Hurricane Irma is expected to make landfall relatively close to Florida’s coast. Residents and vacationers alike are eager to know the storm's future track as a category 5 like this one can cause a lot of damage to the Sunshine State. Florida’s governor has already declared a state of emergency even though it is not yet known what parts of the state, if any, will be affected. Disney cruise line has changed its’ itinerary due to the storm in the Caribbean but Walt Disney World Resort has yet to make any announcements about remaining open or closing the parks.
So if you’re wondering how Hurricane Irma or any future storm will affect your plans to visit Disney World, here are a few points to consider when you’re booking a trip to Disney World in hurricane season. Information from Disney’s hurricane policy statement:
1. Rescheduling/cancelling your Disney Trip
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 vacation 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.