UPDATE: Disney World to resume normal theme park hours after Dorian

in Disney, Walt Disney World

disney world hurricane dorian update

Credit: Disney

Update 9/3 6:45 p.m.

Walt Disney World has shared an update to the theme park operating hours as we receive more updates regarding Hurricane Dorian. Disney announced online that Walt Disney World will resume normal operating hours on Wednesday, September 4.

However, it was also announced that due to schedule-related impacts associated with Hurricane Dorian, morning Extra Magic Hours will not be available on Wednesday. Instead, Magic Kingdom will host evening Extra Magic Hours from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Below is the updated Walt Disney World Resort operational schedule for Wednesday, September 4:

  • Magic Kingdom — 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Extra Magic Hours 10 p.m. to 12 a.m.)
  • Epcot — 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios — 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom — 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Disney Springs — 10 a.m. to 12 a.m.
  • Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park — Closed

Update 9/3 12:30 p.m.

After reducing the operating hours for the Walt Disney World theme parks yesterday, Disney has made further adjustments to the hours for Epcot and Disney Springs.

The adjusted theme park hours are as follows:

  • Magic Kingdom — 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Extra Magic Hours 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.)
  • Epcot — 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios — 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Extra Magic Hours 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.)
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom — 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Extra Magic Hours 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.)
  • Disney Springs — 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park — Closed
  • ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex — Closed

Original article

The Walt Disney World Resort theme parks will be closing early on Tuesday, September 3, ahead of Hurricane Dorian.

“We are closely monitoring the progress of the storm and are making operational adjustments as needed, because nothing is more important than the safety of our Guests and Cast Members,” Disney stated in an updated weather advisory announcement on the Walt Disney World website. “In keeping with our strong commitment to safety, our history of being prepared during inclement weather and to continue to delight Guests who are staying at our resorts, Walt Disney World is adjusting its operating hours beginning Tuesday, September 3.”

Orlando International Airport also just announced an update that it will be closing ahead of Hurricane Dorian, as well. Below are all of the most recent updates from Walt Disney World as we receive more information about the storm’s status.

Changes to park hours

Below are the adjusted operating hours for Walt Disney World for Tuesday, September 3:

  • Magic Kingdom — 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Extra Magic Hours 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.)
  • Epcot — 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios — 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Extra Magic Hours 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.)
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom — 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Extra Magic Hours 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.)
  • Disney Springs — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park — Closed
  • ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex — Closed
disney world parks
Credit: Disney

Resort hotel closures and guest relocations

In addition to adjusting the operating hours for the theme parks and other locations throughout Walt Disney World, Disney also shared that while Disney Resort hotels remain open, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will be closed beginning September 3 at 3 p.m. It will reopen when it is safe to do so following the storm.

Disney has also been contacting guests who are staying at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, and the Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to relocate them to other resorts on Walt Disney World property and to help prepare them for anticipated weather impacts.

Special event cancellations and updates

Disney has also canceled the After Hours event at Disney’s Animal Kingdom that was scheduled for Tuesday, September 3. Guests who had pre-purchased their tickets for this event can now exchange their After Hours tickets for one of the following options:

  • Tickets to another Disney After Hours event in 2019
  • Tickets to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or Mickey-s Very Merry Christmas Party in 2019
  • One-day flexible date theme park ticket with Park Hopper that can be used by December 31, 2020
  • A full refund for their After Hours event tickets

In order to redeem these options, Disney encourages guests to call (407) 939-7818 by December 15, 2019 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., or email ticket.inquiries@disneyworld.com.

hurricane dorian
Credit: NOAA

Changes to dining reservations

Disney also shared that dining reservations at the theme parks will be honored up to one hour prior to park closing on September 3. Resort dining reservations will be honored until 5:30 pm on September 3. Pre-paid dining and other expenses outside of the modified park hours will be automatically canceled and refunded.

Are you currently at Walt Disney World waiting out Hurricane Dorian? Stay safe and up to date on current Walt Disney World weather advisories by checking the official website. 

Source: Disney

in Disney, Walt Disney World

View Comment (1)