Disney After the Storm: What Really Happens When a Hurricane Hits?

After Hurricane Ian hit Florida, many were worried about how Walt Disney World could bounce back. Does the magic still work? Are visitors kept safe in the parks? We visited Disney World shortly after Hurricane Ian and know what changes visitors experience in the parks and resorts.

If you’re planning a trip at this time or simply want to know, here’s what happens when Mother Nature hits the parks.

Disney’s Hurricane Protocol: Safety First, Magic Always

Before, during, and after the hurricane, Disney’s top priority is guest safety. Here’s how they manage

Before the Storm:

• People who book at a resort are kept informed by letters, phone calls and updated instructions in the app

• When conditions are not safe, parks will close or remain closed until further notice.

• Rooms at resorts are given flashlights and any food supplies for order.

• All transport is stopped for everyone’s safety.

During the Storm:

• People are regularly advised to stay in their rooms by prison management

• Inside Disney resorts, visitors can meet characters, watch films and enjoy games with their kids.

• The resorts’ restaurants remain open, but their menus have been changed.

After the Storm:

• Parks are checked instantly after the disaster.

• Various crews finish work overnight to remove waste, restore green surfaces and fix small building problems.

• Parks and transport options are opened step by step, generally in less than two days afterward

What We Saw Post-Hurricane Ian

We decided to visit all four parks and several resorts, seeing them all after Hurricane Ian passed through Central Florida. This is what happened to us:

Magic Kingdom:

• The park opened again the day after the hurricane, after all debris had been cleared.

• Little harm was found—a few branches were down, but even after the rain, the walkways were fine

• Splash Mountain and Jungle Cruise were up and running soon after the parks reopened.

EPCOT:

• There are small delays at a few outdoor locations and construction projects.

• The Epcot World Showcase was mostly shielded by the shutdown.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

• Clean-up took a bit longer due to the natural foliage
  
• Animals were well cared for and returned to habitats quickly

Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

• With Rise of the Resistance and other large attractions up and running as usual

Resort Life After the Hurricane

We picked Pop Century for our hotel and explored the Grand Floridian and Art of Animation. This is what made an impression on me:

• Teams were out landscaping before everyone else had even woken up.

• It didn’t take long for pools and food courts to open again.

• Guests were still treated to excellent service under such busy conditions

The Magic Doesn’t Blow Away

What did we find the most interesting? The employees at Disney. Only a few moments after the storm, everyone there was smiling, happy to help and still full of that Disney magic. Guests at every stage of their stay noticed that every team member made them feel secure and at ease.

Take the following advice if your travel happens during the hurricane months (June–November):

• Choose a hotel that permits cancellations when something unexpected happens.

• Considering travel insurance

• Using Disney’s app or website to receive their official updates

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Visiting After a Hurricane?

Absolutely, yes. New content on Disney is usually available just 24 to 48 hours following a loss. The parks remain safe and clean and they are functioning normally. Even though you can see a little chaos from planting and pruning, the magic is still there.

But you might come across:

• Larger availability of theme park attractions because fewer people are there (as guests cancel trips).

• Faster waits

• A happier, friendlier mood

Rest assured, no matter if you’re making plans or have already booked, Walt Disney World will recover well and keep both guests and employees safe during and after the storm.