Hurricane Season

[actopp1017]

When you have a trip booked using points and a hurricane is either forecasted or makes land fall while vacationing does anybody know the short answer as to what happens to points or booking if the trip gets canceled or cut short?

 

[erionm]

Disney Vacation Club Hurricane Policy Statement (under 'Vacation Planning' > 'Modify or Cancel a Reservation' > 'Hurricane Policy':

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) ***-****† 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.

Will I be responsible for any cancellation or modification penalties or other amounts?

If you have products and services provided by third party suppliers that were not obtained through Member Services, such as airlines, hotels, car rental agencies or vacation insurance companies, you will continue to be responsible for any non-refundable payments, as well as cancellation penalties or change fees assessed by those suppliers. The policy does not apply to certain special events or dining experiences (e.g. Member cruise).

What if I prefer to reschedule my vacation to a different date because of a hurricane warning? Will I be able to get my same accommodations?

If you are scheduled to arrive within seven (7) days of the hurricane warning, you may call Member Services prior to check-in to reschedule, based upon availability, without penalty. We cannot guarantee availability of similar accommodations for the new travel dates. The policy does not apply to certain special events and dining experiences.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

Never mind. I was wrong apparently.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

Me too

 

[com_op_2000]

Real world example:
Back in '04 we had a DVC scheduled to start the day "Francis" was forecasted to arrive in Fla. DW had checked-in, gotten the room key, started to unpack, I was at work, and once she found out that "she" was actual coming through the WDW area DW decided she wanted to go home. Went back to the front desk, cancelled the stay, and DVC returned all the points - no questions asked.
Turns out I had to work 40 hours straight that work day, so a good thing everything got cancelled.

 

[bakerworld]

One of our fond memories was Hurricane Kay, 2008 - still own the ponchos

 

[rock_doctor]

Doesn't answer your question but here is my 2cents... Don't worry about it. Go anyway!!! Disney is fun during a storm and they rarely close the parks. It would never get entered into the equation for us. The worst thing that would happen is you would be at the resort for 24hrs and then all is back to normal. We have been though storms, tornadoes, lightening strikes and fires (both forest and building). They do a great job minimizing the impact on the guests. Now if you are in fort wilderness then you would want to be more wary but they will just move you to a resort during the storm...

 

[JimMIA]

It's important to understand that the term "Hurricane Warning" has a very specific meaning -- both weather-wise and legally. It means that sustained hurricane force winds (74 MPH or more) are expected in the area.

For Vero and HHI, a hurricane warning would not be unusual. For WDW however, because it is so far inland, a warning is pretty rare, and actual hurricane conditions are even more rare. That's not to say "never happened," but most people who have "gone through a hurricane" at WDW have no real idea what a hurricane is like.

A much more realistic effect of tropical weather for WDW visitors is disruption of travel plans due to airlines repositioning aircraft.

WDW is a very safe place to be during a hurricane, and in fact, is a favorite hurricane haven for Floridians.

 

[actopp1017]

Doesn't answer your question but here is my 2cents... Don't worry about it. Go anyway!!! Disney is fun during a storm and they rarely close the parks. It would never get entered into the equation for us. The worst thing that would happen is you would be at the resort for 24hrs and then all is back to normal. We have been though storms, tornadoes, lightening strikes and fires (both forest and building). They do a great job minimizing the impact on the guests. Now if you are in fort wilderness then you would want to be more wary but they will just move you to a resort during the storm...

Oh I'm not worried per say just wanted to be prepared. We live in the Florida panhandle and are packed by hurricanes on occasion too.

 

[majortom1981]

One of my wifes best Disney trips was the one where a hurricane hit in the middle of the trip. I would only worry if it hits the day you leave for Disney.

 

[Nanajo1]

I remember during one hurricane local folks were checking IN to WDW to ride out the storm!