What You Need to Know about the Walt Disney World Closure for Hurricane Ian
Walt Disney World is facing a hurricane -related closure this week. You’re likely wondering what you need to know about this event.
So, here are some general tips for making the best of a terrible situation.
How to Handle Tickets
The first thing I’ll say is that I hope you used a MickeyTravels agent to book your trip. Hurricane Ian works as proof-positive of why that’s a good idea.
Your travel agent will know how to address all your concerns about your vacation.
However, I realize that some of you didn’t do that…but are wishing you had.
Your first question likely involves tickets. On this front, I have terrific news. Disney provides generous customer service in the wake of weather events.
Photo: Disney
You’re likely to receive a ticket make-good of some sort. I won’t speculate about specifics because I am not a MickeyTravels agent.
I know from experience that Disney doesn’t want guests sweating the small stuff, though.
A cast member will address your needs, likely in a way that exceeds your expectations.
Please be aware that this won’t happen quickly, though. Everyone else in line is in the same situation and shares the same needs.
Disney’s systems aren’t really equipped for thousands of simultaneous refunds. So expect the computer systems to run slowly.
Photo:seoclerk.com
Also, the cast members are likely frazzled. Be patient with them and understand that they’re doing everything they can for you.
Finally, remember that your ticket issue doesn’t need to get settled immediately.
You can also fix any lingering matters later when you’ve returned home and are safe from inclement weather.
Don’t feel like you must take care of everything while you’re in Orlando. In truth, that’s sometimes the worst approach.
Photo: Disney
At times, I’ve had better luck on the phone with customer service after the fact than I did while standing at Guest Services.
As always, your outcome depends on random variables like the person helping you and the options available to them in that moment.
Photo: Disney
Keep pushing until you get the outcome you deserve…but remember to act kindly! The “more bees with honey” maxim exists for a reason.
What to Expect at the Resort
I’ll publish more specifics if/when Disney officially closes the parks. However, management has grown proactive about early cancellations.
Photo: Disney
Because of other recent closures, we know how the resorts will work this week.
For starters, cast members will do everything they can to entertain you during your unexpected downtime.
Costumed characters will appear at the resorts to entertain the crowd. Think of these moments as a rare opportunity to see your favorites outside the parks.
In fact, this idea proved so popular during a previous hurricane that Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort made character greetings a recurring event for a while.
Photo: Disney
The pandemic has ended that practice (temporarily?), but it’s something that Disney fans adore.
If you’re not thinking about food yet, you should be. Unfortunately, the closed parks mean you’ll find few dining options this week, at least compared to normal.
Disney will sell boxed lunches at the resorts and keep several hotel restaurants open.
These box lunches are…edible. I cannot say much positive about them beyond that.
On the plus side, hotel restaurants have historically chopped their prices by as much as 50 percent.
During a recent park closure, guests ate VERY well at Whispering Canyon Café for a fraction of the usual price of a skillet.
As for entertainment, you’ll find board games and interactive competitions are readily available.
Source: Funko Games
I’m not saying that you’ll enjoy them as much as Disney…but I WILL say that I know some fans who have incredibly fond memories of their hurricane hotel stays.
That’s a tremendous compliment to Disney for how it handles crisis scenarios.
Photo: Ziggy Knows Disney
Traveling to/from Orlando
I don’t have great news for those of you flying into or out of Orlando this week.
Honestly, 2022 air travel has been kinda disastrous anyway. The airlines are understaffed, more budget-conscious than ever, and unafraid to cancel flights.
Photo: Fortune
Let me be clear on this point: YOU ARE NOT FLYING IN HURRICANE WEATHER!!!
I shouldn’t even have to say that, but I’ve watched some people ask some dumb questions and make some ridiculous demands at airline counters.
Photo: Videvo.net
Trying to fly in high winds is something you should only witness in a cartoon. If anyone tries it in real life, they’re competing for a Darwin Award.
For this reason, the airport will be swamped, everyone will be angry, and you’ll likely face a disproportionate amount of unpleasant body odors.
Image: OrlandoAirports.net
Some folks just won’t leave the airport to get a hotel room no matter what.
Before you plan to speak with an airline clerk, I ask you to think about two things. First, how much would you hate to have their job this week?
That answer is self-evident. For this reason, if you take an aggressive approach, you’ll meet immediate, strong resistance. Again, bees like honey.
Second, what do you really want? When you approach the airline counter, you should know what your goals are. Simply asking for help isn’t enough.
Image Credit: DAVID GRUNFELD DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY, NOLA
“I would like my flight rescheduled and preferably fewer layovers if possible…” is a good approach.
Be prepared to learn that you may be stuck for a few days. If so, ask for guidance about how you should approach this setback.
If an airline worker directs you to a website, you should look at that.
However, you shouldn’t abandon your place in line until you’re sure you have completed your business. Otherwise, you must wait again.
Operational Update – Hurricane Ian
Commercial operations at MCO will cease at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, 09/28/22. Entry to all parking facilities will be closed at that same period. Please contact your airline for flight updates. pic.twitter.com/P75DooP2EA— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) September 27, 2022
A Few Reminders
You will never understand the challenges that come with working in crisis support until/unless you’ve done it.
During my tenure in the hospitality industry, one of my jobs entailed satisfying displaced guests.
Photo (Disney)
I literally, not figuratively, had to help brides who found themselves without a hotel room on their wedding nights. That was a normal day at the office for me.
I cannot in any way imagine what it’s like to work as a 911 emergency support professional. Those people are absolute rock stars in life.
However, during times like these at Disney, cast members and airport workers are a close second and third.
When you ask for refunds, rescheduling, or any other form of travel assistance, you’re someone in need of help.
Photo: Walt Disney World Cast and Community
Please remember that the cast member, airport official, or even the Uber driver is a person as well. They’re in the eye of the storm, just like you.
You should not expect anything to happen immediately…or even quickly. Every tourist in Orlando faces the same general problems this week.
Photo Credit: Twitter/ Paul Dellegatto/ Weston Burroughs
People need to depart the area in a safe and orderly fashion. Conversely, some must stay in a strange city during a weather calamity, which is intense.
Nobody’s happy, and we all have family and friends whose well-being remains at the forefront of our thoughts. So, it’s imperative that we treat one another courteously.
Similarly, during these events, everyone will need food, water, safe lodging, and bathroom access.
Please don’t take any more than you need or expect more than a fair share.
Photo: disneytouristblog.com
The Reality of What We’re Facing
I recognize that most of us would prefer internet access as well. A person I describe as my brother/buddy/son due to our close relationship just went through this on Saturday.
He confirmed that two or three days without internet was only problematic because he wanted to let his loved ones know he was safe.
Photo:flaticon.com
Otherwise, he remembered a simple truth. Civilization has only possessed internet access for 50 years, and we’re still not very good at it yet. So we can live without it.
Presuming you’re staying at Disney, you’ll likely maintain internet throughout this ordeal. However, the signal and bandwidth will be spotty.
Photo: expressodisney.com.br
I realize you’re bored, but this might not be the best time to catch up on House of the Dragon or She-Hulk.
Disney cast members will do everything possible to keep you entertained during a hurricane. Also, you’re in the same boat as the other guests. This might be a good time to make friends.
I realize many of you reading this might be introverts – so am I! – but remember this. Some folks got to hang out with Kristen Bell during a previous Disney hurricane.
You never know who you might bump into at your resort. It could give you a memorable story to tell in a trying time!
