Disney’s new Hurricane Reservation Policy

Disney Announces Walt Disney World Resort Peace of Mind Tropical Weather Policy: Fees Waived for Cancellations as well as Re-bookings Edit

Disney Destinations and Walt Disney Travel Co. have announced a new policy providing greater flexibility to modify or cancel Walt Disney World Resort advance reservations in the event of a hurricane warning — and it represents a bit of financial sunshine. During the 2006 hurricane season, in the event a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area or for the guest’s place of residence within 7 days before the scheduled arrival date, the guest may call in advance to reschedule or cancel their Walt Disney Travel Co. Magic Your Way vacation package without any cancellation or change fees imposed by Disney. This policy also applies to most Walt Disney World Resort room-only reservations booked directly with Disney, as well as reservations at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort or Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort in the event a hurricane warning is issued for those destinations. When the guest reschedules, all deposited monies for rooms, park tickets, Disney dining plans and other Disney products and services will be applied toward the rescheduled vacation.

Thanks to The LaughingPlace for the headsup. More of the press release continues below the cut.

Guests who have purchased packages that include products and services
provided by third party suppliers, such as airlines, hotels, car rental
agencies or vacation insurance companies, will continue to be
responsible for any non-refundable payments, as well as cancellation or
change fees assessed by those suppliers. Any discounts or free offers
applicable to the original vacation will not apply to the rescheduled
vacation. Disney cannot guarantee availability of similar
accommodations for the new travel dates. This policy does not apply to
certain special events or dining experiences. For a complete
description of the policy, visit http://www.disneyworld.com .

"If a guest is impacted — or is likely to be impacted — by a
hurricane, the last thing we want them to be worrying about is a Disney
cancellation or change fee," said Al Weiss, president of Walt Disney
World Resort. "With this policy, our guests don’t have to worry about
that. As for the weather, there have been only two days since 1971 when
our parks haven’t opened because of weather concerns."

In fact, the period from mid-August through September can be one of the
best times to visit Walt Disney World Resort. With school bells
ringing, it’s after the height of the summer vacation season. That
means shorter lines. It’s also a time of special events, including
Magical Beginnings events for families with preschoolers, the Tom
Joyner Family Reunion hosted by popular radio and TV host Tom Joyner,
the Night of Joy contemporary Christian music extravaganza, and the
launch of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party dates.

StormReady distinction

Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort have been recognized by
NOAA National Weather Service as StormReady communities, the only theme
parks and resorts in the nation to achieve the distinction.

To be recognized as StormReady, a community must establish an emergency
operations center, have multiple means to receive severe weather
information, monitor weather conditions and issue alerts, promote the
importance of public readiness through education efforts, and develop a
formal hazardous weather plan which includes emergency exercises.

Source: Walt Disney World Resort