Whenever a major hurricane is announced for Florida, an entire nation of fans wonders — Will Disney World stay open?
As Florida begins the cleanup from Hurricane Milton, Walt Disney World theme parks, water parks, recreation sites, and more remain closed Thursday. Nevertheless, the resort is expected to resume regular operations Friday.
“We’re grateful Walt Disney World Resort weathered the storm, and we are currently assessing the impacts to our property to prepare for reopening the theme parks, Disney Springs and possibly other areas on Friday, October 11,” the park said in a statement. “Our hearts are with our fellow Floridians who were impacted by this storm.”
Disney World Resort has only shut its doors for weather and two national emergencies since opening in October 1971.
Watch livestream of Walt Disney World Resort during Hurricane Milton
Is Disney World in Orlando closed for Hurricane Milton?
Walt Disney World Resort’s theme parks and Disney Springs closed Wednesday afternoon and will remain closed on Thursday. The theme parks, Disney Springs, and possibly other areas are being prepared to reopen on Friday.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is canceled for Thursday.
Disney resort transportation has also ceased operations. Minnie Van and Mears taxi services will be limited.
Guests can find updates on Disney World’s website.
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park and mini golf courses are also closed Wednesday. Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park was already closed for the season. The resort says ESPN Wide World of Sports doesn’t have events scheduled until this weekend.
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, the Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa began closing late Wednesday morning and will likely stay closed until Sunday, according to the resort.
Whenever the National Hurricane Center issues a hurricane warning for Orlando, as it has for Milton, or wherever guests live within seven days of their scheduled arrival, guests may cancel or change vacation packages or hotel reservations booked directly through the Walt Disney Travel Company without penalty. Unused tickets retain their value, and guests may change ticket dates for future use.
What is Disney World’s hurricane policy?
According to its website, Walt Disney World Resort will make exceptions to its standard policy and issue refunds in the event of a hurricane if the National Hurricane Center issues a warning for the Orlando area or a visitor’s place of residence within seven days of their “scheduled arrival date,” if tickets and reservations were booked directly through Disney. Dates can also be modified.
You will have to reach out to any third-party suppliers you booked with.
Did people evacuate to Disney World for a hurricane?
In previous hurricanes, the company has also offered deals to residents needing a safe place to evacuate and hunker down in the storm. During 2023’s Hurricane Nicole, Disney offered 50% off Disney resort hotel stays on select dates for evacuees, adding the company had strict check-in times.