With Hurricane Dorian looking more and more likely to impact Central Florida late this weekend, many traveling to Walt Disney World are beginning to wonder what they should do ahead of the storm. As a Disney Vacation Club owner, this also brings up many questions: What happens to my points? What if I need to stay an extra day? Etc.
First and foremost, please keep the safety of you and others around you in mind as you make a decision of whether to still embark on your upcoming vacation. For many Florida residents, Hurricane Dorian poses a significant threat to their homes and lives and while you may be trying to get to your vacation, they will be trying to get out of the storms way and to a safe location. Walt Disney World is actually a very safe place to be during a storm of this type and many local residents often decide to book a room on property and ride it out there.
Orlando International Airport and Walt Disney World will provide updates as the storm approaches regarding operating status and potential closures. If you have concerns regarding an arriving or departing flight, check with your airline for updates and to review their cancellation policies. If Hurricane Dorian impacts the Orlando area we will likely see a plan similar to Hurricane Irma in 2017. During that storm both Walt Disney World and Orlando International Airport ceased operations the night prior to the storms arrival and were closed for at least two days.
Guests at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort or Disney’s Vero Beach Resort should be on higher alert as these properties could close completely due to an evacuation.
In the event that the storm does have an effect on your vacation or operations, both Walt Disney World and Disney Vacation Club have a detailed Hurricane Policy in place. Here it is:
As this policy states, and likely the best route towards preserving your points, call Member Services at (800) 800-9800 if you have any concerns about your upcoming vacation plans. Many members over on the DVC Fan Facebook Group have reported Disney being extremely accommodating with re-booking or banking points if your trip is affected by a storm.
If you plan to continue with your vacation plans regardless of the storm please be sure to heed any warnings that are issued by the National Weather Service or Walt Disney World. Disney cares greatly about your safety as well as the safety of their cast members.
Need to stay a little longer due to the storm? Members have reported that Disney and DVC often has found rooms that can either be booked with points or at a discounted cash rate.
You may end up spending a day or two in your resort so it is also important to plan for your needs. Utilizing a grocery delivery service or making a quick trip off property before the storms arrival can ensure you have everything you need. Staying in a studio accommodation? It may be worthwhile to keep an eye on 1-bedroom availability over the next few days to guarantee yourself a kitchen during the storm.
Have you been at Walt Disney World during a hurricane? If so we would love for you to share your thoughts and tips in the comments below or over on the DVC Fan Facebook Group. This will help fellow Disney Vacation Club Members make an informed decision during this time. Thanks and stay safe!
To all who may be staying or living during the storm, stay safe.
We were scheduled to go to Vero Beach this weekend for the long Labor Day Weekend. We called today and cancelled with no penalty or points in holding.
Stayed at WL August 2004 think it was hurricane Charlie. We were told to stay in our rooms during event. At one point my husband tried going downstairs and the second the elevator door opened a CM standing there told him to go back up. We were kept informed of things as they progressed and were given 2 days of free hopper passes. Felt very safe there.
We were at BWV when hurricane Jeanne hit in September 2004. We arrived Saturday 9/25 in the late morning. We were the last flight out of BWI TO FL that day. We arrived and Disney had already started putting plans in place and everything was closing at 6pm. You had to be back to the resort I believe by 8pm. They had already closed everything for Sunday. You had to stay inside your resort room that night. No going out on balconies. On Sunday when we woke up we had to stay inside. They had all kinds of things going on in the lobby. Character greets, games, arts and crafts. You could get vouchers for bag lunches and get them in their conference center that you could reach by hallways that kept you inside. They kept you well informed the whole time by sending messages on the tv and room phones. By Monday everything was open on a normal schedule you would never know there was a hurricane they had everything cleaned up. My husband and his brother went outside Sunday night when they allowed but only right outside our resort and everything was still closed and could see whole trees down and couldn’t believe when we got up Monday it was all cleaned up. The only thing that was affected by the storm was they closed Coral Reef restaurant because it had roof damage and had flooded. Otherwise you’d never know there was a hurricane. I felt really safe in the resort. I even slept some that night during it. I never did that at home during hurricanes. Disney knows how to take care of guests.
We were there for hurricane Charlie. Cast made sure we were safe as we evacuated magic kingdom and provided flash lights prior to power outage. We made sure to stock up on food for the kids and were refunded two days due to park closing. Felt safe!