Above-Normal Hurricane Season Predicted for 2024: What Disney World Visitors Need to Know

23 days ago in "Severe Weather impacts to Walt Disney World"

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NOAA predicts above-normal 2024 Atlantic hurricane season

Posted: Friday May 24, 2024 7:17am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted an above-normal hurricane season for 2024, which could affect travel plans and park operations at Walt Disney World.

NOAA's 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook

NOAA's Climate Prediction Center forecasts an 85% chance of an above-normal hurricane season, with 17 to 25 named storms expected. 8 to 13 could become hurricanes, including 4 to 7 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher). This outlook is influenced by several factors, including near-record warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic and the development of La Niña conditions in the Pacific.

A summary infographic showing hurricane season probability and numbers of named storms predicted from NOAA's 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook. (Image credit: NOAA)

A summary graphic showing an alphabetical list of the 2024 Atlantic tropical cyclone names as selected by the World Meteorological Organization. The official start of the Atlantic hurricane season is June 1 and runs through November 30. (Image credit: NOAA)

NOAA has also announced that it is enhancing its forecasting and communication efforts this year with several key improvements:

Spanish Language Products: All public advisories and key messages in the Atlantic basin will be available in Spanish.
New Forecast Graphics: The forecast cone graphic will now include inland tropical storm and hurricane watches and warnings.
Improved Models: New models like MOM6 and SDCON will better predict hurricane intensity and rapid intensification.

What This Means for Disney World Visitors

Stay Informed: Keep an eye on weather updates from reliable sources such as NOAA and the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

Plan Ahead: If you're visiting Disney World during hurricane season (June 1 to November 30), consider purchasing travel insurance that covers weather-related cancellations. Make sure to have flexible travel plans and stay updated on potential weather disruptions.

On-Site Preparedness: Disney World has comprehensive hurricane preparedness plans in place. The parks and resorts are equipped to handle severe weather, and Disney will communicate with guests about any changes to operations.

Safety First: In the event of a hurricane, Disney World may close parks, adjust hours, or relocate guests to safer areas. Follow all instructions from Disney cast members and local authorities to ensure your safety.

Disney's Hurricane Policy

Disney introduced a Hurricane Cancellation policy in 2006 to give guests peace of mind in the event of tropical weather impacting operations. The policy only applies when the National Hurricane Center issues a hurricane warning.

The standard Walt Disney World cancellation policy available throughout the year is up to 5 days prior to arrival without penalty, regardless of any weather impacts.

If a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area—or for your place of residence—within 7 days of your scheduled arrival date, you may call in advance to reschedule or cancel your Walt Disney Travel Company Disney Resort Hotel Package and most room-only reservations (booked directly with Disney) without any cancellation or change fees imposed by Disney.

If you have products and services provided by third-party suppliers included in your vacation—such as airlines, hotels, car rental agencies or travel insurance companies—you will continue to be responsible for any non-refundable payments, as well as cancellation or change fees assessed by those suppliers. The policy does not apply to certain special events or dining experiences.

This policy also applies to Disney's Vero Beach Resort or Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort in the event a hurricane warning is issued for those destinations.

Walt Disney World has a flexible hurricane cancellation policy

If you booked with a special rate can you cancel your reservation, be aware that you may not be able to receive that same rate on a rescheduled booking.

All amounts you paid to the Walt Disney Travel Company for rooms, park tickets, dining plans and other Disney products and services will be applied toward your new reservation.

Any discounts or special offers applicable to your original confirmed vacation may not apply to the rescheduled vacation travel dates. You are responsible for applicable package pricing for the new vacation dates.

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Zummi Gummi21 days ago

Not to take this too far off-topic, but if a politician for state office runs on a platform of addressing this crisis, with a detailed plan, and vows to make a good faith effort to address, not beholden to corporate interests, they would have my vote, regardless of their political party. I don’t want to hear “we’re going to take a hard look at it,” or “we need to study that.” I want action. Because we’re on the brink here.

Lilofan21 days ago

What’s driving rates higher and higher is very suspect lawsuits , deadly hurricanes , increased building costs and when the insurance companies are supposed to help you some end up leaving the state and or cancelling home owner insurances to limit exposure. Try finding a new insurer with their sky high rates if you get that letter your insurance will be cancelled and that’s even if you pass the 4 point inspection. Fail any part of the inspection and it’s your dime to pay to get up to code ( ie complete replumb , roof, AC ). The other fleecing of the homeowners is post hurricane when the insurance company advises you the dollar amount insurance will pay to fix the roof as an example . Then you have the blood sucking contractors charging 2-3x the insurance price if you want your ( ie roof etc ) replaced in a timely manner. One good thing about manual labor is one can always go down to the local Home Depot and many willing able bodied males standing in the parking lot can do work for you , cash only , speaking Spanish can help the homeowner.

Hakunamatata21 days ago

First and foremost its inflation. Litigation and weather cycle is a close second.

Sorcerer Mickey21 days ago

It is almost as if there was a centurylong global trend that impacts the number and strength of major hurricanes.

Lilofan21 days ago

Coming from MN you apparently have no idea on what is all driving FL insurance rates through the roof.

Ayla22 days ago

Me, too.

Master Yoda22 days ago

It was replaced in 2018. Nailing was updated to the current code (well current in 2018) and we had a wind mitigation survey.

Nubs7022 days ago

In summation, this summer, Florida will not only hot, but also wet. Park attendance is going to be decimated.

Lilofan22 days ago

One unique aspect of science is when we lived through a Cat 3 and hunkering down in our walk in closet because it had no windows is that the timing was incredible. The hurricane team predicted to the hour when the Cat 3 would be going through our part of the town and how long it would be there. Then after 3am all of us neighbors went outside to survey the damage and check on fellow neighbors. Then for the next week we lived with no power and it was clean up of our homes and , streets by homeowners before the evening county curfew.

Hakunamatata22 days ago

The weather pays zero attention to the science.

JohnD22 days ago

The weather is going to do what it is going to do but NOAA never predicts fewer storms.

MisterPenguin23 days ago

It's Pat!

ChrisFL23 days ago

I still have my Chris from Orlando CM nametag...since I lived in Orlando before, it was great. For those who aren't aware, as a CM if you ever forget your own nametag, they had generic ones...Chris from Orlando was one, forget what the other one was.