Planning a Disney World trip in the summer usually means you have to contend with the heat — but it can also mean you have to deal with hurricane season.
With Hurricane Idalia on its way to making landfall in Florida and potentially impacting Disney World, we’re keeping an eye on the latest updates that could affect your trip. If you’re heading to Disney World before the storm — here’s what you need to know.
As of 10AM ET on August 28th, a Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Orange and Osceola Counties — where Disney World is located. Tropical Storm Idalia was forecasted to strengthen into a hurricane as it moved into the Southeastern Gulf of Mexico later in the day.
As of the morning of August 29th, Tropical Storm Idalia has strengthened to hurricane status. Currently, there is a danger of a life-threatening storm surge along Florida’s Gulf Coast, where the storm is expected to make landfall on Wednesday morning.
So, what are you supposed to do if you’re already on your way to Disney World? We’ve got a few tips.
The most important thing to remember is that Disney World is prepared for situations like this. Last year, Hurricane Ian impacted the parks and Disney made sure that guests and Cast Members were safe and taken care of. Even though the parks closed, certain hotels stayed open for guests who already had trips booked.
Along with that, listening to Cast Member instructions is also important — they’re trained to deal with this scenario and have been around the block before.
But onto the more practical side of storm prepping, we can’t recommend packing for the weather enough. Bring Ziploc bags or other waterproof containers for your important items and electronics. If you’re in the parks and the rain starts, you won’t want to have to deal with having wet stuff. Plus, this keeps all your things in one place and easier to find in an emergency.
The fashionable Disney World poncho is also a must-have for visiting Disney World during any type of storm. You may think the rain won’t impact you too much, but being sopping wet and walking around the parks is no fun.
Speaking of sopping wet, bringing extra socks and shoes with you is also a good idea. Disney World is known for flooding at times, and stepping in a puddle can ruin your day. If you’re worried about them weighing you down, you can rent a locker at any of the parks.
UPDATE: As of August 29th, Disney has released some information on how to handle the storm at Disney World. The resort is operating normally but here is what’s happening:
- Florida residents evacuating from the storm and first responders assisting in storm-related recovery efforts may also receive 50% off Disney Resort hotel stays on the evenings of August 29-31, 2023. For evacuees, please call 407-W-DISNEY for details. For first responders, please call 407-828-3200 (Option 3). This applies to new bookings only and is based on availability.
- At this time, change and cancellation fees imposed by Disney will be waived for check-in dates of August 28, 2023 through September 4, 2023. Guests currently staying at our Disney Resort hotels whose travel plans have been impacted by the storm may receive a discounted rate to extend their stay through the evening of August 31, if needed, by visiting the front desk.
- Walt Disney World is prepared to once again serve as a staging area for storm-related recovery efforts for the state of Florida.
Disney released a warning for guests staying at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Disney is asking that all guests “remove and stow all outside items, including décor, and take in camper awnings by 6 PM on Tuesday, August 29.” If you want to leave early or figure out a different option, you can call (407) 939-2744.
This is especially true if you’re flying to Disney World. The Orlando International Airport has already issued a warning to travelers that the impending storm may cause delays and cancelations. Make sure you download your airline’s app to stay updated. During Hurricane Ian in 2022, the airport closed altogether.
While we continue to monitor Tropical Storm Idalia, here's a friendly reminder that with safety in mind, delays/cancellations are likely to occur with heavy rainfall & gusty winds in the area. Please check directly with your airline for any updates in regards to your flight. https://t.co/g35vBnT3JH
— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) August 28, 2023
As of 11AM ET on August 28th, Tropical Storm Idalia is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane as it moves into the Southeastern Gulf of Mexico late Monday, with showers, squalls, and thunderstorms following soon after. Meteorologists shared that “Showers, squalls, and thunderstorms associated with outer rain bands from Idalia may reach central Florida by late this afternoon, with conditions further deteriorating Tuesday afternoon and evening as Idalia accelerates north-northeastward across the eastern Gulf of Mexico.”
The NHC has just issued their 11am #Idalia advisory; Here's a look… More of course today on WESH 2 News… pic.twitter.com/2zGFduj3qX
— Eric Burris (@EricBurrisWESH) August 28, 2023
If Idalia does impact Disney World and the parks are closed as they have been in the past, we recommend keeping a stash of food in your hotel room. Food options will be limited even if there are multiple restaurants at your hotel, so you might not be able to get your favorites. But, Disney will make sure guests have meals to eat if they’re sheltering in the hotels. It might just not be exactly what you’re looking for!
And, as extreme as this may sound, you may want to consider changing hotels. There are certain resorts that are better suited for riding out a storm — they have enclosed hallways and access to dining options plus have in-room kitchens and more room altogether.
If you want to rethink your trip, here’s Disney World’s official hurricane cancelation policy:
If a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area—or for your place of residence—within 7 days of your scheduled arrival date, you may call in advance to reschedule or cancel your Walt Disney Travel Company Disney Resort hotel packages and most room-only reservations (booked directly with Disney) without any cancellation or change fees imposed by Disney.
If you have products and services provided by third-party suppliers included in your vacation—such as airlines, hotels, car rental agencies or travel insurance companies—you will continue to be responsible for any non-refundable payments, as well as cancellation or change fees assessed by those suppliers. The policy does not apply to certain special events or dining experiences.
If the National Hurricane Center does issue a hurricane warning for Orlando or your place of residence within 7 days of your arrival date, you can reschedule or cancel your trip with no additional fees — as long as you booked through Disney directly. We’ll let you know if this ends up happening and will continue monitoring Tropical Storm Idalia as it heads toward Disney World.
Click the links below for the latest updates on Tropical Storm Idalia — and stay tuned to AllEars for more.
The suggestion of stocking up with food prior to the hurricane is excellent advice…We stayed at the French Quarters during Hurricane Ian and I personally survived on fudge…The hotel food court was open during the hurricane but with a very limited supply of emergency-packed sandwich kits which were the absolute worst. Several hours after the passing…the food court did come to life but with only about 30% of normal food offerings.
Any word on halloween party for tuesday evening?? My daughter has tickets