Hurricane Michael is heading towards the Florida Panhandle and will threaten the northeastern Gulf Coast by Wednesday. Weather forecasters have been speculating that landfall will be Wednesday afternoon bringing widespread rain to Central Florida. Tropical Storm Warnings are already in effect for the Tampa area. At this present time, no hurricane warning has been issued for the Orlando, Florida metropolitan area.
It is not the winds that are a concern for Central Florida but the heavy downpours and gusty winds over 20 mph that will impact the area.
How does this affect Walt Disney World? Most likely the Orlando area will expect heavy rainfall and very windy conditions from Hurricane Michael,
What you need to know:
If you are planning to be a guest at Walt Disney World don’t worry. As with last year’s Hurricane Irma, Walt Disney World is prepared for accommodating guests if their travel is interrupted due to hurricane warnings or simply keeping the guests entertained while riding out heavier bands of the storm in true Disney fashion. Disney will do everything to make sure their guests are first and foremost safe is the conditions deteriorate. Unfortunately, that may be to keep guests inside their resort.
Even the smallest guests were made to feel safe during Hurricane Irma last year.
Photo Credit – Mary Morales
Here is a breakdown of Walt Disney World’s hurricane policy:
If I reschedule my vacation to a different date because of a hurricane warning, will I be able to get my same accommodations?
If you are scheduled to arrive within 7 days of a hurricane warning, you may call us in advance to reschedule without a Disney imposed change fee. We cannot guarantee the availability of similar accommodations for the new travel dates. All amounts you paid to Disney for rooms, 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. You are responsible for applicable package pricing for the new vacation dates.
The policy does not apply to certain special events and dining experiences.
I received a special offer when I booked my vacation with the Walt Disney Travel Company. If a hurricane warning is issued within 7 days of my arrival date and I reschedule, will I get the same special offer?
Cast Members will be able to reschedule your vacation to your new desired travel dates if the same special offer is available. If the same special offer is not available Cast Members will assist by identifying alternate offers during your new desired travel dates. All amounts you paid to the Walt Disney Travel Company for rooms, 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 may not apply to the rescheduled vacation travel dates. You are responsible for applicable package pricing for the new vacation dates.
A hurricane warning has been issued within 7 days of my arrival date and I did not book my package through the Walt Disney Travel Company. Does the Walt Disney Travel Company cancellation policy apply to my package too?
No. You should contact your travel agent or tour operator directly for information relating to the cancellation and change policies that apply to your package.
If a hurricane warning is issued within 7 days of my arrival date and I have a sports or group package, does the Walt Disney Travel Company hurricane cancellation policy apply to my package?
The policy only applies to Walt Disney Travel Company Magic Your Way Packages, as well as rooms and packages for sports groups.
The policy does not apply to rooms or packages for youth groups, other groups, and special events. It also does not apply to meetings and conventions.
Will I be responsible for any cancellation or change fees or other amounts if a hurricane warning is issued within 7 days of my arrival date?
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 Magic Your Way vacation package 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.
This policy also applies to Disney’s Vero Beach Resort or Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort in the event a hurricane warning is issued for those destinations.
If you have questions or you wish to reschedule your vacation due to a hurricane warning, please call (407) 939-7675. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.
What does it mean for my vacation plans if a hurricane warning is issued within 7 days of my arrival date?
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 Magic Your Way vacation package 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.
This policy also applies to Disney’s Vero Beach Resort or Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort in the event a hurricane warning is issued for those destinations.
If you have questions or you wish to reschedule your vacation due to a hurricane warning, please call (407) 939-7675. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.
If a hurricane warning is issued within 7 days of my arrival date and I want to cancel or reschedule my vacation, what should I do with my airline tickets?
If you booked your air travel through the Walt Disney Travel Company and you want to reschedule, we will attempt to rebook your air travel. However, you will be responsible for any cancellation or change fees imposed by the airline. If you did not book your air travel through the Walt Disney Travel Company, you should contact your airline.
Chip & Dale kept guests calm and certainly well entertained during Hurricane Irma last year at the Port Orleans – French Quarter.
–Photo Credit – Mary Morales
As with all hurricanes, their path may change and we will do our best to keep you informed of any changes.
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