Visiting Walt Disney World During Hurricane Season

Early September is one of my favorite times to visit Walt Disney World. But what about the fact that it’s hurricane season? Isn’t this a crazy time to plan a vacation?

With Hurricane Dorian threatening the east coast, people are questioning their decisions to continue with their vacation plans. Some have cancelled. Some are taking their chances.

But you can be sure of this. Disney is taking every precaution, every measure, every step to keep you safe.

Hurricane season takes place June through November. Half of the year. So, avoiding your vacation during this time, especially if you have kids and like to take vacations when they’re out of school, is a bit impractical.

But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared and armed with information.

Will Disney close?

Yes. They have (a small handful of times) in the past. And they will if necessary. Safety is paramount at Walt Disney World. That said, they tend to wait until the last minute to make any decisions.

Will Disney refund tickets?

If the National Hurricane Center declares a warning in the Walt Disney World park area Disney will fully refund your tickets as long as they were purchased through them.

What if I’m already there when the hurricane hits?

Disney will have a “ride-it-out” team in place at every resort and park. Attractions and activities will be closed depending on the severity of the storm. Ride it out teams will stay on property to assist guests, assess damage and begin clean up as soon as possible. Teams follow a detailed hurricane safety plan. Nothing is overlooked. With its own power station and water source, Disney is able to get things up and running quickly should power be lost.

Disney’s primary concern is to minimally impact guests while keeping them safe from harm. They have extensive procedures in place to make sure the grounds are minimally impacted, as well.

Should I take a chance and plan my vacation?

There is no one right answer to this question. If you’re planning it out months (even years) before – take the chance. It gets trickier if a hurricane is threatening your immediate plans.

Are you flying or driving? When do your dates coincide with possible landfall?

And remember, hurricane’s are unpredictable. Hurricane Dorian, up until a day ago, looked like it was barreling for the mid section of Florida’s east coast. Now, the path has turned, avoiding Florida’s coast all together. (Of course, that may change again after I push “publish” so forgive me if it turns again)

Only you know your threshold. Are you a gambler? Or do you like to play it safe? Just know, that whatever you decide, Disney will be doing everything they can to keep your family safe and honor the plans you made for your Disney vacation.