Should I be worried about weather?

[disneylove16]

Our trip is August 20-28 (right in the middle of Florida's hurricane season). I know weather is unpredictable, but after researching the predictions for the 2016 hurricane season, I'm worried! Will a hurricane shut down the parks? I'm also worried about traveling in bad weather. I would change our dates, but we're going for our honeymoon. Anyone willing to share their experience with Florida's hurricane season?

 

[pa. dad]

My twin sons birthdays is August 24 and we;ve been to Orlando a few times for their birthday.
This far out, you can't predict exactly. Figure you'll catch some rain while you're there and buy and pack some ponchos and maybe umbrellas. The worst place to be on a rainy day is a waterpark I think so try to be flexible and change your waterpark day if need be.
A lot of FL days that time of year , it is sunny and hot and then at 3 pm, a huge thunderstorm will hit for about an hour. Then at 4pm, its back to sunny and hot again. If you expect some rain to hit over the course of your 8 days and prepare for it, you should be fine.

 

[disneylove16]

@pa. dad Thank you! I am definitely prepared for rain, I'm just worried a hurricane will hit during our trip. But like you said, it's too far out to predict accurately. I'll just keep my fingers crossed!

 

[pa. dad]

Nothing short of a hurricane of epic proportions will close a theme park. Unless you see Noah and his ark floating by, it'll probably be open for business with some outdoor rides not operating though. On the other hand, a little thunder and lightning closes a water park real fast.
Congrats on your upcoming wedding. You'll probably see a lot more heat than rain.

 

[Lesverts]

Orlando is inland enough that it will not get hit by a hurricane in the same way a city like Miami would. I am not downplaying it at all, given I have lived through two storms caused by a hurricane system going far inland, but it shouldn't be top of your mind. Daily rain and sun-related exposure issues should be your top concern. And know that Disney, despite all the complaining around here, will take the safety of their guests as the number one priority.

 

[mousegear]

We've had 5~6 late August trip and had one hurricane pass. It didn't hit directly but had lots of rain over two days. The rain cleared lots of people from the parks so we virtually enjoyed crowd free parks. It's too early to worry and also pack lots of disposable ponchos since there's going to be thunderstorm almost every afternoon.

 

[bfost87]

Considering this is WDW's 45th hurricane season and the park has only ever closed on 3 occasions, you'll probably be okay.

 

[Laura Bluhm]

I'm just worried a hurricane will hit during our trip.

 

[DisneyDad2015]

I'll post the same thing that I did in another thread regarding hurricanes.

Don't lose sleep over it. Hurricane's hitting Florida aren't as common as one would think. It's been over a decade since a hurricane has made landfall in Florida.

 

[aretha30]

We travel to Orlando every August and it is never a concern for us. I also grew up in Orlando and we rarely got a hurricane. The year before we moved to NC we were hit by 3 (Charlie, Jeanne, and Francis) in a row but all three caused minor damage and everything was back to normal within a few days. I'm sure the theme parks were up and running the same day.

 

[IrishNYC]

I've cruised the Caribbean and gone to the Florida Keys more than several times during hurricane season (and we went on our honeymoon to New Orleans in hurricane season) and only once, when Hurricane Wilma did major damage in the Keys and South Florida, did we reschedule our plans. Get trip insurance if you're flying, and then don't worry about a thing!

 

[anniemae]

I would not worry about it, there is absolutely NOTHING you can do about it. Aug is hurricane season, and yes there is a possibility of one hitting FL. It would take a lot to close down the parks, most likely it would be a day or two of heavy rain. We were there last Aug and a hurricane was targeting FL. I will admit to crying while sitting on the bed glued to the tv watching a state of emergency being declared and a report that Orlando was projected to take a direct hit. They showed water being cleared off shelves, long lines for gas, and your basic panic. It wound up breaking up and swinging south of FL. Just keep an eye on the forecasts. Disney will keep you informed. We received a voice mail instructing us that Disney was on top of the forecast and would inform us of any park closings and what to do if it did impact us.

Its hurricane season in FL, it is what it is.

 

[disneylove16]

Thank you everyone I will not let it stress me. I was already expecting rain every day, but I'm not worried about park closures now. Thanks all!

 

[BuckeyeBama]

Question posed - Should I be worried about weather?

My answer - see the Serenity prayer

 

[CAS239]

There's no reason at all to be worried about a hurricane hitting. Especially in the middle of the state in Orlando. Even if one was heading directly to you, unless it's something insane, most you'd be getting at Disney is rain and mild wind. They fall apart once they hit land. Your odds of not having a hurricane during your trip are astronomically better than to have one.

 

[DebbieB]

This doesn't include 2015 but I don't think there were any last year. None have hit Florida since 2005.

http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/All_U.S._Hurricanes.html

 

[dkrauss]

Walt himself could not control the weather. There's nothing you can do about it.............I'd be aware but don't let it overwhelm you. If you have that much concern purchase trip insurance.....but be sure to make sure things like hurricanes are covered.

You're gonna have a magical trip!

Doug

 

[DisDadDVC]

Our trip is August 20-28 (right in the middle of Florida's hurricane season). I know weather is unpredictable, but after researching the predictions for the 2016 hurricane season, I'm worried! Will a hurricane shut down the parks? I'm also worried about traveling in bad weather. I would change our dates, but we're going for our honeymoon. Anyone willing to share their experience with Florida's hurricane season?

Hurricanes are very low on my list of worries for an August Disney trip. It is right under getting bit by snake that fell from a tree.

 

[Jadyreen1282]

If you are worried then you should book after Hurricane season. You'll never know till right before you leave.

 

[TDS533]

Well if it helps here's our hurricane input. We were there during Hurricane Francis. They gave us repeated info on how long to expect to be in the room, when all the stores, restaurants etc, would be closing at our resort and reminded you to keep that in mind and be sure to have enough food provisions to get you through. That being said, the resort amenities were not closed as long as they predicted. The parks closed for 1 day only and they did a great job of keeping us informed. Now when we went it was our sons first trip, 9 mos. old. They made sure we had a mini fridge put into our room, they brought characters to the resort to do meet and greets when the weather permitted. It really wasn't a big deal. The biggest hassle for us was that we had taken a fifth wheel down and had to move from Ft. Wilderness to Port Orleans because the campgrounds flood easily. It is actually pretty cool to tell people we have been through a Hurricane as we are from the Midwest. They generally don't loose power or anything like that biz most of their utilities are underground. I would not worry too much, and if one does hit, think of the great stories you'll have!