Disney Vacation Club is reportedly waiving cancellation penalties as Hurricane Dorian approaches the Atlantic Coast of Florida.
Projected storm track 11am 8/29/19 (National Hurricane Center)
As of 11:00am Eastern on Thursday, August 29, 2019, the National Hurricane Center projects that Dorian will strengthen to a Category 3 Major Hurricane by Friday, potentially increasing to a Category 4 storm before it hits the Central Florida coast early on Monday.
Disney Vacation Club's hurricane policy states that reservations may be cancelled 7 days prior to arrival without penalty if a hurricane warning is issued. While a warning has yet to be issued for Dorian, members are reporting that DVC is already honoring the more lenient cancellation policy for some reservations.
The full policy is as follows:
From June 1 to November 30, in the event a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area, Vero Beach area, Hilton Head Island, Oʻahu or for the Member's place of residence within 7 days before the scheduled arrival date, the Member may call Member Services at (800) 800-9800† or (407) 566-3800† prior to Check-In to cancel or reschedule, based upon availability, their Disney Vacation Club Resort reservation without any cancellation or modification penalty.
Just call Member Services at (800) 800-9800† or (407) 566-3800† as indicated above. If you were planning on staying at a Member Getaways destination and a hurricane warning is issued for that destination, please also contact Member Services.
PLEASE NOTE:
- We cannot guarantee availability of similar accommodations for the new travel dates.
- The policy does not apply to certain special events and dining experiences (e.g., the Member Cruise).
- This policy pertains to hurricane warnings only. Other weather advisory levels are handled on a case-by-case basis and Members should contact Member Services.
Under this policy, points are returned to the member's account without the normal Holding Account rules being applied. However, they must still be used for an alternative reservation by the end of the Use Year unless banked. Member Services may also allow for an exception to the banking guidelines.
Barring a significant change to the storm track, disruptions to both air and ground travel should be expected throughout the Labor Day holiday weekend. On Wednesday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency, imploring all residents to prepare for the incoming storm. Shortages of gasoline, groceries and bottled water have been reported in many parts of the state as locals brace for possible evacuation order and post-storm power loss.
Members scheduled to arrive at Walt Disney World or Disney's Vero Beach Resort within the next 7 days should contact Disney Vacation Club Member Services to discuss the options currently available.
Members who have purchased travel insurance may be eligible for reimbursement of travel and lodging expenses should their trip be disrupted by the storm.
