Hurricane season in Florida runs from June 1 to November 30 each year. This period increases the chance of hurricanes and tropical cyclones in the Atlantic Basin. Recently, I was at Disney World during a hurricane, and like many others, I always wondered what it would be like to be at a theme park when a storm hits. I was thinking Here’s what I’ve learned about staying safe at Disney World and some tips for avoiding dangers when visiting Disney World.
Disney World during a hurricane – what does it feel like?
Disclosure: This post about hurricane safety at Disney World is not meant to be sensational. If the storm had been predicted to be stronger or violent, I would have arranged to leave and go home. Like I said, my family and I were much safer on the premises.
Hurricane measures at Disney World
At Walt Disney World, Policies in place against hurricanes. Here is the official notice:
“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, change or cancel any Walt Disney Travel Company hotel packages and most guest rooms at Disney Resorts. – Book only (directly with Disney) without any cancellation or change fees imposed by Disney Most stay-only and vacation packages can be changed or canceled online, including changes to travel dates can.
If your holiday includes products or services provided by third party suppliers such as air transportation, hotels, car rental agencies, travel insurance companies, etc., you remain responsible for non-refundable payments and cancellations. or changes in fees assessed by those suppliers. This policy does not apply to certain special events or dining experiences. This policy applies if a hurricane warning is also in effect for Disney’s Vero Beach Resort or Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort. ”
Disney World Resort Stay During Hurricane
When I was staying during Hurricane Idalia, I saw many families leaving early to get home before the storm. I also noticed that the cast members, myself included, worked together to make the guests feel comfortable. If you’re at the Walt Disney World Resort, there are at least 10 dedicated Disney TV channels, including one that offers park hours and weather he offers 24/7. Before, during and after the hurricane, the channel provided updates on theme park hours and closures. Luckily it was windy and rainy so only the water park was closed.
There was a fair amount of rain and wind in Idaria, so I didn’t have to worry about sheltering from the rain. disney world We have a shelter policy in place in case you need to evacuate. In the event of high winds or storms, guests must stay indoors and away from windows. I also learned that Disney World structures are very safe and have been strength tested to see if they can withstand wind speeds of 110 mph and sometimes even more.
Why didn’t I quit?
As someone who road trips everywhere, sometimes it’s safer to stay where you are than to drive home. First, the hurricane’s path was literally in the path of my road trip. Next, I always checked the hurricane forecast in case there was a big change in Idalia’s category and wind speed. Finally, I knew it wasn’t going to be a major hurricane in central Florida, and I’ve never been to a hurricane and wanted to experience it.
Having read other stories of past hurricanes, I knew that Walt Disney World was a safe haven for locals until a violent storm passed. In the case of Hurricane Idalia, the company offered a 50% discount on room rates for locals who wanted to stay on the property rather than at home.
I knew theme parks might be closed during storms, so I was okay with falling either way. Another benefit to driving is that I visited the local grocery store a few days earlier to stock up on bread, water, peanut butter, and jelly in preparation for the power outage. I knew Disney World had offered sandwiches and drinks in the past, so it was fine for a few days of dining.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Hurricane Idalia
It may sound selfish, but I know the days before and after the storm in the Orlando area are some of the least crowded days our guests will experience. Most of the rides are walk-ons and I love when the temperatures are mild rather than sweltering. To experience a hurricane for yourself, should you take a car or a plane? But we were already here, five days before the hurricane hit, so it made sense to stay here.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party It’s a big ticket event I look forward to every year, and for good reason. Filled with trick-or-treating, live shows, parades, fireworks, and an eerie atmosphere combined with Disney magic. Due to the impending wind and rain, the fireworks show was slightly altered, but our enjoyment was not interrupted, only where our guests were able to see the fireworks.
