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Credit: ITM / Weather.com With news developing about Hurricane Dorian nearly every hour, we thought we’d share some helpful information regarding how this hurricane could potentially impact your Walt Disney World or Disney Cruise Line vacation.
Hurricane Dorian continues to pose an increasing threat to Florida after causing minor damage in the Caribbean, specifically Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The U.S. National Hurricane Center expects Dorian to grow into a Category 3 hurricane before it hits the mainland U.S. late Sunday night or early Monday morning. And after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for the eastern and central counties of Florida on Wednesday, many locals to the state and tourists alike are wondering just how this hurricane will impact their livelihood.
Related:Â UPDATE: Disney Cruise Line cancels departure ahead of Hurricane Dorian
If you’re planning a Walt Disney World vacation, remember that Disney has a hurricane policy for instances like Hurricane Dorian. The policy says that Guests can call within seven days of their scheduled Disney World arrival date to reschedule or cancel their vacation if a hurricane warning is issued for the Orlando area or their place of residence. Here are some more details, per the Walt Disney World website:
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 Package 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.
If you have questions or you wish to reschedule your vacation due to a hurricane warning, please call (407) 939-7675. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.
A similar policy applies to Disney Cruise Line vacations, as well. Cruise lines, including Disney Cruise Line, have already begun changing the itineraries and routes of their currently scheduled cruises. Although you will have to contact Disney Cruise Line or your travel agent if you wish to reschedule your Disney Cruise Line vacation because of Hurricane Dorian, Disney Cruise Line has been adjusting routes and issuing travel advisories, as you can see below:
We are closely monitoring the path and progress of Hurricane Dorian to ensure our Guests enjoy safe and comfortable cruises, and to make certain our ships steer clear of the storm. The safety of our Guests and crew is always our foremost concern.
At this time, based on the current predicted storm timing and path, we do not anticipate any changes to the Disney Fantasy sailing on Saturday, Aug. 31. We are closely monitoring potential implications for the Disney Dream sailings on Friday, Aug. 30 and Monday, Sept. 2. We encourage Guests to monitor our website for updates.
We're closely monitoring Hurricane Dorian. Based on the current projections, we do not expect any changes to the Disney Fantasy sailing on 8/31. We're monitoring potential impacts for the Disney Dream sailings on 8/30 & 9/2. Visit our website for updates – https://t.co/6BhBl1Lou1
— Disney Cruise Line (@DisneyCruise) August 29, 2019
Also, remember that if you plan to fly to Florida for a Walt Disney World or Disney Cruise Line vacation, many airlines are issuing refunds or canceled flights. Be sure to contact your airline directly to find out about your son. If you booked your airfare directly with the Walt Disney Travel Company for your Disney Cruise Line or Walt Disney World vacation, Disney would do their best to reschedule your airline tickets for the dates you prefer.
Remember that the path of Hurricane Dorian keeps changing, and it may not have as big of an impact on your Disney vacation as you expect. Stay up-to-date with Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line to ensure you don’t miss any travel advisories issued for upcoming holidays.
To stay informed on Hurricane Dorian, visit Hurricane Central on Weather.com.
Source: Fox News, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, USA Today