When is Hurricane Season at Walt Disney World?

Whether you are thinking about squeezing in a 2019 Walt Disney World getaway or with yesterday’s announcement are already thinking ahead to 2020, you may be wondering whether or not you need to worry about scheduling your Disney getaway around Hurricane Season.  My advice to clients is to always be aware! Walt Disney World is a location that CAN be affected by hurricanes even though the chances of it happening during your vacation are small. However, If you’re a worrier like me then you may be wondering what happens to your vacation package if a Hurricane hits? and other weather-related fears.   That’s why we here at MickeyBlog put together some helpful info for those worried about the impact a hurricane may have on your visit. 

So When Exactly Is Hurricane Season in Florida? 

Florida’s Hurricane Season spans a surprising 6 months. It begins at the start of June and runs through until the end of November. Hurricane activity can happen at any time but storms tend to be more plentiful from around the middle to end of August through until the end of October. 

Steering completely clear of the Hurricane Season isn’t an option for most Disney-goers who must travel on school holidays, during Fall Break etc.  Storms aren’t frequent enough to avoid visiting Florida six months out of the year entirely.  Rather,  I recommend preparing yourself with some helpful information on what Disney does in the UNLIKELY event that a hurricane impacts your visit. 

How Many Times Has Disney Closed Due to a Hurricane? 

In all honesty, not that many! Since 1971 there have been 6 Park Closures due to hurricanes. These are as follows: 

• 1999 – Hurricane Floyd
• 2004 -Hurricane Charley
• 2004 -Hurricane Frances
• 2004 -Hurricane Jeanne
• 2016 -Hurricane Matthew
• 2017 -Hurricane Irma

Now those are pretty good odds over Walt Disney World’s 48-year history!

But What Happens To My Booking If There Is a Hurricane During the Time I’m Travelling? 

This is where Disney’s Hurricane Policy comes in!  Many visitors worried about potential hurricanes should read this closely as it will hopefully help to put your mind at ease!: 

Disney’s Official Hurricane Policy is as  follows: 

• If a Hurricane Warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando are OR your place of residence within 7 days of your scheduled arrival date, guests have the option of calling in advance to reschedule your vacation package or room reservations to another date. 
• Under these circumstances, cancellation or change fees would not be imposed by Disney. 
• Products and services provided by third-party suppliers included in your vacation (like flights and car rentals) are not refundable by Disney.  You would need to contact the companies directly to find out what their individual policies are.

For those looking to reschedule- Disney will make every attempt to match the booking that you are cancelling to a future booking.  However, it should be noted that Disney CANNOT guarantee you that the same resort/room category will be available for your new dates. Similarly, if you booked under a promotional discount but want to book at a time that the discount is not available, you will have to forgo your discount. 

What Rides/Attractions Stay Open in the Event of Bad Weather? 

Since full theme park closures are rare, it is more likely that the parks will remain open in the event of a storm but with restrictions.  In the event of bad weather (including lightning storms) Disney will typically close outdoor rides first.  Coasters are usually the first to be suspended.  Indoor attractions are another story. As long as the park remains open indoor rides and attractions typically stay open as well.  That’s why a great rainy day strategy is to head to a theme park where there’s lots to see and do indoors. My favorites in the event of a bad weather day are Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the Magic Kingdom. 

For more rainy day tips check out this article. 

Get Extra Peace Of Mine With Disney’s Travel Protection Coverage

Disney does offer a Travel Protection Plan which is $77.50 per adult (kids are covered under the adult’s policy) which can provide extra peace of mind if you know you’re visiting during Hurricane Season.  The Travel Protection Plan helps protect you and your family from unexpected covered losses from the moment that you step out of your front door until the moment you safely arrive back home.

The plan covers you if you cancel or interrupt your Walt Disney World package for covered reasons described in the policy such as illness or injury. If you cancel due to a covered reason, the Travel Protection Plan will provide a refund for the prepaid, non-refundable travel package, including the cost of airfare that is scheduled for travel within 7 days of the travel package.