Traveling during Hurricane Season always has it’s risks. Especially if you are planning to visit the State of Florida or anywhere else along the Gulf Coast. Hurricane Season runs each year from June 1st through November 30 which is peak travel season for the Walt Disney World Resort. Is a hurricane threatening your Disney vacation? The Walt Disney World Resort Hurricane Policy provides you with options.
The parks do not close unless absolutely necessary. Photo Credit: Lisa McBride
First of all, the best way to protect your Walt Disney World vacation from hurricane season is to purchase travel insurance. The Walt Disney World Travel Company offers insurance coverage through Travelex. You can add this policy to your reservation at any time prior to final payment. The cost for adding Travelex Insurance to your reservation is $77.50 per adult.
What happens if you don’t have travel insurance and a hurricane is threatening your vacation? The Walt Disney World Resort Hurricane Policy provides you with options.
Walt Disney World Resort Hurricane Policy
Should a hurricane warning be issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area, OR for your place of residence, within seven (7) days of your scheduled arrival date, you may call in advance to reschedule or cancel. If you or your travel agent booked your reservation directly with Disney, you have the option to reschedule or cancel without any cancellation or change fees.
Any reservations made through third-party suppliers such as airlines, hotels, ground transfers, stroller rentals, car rentals or vacation insurance companies, are not covered by the Walt Disney World Resort Hurricane Policy. You will continue to be responsible for any non-refundable payments and/or change fees assessed by those suppliers.
The Walt Disney World Resort Hurricane Policy DOES NOT apply to certain dining experiences and special events.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What Happens if you Move Your Reservation?
Disney cannot guarantee availability of similar accommodations for guests who choose to move their travel dates due to a hurricane. All of the money you previously paid to Disney for your room, theme park tickets, dining plans and other Disney products and services will be applied toward your new reservation.
Any discounts or special offers applicable to your original confirmed vacation WILL NOT apply to the rescheduled vacation travel dates. For instance, you will lose your Free Dining offer (or any other promo) if you reschedule your visit outside of the promo window.
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Do I have Options if I Booked through a Third-Party?
The Walt Disney World Resort Hurricane Policy WILL NOT apply to your reservation. You should contact your travel agent or tour operator directly for information relating to the cancellation and change policies that apply to your package.
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What happens to my Dining Reservations if I Cancel or Reschedule?
It is YOUR responsibility to cancel and/or reschedule any dining reservations you will not use. You can easily do this through your My Disney Experience account online or by calling (407) WDW-DINE.
Should you move your travel dates your Dining Reservations WILL NOT be guaranteed for your new vacation. You will be required to rebook ALL of your dining reservations based on availability.
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Will I get a Refund for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets?
Special event tickets such as Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are non-refundable. However, should Disney cancel the party due to a hurricane, you will receive a full refund. In 2016 Disney canceled a party date due to Hurricane Matthew. I had clients with tickets for the event and they received their full refund.
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What Happens if we Decide to Ride out the Hurricane in Disney World?
Disney will go above and beyond to ensure the safety of their guests during a hurricane. The parks will only close if absolutely necessary. For more information, read our post Magically DIStracted by Hurricane Matthew for details on what happened in Disney World during the October 2016 hurricane.
Hurricane Policy for Disney’s Beach Resorts
Do you have reservations at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort or Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort? If a hurricane warning is issued for these destinations, the same hurricane policy will apply.
If you have questions or you wish to reschedule your vacation due to a hurricane warning, please call your travel agent or Disney directly at (407) 939-7675.
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