Hurricane season begins. What it could mean to your Disney vacation

Today kicks off the annual hurricane season. And for those who visit Disney World and Florida each year, there is always a chance that during the season, between June 1 and Nov. 30, a storm could get in the way of a vacation.

Normally, there is plenty of time before a storm hits for preparation. And if you are visiting Disney World, there is one thing to remember, Orlando is the place people evacuate to (not from) if a hurricane is coming. Disney World is located inland, about 60 miles from the Atlantic Coast and 75 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. The land will slow down the storm and help reduce the wind speed.

Here are a few things to know about the season:

2022 Hurricane Forecast

Forecasters at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service, this year are predicting an above-average hurricane season — which would make it the seventh consecutive above-average hurricane season. NOAA’s outlook for the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season, predicts a 65% chance of an above-normal season, a 25% chance of a near-normal season and a 10% chance of a below-normal season.

NOAA is forecasting a range of 14 to 21 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 6 to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 6 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher).

The increased activity, according to NOAA, is attributed to several climate factors, including the ongoing La Niña that is likely to persist throughout the hurricane season, warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, weaker tropical Atlantic trade winds and an enhanced west African monsoon.

What If A Hurricane is Forecasted for Disney World?

According to Disney, “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 Disney Resort hotel packages 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 travel 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.”

Difference Between a ‘Watch’ and ‘Warning’

There are two different kinds of alerts given by the National Weather Service:

Hurricane watch:  This means hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or higher) are possible in a stated area. Experts announce hurricane watches 48 hours before they expect tropical-storm-force winds (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) to start.

Hurricane warning: This is more serious. It means hurricane-force winds are expected in a stated area. Experts issue these warnings 36 hours before tropical-storm-force winds are expected in the area to give people enough time to prepare for the storm.

What Happens If I Am Already at Disney World When the Warning Is Issued?

Disney World will close either for a half-day or a couple of days if a hurricane is heading toward Orlando, depending on the path and the strength of the storm. Since 1999, Disney has closed or closed early due to storms. Normally, a day or two before the storm is to come, Disney World remains operational but preps the parks and resorts for the storms by taking down scaffolding and securing all loose items.

And, if you think you will see them take the Cinderella Castle apart, you won’t. It’s a myth. It’s one that normally pops up during hurricanes. The castle, like everything built at Disney World, is constructed to withstand hurricane-force winds.

Heading to a park the before the storm is usually met with low crowds, since everyone is preparing for the storm.

If you are staying at a Disney resort during the storm, they will keep you up to date and suggest that you purchase water and snacks to keep in your room. There might be a time when guests will be asked to remain in their room. If needed, Disney will work to provide meals. You might also get a glimpse at some characters visiting.

Disney does what it can to reopen as quickly as possible the day after a storm, but it needs to physically check all structures to make sure nothing is damaged and everything is working properly.

Be aware that the bigger issue might be getting out of Orlando. It can take a few days for the airlines to be able to get the planes back to schedule once the storm has left the area.

Hurricane Resources

National Hurricane Center: This site will keep you up to date on storms, timing and projected paths.

Disney World FAQ: Walt Disney World’s official FAQ on its Hurricane Policy.

Meteorologists at the various Orlando TV stations do a good job in real time on what to expect: WESH.com, ClickOrlando.com, WFTV.com, and FOX35Orlando.com.