The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th every year. Many do not realize exactly how long the season truly is. While the most active months are August thru September it pays to be prepared if traveling during hurricane season.

How to Survive a Hurricane at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World isn’t a bad place to be during a hurricane. Their Cast Members are trained to handle weather emergencies and they will do the best they can to take care of everyone. But it never hurts to make sure you are prepared. So what should you do if you are at Disney World when hurricane is tracking into Florida?

Hit the Grocery Store

Whether it be by rental car or an Uber, stocking up on groceries that your family will eat is priceless! During Hurricane Matthew, Disney sold boxed lunches that Guests could keep in their rooms, but the lines were outrageous.

If you’re arriving right before a hurricane may or may not hit, you can use a grocery delivery service such as Garden Grocer.

• Chips
• Beef jerky
• Pop Tarts
• Fruit cups
• Applesauce
• Crackers
• Granola/energy bars
• Trail mix
• Water
• Juice boxes/soda
• Single serve mac & cheese cups or soup

Pick Up Some Emergency Essentials

Last year, Disney World gave each room a small flash light in case of power outages. If you have kids, you know one flash light isn’t enough. Grab some Dollar Tree one and throw them in your bag. They are cheap, small and easy to carry. While you’re there pick up some other essentials such as band-aids, hand wipes, and even some glow sticks. These on hand even when there isn’t a hurricane in the mix.

• Flash lights
• Hand wipes
• Glow sticks
• Band-aids
• Little goodies for kids

Flashlights were left in the rooms at Walt Disney World in preparation of Hurricane Matthew 2016. Photo credit: Connie Sink

Pack a Few Items To Save Your Sanity

Being cramped in a small hotel room with kids can be excruciating when the boredom sets in! Last year during hurricane Matthew Walt Disney World closed the parks early in and implemented a curfew in preparation of the storm.

Pack a deck of cards, coloring books and crayons and even a travel game or two. You’ll thank me later! Besides these items are great in carry ons to help entertain kids while on the plane.

• Deck of cards
• Coloring books & crayons
• Travel Games
• Portable battery chargers

Remember Disney Will Take Care of You!

Disney knows that you’re on vacation and that not everyone is prepared for a hurricane. The Cast Members will do just about anything to make sure your trip isn’t ruined because of a storm. Once the curfew was lifted during Hurricane Matthew, there were games in the food courts and around the resorts. They opened the resort arcades for “FREE” play and some special Guests made appearances to add that dash of Pixie Dust!

Pack Your Patience

The lines for food and games will be long and kids will be antsy which is trying in normal circumstances. Just remember there are thousands of others in the same boat. Patience and understanding will be a key to managing meltdowns (the kids and yours)!

Travel Insurance / Disney Hurricane Policy

No matter if there is a hurricane on the horizon or not, make sure to read up on Disney hurricane policy. And look into travel insurance. Minimal cost and gives you peace of mind when traveling during hurricane season.

Hurricanes Don’t Last All Week

Good news? Hurricanes don’t last all week! They are usually quick moving storms. And you can be sure Disney will be out making sure the parks are safe as soon as possible for you to continue your vacation.