One draw back to summer season & fall journeys to Walt Disney World is tropical storm season. This put up covers the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season forecast, suggestions for staying dry throughout rain & preparedness data for staying protected throughout Florida’s intense climate. (Up to date March 3, 2024.)
Lately, Hurricanes Dorian, Matthew, Irma, and Ian have all impacted the parks and resorts to various levels–in some instances, inflicting multi-day closures. That is positively one thing to be cognizant of earlier than reserving your journey. This isn’t to say it’s best to keep away from September or different peak hurricane months, however it’s necessary to concentrate on whereas weighing the professionals and cons of assorted occasions to go to.
In a median yr, the NOAA forecasts over a dozen named storms. Whereas this can be a lot of storms, it’s extremely unlikely that any of those will make landfall and subsequently considerably affect Walt Disney World. It’s nonetheless unusual to face park closures because of storms, however it has occurred a number of occasions. Nonetheless, even storms lots of of miles off the coast could make for lengthy, wet days–fairly than the conventional afternoon showers which can be a reality of life in Florida through the summer season and fall.
In different phrases, if you happen to’re visiting Walt Disney World through the storm season months of June by way of November 2024, it’s good to be ready. Should you’re visiting between August and October 2024–the center of hurricane season–it’s additionally key to have a plan for extra main storms.
With that in thoughts, let’s begin with a have a look at the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season forecast and the way it might have an effect on Walt Disney World…
2024 ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON FORECAST
Meteorologists are beginning to launch their forecasts for Atlantic hurricane season in 2024. Sometimes, the Colorado State College Tropical Climate and Local weather Analysis Group, Nationwide Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Nationwide Hurricane Heart all launch pretty dependable and non-sensationalized forecasts. We’ll replace this part when these forecasts are launched.
Within the meantime, we have now the forecast from two shops which have various levels of credibility. The primary is AccuWeather, which in its forecast sounded alarm bells {that a} “super-charged” hurricane season is feasible in 2024. This might be a “blockbuster” hurricane season, AccuWeather hurricane consultants warn, as all the elements are coming collectively for explosive tropical growth within the Atlantic this yr.
Whereas the Atlantic hurricane season doesn’t formally begin till June 1, there are already “severe and rising issues” in regards to the impending season, AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter mentioned. There are two key components which have AccuWeather forecasters sounding the early warning of a doubtlessly super-charged season: The return of La Niña and traditionally heat water throughout the Atlantic Ocean.
It might be a back-loaded season in 2024, as La Niña won’t formally develop till late summer season or early autumn. The timing of the onset of La Niña might additionally dictate whether or not this upcoming season can be much like the 2020 season, or if the variety of tropical methods will fall wanting historic ranges. AccuWeather’s forecast alone wouldn’t be severe trigger from concern, as there’s a diploma to which their reporting is sensationalized. Nonetheless, it’s corroborated by one other outlet.
That’s the WESH 2 forecast by native meteorologist Eric Burris. Final yr, that staff precisely predicted the place each named storm went, and once they made landfall. We’ve discovered that WESH 2 doesn’t sensationalize storm season, and as a substitute presents a facts-first strategy. Their previous forecasts have usually been conservative relative to the consensus. (Usually, native reporting by the Orlando and different Florida information stations is actually good–higher than the nationwide protection.)
Burris and WESH are predicting 16-20 named storms, 8-10 hurricanes, and 3-5 main hurricanes. WESH additionally recognized potential hotspots for exercise, all of which pointed to the jap Gulf coast. That is significantly regarding for Florida, with Burris including that not solely is Florida underneath a better risk for tropical affect, however “maybe the best risk I’ve forecast since starting these lengthy vary outlooks years in the past.”
WESH attributes this largely to the transition from El Niño to La Niña and sea floor temperatures, however goes deeper than that. In addition they cite Lezak’s Recurring Cycle, a meteorological approach that makes use of the previous to foretell the long run, to establish long-term climate patterns repeating themselves in cycles. (Should you click on this WESH hyperlink, it goes into element about particular dates which have the potential for a return of previous climate patterns. It’s an interesting learn!)
Once more, we’ll replace this part as soon as the NHC, NOAA, and numerous respected universities launch their 2024 hurricane season forecasts. What follows is the remainder of our normal recommendation on visiting Walt Disney World throughout storm season–and our expertise staying at Walt Disney World whereas the parks closed because of a hurricane…
Our Hurricane Expertise
There may be ample cause for trepidation if you happen to’re pondering of visiting Walt Disney World in the summertime or fall. As Hurricane Dorian, Matthew, and Irma demonstrated, these Atlantic storms have the potential to dramatically alter a trip. The previous is the perfect predictor of the long run, so seeing how Disney handled Hurricanes Irma & Matthew might be useful if you happen to’re involved a few hurricane impacting your Walt Disney World trip throughout storm season.
Hurricane Irma precipitated Walt Disney World to be closed for 2 full days and resulted in some harm across the resort. As famous above, we received caught in Walt Disney World after our Disney Cruise Line Bahamas crusing was canceled (and we had been unable to rebook our flight as a result of mass exodus of individuals making an attempt to depart Florida).
You may examine that in Our Hurricane Irma Expertise at Walt Disney World, which is sort of a journey report…however with not one of the regular enjoyable stuff, like sights. It covers what we did to arrange for the storm, how Walt Disney World’s “experience out” Forged Members dealt with operations, and far more.
What it is advisable know for wet days versus throughout hurricanes and tropical storms is radically totally different. Excluding sure sights and leisure that may shut down for normal storms, it’s enterprise as regular for Walt Disney World through the rain. That’s not the case throughout hurricanes and tropical storms, when operations may be dropped at a screeching halt. Fortunately, that’s very unusual.
Though the prospect of visiting throughout rain or hurricane season could be unsettling, there additionally is a few upside, as you’ll learn…so it’s not all dangerous. Let’s check out find out how to put together for, and cope with, summer season storms at Walt Disney World; from common small storms to tropical storms to even hurricanes. Let’s begin with what it is advisable know for the worst case state of affairs…
Hurricane Historical past, Official Insurance policies, Preparedness Ideas & Information
Hurricanes have precipitated Walt Disney World to shut on six events. In 1999 for Hurricane Floyd; in 2004 on separate events in a six-week span for Hurricanes Frances, Charley, and Jeanne; in 2005 for Hurricane Wilma; in 2016 for Hurricane Matthew; in 2017 for Hurricane Irma; and in 2022 for Hurricane Ian.
That’s a median of about one closure per decade…plus 3 times within the final decade. There are additionally a number of different occasions when the parks have closed early, or the water parks and sure resorts have closed–however all of that’s far more frequent and never one thing that’s carefully tracked consequently. Suffice to say, the chances are towards your journey to Walt Disney World being severely impacted by a hurricane. Nonetheless, storms have gotten more and more frequent.
I’ve heard of some journey brokers strongly encouraging company to buy journey insurance coverage if visiting Walt Disney World in late summer season or early fall. I can’t say that I agree with that recommendation, however then once more, I’m not danger averse. We solely buy journey insurance coverage when going overseas, and that’s solely in case I get in a struggle with a monkey and must be hospitalized. With that mentioned, right here’s what it is advisable know if a hurricane or tropical storm is forecast throughout your go to.
Walt Disney World has a Hurricane Coverage that may assist you to get a refund on any package deal booked by way of Disney. In fact, this received’t cowl your airfare. Thankfully, latest storms have precipitated vital adjustments in extreme storm insurance policies amongst main airways, in order that shouldn’t be a difficulty, both. If that leaves any gaps in bills you’ve paid for, any respectable bank card could have you lined.
Should you usually buy journey insurance coverage anyway, otherwise you nonetheless need journey insurance coverage particularly for hurricane season, be sure you get protection that really will do one thing for you within the occasion of hurricanes or storms. Most elementary insurance policies don’t present protection for climate, so that you’ll need to truly learn the coverage before you purchase. Generally, you’re going to must buy a costlier coverage that permits cancellation for any cause.
Past financial loss, there’s the problem of security, significantly throughout hurricanes. By way of security, Walt Disney World was constructed for strict compliance with hurricane readiness requirements and has earned “StormReady” standing from the NOAA. for this kind of factor (no matter how unusual they’re). By way of preparedness, Disney is completely on the ball.
You actually wouldn’t have the ability to depart your room with out receiving a standing replace of what’s occurring, how operations can be affected, and what to do in case of an emergency. There are additionally notices up across the resorts and in-room televisions have extra data than you’re prone to want on Disney’s channels.
Disney errs on the facet of warning with these items, and also you’d just about must bury your head within the sand to not know what’s occurring. You actually received’t want something past the data Walt Disney World will present to you as a way to maintain protected, however if you wish to be particularly protected, we advocate reviewing FloridaDisaster.org’s data, together with on evacuation routes.
Moreover, we advocate having no less than a three-day provide of meals, water and medication available. Additionally, earlier than the storm approaches, guarantee cell-phones and different units are absolutely charged (together with exterior battery packs) in case {of electrical} energy loss.
Storm Season Packing
When packing for a visit throughout storm season, you’ll need to be sure you come ready when it comes to rainwear and footwear. By way of rainwear, you may pay $79.56 (slight exaggeration–solely slight) for a poncho within the parks, or you may carry your personal. It’s best to as a substitute get an affordable 10-pack of ponchos which can be serviceable earlier than your journey (or two 10-packs, relying upon how many individuals are in your group).
If you’d like one thing extra strong that may maintain you dry and is reusable, get this 5-Pack of “Professional” Ponchos. Whereas these are technically disposable, they’re a thicker and better high quality materials than the ponchos above. We’ve discovered that they’re simple to reuse–simply cling them as much as dry in your room on the finish of the day! Except you actually need to throw away your ponchos after every use, that is positively the superior choice.
Second, footwear. Nothing is worse than strolling miles round Walt Disney World in moist footwear. Belief me. Common choices to keep away from this drawback are conventional Crocs cogs. Personally, I favor Crocs sandals as a result of they don’t fairly scream “80 yr previous hospital affected person” fairly as a lot. Should you’re extra severe about your footwear, think about hybrid water/athletic footwear; the perfect choices we’ve discovered listed below are the Teva Churn (for males) and RYKA Hydro (for girls).
Lastly, decorate with a Frogg Toggs Chilly Pad. This isn’t for the rain itself, however the warmth and humidity that come as soon as the rain leaves. Belief me on this as soon as. These items do wonders for cooling you down, and readers of this weblog are huge followers of them, as may be evidenced by the feedback to our Distinctive Disney Parks Packing Listing put up.
Common Rain Showers
There’s a real-world adage that the one certainties in life are loss of life and taxes. If utilized to Walt Disney World, that adage would in all probability be that the one certainties are a 3 o’clock parade and a day bathe. Quick afternoon showers are pretty common in Walt Disney World any time of the yr, however through the summer season and early fall, they’re particularly frequent. Plus, not like the spring showers that may final for 10 minutes earlier than the solar returns, summer season storms may be marathon downpours that don’t relent for a number of hours.
The prospect of rain shouldn’t maintain you out of the parks (not to mention from not visiting Walt Disney World throughout these months), as correct packing will make touring throughout wet season a breeze. Plus, the rain will scare loads of different company away, so a pleasant afternoon bathe could be simply the factor to decrease these crowds for you. (Though rain isn’t almost as efficient in Walt Disney World as it’s in Disneyland–a lightweight sprinkle there and all the SoCal locals run for the exits!)
If it’s raining if you rise up or the forecast is asking for lots of rain on a specific day of your journey, we advocate going about your day as you usually would. We all know, we all know, this flies within the face of the “go to Disney Springs” recommendation supplied by lots of people, however we disagree with that recommendation.
To us, going to Disney Springs within the rain as a substitute of a theme park doesn’t make a ton of sense. Moreover the large World of Disney, which is roughly twice the dimensions of Manhattan or one thing like that, you’re going to spend much less time in every store than you’ll in a single attraction. This implies simply as a lot or extra time outside within the rain than at a theme park.
If we weren’t going to go to the common parks, we’d go to the water parks. I imply, why not? You’re going to get moist there anyway, so what’s somewhat rain? We’ve been to Blizzard Seaside when it began raining, and for some cause, the place cleared out! Should you don’t need to go to a theme park or a water park, think about your lodge’s pool. Should you actually, actually hate the rain, wander round your resort (have a meal?).
Except you’re from SoCal and are thus petrified of rain, there’s no cause to let the rain utterly derail your plans. If it’s raining, numerous different company received’t be within the parks, so that you’ll have the ability to do greater than regular! Should you do need to go to the parks, however don’t need to get moist, listed below are some issues to do within the parks whereas it’s raining to reduce your outside publicity.
Magic Kingdom
- Carousel of Progress – Hardly ever has a line that means you’ll be able to experience repeatedly if you happen to’d like.
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover – Prolonged, lined experience that provides you a birds’ eye view of rain standing.
- Nation Bear Jamboree – Seize a snack or meal at Pecos Invoice after, because the attraction dumps you out proper there.
- Corridor of Presidents – Seize a waffle sandwich or dessert at Sleepy Hole and take it to the lined seating space after.
- Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room – Shortest present on this record, however it has a lined pre-show, too.
Epcot
- American Journey – One other place that may eat an hour if you mix the Voices of Liberty with the present. If it’s nonetheless raining after the present ends, return in to try the artwork within the foyer gallery.
- The Land Pavilion – In EPCOT, there are a number of pavilions which can be massive and indoors. On the entrance of the park, you may have each the Land and Seas pavilions. It’s simple to kill time within the Seas just by taking a look at aquatic animals–don’t miss the manatees! Over within the Land, there are three sights, and you may have a meal at Sunshine Seasons or Backyard Grill. When you’ve got a bit of cash, the Behind the Seeds at Epcot tour is a GREAT (and comparatively cheap) solution to kill an hour and a half or so, too. Doing all of these issues is an effective solution to kill almost half a day in a single pavilion…which is hopefully sufficient time for the rain to move!
- Impressions de France – The identical might in all probability be mentioned for the opposite World Showcase movies, however that is one we will watch repeatedly; it’s so nice that we think about it one in every of Walt Disney World’s most underrated sights.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- MuppetVision 3D – Superior pre-show and superior post-show; think about eating at PizzeRizzo or Mama Melrose after the present to keep away from rain.
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – An extended line, most of which is indoors, makes this a very good choice throughout storms.
- Walt Disney Presents – Probably the best choice in all of Walt Disney World if you happen to’re a severe Disney fan and it’s raining; you may simply spend a number of hours in right here combing over the shows and watching the movie.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Discovering Nemo: The Large Blue…and Past! – The look ahead to this musical is outside, so present up not more than 10 minutes earlier than a present is scheduled to start out; you should not have any hassle getting in when it’s raining.
- Pageant of the Lion King – An extended, indoor present; lined character meet & greets are close by to kill time, too.
- Avatar Flight of Passage – Not a lot an extended attraction…however an attraction with a very lengthy, indoor queue. That’ll work!
- ??? – Should you can keep away from going to Animal Kingdom when it’s raining or a number of rain is within the forecast, that could be finest. It’s positively most fulfilling in good climate.
Even after our expertise with hurricanes and tropical storms at Walt Disney World, we’d haven’t any hesitation to ebook journeys to Florida within the months of August by way of October, through the peak of potential hurricane or tropical storm season. angle to have when the climate will get dangerous (or when something goes fallacious, for that matter), is {that a} wet day at Walt Disney World is healthier than a traditional day at house. Roll with the punches, improvise, and have a very good time. Simply suppose, on the very least…rain makes the parks much less crowded.
For the place to eat, check out our Walt Disney World Restaurant Critiques web page. If you wish to get monetary savings on tickets or decide which sort it’s best to get, learn our Ideas for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets put up. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys put up takes a novel have a look at unconventional issues it’s best to take in your journey. When you arrive on the parks, our Walt Disney World “Journey Guides”are nice for figuring out what to do and when to do it. For overviews of all of those subjects and a lot extra, the perfect place to start out is our complete Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information to benefit from your expertise!
Your Ideas
Do you agree with our mentality about visiting Walt Disney World when it’s raining? Which actions or sights do you advocate when it’s raining? How do you are feeling in regards to the controversial topic of journey insurance coverage? Do you may have any questions we may also help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even if you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
