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Credit: Inside The MagicWhile Walt Disney World may be the most magical place on earth, it is also the rainiest. During the spring and summer months, Orlando tends to get daily showers that often turn into storms. While guests at Disney will certainly be able to navigate the rain, the hurricanes that show up from time to time may be a little more frightening and can undoubtedly transform your vacation.
Now, WESH News is predicting the 2024 hurricane season and how it will affect Orlando. The publication did this quite accurately in 2023, making these predictions a good benchmark as to figuring out when you should plan your vacation.
Meteorologist Eric Burris stated, “The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is right around the corner, which is why for the last few months, I’ve been working on my own hurricane seasonal forecast. This isn’t your standard “X” number of storms style forecast-this is looking at weather patterns to give you an idea of “hot spots” for the season, along with “hot dates” on the calendar, so you can have an idea of what the season will look like.”
This year, Burris has located some hot spots along the coast that will likely be affected, as you can see below.
Burris continued, “The main thing you should notice is that THIS year Gulf coastlines are looking at above-average threats- a big shift from the last few years. I also want to mention the pattern flows clearly, ALL pointing to the eastern Gulf coast. This is particularly concerning for us Floridians, as it tells me that not only are we under a higher threat for tropical impact, but perhaps the greatest threat I’ve forecast since beginning these long-range outlooks years ago.”
It appears South Florida will likely be hit between May 19-24, July 5-10, and August 21-27, based on patterns from previous years. Another pattern hits the Gulf and the Carolinas, and potential return dates for this part of the pattern include June 20-25, August 6-12, and September 22-29. Lastly, just Gulf coast low patterns include warning dates of June 3-7, July 20-24, and September 4-9.
WESH is forecasting 16-20 named storms and 8-10 hurricanes, with 3-5 of them being major hurricanes. All of these numbers are up from the average expectations.
Burris is warning families in the area or families visiting to be prepared with a hurricane kit. Luckily, while Orlando does get hit with hurricanes, it is an inland city, making the effects of the storm less threatening at times. That being said, there have been devastating and lethal fatalities in Orlando from past hurricanes, so ensuring you are safe is key. At Walt Disney World, things are already planned and prepared for these storms, and their hotels and structures have been built to withstand category-five hurricanes.
Orlando is generally affected by hurricanes less frequently than coastal areas. However, it can still experience the effects of these storms, such as heavy rain, strong winds, and occasional power outages.
When Disney has to shut down its theme parks due to a hurricane threat, it’s primarily for the safety of guests and employees. The resort takes proactive measures to prepare for hurricanes, including securing loose items, reinforcing structures, and stocking up on supplies. Additionally, Disney has emergency response plans in place to evacuate guests and employees if necessary.
During a hurricane, Disney may temporarily close its theme parks, resorts, and other facilities to ensure everyone’s safety. Guests are typically provided with updates and guidance on evacuation procedures and shelter locations. In the past, we have seen food given out to guests and brought to their rooms so that they do not have to leave. In the lobby of resorts, Disney will also bring out characters and have cast members ready to play games and hold activities for guests to participate in, so that you can enjoy the most magical hurricane of your life.
After the storm passes, Disney assesses any damage to its property and infrastructure and works quickly to restore operations and ensure a safe environment for guests and cast members.
Overall, Walt Disney World Resort is well-prepared for hurricanes and has comprehensive plans in place to manage the impact of these severe weather events while prioritizing the safety and well-being of everyone on-site, including ensuring that even Cinderella Castle can survive any storm — which she can.
Disney has shut down Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios for hurricanes in the past; however, last year did not see any closures. Disneyland, on the other hand, does not tend to see many hurricanes, but when they do, we have seen the park close down early to prepare for the storm; however, the park has not had to shut down for the full day due to a hurricane.
Will you avoid these hurricane prediction dates when booking your 2024 trip to Walt Disney World Resort?