What Happens If A Hurricane Affects My Disney World Vacation?

Hurricanes and tropical storms can happen during the months from June to November, although these storms almost always happen in August and September. It's always good to be prepared and have a plan! Just in 2022, Hurricane Nicole slammed Florida as late as November 8-11. Here's what you can do if unexpected weather affects you.

Consider Travel Insurance

I never even thought about travel insurance until we were planning our first post-COVID Disney World vacation. Trips are expensive, and you should think of ways to protect your money in case something like an unexpected storm or illness keeps you from enjoying all of your vacation. This way, you can protect nonrefundable trip expenses, such as park tickets, hotel rooms, and flights. We have AAA, so we used Allianz Travel Insurance (which can be used by anyone), and I am so glad that we did! We almost had to postpone or cancel the trip because of RSV, and then another family member DURING the vacation. Having travel insurance gave us peace of mind, and our sick family member was able to have unused tickets and a new hotel room (so she could isolate) reimbursed.

Call Disney Help & Guest Services

By the way, Disney WILL work with you if the unexpected happens. They were able to help get our travel party new hotel rooms on Disney property during a BUSY travel week. If your vacation is going to be delayed, interrupted, or if you need to stay longer than expected, please call and they will work with you as best they can. You might be able to change dates for your resort room and date-based tickets. Please note, they might be busier during times, like bad weather, when ALL or MOST guests are affected.

Walt Disney World Resort phone numbers directly from their website.

Have a Back-Up Plan

If the worse case scenario happens, ask yourself: Am I able to move my travel dates? Even if it's weeks or months from your original travel date, you need to prepare yourself for the unexpected. Not all situations will allow you to have clear travel dates available (such as a death in the family, serious illness, injury etc.), but if you are flexible, think of some back-up travel dates so you can communicate with Disney World because they can work with you to postpone your resort room or date-based tickets. Try to book a flight that is refundable or when you get credit for a future flight if you have to cancel. Make sure to contact any service that you will be using to let them know your change of plans. Record any cancellation policies AHEAD OF TIME, so that you're not caught by surprise and lose your money.