With the beginning of this year’s Atlantic hurricane season officially starting in just a week, the National Hurricane Center and other top hurricane forecasters have predicted the most aggressive season on record.
It is common for hurricane forecasters to begin making predictions for the upcoming hurricane season before the summer months and these predictions are meant to help those that could be impacted to prepare in advance.
Since Walt Disney World is located in Florida it is a Disney theme park that is often impacted by the hurricane season. Keep reading to learn more about what we can expect this hurricane season and how to navigate Walt Disney World’s hurricane policies!
Aggressive Hurricane Season Predicted for Summer 2024
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season has been predicted to have as many as 25 named hurricanes. This is the most storms that have been predicted ever by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Other storm forecasters have made similar predictions with Colorado State University’s hurricane forecasting team predicting 23 named storms and 11 hurricanes. This is also the highest number of hurricanes predicted by this team at Colorado State since the late 90s.
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The typical hurricane season usually averages around 14 tropical storms in a year with only about half of that transitioning into hurricanes.
While these are just predictions, this gives us an idea of what we can expect during hurricane season this year. The official Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1st and runs through the end of November. But we often see the most storm activity in late August through middle of October.
This weather can have a major impact on a trip to Walt Disney World. Even if a storm doesn’t transition into a hurricane, a tropical storm alone can cause days of rainy weather which can drastically change your experience at the parks!
Walt Disney World Hurricane Policy
Walt Disney World does have an official hurricane policy for guests that have trips booked that may be impacted by hurricanes and tropical storms in the area.
The official Walt Disney World policy is copied below:
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.
Keep in mind if you have products/services from third parties included in your vacation- airlines, hotels, car rentals- you will be responsible for any nonrefundable payments.
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. The policy only applies to Walt Disney Travel Company Disney Resort hotel 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.
If you booked with a third-party travel agency, you need to contact them directly as they may have different policies in place than Disney.
This official Walt Disney World hurricane policy does not protect your investment in any airfare, car rentals, or other travel necessities you may have purchased. This is why considering travel insurance for your Walt Disney World trip during hurricane season is often recommended.
Keep in mind this policy is only for situations where a “hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area” and not for general tropical storms in the area. Tropical storms can have a large impact on weather at Walt Disney World which is why preparing for a rainy day at the parks can help you make the most of a trip that is impacted by weather.
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I guess I need to call DVC to get their policy regarding hurricanes as we have a trip and cruise planned for August.
Fingers crossed for everyone’s vacation during the hurricane season. I hope all those planning trips have a wonderful time and great weather.