How is Disney Being Affected by Hurricane Matthew?

October 5, 2016

As the Country braces for the impact of Hurricane Matthew, those with Walt Disney World Vacation packages or a sailing booked on Disney Cruise Lines are naturally wondering what impact the incoming storm may have on their upcoming plans. Those with vacations over the next few days are encouraged to visit our Sister Site Chip and Co for the latest news on park closures, or cancellations. However, here’s a brief rundown of what we know so far about the impact that Matthew will have on travel plans during the week ahead.

Walt Disney World:

First, in the event of bad weather, it pays to get yourself up to speed on Disney’s Hurricane Policy. The exact details can be found on disneyworld.com. The policy states that Disney will be implementing measures to either refund visitors of the cost of their holiday or give them the opportunity to reschedule provided that a Hurricane Warning has been issued for either the Orlando area- or at your place of residence if it falls within 7 days of your arrival date. This is important considering that as of today Orlando is officially under a Hurricane Warning.

Disney is waiving cancellation fees for vacations due to Hurricane Matthew– As Chip and Co reported yesterday, Disney has begun offering discounts on vacations that are booked for the week around Hurricane Matthew. Numerous guests have reported having success with getting refunds on existing reservations. Guests looking to change the dates on their Disney reservation are being advised to contact Disney as soon as possible because these switches depend on availability. To get in touch with Disney to discuss your options please call: 407.939.5277.

The Chew’s Live Broadcast at Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival implemented scheduling changes. If you were hoping to check out a live broadcast of The Chew while at Food and Wine you should take note that numerous changes have been made to the schedule. The cast has been working overtime to tape all the episodes in just 2 days in anticipation of the incoming storm. The October 6th taping of the show has been cancelled as well as the Q&A that was scheduled to take place earlier today.

Closures or reassignments at Disney Resorts.
- Fort Wilderness Resort , is now officially closed until Sunday. This will include Thursday and Friday performances of Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue and Mickey’s Backyard BBQ.
- Guests at Disney’s Polynesian Bungalows are being offered alternate accommodation. The Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show is also cancelled for Thursday and Friday evenings.
- Guests at the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa are being moved.

Both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon to be closed. Both Water Parks as well as the Learn To Surf experience at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will be closed through Friday.

Characters in Flight Closed Until Sunday.

ESPN to cancel athletic events. ESPN is cancelling its Baseball Canada games scheduled for Thursday, Friday and Saturday as well as 2016 Disney Cross Country Classic.

Disney announces Spa closures. La Vida Health Club at Coronado Springs, Senses at both Grand Floridian and Saratoga Springs and Ship Shape Massage at the Yacht Club will be closed starting on Thursday at noon through until Saturday evening.

Disney Cruise Line:

Port Canaveral has been ordered to close. With Hurricane Matthew inching closer to the Florida Coast, Port Canaveral (the main port of departure for a large majority of Disney Cruises) will be closed starting at noon on October 6th to all traffic including cruise traffic until the storm has passed.

Disney Cruise Line to cancel and make adjustment to upcoming itineraries. Disney Cruise Line officially announced today that changes have been made to upcoming sailings as a result of Hurricane Matthew’s approach. These are as follows:
- October 3rd Sailing Disney Dream – This sailing was recently diverted to Cozumel instead usual ports Nassaua, Bahamas and Castaway Cay. With the recent news of the Port Canaveral closure the 4-night cruise is being bumped up to 5-nights in the hopes that they will be able to skirt around the bad weather.
- October 7th Sailing Disney Dream – Slated to depart from Port Canaveral, this cruise has been cancelled. Refunds will automatically be processed back to the original form of payment guests used when making their booking.
- October 8th Sailing on Disney Fantasy – This Eastern Caribbean Cruise is expected to sail as normal but those booked on this sailing are advised to monitor for any upcoming developments.

One thing we do know for certain is that the next few days will mark rather uncertain times for Walt Disney World, the theme parks, resorts and Disney Cruise Line sailings. We here at DisneyAddicts and Chip and Co are committed to keeping you abreast of all of the Hurricane Matthew developments so please check back for future updates.

If you are in the Orlando area stay safe and do get in regular contact with Disney to stay informed and be able to re-assess what your options are.

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Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I am always on call for my clients whether it is to help them plan out their days at the parks or providing them with support during events like Hurricane Matthew. And what most families don’t realize is that my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch if your planning a Disney holiday at 1.800.801.4025 via email at mroden@mickeytravels.com or follow along on Facebook and find out how we might work together.

How is Disney Being Affected by Hurricane Matthew? 1

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