Hurricanes and reservations? Policies?

[Kristamouse]

Our local news weather man was talking about the possibility of an increase in Hurricane activity in the Atlantic this year because of an La Nina...so what is WDW's policy about this? What happens while we are there and a hurricane comes? We are driving but have 4 kids 6years to 6 months with us so I got me thinking...PORS sounds like the rooms are great but not if we are stuck there
Thanks

 

[pinkrose]

Disney does have a hurricane policy. You may read about it here - http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/common/helpFAQ?id=HelpFAQHurricanePage


If you are there and a hurricane does affect WDW, they are very good about getting the parks back up and running quickly, after the storm passes. During the storm, they usually will run movies for the guests to watch on their resort room tv's.

 

[Kristamouse]

Thanks, Elizabeth! I think you booked our last quick but magical visit with my In-laws last May
So we can re-book but loose free dining, correct....?

 

[Bronson55]

Be aware, if you staying at POFQ during a hurricane Disney will most likely move all of the Wilderness campground folks to available rooms. That happened to us a couple of years ago. Parking lot was a sea of campers. Food court quickly ran out of food. It was a mob scene for several days after wards in the food court . They ran out of flashlights and other promised items due to the huge mass of people. This was due to the close proximity of the camp grounds to POFQ. The boat transportation was stopped for a few days due to high water levels and debris.
We actually enjoyed the excitement ( except for the availability of food ). Disney did an excellent job opening up the parks.
If I remember correctly the parks started opening again about noon the next day. Storm passed over WDW 9pm the night before. We never lost power so TV and A/C worked all night. The structures are very sound. Nothing to worry about. The hurricane usually moves through quickly and then the weather is beautiful. Unless it's a travel day I would not worry about the "lost day" because it can be fun watching the preparations prior to the storm hitting.

 

[pinkrose]

You are very welcome!!! Yes, I did book your vacation for last May. I'm glad you all had a nice time!

That is correct. If a hurricane warning is issued for the Orlando area or your residence (within 7 days of your arrival date), you may reschedule your vacation, but will lose the special offer in which you have booked under. There is a free dining plan offer that is out for select dates next year (through Sept) in which you could book, if there is availabilty for your travel dates.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

My brother and SIL were at Disney back in 2004 when hurricane Charley passed over. I honestly can't remember the policies (even though they spoke about them), but they said everyone pretty much hunkered down in their rooms. They're FL residents and have been through storms- said it was scary, but that they felt very safe in their room. I think a few of their bookings were canceled, but many things were up and running fairly quickly.

 

[mp2bill]

Well, hopefully no hurricanes come through while you're there, making this a moot point. Have fun!