(Updated from 2019). With Tropical Storm Nicole currently on the path to the Orlando area (around Thursday), it’s time to review what to kinda-sorta expect at Fort Wilderness. As for me, I’d be looking at Plan B right now, but that’s because I find even a heavy thunderstorm to be a bloody terror.
(11/9 update) After a bit of back and forth, Fort Wilderness (and Treehouse villas) is evacuating as tropical storm nicole approaches WDW. It is set to arrive in the orlando area Thursday morning with gusty winds, heavy rain, and isolated tornados. Theme parks will close early today. Guests are being relocated to other disney resorts.
My stepmother, a solid Southern Baptist, used to tell me that those that were afraid of storms were afraid of going to hell. This didn’t help me much at the time (bless her heart), as every bolt of lightning turned into micro-second images of the devil himself. And when I was even younger, I used to beg the family to drive to Florida when a tornado was approaching. This was in spite of the fact that I was vacationing on the Florida panhandle during 1969’s Hurricane Camille (very young). Somehow, I still imagined Florida as only sunshine and palm trees and tanned Coppertone girls with cute little dogs.
Now, we’re in 2022, and the only time I don’t like camping is during a big storm. I do love the rain, and believe that kids (and adults) should be strongly encouraged to play in it. But the thunder and lightning and wind sends me running for shelter.
the hurricanes of Disney world
The last times that Fort Wilderness encountered the forces of a major hurricanes were in September 2022 (Hurricane ian) and September 2019, with guests being relocated and parks closing early for the day. September 2017 was much worse. Hurricane Irma was so significant that all parks closed for two days, and the campground was evacuated. The extensive damage to Fort Wilderness is only evident today if you remember how many more trees used to be in certain loops. Cast members entertained both vacationers and hurricane refugees who were confined to their resort hotels. The super talented team at Bright Sun Films has an excellent video on YouTube that provides some highlights from the their stay at The Contemporary Resort during Hurricane Irma.
In a nutshell, a hurricane relocation from Fort Wilderness to another Disney resort is quite a unique experiences. There are typically all kinds of activities and character visits, and it ends up being like one giant pajama party – pets included
The first weather-related WDW closing was in August 1985. WDW closed its parks at 5pm to prepare for Hurricane Elena. Ten years later, it was forced to opened late due to Hurricane Erin. The first all-day closing was in 1999, when Hurricane Floyd approached. Guests of Fort Wilderness and some low-lying resorts were evacuated to other resorts, and cast members were re-assigned to help feed and entertain everyone (meals were offered at a 50 percent discount). Hurricane Floyd ended up taking a turn at the end, and the parks opened sooner than anticipated.
In fall of 2004, three hurricanes (Jeanne, Charlie, Frances) hit the central Florida area within a period of six weeks. The nearby Hotel Royal Plaza was damaged, and closed for more than a year. In November 2004, Disney World provided free five-day passes to in its “Hurricane Heroes” for emergency-relief workers and eligible employees of power companies. (Orlando Sentinel, November 8, 2004).
we’re not in Kansas anymore
Tornadoes and strong storms are much more common than are hurricanes at the happiest place on earth. In Orlando, there is a brief rain almost three out of every four days. In warmer months, these rains are not always the fresh-smelling April showers but the kinds that shut down outdoor rides and blow awnings off of RVs. Usually, there are plenty of sturdy buildings in the parks, and guests are evacuated to various theaters as needed.
the epcot tsunami
Okay, it wasn’t really a tsunami, but the only time that I have ever gotten truly upset with a cast member was last June when we got trapped in a very violent storm at Epcot. We ran to Spaceship Earth, and the line was very short. However, the cast member insisted that we go back out through all of the empty que lines in a proper manner. This meant going back into the torrential rain, wind and lightning. After I looked perplexed and questioned the logic, she started yelling at me. And I yelled, “STOP YELLING AT ME.” This went on for about 15 stormy seconds, when another cast member quickly escorted her away – for a break, I suppose. I guess I need someone to make me a custom Disney shirt that says, “don’t mess with me during a storm!”
Most of you have been in a storm in the parks. And Spokesmayne has a beautiful video of his adventures during a tornado warning at the Magic Kingdom in 2018.
surviving the storm at fort wilderness
Someone recently asked on our Facebook group page where people go during a bad storm at Fort Wilderness (which prompted me to write this today). In Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground, there is no tornado shelter like there is in many campgrounds. If there is time to plan ahead (tornado or strong storm watch), then heading over to Wilderness Lodge or Contemporary Resort is a very good idea. However, most of my family will say that this is an over-reaction, and therefore, we will be the last ones sitting at the Meadows Pool when the skies suddenly turn black.
The very best place to go within the campgrounds is to a comfort station (in almost every loop). They are made of concrete blocks, and seem to have a good bit of sound barrier. I know this because I have been in several storms in the safety of their walls. Otherwise, I head to the nearest trading post, arcade, Pioneer Hall or Crockett’s Tavern.
disney hurricane refund policy
Disney provides for free cancellation and rescheduling of trips when the National Hurricane Center issues a hurricane warning for the Orlando area or for your place of residence with the seven days prior to your arrival. For those who book their packages through the Walt Disney Travel Company, they will also attempt to reschedule your airline tickets as well.
Astraphobia
Stephanie Wang reported that ten percent or more of Americans suffer from astraphobia, or an irrational, crippling fear of tornadoes, hurricanes, thunder, and lightning (USA Today, 2014). Even though I tend to be the solid, calm one during personal storms, I may fall in or near this ten percent when it comes to weather. I am enamored by the storm and its beauty and power all while hating its rage. And yet, I will continue to camp, and will always prefer the campground to the hotel. If you are like me, maybe our paths will someday cross in a little comfort station at Fort Wilderness.
