- Mar 13, 2024
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Hurricane season lasts about half of the year in Florida, and the weather during that time can impact your vacation plans, particularly if you’re visiting Disney World.
Magic Kingdom on a cloudy day
In the past, we’ve seen Disney World close its parks and modify operations at its resorts due to particularly nasty hurricanes, and there’s a chance that you could encounter a similar situation during your trip. So what are the important bits to know before you travel to Disney World during hurricane season? We’ve got the top three!
Before you start panicking and wondering about the status of your vacation, you need to know the 7-day rule. If a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area or your place of residence within seven days of your arrival in Disney World, you may cancel or reschedule your Disney World package without any cancellation or change fees imposed by Disney.
Hollywood Studios
This also applies to most room-only reservations. If you find yourself in this boat (needing to modify or cancel your trip), you will likely be able to make those updates online via the Disney World website. Phone lines get particularly busy ahead of a storm, so we encourage you to do it on your computer or phone if at all possible. If you booked through a travel agent, they’ll be able to make those changes for you.
Now, the first rule is only valid if you’ve booked your trip directly through Disney or used a travel agent who booked directly through Disney. If you used a third-party ticket seller, a tour company, or a major company like AAA, Costco Travel, or Sam’s Club, then you’ll need to defer to their policies. Depending on the rate at which you are booked, your vacation may not be available for modifications or refunds.
Rain in EPCOT
If there is a hurricane coming to Disney World and you booked with someone other than Disney, you’ll need to reach out to the help line or the person who booked you directly. Disney will not be able to help you with any modifications. This is a very important thing to consider before booking with other companies, because we’ve seen people lose money when they had to cancel trips due to weather, family emergencies, sickness, or a host of other reasons.
The other big “what if” you’ll want to look into is “what if I booked my original trip with a discount?” Perhaps you got a really good deal on a hotel in September, and then a storm comes along that causes you to rebook for a later date. What happens then? Well, if you cancel your trip and you fall under the conditions of #1, then you’ll receive a refund for what you paid so far. If you rebook for different dates, the amount you’ve already paid can be applied to your new reservation.
Disney’s Beach Club
The important thing to note here is that the offer you booked with may not be available for your new dates. You’re also not guaranteed to have the same resort availability. If the offer isn’t available, Cast Members may be able to assist you in finding new offers (if any) for your updated travel dates. You’ll be responsible for any additional costs for the rebooked vacation.
If you keep these three policies in mind, you’ll be able to adjust your plans with ease in case of a hurricane. And sometimes, you don’t have to move your trip at all. We’ve been at Disney World during hurricanes and were well taken care of at our resort during the storm, then went to the parks the next day for low crowds and low wait times. It’s all down to your personal preferences and prioritizing your family’s safety.
What time of year do you visit Disney World? Tell us in the comments!
Magic Kingdom on a cloudy day
In the past, we’ve seen Disney World close its parks and modify operations at its resorts due to particularly nasty hurricanes, and there’s a chance that you could encounter a similar situation during your trip. So what are the important bits to know before you travel to Disney World during hurricane season? We’ve got the top three!
1. The 7-day Rule
Before you start panicking and wondering about the status of your vacation, you need to know the 7-day rule. If a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area or your place of residence within seven days of your arrival in Disney World, you may cancel or reschedule your Disney World package without any cancellation or change fees imposed by Disney.
Hollywood Studios
This also applies to most room-only reservations. If you find yourself in this boat (needing to modify or cancel your trip), you will likely be able to make those updates online via the Disney World website. Phone lines get particularly busy ahead of a storm, so we encourage you to do it on your computer or phone if at all possible. If you booked through a travel agent, they’ll be able to make those changes for you.
2. Booking With Outside Suppliers
Now, the first rule is only valid if you’ve booked your trip directly through Disney or used a travel agent who booked directly through Disney. If you used a third-party ticket seller, a tour company, or a major company like AAA, Costco Travel, or Sam’s Club, then you’ll need to defer to their policies. Depending on the rate at which you are booked, your vacation may not be available for modifications or refunds.
Rain in EPCOT
If there is a hurricane coming to Disney World and you booked with someone other than Disney, you’ll need to reach out to the help line or the person who booked you directly. Disney will not be able to help you with any modifications. This is a very important thing to consider before booking with other companies, because we’ve seen people lose money when they had to cancel trips due to weather, family emergencies, sickness, or a host of other reasons.
3. Trips Booked With Discounts
The other big “what if” you’ll want to look into is “what if I booked my original trip with a discount?” Perhaps you got a really good deal on a hotel in September, and then a storm comes along that causes you to rebook for a later date. What happens then? Well, if you cancel your trip and you fall under the conditions of #1, then you’ll receive a refund for what you paid so far. If you rebook for different dates, the amount you’ve already paid can be applied to your new reservation.
Disney’s Beach Club
The important thing to note here is that the offer you booked with may not be available for your new dates. You’re also not guaranteed to have the same resort availability. If the offer isn’t available, Cast Members may be able to assist you in finding new offers (if any) for your updated travel dates. You’ll be responsible for any additional costs for the rebooked vacation.
If you keep these three policies in mind, you’ll be able to adjust your plans with ease in case of a hurricane. And sometimes, you don’t have to move your trip at all. We’ve been at Disney World during hurricanes and were well taken care of at our resort during the storm, then went to the parks the next day for low crowds and low wait times. It’s all down to your personal preferences and prioritizing your family’s safety.
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Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
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What time of year do you visit Disney World? Tell us in the comments!
