Let’s be real — planning a Disney World vacation takes enough strategic thinking without adding weather wildcards into the mix. But with 2024’s record-breaking hurricane season behind us, and forecasters predicting an active 2025 season according to CBS News, those of us planning trips during hurricane season need to approach things differently.

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season will take place from June through November. We’ve experienced both sides of the Disney hurricane equation — the perfectly sunny trip where the only water we encountered was at our hotel pool, and the vacation where we watched Cast Members sandbag storefronts before a hurricane. Being prepared is the difference between a great trip and a disaster.

 

Now, these rules aren’t about scaring you away from booking during the months of June through November — they’re about preparing you to travel with confidence during a season that requires a bit more planning. 

Rule #1: Book Direct Through Disney

When it comes to hurricane season bookings, how you book your trip matters just as much as what you book. This isn’t the time to prioritize saving a few dollars through third-party sites over securing peace of mind.

Disney’s Hurricane Policy is your best friend during storm season — but it only applies if you’ve booked directly through Disney. This policy allows you to reschedule or cancel your vacation packages and most room-only reservations without penalties when a hurricane warning is issued for Orlando or your home residence within seven days of your scheduled arrival. That kind of flexibility is invaluable during uncertain weather.

If you absolutely must book through a third-party website or app, thoroughly read their hurricane policies before confirming. Many have significantly stricter cancelation terms than Disney’s policy, potentially leaving you with non-refundable charges if a storm threatens. Now, when we say “third party,” we’re not talking about travel agents – they book for you directly through Disney. (And frankly, booking with a travel agent is a VERY smart strategy during hurricane season) We’re talking about the apps and websites where you pay THAT company directly, and they book your vacation for you (like Expedia, Priceline, and Hotwire). You can sometimes find Disney World hotels on those sites, and you can sometimes save a few bucks over booking direct — but hurricane season just isn’t the time.

Rule #2: Get Hurricane-specific Travel Insurance

Here’s another reason to use a travel agent – they can often hook you up with travel insurance. It’s probably cheaper than you think – and it’s worth the peace of mind for a lot of people.

 

Standard travel insurance often excludes named storms unless you purchase the coverage before the storm is named. Look for policies that specifically mention hurricane coverage for trip cancelation or interruption.

Rule #3: Build Buffer Days Into Your Itinerary

We highly recommend you start or end your trip with a day or two that could be sacrificed to weather disruptions without ruining your must-do experiences.

This approach can save your vacation if a hurricane closes the parks for one or two days — if you plan it right, you can build in enough flexibility to still hit all your priority attractions.

Even if a major storm isn’t directly hitting the Disney World area, you may encounter a few majorly rainy days in the mix on your trip. Plan some wiggle room ahead for your itinerary so that you can hit up Magic Kingdom and EPCOT on wetter days as they offer the most indoor attractions and experiences. And know which outdoor attractions typically close when lightning is in the area (even without rain).

Popular rides like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Slinky Dog Dash, and Expedition Everest will definitely be no-gos during lightning or heavy rain, so schedule those for morning slots since it’s less likely to pour earlier in the day in Orlando.

Rule #4: Budget for Contingencies

Set aside an emergency fund for potential extended stays or alternative transportation if flights are canceled.

Airports often close before, during, and after hurricanes until they can ensure safe operations, which could mean additional hotel nights and meals.

Rule #5: Choose Your Hotel Strategically

Not all Disney resorts are created equal when it comes to weathering a storm. While all Disney resorts are built to withstand hurricane-force winds, the difference between a comfortable “hurrication” and a less pleasant experience often comes down to your hotel choice.

Disney’s Deluxe resorts with interior corridors and multiple dining options under one roof offer significant advantages during severe weather. Consider these hurricane-friendly options:

• Disney’s Contemporary Resort (main tower)
  
• Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort
  
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge (main building)
  
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (Jambo House)
  
• Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts
• Disney’s Gran Destino Tower
• Disney’s Riviera Resort

These resorts allow you to move between your room, restaurants, and entertainment spaces without going outside during dangerous weather.

What you might want to avoid during hurricane season: 

• Resorts with exterior corridors and spread-out buildings like:
  • Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
  • Grand Floridian Resort
  • Disney’s Moderate and Value Resorts (like the All-Star Resorts, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach, Port Orleans Resorts, Coronado Springs, and Art of Animation)

 When you can’t go outside during a storm, having to dash between buildings for food or activities becomes a real problem.

If you’re really thinking ahead, consider booking a Disney Vacation Club villa that offers an in-room kitchen and laundry. Being able to hunker down with the amenities you need can be a game-changer if you’re confined to your room.

No matter where you stay, prepare your room as a potential storm shelter. Here’s what we recommend:

• Stock up on provisions – While Disney may offer “Hurricane Meal Kits ” (basic meal kits) during storms, in the past, you had to be able to actually get to the lobby or gift shop to get them. Grocery delivery services and food delivery apps typically shut down, get backed up, or cancel orders as storms approach, so have snacks, water, and shelf-stable food in your room before bad weather hits.
• We love the service provided by Kroger Grocery Delivery at Disney World – You can order directly through the Kroger app and have water, snacks, and even things like swim diapers or your forgotten deodorant delivered directly to your hotel. Again, if there’s a chance a hurricane will affect the area, we recommend placing your order a few days in advance.
• Pack entertainment options – Download movies, bring card games, books, or other activities that don’t require power or internet. Those hours in the hotel room will feel much longer without fun stuff to do.

And don’t forget: there’s a LOT that goes into making your trip special, even if there’s a storm. During hurricanes, Disney relies on volunteer “ride-out crews” who stay at the resorts to care for guests while being away from their own families. These Cast Members work extended shifts in challenging conditions. A little patience and appreciation go a very long way.

Rule #6: Pack Your Hurricane Tech Essentials

Your phone becomes your most powerful tool during hurricane season — if you’ve set it up properly. The right apps and settings can provide critical information hours before official announcements.

Essential apps we recommend:

• Florida Storms: The official Florida Public Radio Emergency Network app with Florida-specific alerts
• OCFL Alert: Orange County’s app that provides the most timely local warnings and evacuation notices if they become necessary
  
• My Disney Experience: Where Disney will push official communications about park hours and closures
  
• Your airline’s app: Set up push notifications for flight changes and cancelations

Power becomes precious during storms, so pack multiple portable chargers with at least 10,000mAh capacity each. Hotel power can flicker or go out entirely during severe weather, and you’ll need your devices to stay informed.

Disney World during hurricane season isn’t inherently risky — it just requires more intentional planning. By booking directly with Disney, choosing storm-resilient accommodations, and leveraging technology to stay informed, you’re positioning yourself to handle whatever weather comes your way.

The reality is that Disney has only closed for hurricanes a handful of times in its history. The odds are in your favor that your trip will proceed without major disruptions. But by following these rules, you’ll be prepared for both the likely scenario (a great vacation with perhaps some rain) and the unlikely one (weathering a hurricane at the Most Magical Place on Earth).

So pack those ponchos, book that travel insurance, and approach your 2025 hurricane season Disney trip with informed confidence. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. 

Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts, and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation.

Everything You Need to Know About Riding Out a Hurricane in Disney World

Have you ever been to Disney World during a hurricane? Let us know in the comments!

The post NEW RULES For Hurricane Season in Disney World for 2025 first appeared on the disney food blog.