How to Prepare Differently For Hurricane Season at Walt Disney World

When it comes to preparing for a fall Disney World trip, you’ll want to keep one big thing in mind — hurricane season!

Hurricanes are difficult to predict precisely, but there are a few simple steps you should take to make sure you are ready.

Here are some tips and tricks to help you get ready for hurricane season at Walt Disney World.

While you’re planning your Disney World vacation:

First, you’ll want to research when hurricane season is and decide if you want to avoid those months. Hurricane season officially takes place between June 1st and November 30th. However, storms frequently start in May (get more on that here), so even if you’re outside the parameters of the official season, you’ll want to stay on top of any Atlantic disturbances. You can find links to weather sites here. 

You may also want to consider hurricane travel insurance if you think there’s a chance your trip may be impacted. Keep in mind that this won’t be the best option for everyone, so take some time to figure out if it’s applicable to you. You will want to research an airline’s cancelation and rebooking policies as well should inclement weather be a factor during your vacation. If you do decide to travel during hurricane season, it might be a good idea to have backup plans and be flexible when it comes to dining reservations, especially on your arrival and departure dates. Make sure you read up on Disney World’s hurricane policy as well!

Prior to departure:

Triple check those weather forecasts before departure. If a storm is in the forecast for your travel days, be prepared for the possibility that your flight may be canceled. If your flight to Disney World is impacted, be sure to reach out to Disney and let them know that your check-in time will change.  

Regardless of when you travel to central Florida, you’ll want to pack for any and all kinds of weather. For summer and especially hurricane season, make sure you have those umbrellas and ponchos ready to go (don’t waste your dollars on Disney’s overpriced ponchos — buy them in advance on Amazon!).

Once you arrive:

Even if your travel dates are unaffected by a storm, that doesn’t mean your vacation won’t be impacted if a hurricane rolls through. If a storm passes over Disney World while you’re there, be prepared for potentially shorter park hours or even park closures if the storm is strong enough.

At the very least, be prepared for rides to shut down around the parks. On the other end of the spectrum, guests may be asked to shelter in place at their hotels if conditions deteriorate. In the past, we’ve seen Disney go above and beyond for guests who have to wait the storms out in their hotels by offering magical moments with characters and other Cast Members. Food options are made available as well.

Click here to read about what has happened in the past when a hurricane struck Disney World.

Central Florida is prone to frequent inclement weather, but hurricanes are a whole different ball game! Be prepared when you first plan your trip as well as after you arrive to make sure that, should a storm hit, it won’t “rain on your parade!” As hurricane season approaches, we’ll keep an eye on all of the major storms heading toward Disney World, so be sure to follow along!

Have you ever experienced a hurricane while visiting Disney World? Share your experience in the comments!