Given Disney World’s Central Florida location, hurricanes are an unfortunate fact of life for the resort, which means that there’s a chance Disney World guests could be stuck in their hotel, riding out a storm. In that terrible situation, there are some options better than others…
Crowds in Magic Kingdom ahead of the hurricane
In the last several years, Disney World has dealt with several hurricanes, including Hurricane Milton in 2024. During those storms, Disney shut down their theme parks and other attractions, instructing guests to shelter in place. During Milton, Disney provided discounted room rates, meals, and Hurricane Kits to guests, as well as Disney character appearances to calm the nerves of children.
While Disney provides for all guests on property during a storm, there are some hotels that are better suited to sheltering in place.
The Contemporary
One of Disney World’s two opening day hotels is also one of the best options on property to ride out a storm. Well, its main tower anyway.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
The main Contemporary tower provides everything one could need while sheltered in place, all within one structure, including access to food and large spaces to spread out. And yes, before you ask, the openings for the Monorail DO close during bad weather conditions. speaking of the Monorail, staying at the Contemporary gives the benefit of the having access to the Monorail once the resort reopens, assuming there’s no damage to the track or vehicles.
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Much like the Contemporary, the Animal Kingdom Lodge provides a large space that allows guests to shelter in place without feeling too cramped. Plus, the hotel also boasts easy access to the essentials, and even a theme that may help keep children calm during the worst of the storm.
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Riviera Resort
Coming full circle from the Contemporary, Disney’s newest full resort is also almost entirely self-contained within one structure, allowing guests sheltering in place to access everything they could need while riding out the storm. Similar to the Contemporary’s Monorail access, the Riviera is connected to the Skyliner, meaning that – assuming there’s no damage to the Skyliner systems – guests will have access to reliable transportation once things are back operational.
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Vacation Club Villas
Several hotels on Disney Property are home to Vacation Club Villas, including the Wilderness Lodge’s Copper Creek Villas and those at the Saratoga Springs Resort. These villas, complete with their kitchen or kitchenette areas, are the best option for guests who wish to hunker down completely in their room and avoid even heading to the hotel lobby or other areas of the resort until the storm has passed.
Kitchen at Copper Creek
While those hotels are best for people on property during a hurricane, what happens if a storm is set to strike just before you head off on a Walt Disney World trip?
Well, Disney’s official policy is as follows: “If a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area—or for your place of residence—within 7 days of your scheduled arrival date, you may reschedule or cancel your Walt Disney Travel Company Disney Resort hotel packages and most room only reservations (booked directly with Disney) without any cancellation or change fees imposed by Disney. Most room-only and vacation packages can be modified or cancelled online, including changes to travel dates.”
Magic Kingdom entrance the day after Hurricane Milton
If you find yourself stuck in Walt Disney World during a hurricane, keep these hotels in mind as a place of safe refuge. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney tips!
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Have you ever been stuck at Disney during a hurricane? Let us know how that went in the comments below.
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What about Wilderness Lodge?
I was staying at the Riviera during Hurricane Milton. It was nice that everything is in the same building, and they had characters in the lobby, as well as crafts and activities for kids and families. The one downside was that mobile order for Primo Piatto was turned off, and the lines to get food were long. They moved more quickly than expected, so the wait wasn’t too bad. All in all, it was a good resort for riding out a hurricane.