Credit: DisneyAfter Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida, Walt Disney World Resort has resumed operations, but there are currently some restrictions on who can enter the theme park.
Disney World Reopens Following Hurricane Helene
Walt Disney World has returned to normal operations following the impact of Hurricane Helene, which made landfall on the evening of September 26, 2024.
According to an advisory on the Walt Disney World website and the My Disney Experience app, the resort operates under regular conditions; however, some attractions and experiences may still be canceled or unavailable today, September 26. The advisory emphasizes Disney’s commitment to prioritizing the safety of both Guests and Cast Members while closely monitoring the storm’s developments.
Although visitors can expect continued windy and rainy weather throughout the day, popular attractions like Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park, Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf, and Winter Summerland Miniature Golf are scheduled to reopen at 10 a.m.
Despite this, it’s worth noting that the weather updates page on the Walt Disney World site has not been refreshed since September 25 at 4 p.m. ET, leaving some guests seeking the latest conditions. During a visit to the parks today, minor flooding was reported in a guest lane near the Magic Kingdom parking booths, along with a few fallen branches scattered around.
Fortunately, the overall damage from the storm was minimal. A wind advisory for Orange County remains in effect but is anticipated to expire by 11 a.m. ET this morning. According to the National Hurricane Center, storm surges affecting Florida’s Big Bend and parts of the West Coast are expected to decrease throughout the day. Hurricane Helene landed as a formidable Category 4 hurricane, yet the resort has weathered the storm resiliently.
Limited Access Now in Effect for the WDW Parks
In anticipation of the storm, Walt Disney World took proactive steps, canceling several nighttime shows on the night of the storm, including Luminous: The Symphony of Us at EPCOT, Fantasmic! and Wonderful World of Animation at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Fortunately, these beloved shows are set to resume their performances tonight, September 27, at their respective parks.
On September 25, before the hurricane, the resort also canceled Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party for September 26, specific tours at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and the temporary closure of mini-golf courses. The tours were reinstated on Thursday, but Typhoon Lagoon was closed on September 26 due to safety concerns related to the storm.
For guests seeking further details, Disney has provided comprehensive information on its hurricane policy webpage, which addresses common questions regarding cancellation fees, rescheduling vacations, and other concerns. As Walt Disney World welcomes visitors, the focus remains on ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
If you’re planning to visit Walt Disney World today, you may encounter significant limitations when trying to secure a Disney Park Pass following the impact of Hurricane Helene. Although the parks remained open throughout the storm, the aftermath has likely disrupted many guests’ plans. The current scarcity of park passes raises questions among potential visitors, especially those with Annual Passes who must make reservations.
One likely reason for the limited availability is that many visitors may have postponed their plans during yesterday’s unfavorable weather conditions and have chosen to flock to the parks today. The heavy rainfall and winds brought by Hurricane Helene likely deterred many from enjoying the outdoor attractions, and today’s more favorable weather encourages those guests to make up for lost time. With pent-up demand, it’s no surprise that today’s reservations were quickly snapped up.
However, some speculate that the restricted availability could be due to Walt Disney World intentionally holding back reservations. While Disney has not made any official statements confirming this, it wouldn’t be unusual for the company to manage attendance by limiting park reservations.
This could be a measure to control crowds, ensuring that those who made reservations earlier in the week have a better experience despite the post-hurricane rush. Walt Disney World has implemented similar crowd control measures during holidays, special events, and other high-traffic periods.
As it stands, Disney’s Animal Kingdom remains the only park with open reservations for new guests today. Whether you’re an Annual Passholder or a day guest, this may be your only option if you’re just now looking to secure your spot. Not all visitors need a Disney Park Pass reservation; day ticket holders with a Park Hopper option can switch parks after 2 p.m., provided they’ve entered their first reserved park.
For Annual Passholders, however, this situation is a bit trickier, as they are still required to make a reservation for the first park they wish to enter, regardless of whether they have a Park Hopper.
It’s always a good idea to check the Disney Park Pass availability calendar regularly, especially during periods of high demand like this. Given the unpredictability of weather events like Hurricane Helene, it’s more important than ever to plan when visiting Walt Disney World.
Whether the limited reservations result from increased demand or deliberate crowd control by Disney, one thing is clear: securing your park pass well in advance is crucial to avoid disappointment. If you hope to visit the parks in the coming days, monitor the availability and adjust your plans accordingly. Even though Walt Disney World is moving away from mandatory reservations for many guests, staying informed about any special requirements is crucial for a smooth visit.