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When Hurricane Ian disrupted Walt Disney World in September 2022, some hotel guests stayed in their rooms while parks closed and resort routines changed. Their accounts describe long food lines, limited meal options, and—in some locations—indoor games, crafts, movies, and character visits. Those are snapshots of one storm, not a promise of what any hotel will provide next time. During an active storm, follow Disney’s current instructions and ask a Cast Member what to do.
What guests experienced during Hurricane Ian
Hurricane Ian offers a firsthand look at what a Walt Disney World hotel stay can become when severe weather interrupts a trip. The accounts vary by resort: some guests described waiting for food and staying in their rooms; others reported organized indoor activities. None establishes what guests at every resort experienced.
At Pop Century, food lines and a plan to stay in the room
KDKA-TV crew members Mike Mason and Denise Kosis rode out Ian at Disney’s Pop Century Resort. Mason said staff brought flashlights to guest rooms in case the power went out: “They brought around flashlights for us in the rooms in case we lose power.” He also described heavy demand at the food court, saying, “The food court here, there were hundreds of people in line.” Some guests, he said, waited about an hour for pizza. His own plan was simple: “We are going to stay in our room.” KDKA-TV’s report documents that particular stay, not a standard arrangement across Disney hotels.
At Saratoga Springs, meal kits and indoor diversions
Ordinary Adventures creators Kitra Remick and Peter Sciretta told SFGATE that they tried to buy food before the storm and found grocery shelves depleted. During the storm, they experienced heavy rain and strong gusts. Their account describes meal kits and lobby activities including games, movies, crafts, trivia, and character visits. They said their resort did not lose power, but that outcome should not be assumed for another resort or storm.
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Sciretta reflected on the unusual pace of the stay: “We’re never in the hotel” on a Disney World trip. For his group, the storm meant spending time indoors with friends rather than following their usual park schedule.
Activities and food varied by resort
A contemporaneous WDW News Today report described meal kits, games, and movie screenings at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. It also noted that mobile ordering and food availability differed by location. These reports show that some hotels arranged indoor diversions; they do not establish a uniform menu, activity schedule, or power arrangement throughout Walt Disney World.
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Will Disney World close during a hurricane?
Park closures and changes to resort operations are possible. Disney’s weather updates page is its live source for Central Florida weather impacts and says resort experiences may be delayed, rescheduled, or cancelled. A storm’s effects and Disney’s operating decisions can change, so check that page for current information rather than relying on what happened during Ian.
Reopening does not necessarily mean every attraction or experience resumes at once. One Ian-era account described an abbreviated park reopening with attractions still closed. That is a historical example, not a forecast of the schedule after a future storm.
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What should hotel guests do during a storm?
Disney’s guidance depends on the event. In an October 7, 2016 update about Hurricane Matthew, Disney told current resort hotel guests to remain indoors through the storm and speak with a Cast Member about safety measures. That was specific guidance for Matthew; it is not a substitute for instructions issued during a later storm.
- Check Disney’s weather updates for current operating changes and resort information.
- Follow directions from Cast Members and ask them about the safety steps for your location.
- Do not assume food service, activities, lighting, or power will match another hotel’s experience.
What can guests expect for food and activities?
Ian accounts show why it is hard to predict the practical details. At Pop Century, a guest reported a crowded food court and a long wait for pizza. At Saratoga Springs, guests described meal kits and scheduled indoor diversions; at Animal Kingdom Lodge, a news report also described meal kits and activities. Offerings and access differed by location, and these 2022 examples do not establish what Disney will provide in a future event.
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If you are planning for a possible disruption, a compact flashlight or simple room entertainment such as playing cards may be useful personal items, but the reports do not indicate that guests must bring them. During Ian, Mason said staff brought flashlights to rooms at Pop Century.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can guests cancel a Disney World trip because of a hurricane?
A Disney planDisney answer dated October 2024 says the hurricane cancellation policy can apply to Walt Disney Travel Company resort hotel packages and most room-only reservations booked directly with Disney when the National Hurricane Center issues a hurricane warning for Orlando or the guest’s residence within seven days of scheduled arrival. It says eligibility is based on travel dates, not booking dates. The answer is not a substitute for checking the current policy and the terms of a specific reservation: review the planDisney response and confirm details with Disney or the relevant travel provider before deciding what to do.
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The same answer warns that local conditions may remain difficult after a storm passes: power outages, fuel shortages, and road debris can affect resources and travel. A storm’s end does not necessarily mean normal conditions have returned.
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