Tropical Storm Idalia Expected to Become Major Hurricane, Tropical Storm Watch Issued for Central Florida

As you may be aware, Tropical Storm Idalia is currently making its way through the tropics and could affect Central Florida and the Walt Disney World area later this week. Starting today, Monday, August 28th, a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for both Orange and Osceola Counties, the two counties where Walt Disney World is located.

UPDATE – 8/30/23:

As of 2:30 p.m. ET, Tropical Storm Warnings have been canceled for Orange and Osceola Counties.
A Wind Advisory is now in effect for all counties, except those where Tropical Storm Warnings remain in effect.

2:30pm | Tropical Storm Warnings have been cancelled for Orange, Seminole, Osceola, and Brevard counties (and adjacent waters).

A Wind Advisory is now in effect for all counties, except where Tropical Storm Warnings remain in effect (Lake and Volusia). pic.twitter.com/fgFk1QG0N7
— NWS Melbourne (@NWSMelbourne) August 30, 2023

What’s Happening:

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Orange and Osceola Counties, meaning that tropical storm-force winds are possible within the next 48 hours.
Please note that Walt Disney World does not currently have any policy in play for Tropical Storms. However, if the storm reaches Hurricane level, then the Hurricane Policy will take effect.
Tropical Storm Idalia is currently forecasted to turn into a major hurricane as it nears western Cuba later today.
The storm is currently forecasted to make landfall on the west coast of Florida on Wednesday morning, August 30th.

5AM Update | Idalia is now forecast to be a major hurricane over the E Gulf of Mexico Tue/Wed. The Tropical Storm Watch has been expanded into Orange, Seminole, & Osceola Counties. Remember, Watches are issued when conditions are expected within 48 hours & additions are possible pic.twitter.com/Vztd99Tvno
— NWS Melbourne (@NWSMelbourne) August 28, 2023

Walt Disney World Hurricane Policy:

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 packages and most room only reservations (booked directly with Disney) without any cancellation or change fees imposed by Disney.
If you did not book your vacation through the Walt Disney Travel Company, you should contact your travel agent or tour operator directly for information relating to the cancellation and change policies that apply to your package.
If you instead want to reschedule your vacation, you also can. Cast Members will be able to reschedule your vacation to your new desired travel dates if the same special offer is available. If the same special offer is not available Cast Members will assist by identifying alternate offers during your new desired travel dates. 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.
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.

Laughing Place recommends MouseFanTravel.com for all your Walt Disney World travel planning

Fill out the form below for a free,
no obligation quote from MouseFanTravel.com