UPDATES Made to Disney World Cancelation Policies Ahead of Hurricane Idalia

Hurricane Idalia is heading toward Florida and you need to be prepared.

A state of emergency has been issued for some counties, the Disney World counties are under a tropical storm warning, and we’ve shared a look at both Disney and Universal’s statements on the matter. But what if you’re thinking about canceling your trip? Well, we’ve got an update on that.

UPDATE: Disney has extended its Hurricane Idalia cancelation policy to September 5th — it was previously August 28th to September 4th.

Disney has traditional hurricane cancelation policies in place. But when a storm actively approaches Florida, some things may get updated. And that’s exactly what has happened here.

The Disney World weather updates website now notes some special hurricane cancelation policy updates that have been made ahead of Hurricane Idalia. Let’s go through them.

Disney Resort and Room-Only Cancelation Policy for Guests Who Booked Directly with Disney Destinations, LLC or The Walt Disney Travel Company

First, if you booked a Disney Resort or Room-Only vacation and you booked directly with Disney Destinations, LLC or The Walt Disney Travel Company — Disney notes that “change and cancellation fees imposed by Disney will be waived for check-in dates of August 28, 2023 through September 4, 2023.”

Hurricane Ian Made Its Way Through Florida (2022)

Just keep in mind that all of this applies to Disney’s own cancelation fees. If you bought any services from a third-party supplier (think airlines, rental cars, etc.) you’ll still be responsible for any non-refundable payments there and cancelation/change policies that those third parties may impose.

Disney Resort Hotel Cancelation Policy for Guests who Booked Directly with The Walt Disney Company Limited Trading as Walt Disney Travel Company International

If you booked a Disney Resort hotel with the Walt Disney Company Limited Trading as Walt Disney Travel Company International, Disney similarly notes that “change and cancellation fees imposed by Disney will be waived for check-in dates of August 28, 2023 through September 4, 2023.”

Again, they go on to detail the traditional hurricane cancelation policy and how this doesn’t apply to services provided by third parties.

Disney Resort Hotel Cancellation Policy for Guests in Latin America Who Booked Directly with Disney Vacations, LLC

Finally, if you are a guest in Latin America and you booked with Disney Vacations, LLC, Disney also notes that “change and cancellation fees imposed by Disney will be waived for check-in dates of August 28, 2023 through September 4, 2023.”

Disney is continuing to monitor the hurricane situation but as of August 29th at 9AM they noted that they are operating under normal conditions.

Staying at Disney World Now?

If you’re staying at Disney World right now and you need to extend your stay you may also get a benefit. Disney has announced that those currently staying at the Disney World hotels whose travel plans are being impacted by Hurricane Idalia might be able to get a discounted rate to extend their stay through the evening of August 31st. Visit the front desk at your hotel to get more information.

We’ll continue to look for more updates on the situation and let you know what we find. Need more information about the storm or how to prepare? See our links below.