WDW Hurricane Policy

[Strmchsr]

Since we have a potential tropical storm next week to impact WDW and we're into hurricane season, if you want to know WDW's policy for tropical weather click here.

For a tropical storm, like what's expected on Tuesday, all outdoor or partially outdoor attractions will be closed (Dumbo, Test Track, 7 Dwarves coaster, Safari, etc). Adjust your fast passes accordingly. A tropical storm generally doesn't shut down anything else unless it's extremely strong. A hurricane is a different animal and is taken on a case by case basis as to when they shut down and when they reopen. The good news is WDW is well prepared for this. They know how to treat their guests and generally the impact doesn't last more than a day or two.

First of all, keep in mind that Walt Disney World opened in October 1971. That means it has been open 45 years – just over 16,000 operating days - and in all that time it’s only had to shut down 5 times so your chance of having your vacation interrupted is very slight. The first time this happened was with Hurricane Floyd in 1999. That’s 18 years with no closures. It happened again on 9/11/01 due to the fear of further terrorist attacks, twice in 2004 for Hurricanes Frances and Charley, and then in 2005 for Hurricane Wilma. None of these closures lasted more than a day or two. I hope less than 10 total days out of 16,000 helps you rest a little easier.

If a storm is heading towards Orlando it’s a monstrous operation to shut WDW down. Here’s the process:
Phase 5 (Monitoring Storm Possible) - Review current plan, checklists and business recovery plans. Review personnel and resource availability for the ride-out crew. Verify contact numbers and emergency data. Prepare WDW Emergency Operations Center for activation.

Phase 4 (Storm likely within 24–36 hrs) - General readiness imposed. Brief personnel. Review checklists. Consider possible shut down of long lead operations and not starting extended operations. Limited activation and staffing of WDW Emergency Operations Center.

Phase 3 (Storm probable within 12–24 hrs) - Intensify clean up and tie down. Prepare for phase 2 activity. Selected ride-out crew personnel given the opportunity to secure their personal property. Turn in excess radios and vehicles. WDW Emergency Operations Center opens and is fully staffed. Note: Generally this is when the WDW Emergency Operations Center, command centers, and command posts will be fully activated. However, this is an Executive Policy Team decision.

Phase 2 (Storm impending) - Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney MGM Studios, Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney close. Guest campground trailers removed and secured by the guests. Scheduled hotel and campground guests notified of conditions. Complete all clean up and tie down short of shutdown. Authorized ride-out families move to pre-designated shelters. Ride-out crew fully staffed at start of phase 1 or as directed by the WDW Emergency Operations Center. Personnel not in ride-out crew released as soon as possible.

Phase 1 (Storm imminent, take shelter) - Shutdown all activities and immediately take shelter. Fulfill ride-out requirement plans.

Post Storm Phase - Command Centers submit situation reports to WDW Emergency Operations Center. Establish business resumption / recovery schedule. Notify employees through media and cast Member emergency lines of call back as directed by WDW Emergency Operations Center.

[faline]

Always a helpful reminder!! Thanks, Chris!

[Speedy1998]

I was at Disney once, when it took a glancing blow from a tropical storm. It ended up being just like any rainy day at WDW. Outdoor rides only closed when lighting was detected in the area. Having said that I do not recommend riding Expedition Everest in a rain shower. The rain drops really sting when you are moving that fast.

[mrte62]

We were there for Hurricane Charley. Beautiful sunny rope drop - with one exception - we were let in for to MK and were told that the parks were closing at 1 pm. Light crowds and had a really fun day. About 12:30 pm it started getting cloudy and by the time we got to our car it was getting pretty dark. We made it back to our off-site hotel and the storm really hit hard. Watched TV until the power went out at 6 pm. Next morning no power and were told that there would be no power for at least a week. We were moved to the Downtown Disney Doubletree. Actually made the rope drop at EPCOT. Besides a few leaves and branches, you would have never known that a hurricane past through the day before.

[j2k]

Just out of curiosity Is there any sort of refund policy or extension (like a rain check?) on the tickets if the park closes or if the outdoor areas close and you choose not to go to the parks? Like in this case where the TS just popped up and there wasn't a 7 day warning so that you could reschedule. So you just decide to stay in your room today.

I'm just curious. I'm not there now and won't be going until next year.

I would think that they won't refund.

[Strmchsr]

No refund unless the park actually closes. If you chose not to go, you're certainly free to make that choice, but they only issue a refund if the park closes.

[j2k]

No refund unless the park actually closes. If you chose not to go, you're certainly free to make that choice, but they only issue a refund if the park closes.

that's what I was thinking. Thanks!!!