1
Credit: Bill Dodd, FlickrWalt Disney World Resort has reopened its gates this morning with limited reservations after Hurricane Milton barreled through Florida. With some damage taken from the storm around the Resort, a Magic Kingdom landmark also got hit.
Disney World Reopens After Hurricane Milton With Limited Reservations
Walt Disney World reopened its gates to guests on Friday, Oct. 11, after Hurricane Milton swept through Central Florida, causing the resort to close temporarily. However, park availability remains limited, and Magic Kingdom is fully booked for the day.
Guests holding park tickets can still secure reservations for EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, though Magic Kingdom remains off-limits due to high demand. As of Friday morning, no park reservations are available for Annual Passholders at any of the four Disney parks.
Walt Disney World has also confirmed adjusted operating hours for today:
- Magic Kingdom: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Early entry at 7:30 a.m.)
- EPCOT: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Early entry at 8:30 a.m.)
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Early entry at 8:30 a.m.)
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Early entry at 7:30 a.m.; Extended Evening Hours from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.)
The theme park resort began phased closures on Wednesday, Oct. 9, ahead of the hurricane’s arrival, and remained shuttered throughout Thursday, Oct. 10. Hurricane Milton made landfall on Wednesday, bringing severe weather to the area. Despite the storm, most Walt Disney World Resort hotels continued to operate.
However, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa were closed on October 9 at 11 a.m. as a precaution. On the day of Magic Kingdom’s closure, October 9, Cast Members worked diligently to prepare the park for the approaching storm, completing last-minute safety measures before closing at 2 p.m.
In response to the hurricane, Disney implemented several operational adjustments, including pausing hotel reservations on Oct. 9 and 10, blocking out park reservations on those dates, and waiving cancellation and change fees for resort bookings.
The impact of hurricanes on Walt Disney World’s operations has been significant, with the resort reportedly losing an estimated $547 million in revenue due to past storms. As Central Florida continues to recover from Hurricane Milton, Walt Disney World’s phased reopening signals a gradual return to normalcy for the region’s tourism industry.
After the Resort sustained damage throughout some of the Hotels and theme parks, it was discovered that a prominent landmark at Magic Kingdom took some heavy hits from Hurricane Milton.
Iconic Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom: Open Since 1971
Liberty Square, one of the six themed lands exclusive to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort, offers guests a trip back in time to colonial America. With iconic replicas of the Liberty Bell and Liberty Tree, this land immerses visitors in the historical era of the nation’s founding. One of the standout attractions in Liberty Square is the beloved Haunted Mansion, a fan-favorite among visitors to the Magic Kingdom.
This spooky yet whimsical experience draws large crowds and adds a distinct charm to the land. Also commanding attention in the square is The Hall of Presidents, an educational show featuring audio-animatronic figures of every President of the United States, paying tribute to the country’s leaders and history.
Located along the scenic Rivers of America, Liberty Square features a long waterfront, where guests can board the Liberty Belle, a steam-powered paddleboat that offers a leisurely cruise around the river.
One such icon and landmark in this theme area is The Liberty Tree, which has drawn thousands of people since it first opened in 1971. Unfortunately, the landmark did sustain some damage from Hurricane Milton. Blog Mickey on X gathered some photos this morning and posted them to social media, showing damage throughout the tree. Thankfully, the landmark still stands strong despite having some wind destruction after Milton.
The Liberty Tree sustained some damage due to Hurricane Milton, but it remains standing!
The Liberty Tree sustained some damage due to Hurricane Milton, but it remains standing! pic.twitter.com/kjbfSNW5uk
— BlogMickey.com (@Blog_Mickey) October 11, 2024
Liberty Square is not only rich in historical theming, but it is also a significant part of Magic Kingdom’s heritage. It was one of the original themed lands when Walt Disney World opened on October 1, 1971. Situated in the park’s northwest corner, it borders both Fantasyland and Frontierland, with easy access via bridges to Adventureland and the park’s central hub.
Despite its rich historical atmosphere and prominent attractions, Liberty Square is the smallest of Magic Kingdom’s themed lands by guest area. However, it remains a favorite among visitors for its unique storytelling and tribute to early American history.