When it comes to hurricane readiness, Disney World is often considered one of the safest places you can be in the event of inclement weather.
In fact, sometimes folks will flock to Disney World as a storm approaches, preferring to ride things out with the Mouse. Disney KNOWS how to prepare for hurricanes and has many plans in place to make sure its properties continue to have water and food. But not every Disney World hotel is equal when it comes to storm considerations. A few places are more ideal than others when it comes to riding out a hurricane. Today, we’re going to be ranking the BEST Disney resort hotels based on their hurricane readiness, because it’s best to be prepared if you’re headed to Disney during hurricane season.
We’ll begin with an important caveat: Disney World’s hotels are all generally considered safe when it comes to hurricanes (though limited spots like Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, or the Treehouse Villas may be evacuated in some situations for certain safety concerns).
But the few hotels we’ve listed below are some we consider to be a bit more ideal for hurricane purposes based on room type, entertainment options, and location. Are you ready to check out our list of the BEST hotel rooms? Let’s go!
These are the BEST resorts to be in during a hurricane, from our least to most favorite options.
5. Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa Villas
While this is another resort that isn’t themed in a way that’s super appealing to smaller children, it isn’t as close to a lake or body of water the way Yacht, Beach, and Boardwalk are, so that can be a bonus.
Saratoga Springs also boasts some great villas with all kinds of amenities that you can utilize when “stuck” during the storm, but note that these buildings aren’t attached to the main lobby, so you will have to do some walking (potentially in the elements) to get to/from your room and the lobby. That can be a major downside if your room ends up being VERRRY far away from the lobby.
One big perk is this resort’s closeness to Disney Springs. So once the storms are over, you’ll have quick access to all kinds of food and shopping opportunities.
4. Yacht and Beach Club Villas
Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts are home to multiple villas that give you the benefit of a small kitchen, which you can then stock up with amenities. That could be VERY convenient if you will essentially be “stuck” in your hotel room for several hours or even a day or two.
From a general perspective, we will note that the hotel might not be as ideal during a storm for those with smaller children. The theming is more “beachy” than “Disney.” And the big draw of the resort — the pool area (which is basically a mini water park) likely won’t be accessible for quite some time as a storm approaches.
Even so, these resorts get bonus points for having their rooms located close to each resort’s lobby and other amenities. And the resorts are pretty small, making them easy to navigate if you do need to brave the rain for a few seconds to grab something (though you will want to be extremely careful and not leave your room if advised to stay inside during a storm).
3. Boardwalk Inn Villas
Just across the lake from Yacht and Beach Club is Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and Villas. Here, guests can experience Villas with some old-world charm along a Coney Island-style boardwalk.
The villas here are complete with everything you might need if stranded inside due to inclement weather — with a full kitchen and living and dining areas (so you can spread out).
Plus, you have direct access to resort amenities like Carousel Coffee — Boardwalk’s own coffee shop.
Plus, you’re within easy walking distance to lots of restaurants along the BoardWalk, over by the Swan and Dolphin, and at the Yacht and Beach Club. And you’ll have walking access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios once those parks are available after the worst of the storms pass.
There is quite a bit of construction going on at this hotel and in that general area, so that can be a downside right now, but it still gets a top pick from us for its many other benefits.
2. Wilderness Lodge Copper Creek Villas
Wilderness Lodge has a great way of making the wilderness seem COOL to the kiddos. It truly feels like you’re on a camping trip in a fancy log cabin. And these rooms are luxurious enough to make you forget you’re stuck due to a storm.
The Copper Creek Cabins are in external buildings, so you’ll want to stick to the Villas, which have indoor access to the lobby (attached to the main building) and access to a kitchenette/kitchen in your own room. That’ll make it SO much easier for you to get essentials, grab food, and even enjoy some hurricane entertainment in the lobby without having to brave the elements at all.
1. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas
Our TOP choice of Disney resort, if we’re going to be stranded during a hurricane, are the villas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. They win points in all the areas: great amenities, connection to a central building where you can access needed essentials, shopping, and dining, and an entertaining theme for kids. This is yet another resort with “fancy cabin” vibes.
Plus, special characters have been known to pop up to ride out the hurricane with the kids! Technically, this can happen at other Disney hotels too, but it’s really nice here because you don’t need to get wet to get to the lobby. An extra nice perk at Kidani Village is the underground parking, which can really help you feel like your car is safe and give you access to it away from the rain.
Other Good Picks
Some other good choices for hurricane-friendly hotels include:
- Many Disney Vacation Club Villas (including any not listed above) — particularly those with a full kitchen since you could go to the grocery store, stock up on essentials, and then hunker down for quite a while without having to leave for anything
- Rooms that are contained within the central building at Disney’s Contemporary Resort (no need to go outside to access food and shopping)
- Disney’s Riviera Resort (again, having access to the lobby without too much external walking can be key)
- A family suite (like at Disney’s Art of Animation) which can give your group a little more space to spread out
- Gran Destino Tower (again offering an experience mostly connected indoors)
Well, what do you think? Which resort is the best for a hurricane in your opinion? Tell us in the comments.
For more hurricane season information, click the links below.
- 2 Changes to Expect During the 2023 Hurricane Season
- 2023 Hurricane Season Predictions and What They Mean For Your Disney World Trip
- The SCARIEST Things You’ve Experienced in Disney World — And How to Prepare for Them
- PHOTOS: What Disney World Is Like AFTER a Hurricane
- What It Was Like to Be at Disney World During Hurricane Ian
- 5 Must-Have Items for Hurricane Season in Disney World
And don’t forget to follow along for more tips.
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Have you ever stayed at Disney World during a hurricane? What was your experience like? Comment down below.
We stayed in the Wilderness Lodge during hurricane Irma. Our extended stay was entirely painless. The store stayed open twenty hours per day and remained well stocked. Breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets were delicious and while Disney called it a limited menu, food was plentiful with multiple courses and breakfast omelets made to order; all at greatly reduced prices. There were Country Bear characters in the lobby as well as organized games for children. I did hear that some ground floor rooms that faced the winds suffered some wet floors, but we were on the fourth floor and had no problems at all.
My family was at Polynesian during Hurricane Irma. I enjoyed the irony, but I have a twisted sense if humor. They were great about providing necessary food as well as characters and entertainment once it was safe to leave the rooms. I was also impressed with how quickly they cleaned up the storm damage. I suggest following their cautions about leaving the room when they say not to. We almost got speared by flying bamboo. (Admittedly, I may not be super smart, either. )
We were in Florida during Hurricane Ian last September. We were doing a split stay & should’ve been at your number one choice, Animal Kingdom Lodge but as everything closed down we weren’t allowed to leave Boardwalk Villas so had to have an extra night there. This was gutting as we were booked in for Club Level at Animal Kingdom Lodge so getting food would’ve been very easy. One thing to point out is that you say that Boardwalk Villas is next to all those restaurants, however, during Hurricane Ian they were all closed. The hotel set up a buffet in a conference room & a sandwich pack for purchase in the bar. We went to the gift shop the day before & bought food so cooked for ourselves.