One draw back to summer time and fall holidays at Walt Disney World is storm season. This put up incorporates the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season forecast, updates on potential main Category 3 Hurricane Ian, ideas for staying dry throughout rain & preparedness data for staying protected throughout Florida’s intense climate. (Updated November 8, 2022.)
In latest years, Hurricanes Dorian, Matthew, and Irma have all impacted the parks and resorts to various levels–in some instances, inflicting multi-day closures. This is certainly one thing to be cognizant of earlier than reserving your journey. This isn’t to say you must keep away from September or different peak hurricane months, but it surely’s vital to pay attention to whereas weighing the professionals and cons of varied instances to go to.
In a mean yr, the NOAA forecasts round 15 named storms. While it is a lot of storms, it’s extremely unlikely that any of those will make landfall and subsequently considerably influence Walt Disney World. While it’s nonetheless unusual to face park closures attributable to storms, it has occurred a number of instances. However, even storms a whole bunch of miles off the coast could make for lengthy, wet days–quite than the conventional afternoon showers which are a truth of life in Florida in the course of the summer time and fall.
In different phrases, if you happen to’re visiting Walt Disney World in the course of the storm season months of June by means of November, it’s good to be ready. If you’re visiting in August or September, it’s additionally key to have a plan for extra main storms.
Let’s begin with a take a look at the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season forecast and the way it may have an effect on Walt Disney World…
Potential Hurricane Nicole Updates
The National Hurricane Center issued a hurricane look ahead to Florida’s east coast attributable to Subtropical Storm Nicole, which is forecast to make landfall as a Category 1 hurricane late Wednesday or early Thursday. This is in accordance with the NHC, which made the forecast throughout its 4 am Nicole replace on November 8, 2022.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a State of Emergency for 34 counties in Nicole’s potential path, together with the Central Florida counties of Orange and Osceola, that are residence to Walt Disney World.
Winds of fifty mph lengthen out as much as 380 miles from Nicole’s middle. Potential Hurricane Nicole is anticipated to strengthen within the subsequent two days, with a quicker price of strengthening anticipated Tuesday evening and Wednesday the NHC acknowledged in its advisory. Nicole is forecast to be at or close to hurricane depth by Wednesday evening.
The National Weather Service in Melbourne additionally positioned Orange and Osceola counties underneath a tropical storm watch. The NHC forecast predicts that the system will transition to a tropical system with a extra outlined eye with larger wind speeds across the eye on the middle of its circulation.
The newest advisory predicts it is going to strengthen into Hurricane Nicole whereas over the Bahamas on Wednesday evening on its solution to Florida with 75 mph winds and gusts as much as 90 mph with landfall after midnight on Wednesday (technically Thursday morning). It’s anticipated to achieve Orlando as a tropical storm with greater than 50 mph sustained winds and 65 mph gusts earlier than it shifts north in the direction of Gainesville and Tallahassee.
Regardless on the last word depth of Nicole, the storm’s massive measurement will seemingly trigger important wind, storm surge, and rainfall impacts over a big portion of Florida and the southeastern coast of the United States throughout a lot of the upcoming week, National Hurricane Center forecasters stated.
The five-day forecast exhibits a path for potential Hurricane Nicole that may seemingly have its consensus middle making landfall close to Brevard County alongside a path that would carry it proper over Orlando, earlier than shifting Friday whereas nonetheless inland and getting pulled again to the north up by means of the middle of Florida and into the southern United States.
However, the system’s path and depth are much less predictable because the storm hasn’t strengthened right into a tropical storm or hurricane, in accordance with the NHC. Consequently, the three-day cone of uncertainty has a landfall vary from south of Miami up by means of Volusia County with landfall probably simply north of West Palm Beach in Martin County.
The National Hurricane Center warns that hurricane situations are doable throughout east-central Florida starting late Wednesday, the place a Hurricane Watch is in impact. Tropical storm situations are anticipated in Florida and Georgia starting early Wednesday.
With that stated, we’re not trying to be alarmists. There’s nonetheless loads of time for potential Hurricane Nicole to change course, and we’ve seen precisely that consequence with a number of previous storms–each this yr and beforehand with main methods that had mannequin consensus of coming by means of Central Florida. Nevertheless, it’s at all times higher to err on the aspect of warning and be ready quite than not taking a significant storm system severely.
Even in the perfect case state of affairs, Nicole will carry heavier than regular precipitation to Central Florida, that means that–at finest–it’s going to a fair rainier week at Walt Disney World. That’s saying rather a lot, because it’s been fairly moist of late. You’ll positively wish to control potential Hurricane Nicole if you happen to’re at the moment planning to be within the parks subsequent week. At minimal, come ready for heavy rain, as Walt Disney World is now within the coronary heart of tropical storm season!
We’ll maintain this part up to date with new updates from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Hurricane Center as they’re issued. What follows is the remainder of our basic recommendation on visiting Walt Disney World throughout storm season, beginning with the 2022 forecast…
2022 ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON FORECAST
Meteorologists are predicting the seventh straight above-average Atlantic hurricane season in 2022. (Side word: at what level does above-average turn into the brand new regular? Doesn’t appear to be this development is reversing anytime quickly!) While the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has not but launched its ‘official’ forecast, a number of universities and establishments have issued theirs.
The consensus requires exercise that’s above 130% larger than regular, with not less than 19 named storms. This quantity consists of tropical storms, which include wind speeds of 39 mph or larger. Once once more, meteorologists are attributing the rise to the climatological phenomenon generally known as La Niña. When a La Niña section is current, the quantity of vertical wind shear within the ambiance is actually extra conducive to the event of tropical cyclones and their motion.
Additionally, scientists are predicting 7 to 10 hurricanes in the course of the 2022 Atlantic storm season. Storms turn into hurricanes when their winds attain 74 mph. Of these, three to 5 may very well be main hurricanes, packing wind speeds of 111 mph or larger. In a historically-average yr, there could be 12 tropical storms, 6 hurricanes, and three main hurricanes.
The previous two hurricane seasons have additionally been properly above-average, reaching historic proportions (as predicted) with storms occurring each earlier and later than regular. The 2020 hurricane season ended with a record-breaking 30 storms, 13 hurricanes, and 6 main hurricanes. Last yr was not fairly as dangerous–with 21 named storms–however nonetheless the third most lively on report by way of named methods.
On the plus aspect, the final two years have been much less devastating. Last yr’s hurricane season resulted in “only” $70 billion, with $60 billion price of injury in 2020. That nonetheless places each within the prime 5, however at lower than half the full of the 2017 hurricane season.
Experts and meteorologists use water knowledge from the Caribbean Sea and areas east of the Bahamas to make their predictions. While these predictions happen months earlier than the official begin of storm season, they’re usually proper on the cash.
In the previous few years, the variety of tropical storms, hurricanes, and main hurricanes have fallen inside (or above) their predicted ranges. It’s vital to notice that these are usually not predictions for Florida specifically, simply the Atlantic hurricane season, usually. Experts can’t predict when or the place these storms will happen.
In the previous few years, there was debate amongst scientists about increasing hurricane season from its from June 1 begin date and November 30 finish. Hurricanes have gotten bigger and extra highly effective as a result of elevated chance that they’ll type over hotter ocean water. Due to local weather change, world sea-surface temperatures are rising.
What follows is the remainder of our basic recommendation on visiting Walt Disney World throughout storm season–and our expertise staying at Walt Disney World whereas the parks closed attributable to a hurricane…
Our Hurricane Experience
There is ample cause for trepidation if you happen to’re considering 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 very best predictor of the longer term, so seeing how Disney handled Hurricanes Irma & Matthew may very well be useful if you happen to’re involved a couple of hurricane impacting your Walt Disney World trip throughout storm season.
Hurricane Irma prompted Walt Disney World to be closed for 2 full days and resulted in some harm across the resort. As famous above, we bought 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 attempting to go away Florida).
You can examine that in Our Hurricane Irma Experience at Walt Disney World, which is sort of a journey report…however with not one of the regular enjoyable stuff, like points of interest. It covers what we did to organize for the storm, how Walt Disney World’s “ride out” Cast Members dealt with operations, and rather more.
What it’s essential to know for wet days versus throughout hurricanes and tropical storms is radically totally different. With the exception of sure points of interest and leisure that may shut down for normal storms, it’s enterprise as normal for Walt Disney World in the course of the rain. That’s not the case throughout hurricanes and tropical storms, when operations could be dropped at a screeching halt. Luckily, that’s very unusual.
Although the prospect of visiting throughout rain or hurricane season may be unsettling, there additionally is a few upside, as you’ll learn…so it’s not all dangerous. Let’s check out the best way to put together for, and take care of, summer time storms at Walt Disney World; from common small storms to tropical storms to even hurricanes. Let’s begin with what it’s essential to know for the worst case state of affairs…
Hurricane History, Official Policies, Preparedness Tips & Info
Hurricanes have prompted 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; and, lastly, in 2017 for Hurricane Irma.
That’s a mean of about one closure per decade…plus two within the final three years. Suffice to say, the chances are in opposition to your journey to Walt Disney World being severely impacted by a hurricane. Nevertheless, storms have gotten more and more frequent.
I’ve heard of some journey brokers strongly encouraging visitors to buy journey insurance coverage if visiting Walt Disney World in late summer time 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 stated, right here’s what it’s essential to know if a hurricane or tropical storm is forecast throughout your go to.
Walt Disney World has a Hurricane Policy that may help you get a refund on any bundle booked by means of Disney. Of course, this received’t cowl your airfare. Fortunately, latest storms have prompted important 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.
If you usually buy journey insurance coverage anyway, otherwise you nonetheless need journey insurance coverage particularly for hurricane season, be sure to get protection that really will do one thing for you within the occasion of hurricanes or storms. Most fundamental insurance policies don’t present protection for climate, so that you’ll wish to truly learn the coverage before you purchase. In most instances, you’re going to must buy a dearer coverage that permits cancellation for any cause.
Beyond financial loss, there’s the problem of security, notably throughout hurricanes. In phrases 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). In phrases of preparedness, Disney is totally 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 will probably 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 more likely to want on Disney’s channels.
Disney errs on the aspect of warning with these things, 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 with the intention to maintain protected, however if you wish to be particularly protected, we suggest reviewing FloridaCatastrophe.org’s data, together with on evacuation routes.
Additionally, we suggest having not less than a three-day provide of meals, water and drugs available. Also, earlier than the storm approaches, guarantee cell-phones and different gadgets are totally 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 wish to be sure to come ready by way of rainwear and footwear. In phrases of rainwear, you would pay $79.56 (slight exaggeration–solely slight) for a poncho within the parks, or you would carry your individual. You ought to as a substitute get an inexpensive 10-pack of ponchos which are serviceable earlier than your journey (or two 10-packs, relying upon how many individuals are in your group).
If you need one thing extra strong that may maintain you dry and is re-usable, get this rainsuit. It’s the one I’m sporting above, and I swear by it for wet days within the parks. It’s a light-weight materials that doesn’t get too scorching, and retains me completely dry. I’ll readily admit that it seems completely dorky, however my precedence when it’s raining is to remain dry, not be a style icon. I like to recommend this rainsuit over even an umbrella, because it’s less complicated and more practical (and fewer more likely to break within the typically excessive winds within the parks).
Second, footwear. Nothing is worse than strolling miles round Walt Disney World in moist sneakers. Trust me. Popular choices to keep away from this drawback are conventional Crocs cogs. Personally, I want Crocs sandals as a result of they don’t fairly scream “80 year old hospital patient” fairly as a lot. If you’re extra severe about your footwear, contemplate hybrid water/athletic sneakers; the very best choices we’ve discovered listed here are the Teva Churn (for males) and RYKA Hydro (for girls).
Finally, 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. Trust me on this as soon as. These issues do wonders for cooling you down, and readers of this weblog are huge followers of them, as could be evidenced by the feedback to our Unique Disney Parks Packing List put up.
Regular Rain Showers
There’s a real-world adage that the one certainties in life are demise and taxes. If utilized to Walt Disney World, that adage would most likely be that the one certainties are a 3 o’clock parade and a day bathe. Short afternoon showers are pretty common in Walt Disney World any time of the yr, however in the course of the summer time 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 time storms could be marathon downpours that don’t relent for just a few hours.
The prospect of rain mustn’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 visitors away, so a pleasant afternoon bathe may be simply the factor to decrease these crowds for you. (Although 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 while you rise up or the forecast is looking for lots of rain on a specific day of your journey, we suggest going about your day as you usually would. We know, we all know, this flies within the face of the “visit Disney Springs” recommendation provided 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. Besides 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 means simply as a lot or extra time open air 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 Beach when it began raining, and for some cause, the place cleared out! If you don’t wish to go to a theme park or a water park, contemplate your lodge’s pool. If you actually, actually hate the rain, wander round your resort (have a meal?).
Unless you’re from SoCal and are thus afraid of rain, there’s no cause to let the rain fully derail your plans. If it’s raining, a number of different visitors received’t be within the parks, so that you’ll have the ability to do greater than regular! If you do wish to go to the parks, however don’t wish to get moist, listed here are some issues to do within the parks whereas it’s raining to attenuate your out of doors publicity.
Magic Kingdom
- Carousel of Progress – Rarely has a line that means you may journey repeatedly if you happen to’d like.
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover – Lengthy, lined journey that offers you a birds’ eye view of rain standing.
- Country Bear Jamboree – Grab a snack or meal at Pecos Bill after, because the attraction dumps you out proper there.
- Hall of Presidents – Grab a waffle sandwich or dessert at Sleepy Hollow and take it to the lined seating space after.
- Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room – Shortest present on this checklist, but it surely has a lined pre-show, too.
Epcot
- American Adventure – Another place that may eat an hour while you mix the Voices of Liberty with the present. If it’s nonetheless raining after the present ends, return in to check out the artwork within the foyer gallery.
- The Land Pavilion – In EPCOT, there are a number of pavilions which are massive and indoors. At the entrance of the park, you have got each the Land and Seas pavilions. It’s simple to kill time within the Seas just by aquatic animals–don’t miss the manatees! Over within the Land, there are three points of interest, and you may have a meal at Sunshine Seasons or Garden Grill. If you have 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 go!
- Impressions de France – The similar may most likely be stated for the opposite World Showcase movies, however that is one we are able to watch many times; it’s so nice that we contemplate it certainly one of Walt Disney World’s most underrated points of interest.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- MuppetVision 3D – Awesome pre-show and superior post-show; contemplate eating at PizzeRizzo or Mama Melrose after the present to keep away from rain.
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – A protracted line, most of which is indoors, makes this a very good choice throughout storms.
- Walt Disney Presents – Possibly the most suitable choice in all of Walt Disney World if you happen to’re a severe Disney fan and it’s raining; you would simply spend just a few hours in right here combing over the shows and watching the movie.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond! – The anticipate this musical is open air, so present up not more than 10 minutes earlier than a present is scheduled to start out; you shouldn’t have any hassle getting in when it’s raining.
- Festival of the Lion King – A protracted, 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 extremely lengthy, indoor queue. That’ll work!
- ??? – If you may keep away from going to Animal Kingdom when it’s raining or loads of rain is within the forecast, that may be finest. It’s positively most gratifying in good climate.
Even after our expertise with hurricanes and tropical storms at Walt Disney World, we’d don’t have any hesitation to guide journeys to Florida within the months of August by means of October, in the course of the top of potential hurricane or tropical storm season. A superb perspective to have when the climate will get dangerous (or when something goes incorrect, for that matter), is {that a} wet day at Walt Disney World is healthier than a standard day at residence. Roll with the punches, improvise, and have a very good time. Just assume, on the very least…rain makes the parks much less crowded.
For the place to eat, check out our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews web page. If you wish to get monetary savings on tickets or decide which sort you must get, learn our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets put up. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips put up takes a singular take a look at unconventional issues you must take in your journey. Once you arrive on the parks, our Walt Disney World “Ride 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 very best place to start out is our complete Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide to benefit from your expertise!
Your Thoughts
Do you agree with our mentality about visiting Walt Disney World when it’s raining? Which actions or points of interest do you suggest when it’s raining? How do you are feeling concerning the controversial topic of journey insurance coverage? Do you have got any questions we might help you reply? Hearing your suggestions–even while you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!