Hurricane season?

[lpbm4]

Is there a hurricane season for WDW? I wanted to go at the end of September, but now fear it may be too risky d/t hurricanes. Our other option would be the 1st week of December. Any suggestions?

 

[byoung]

Go even if ones comes you will be at the safest place you can be at.

 

[Ozymoe]

Is there a hurricane season for WDW? I wanted to go at the end of September, but now fear it may be too risky d/t hurricanes. Our other option would be the 1st week of December. Any suggestions?

First week in December is nice, cooler than late September. Crowds are low both times. In December the Christmas decorations are up. In late (late late) September, Epcot's food & Wine Festival gets underway, which is wonderful if you like that aspect of Disney.

Hurricanes are less likely in December. I've been through a few and one is inconvenienced and does lose vacation time if a hurricane hits central Florida, but I stay for a long time so that isn't such a huge problem for me. Actual danger is minimal inland (unless you get hit by a tornado...but that's just as likely at home and I've lived in the midwest all my life and never actually been in a tornado).

I say if you want to come in September, come on down! If a hurricane hits you'll have stories to tell! ...although, (if you're traveling with kids) how old are your children?...with infants and toddlers I think it would be a real pain. Well-adjusted seven/eight year olds on up would probably think it as entertaining and as exciting as camp!

Jo

 

[mkutch]

We were there for Wilma - It turned out to be great. Characters came to our hotel. Food and activities were planned for us. A couple of the parks even opened later in the day. People from south FL all flocked there because it is a pretty safe place to be and you don't lose power. Sept. is a great time to go. We have been then and have had no hurricanes. I suppose there is always a chance but if you are staying on WDW property I wouldn't worry.

 

[lpbm4]

Thank you so much for the replies. I too live in the midwest (Chicago suburbs) so there is always a threat of a tornado. But, my children will be 5 and 3 1/2 at the time of our trip to WDW and I fear what would happen with them/how they would react. Would buying trip insurance help us get any money back in the event of a hurricane?

It seems though that the WDW property is very safe so I feel more comfortable hearing that.

 

[mkutch]

Well trip insurance is always an added piece of mind whether it's a hurricane or sick child. We took our 4 year old and 2 year old on the trip with Wilma. They had a ball and could care less - the life guards set up in the lobby and were doing all kinds of crafts with the kids.

 

[Goofy4]

We too were there for Wilma. Having experienced it, I can say that we probably won't go too far out of our way to avoid hurricain season. You just never know...

 

[lpbm4]

I think we may avoid this season and go in December. We're coming from Chicago and it is going to be a pretty big trip (monetary-wise) for us, so I'd prefer to go at a time when it won't be threatened with a hurricane. Thank you!!!

 

[mel&me]

I’ve been to Florida 2 times during a hurricane and Disney is best place to be during one.
As for time I like 1st week December. Hurricane season pretty much over and the decorations are much nicer.

 

[lpbm4]

Thank you! I just don't want to risk it if we're going to be spending a lot of money on our trip. Plus I think the kids would have a blast seeing the x-mas decorations up. You guys have really helped me! THANK YOU!!!

 

[Ozymoe]

Speaking as a midwesterner, going to WDW from relatively cold temps to relatively warm temps is heaven. My DH has always enjoyed this aspect of going in December...and the colder it is back home while he is enjoying the sun in Florida...the better he likes it!

...'course, ya always have to return to reality, but by then it will be almost Christmas and snow/cold temps are easier to swallow, especially basking in the warm remembrance of a great Florida Disney vacation!

...and it is really fun to resort hop on the monorail to see all the decorations!

 

[jezabel_007]

Ok me being the dork that I am...how was it being in the middle of a hurricane?? I think it would be cool as hec, but like I said, I'm a dork.

Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 to November 30, so theoretically you'd be safe if you went in December. However, after 2005 hurricane season, anything is possible!! There was a tropical storm Zeta in December!!! Didn't hit land though...

 

[canwegosoon]

I agree with you !st week of Dec, will have tons of holiday decorations, and no chance of hurricanes. You need to find out the date of the taping of the parade and avoid MK on that day(unless you want to be burried in a crowd). Hope you have a great trip.

 

[lpbm4]

You need to find out the date of the taping of the parade and avoid MK on that day(unless you want to be burried in a crowd). Hope you have a great trip.

Thank you for this tip!!

 

[TARAinFL]

As a Floridian, I can say that typically by December the hurricanes are not an issue. We have had some pretty weird years lately though! I agree with the above posters though that when a hurricane is heading our way, we go to Disney!

Tara

 

[jezabel_007]

Heh that's so interesting!! I guess it's because Orlando is inland and not on the coastline...hurricane weakens over land! How much fun would that be...Disney hurricanes!!

 

[G8RFAN]

Even tho Orlando would have little to fear from storm surge, it is a bit nerve racking seeing the strength of what constant 100+ mph wind has on something. I used to think i wouldn't leave town unless it was a strong 3. Well after Wilma, I don't think I'd stick around for a strong 2. None of the resorts have hurricane glass or storm panels, so I doubt they are as safe as you think in a strong hurricane.

 

[jezabel_007]

That's interesting...you'd think that a state that gets hurricanes would have some sort of hurricane proof glass and paneling.

 

[lpbm4]

Even tho Orlando would have little to fear from storm surge, it is a bit nerve racking seeing the strength of what constant 100+ mph wind has on something. I used to think i wouldn't leave town unless it was a strong 3. Well after Wilma, I don't think I'd stick around for a strong 2. None of the resorts have hurricane glass or storm panels, so I doubt they are as safe as you think in a strong hurricane.

VERY GOOD GO KNOW!!!
You are confirming my decision to change to a December trip. Thank you everyone!!!

 

[G8RFAN]

That's interesting...you'd think that a state that gets hurricanes would have some sort of hurricane proof glass and paneling.

Laminated hurricane glass is very similar to the glass you see in windshields on cars, however, more importantly is the strength of the frame holding the glass and how it is secured to the wall. I really doubt that prior to 2004 hurricane season, Orlando would have considered itself a high risk area. New residential homes do have Florida code requirements to provide protection at windows, doors, and roofs; however, commercial codes are less restrictive. Some of the older resorts for example, Poly longhouses and CR wings are made of steel modules. I don't know how that construction type would hold in sustained hurricane force winds, but I know I would rather be in a solid concrete structure. I'm pretty sure I saw all non-load bearing walls in the construction of SSR to be just metal studs with a composite board face. That type of construction does not hold up as well to hurricanes. Otherwise, their construction and materials are top notch. No one here ever thought 2004 would be toped and 2005 sure enough did. The biggest challenge will always be how long the infrastructure breaks down after a storm such as power and utilities and basic road travel. That's probably where staying at WDW can benefit, but at some point all cast members have to deal with their personal issues after a storm. Also, I think that WDW is also realizing the impact and have created contingency plans that rival some of the best government plans. If you happen to be at WDW, when a huricane hits, you are in good hands.