Hurricanes are very likely this year during the free dining plan; does it bother you?

[Bete]

I've done the free dining plan the last two years, but based on the forecasts this year it's looking like we are headed for a very poor weather season during the promo. The hype about hurricanes is very strong this year for that time period in Florida. I'm starting to think the luck on this has run out.

I know you can get travel insurance, but that somewhat eats up the value of the free dining promo. Besides, I don't like the idea of being trapped in a bad storm there.

Anyone else getting these same bad vibes, this year?

I want to be optimistic, but I am a little scared.

 

[Flametamr]

Unless Disney takes a direct hit from a Major storm I doubt it would effect anything. Disney is well prepared and stocked better than most cities. I wouldn't let it bother you too much and if possible I'm gonna get trip insurance just in case.

 

[annie1995]

We are going regardless of the weather. I did however purchase travel insurance through Disney. Incase we get stuck there,something. It was 120.00 for our whole family. 2 adults and 3 kids. You only pay for the adults with the insurance, and it was 59 dollars and some change. I don't see where the cost of the insurance eats up the value of the free dining plan.

 

[jamounger]

That is why they run the promo at that time, to fill the rooms during hurricane season. If you are really worried, hurricane season starts June 1 and ends in November maybe we can get them to extend free dining to those dates.

 

[bop28]

Can anyone tell me what is and isn't covered through Disney trip insurance?

 

[Deb & Bill]

Hurricane season was supposed to be worse last year and it was a bust. No hurricanes that I can even remember, at least none of any consequence.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Exactly. These hurricane forecasts "in advance" are not terribly accurate--just look at last year.
Always a chance of a hurricane in hurricane season, but the when and where (exactly) are almost impossible to predict.
We've gone to WDW in hurricane season (September) almost on a yearly basis since 1975 and never had a hurricane impact our trip.

 

[Bete]

Can anyone tell me what is and isn't covered through Disney trip insurance?

I do know all airlines are not covered by Disney insurance. If the airline is in Chapter 11 or 13 forget it; Disney will not cover it. In fact, some other trip insurance companies are the same way. You have to read the fine print about the airlines.

I think there's a written statement/policy by Disney about all their disclaimers, but I don't have it. Someone else, may be able to give a link, etc.

Keep this in mind, too---You may think it's not safe to travel there, etc. but that doesn't make it true by insurance standards. If your airline is willing to travel there and they don't cancel, you don't get the insurance value. The same is true once you are there. It's a very tricky situation with travel insurance. I've heard more bad stories then good ones about travel insurance..

 

[jennapens]

Here's my theory ... I'm rather be in Disney World with a hurricane, then to not be in Disney at all!

We didn't get the travel insurance. I've seen before that there are many stipulations with it, and to us, it's just not worth it.

 

[Apaddycake]

I do know all airlines are not covered by Disney insurance. If the airline is in Chapter 11 or 13 forget it; Disney will not cover it. In fact, some other trip insurance companies are the same way. You have to read the fine print about the airlines.

I think there's a written statement/policy by Disney about all their disclaimers, but I don't have it. Someone else, may be able to give a link, etc.

Keep this in mind, too---You may think it's not safe to travel there, etc. but that doesn't make it true by insurance standards. If your airline is willing to travel there and they don't cancel, you don't get the insurance value. The same is true once you are there. It's a very tricky situation with travel insurance. I've heard more bad stories then good ones about travel insurance..

"As of Jan. 2,2007, Travel Guard vacation insurance purchased through Walt Disney Travel Company-Florida will now cover non-refundable airefare purchased through a travel agent,or on your clients own,as well as airefare purchased through Walt Disney Travel Company-Florida if their trip is cancelled or interrupted for covered reasons."

This is from a flyer I received from Disney.

 

[DeeDeeDis]

Cant live your life by "What IFs"

First, over the past two years they have over predicted the number of storms that will hit land or actually turn into a hurricane.

Second, We were at disney two years ago when they were hit by a hurricane, disney does an excellent job of keeping you save and informed.

Third, Hurricane season starts in June and doesn't end until December - thats alot of people Not going on vacation due to a "WHAT IF"

The fall is a beautiful time at WDW I say put your worries aside and book your vacation

 

[Tikitoi]

We were there when Hurricane Jeanne came to town back in 9/04. Even though that wasnt as bad as others that occured, it was bad enough for Disney to close the parks that day and while we were in our rooms at ASM, we felt very safe knowing there was little or actually no chance of any power outage as well as Thanks to Disney for advising us to "stock up" on food items. And we are going again in Sept this year so here's to being optimistic!

 

[MBELSANTI]

I don't let it bother me. As you can see in my signature, I have taken 4 cruises and many trips to WDW in the heart of hurrican season. Many times I have cruised on the heels of a hurricane. Only problem was not getting to go to Castaway Cay in 1999 as hurricane had hit it really bad a few days prior to our cruise. Also spent a week in Cancun in 2005 and missed that big hurricane by a few days..wiped out the resort I had stayed at! I don't know if it has been luck, but I don't stress that much. Oh, and I have ever bought trip insurance either. Hopefully, my luck won't run out this year LOL.

 

[redmomof4]

does anyone have any advice, early or late september for avoiding hurricanes?

 

[Deb & Bill]

does anyone have any advice, early or late september for avoiding hurricanes?

You usually have at least a week (maybe a bit less) when one is forming in the Atlantic or Gulf before they make landfall. That's about all the advice I'd have. Watch the Weather Channel and see where Jim Cantore is headed.

However, Orlando is pretty far inland, so it would have to be a pretty stout storm that could last that long after moving inland. But if you are flying, that could be something you'd need to watch in case your flight gets cancelled.

 

[Reese]

Does anyone use CAA Insurance or is Disney better?

 

[firemanx]

Huricane predition is about as good as trying to win the lottery. There is no real system that is 100% accurate. There have been so many hurricanes that they have prepaired us for in the past just to be on the safe side. They over predict so they dont look bad. I have lived in south florida for 23 yrs, and been to disney for 20 of them in september, but never remember any bad storms. Also Orlando is not a coastal city so its never really all to bad. Plus where else would you want to be during a hurricane?

 

[redmomof4]

Does anyone use CAA Insurance or is Disney better?

I have purchased trip insurance through www.insuremytrip.com from recommendations of a ta at dreams unlimited and was pleased, I submitted medical charges from a cruise and they were reimbursed without difficulty. Try it, you need to research your own then though.

 

[redmomof4]

Huricane predition is about as good as trying to win the lottery. There is no real system that is 100% accurate. There have been so many hurricanes that they have prepaired us for in the past just to be on the safe side. They over predict so they dont look bad. I have lived in south florida for 23 yrs, and been to disney for 20 of them in september, but never remember any bad storms. Also Orlando is not a coastal city so its never really all to bad. Plus where else would you want to be during a hurricane?

I'm not as worried about actually being in Disney as I am being on the cruise ship. We went at the end of sept. beg of oct last time and it was fine. That was '05.