if you choose to reschedule. Also, be aware that the same accommodations you originally booked may not be available for the new dates you choose; it will depend on what is available. The total amount you paid toward your vacation package would be applied to your new reservation.

To stay up to date with current weather information for Walt Disney World, you can keep an eye on this page.

If You Purchased Walt Disney World Park Tickets

If Disney park tickets were purchased on their own and not part of a vacation package, they are usually non-refundable. You will need to call Guest Services in the event of a hurricane to see if they are able to refund your tickets or modify the dates you are able to use them.

Will Disney World Shut Down?

It is possible that the parks will be shut down if Orlando is in the path of the hurricane. Aside from the recent Covid-19 pandemic, Disney World also closed for several hurricanes in the past:

• Hurricane Floyd: September 15, 1999
• Hurricane Frances: September 4-5, 2004
• Hurricane Jeanne: September 26, 2004
• Hurricane Matthew: October 7, 2016
• Hurricane Irma: September 10-11, 2017
• Hurricane Ian: September 28-29, 2022
• Hurricane Nicole: November 9-12, 2022

The parks could also close early or open late due to the weather from the storm to protect guests.

What to Expect If Disney Shuts Down While You’re There

If Disney World does shut down, the resorts would be on lockdown and guests would need to remain at their hotel. Disney may even have special activities set up to keep everyone entertained such as trivia, movies, special character visits, etc.

If you’ll need to shelter in place at your Disney resort, you can be prepared by ordering supplies ahead of time to be delivered to you. In the past, Disney has also had hurricane meal kits available for guests to purchase. If you have the choice, I would highly recommend staying in a resort that has interior hallways with access to the main lobby area without having to go outside. Once Disney has announced a lockdown, you will not have access to those areas if you are in an exterior building.

Disney resorts are equipped for hurricanes and have been built to withstand them. If you are camping at Fort Wilderness, Disney will assist with finding other accommodations for you to safely get through the storm.

Disney will provide guests with frequent safety and operational updates via your in-room TV, the My Disney Experience app, and signage throughout your resort.

Impacts on Travel

Flights will likely be impacted by a hurricane. Be prepared for cancelations, delays, and crowded airports.

If you are driving to or from the Orlando area, traffic will be heavy with people from other parts of the state looking to evacuate to safer areas. Keep in mind how far you’ll be traveling as well since getting gas to fuel up could potentially be an issue.

Bring the Rain Gear

I always recommend bringing rain gear because, well, it’s Florida and it rains. If you have a trip during a potential hurricane threat, it’s a must! Make sure you have the rain jackets or ponchos and umbrellas packed. Add in shoes that can withstand water too!

While a hurricane can disrupt the usual magic at Walt Disney World, the safety and well-being of guests and employees always come first. The Disney team’s comprehensive planning, proactive measures, and dedication to communication make navigating through such events as smooth and secure as possible. When the skies clear and the storm subsides, the enchantment of Walt Disney World is ready to welcome visitors once again, reminding us that even in the face of challenges, the magic endures.

I hope this information about what happens at Disney during a hurricane is helpful if you find yourself traveling during Hurricane Season. Be smart and stay safe!