Hurricane Season Travel: What to Know About Disney and Universal Policies
Orlando is a year-round vacation destination, but if you’re visiting between June and November, you’re traveling during hurricane season. While the odds of a storm directly impacting your trip are fairly low, it’s always smart to know the policies before you pack your poncho and Mickey ears. Both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort have guest-friendly hurricane policies that can give you peace of mind if the weather takes a turn.
Related: Applications are Now Open for the Disney College Program
Walt Disney World Hurricane Policy
Walt Disney World’s hurricane policy kicks in when the National Hurricane Center issues a hurricane warning for either the Orlando area or your home residence within 7 days of your arrival date.
Here’s what that means for you:
- No Disney cancellation/change fees: You can cancel or reschedule most Walt Disney Travel Company hotel packages or room-only reservations booked directly with Disney.
- Payments roll over: Any money you’ve already paid for rooms, park tickets, and Disney extras applies to your new reservation.
- Special offers: If the discount or package you booked is still available for your new dates, Disney will apply it. If not, Cast Members will help you find an alternative.
- Not covered: Youth or group packages, special events, conventions, or third-party bookings (like airfare, rental cars, or travel insurance). You’re responsible for those supplier fees.
- Rescheduling: Availability and pricing for your new dates are not guaranteed — so be ready to adjust resorts or budgets if needed.
This policy also applies to Disney’s Vero Beach Resort and Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort if those areas receive hurricane warnings.
Universal Orlando Severe Weather Policy
Universal Orlando follows a similar approach. If the National Hurricane Center issues a hurricane or tropical storm warning or if a state of emergency is declared for either Orlando or your home residence within 7 days of arrival, Universal allows you to cancel or reschedule with no fees.
Here’s the fine print:
- What’s covered: Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations packages, hotel stays booked directly, and Universal Orlando theme park tickets.
- Flights: If you purchased airline tickets through Universal as part of a package, airlines may still impose their own change or cancellation fees.
- Not covered: Special events (like Halloween Horror Nights), dining experiences, and group-related bookings.
- Rebooking: Universal will help reschedule your stay, but they can’t guarantee the same hotel, room type, or rates.
- Travel financing: If you booked with Uplift (Universal’s vacation financing option), you won’t be charged interest if your trip is canceled because of a storm.
Tips for Traveling During Hurricane Season
- Book directly: Whether with Disney or Universal, direct bookings are covered by their hurricane policies. Third-party packages often aren’t.
- Watch the forecasts: The National Hurricane Center updates multiple times daily. A warning within 7 days of travel is what triggers these policies.
- Consider travel insurance: While Disney and Universal waive their own fees, insurance can help with flights, meals, or extra hotel nights if you’re stuck.
- Stay flexible: If you reschedule, be prepared that your first-choice hotel, discount, or ticket offer may not be available for your new dates.
Related: Upcoming Universal Orlando Resort Closures and Refurbishments
Bottom Line
Both Disney and Universal want you to feel safe booking your dream vacation, even in hurricane season. Their policies give you options to reschedule or cancel without penalty when a storm threatens. While no one wants their trip interrupted by severe weather, it’s reassuring to know the magic — and the thrills — will still be waiting when the skies clear.
Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.
Get started Now for your FREE No Obligation Quote.
