Hiya Andrew - welcome back to
planDisney!
Thanks so much for stopping by with another question for our team of panelists. We love to help Guests just like you plan your very own, very magical, Walt Disney World Resort vacations!
Hurricanes are one of the few things that can dim the magic a bit when they coincide with your vacation, so I understand your concern, Andrew. While a
Travel Protection Plan purchased as part of a Walt Disney Travel Company Disney Resort hotel package is always great to consider, the Walt Disney World Resort Hurricane Policy also provides flexibility and support without purchasing a Travel Protection Plan.
The terms and conditions of each Guest's Travel Protection Plan vary based on the type of vacation they're booking and where they live, so I'm not able to detail those policies here. You are able to
view the specific policy that would apply to you online. There are also detailed
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) available for the Hurricane Policy available for you to review, but I'll give you the highlights.
Basically, if the National Hurricane Center issues a hurricane
warning for the Orlando area within seven days of your arrival date at the Walt Disney World Resort, you can reschedule or cancel hotel packages and most room-only reservations without any cancellation or change fees, as long as you booked directly through Disney. If you booked through a third party (e.g., a travel professional), you will need to work directly with them to learn more about your options. Also, if there are any third-party additions to your vacation package (e.g., a rental car, flights), you'll be working directly with that vendor's policies regarding that portion of your vacation. Vacations planned as part of a convention or special event may have different terms and conditions.
Long story short, while relatively rare, the Walt Disney World Resort and Walt Disney Travel Company both have experience with hurricane disruption. Their ultimate goal is to keep Guests safe and happy. When these rare events do impact a vacation, Cast Members do their best to make adjusting or canceling Guests' plans as easy as possible.
Before I leave you, let's focus on something more positive, shall we? There are going to be some amazing new attractions for you to enjoy during your vacation later this year! Be sure to make time to experience
TRON Lightcycle / Run at Magic Kingdom Park and
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT - these new attractions are both out-of-this-world thrills!
I hope this information has been helpful, Andrew -
stop by any time with more questions!Ryan J.