Due to Hurricane Matthew, the National Hurricane Center has issued a hurricane warning for Central Florida, including Orlando, Walt Disney World, and Vero Beach.
UPDATE 10/6, 1pm: Disney has announced that Walt Disney World theme parks and Disney Springs will close at 5:00pm on Thursday 10/6 and remain closed all day on Friday 10/7.
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Projected impact of Hurricane Matthew (Thu, 10/6, 10:30am)
Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort and Disney's Vero Beach Resort have both closed as the Atlantic Coast braces for the arrival of Hurricane Matthew. Storm projections as of Thursday morning suggest that Matthew will make landfall in the Cape Canaveral area, a short distance from Vero Beach.
The Vero Beach resort was designed with these storms in mind, and has withstood a number of similar events during its 21 year history. However, the safety of Disney guests, employees and area residents has necessitated evacuation of millions of people who will be impacted by Matthew. The storm is expected to make landfall as a Category 4 hurricane, bringing 100+ MPH winds along with rising tides and heavy rains as it reaches Florida.
Effects will be felt far inland, and Walt Disney World has already announced a number of closures and schedule adjustments due to the hurricane:
- Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground closed
- Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party cancelled for Thursday, October 6
- Thursday and Friday shows of Mickey's Backyard BBQ, Spirit of Aloha and Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue cancelled
- Disney's Blizzard Beach closed Thursday and Friday
- Disney's Typhoon Lagoon closed Friday
- Most resort spa locations are closing at noon Thursday and will remain closed through Saturday
- Characters in Flight at Disney Springs closed through Sunday
It is expected that the Orlando International Airport will discontinue all air traffic by 8:00pm on Thursday. Hundreds of flights have already been cancelled. Impacted travelers should contact their airline for guidance.
Other schedule adjustments and closures are expected at Walt Disney World and throughout the state of Florida. With the situation in a continuous state of flux, Florida residents and Disney guests are advised to stay appraised of the forecast, communicate with the Disney resort staff and/or call Disney Vacation Club Member Services for assistance. DVC's hurricane policy is now in effect, which allows for very liberal cancellation and rescheduling of planned visits. See below for the complete text.
Disney Vacation Club Hurricane Policy Statement
Annually, from June 1 to November 30, in the event a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area, Vero Beach area, Hilton Head Island, Oʻahu or for the Member's place of residence within 7 days before the scheduled arrival date, the Member may call Member Services at (800) 800-9800† or (407) 566-3800† prior to Check-in to cancel or reschedule, based upon availability, their Disney Vacation Club Resort reservation without any cancellation or modification penalty.
Note: This policy pertains to hurricane warnings only. Other weather advisory levels are handled on a case by case basis and Members should contact Member Services.
When does this temporary policy become effective?
The temporary policy is effective in the event a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center no more than 7 days before your scheduled arrival date for the Orlando area, Vero Beach area, Hilton Head Island, Oʻahu or for the Member's place of residence.
What can I do if a hurricane warning is issued?
If a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area, Vero Beach area, Hilton Head Island, Oʻahu or for the Member's place of residence no more than 7 days before your scheduled arrival date, you may call Member Services in advance to modify, based on availability, or cancel your Disney Vacation Club Resort reservation without any cancellation or modification penalty.
If you are to be staying on a Member Getaway and a hurricane warning is issued for that destination, please contact Member Services
