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Credit: Inside The MagicWalt Disney World Resort has officially announced its closure due to hurricane Milton. Here’s what guests need to know.
Related: Disney Introduces Enhanced Security Measures: New Entry Policies To Affect Millions of Guests
Walt Disney World Resort Announces Full List of Closures Ahead of Hurricane Milton
Walt Disney World announced today it will be shutting down its theme parks early tomorrow as Hurricane Milton, now a Category 4 storm, approaches Central Florida. Forecasters predict that the storm may weaken slightly before landfall, but it still poses a serious threat to the region.
NEW: Walt Disney World theme parks and Disney Springs will close early on Wednesday. Animal Kingdom and DHS will close at 1pm. Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney Springs will close at 2pm. Theme parks likely to remain closed on Thursday. MNSSHP on Thursday is canceled.
NEW: Walt Disney World theme parks and Disney Springs will close early on Wednesday.
Animal Kingdom and DHS will close at 1pm. Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney Springs will close at 2pm.
Theme parks likely to remain closed on Thursday. MNSSHP on Thursday is canceled. pic.twitter.com/TbMm3wwPKl
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) October 8, 2024
The decision, which impacts Disney’s Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs, comes as part of broader preparations to ensure the safety of guests and staff. The closures are set to begin in phases starting tomorrow, Oct. 9.
In a statement, Walt Disney World emphasized that its Emergency Operations Center is in continuous communication with weather experts and local authorities. The goal is to ensure that visitors and employees can return to their resort hotels or homes safely, well before the storm’s strongest winds reach the Orlando area.
Related: Impending Calamity Halts Over 100 Flights: Disney World Guests Given Evacuation Order
Disney World Theme Park and Resort Closures
Starting on Oct. 9, the closures will roll out in the following phases:
- 1 p.m.: Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom will close.
- 2 p.m.: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney Springs will shut down.
It is likely that all theme parks will remain closed through Thursday, Oct. 10. However, Disney Springs could potentially reopen in the late afternoon on Thursday, though operations would be limited.
Additionally, Disney has announced the cancellation of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, which was scheduled for Oct. 10 at Magic Kingdom. Guests who had purchased tickets for the event will receive a refund.
Two Disney Resort properties—Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa—will close at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9. These closures are expected to last through Sunday, Oct. 13.
Related: Disney World Permanently Closes Hollywood Studios Attraction Effective Immediately
Transportation and Recreation Adjustments
Walt Disney World’s transportation systems, including buses, monorails, and boats, will halt operations shortly after the theme parks close on Wednesday. Limited Minnie Van and Mears taxi services will be available for resort guests needing to travel within the property.
Recreational activities, including Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, Winter Summerland Miniature Golf, and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf, will also be unavailable on Oct. 9. Disney’s Blizzard Beach, which is already closed for refurbishment, will remain shuttered.
Dining, Reservations, and Cancellations
In response to the approaching hurricane, Disney has relaxed its cancellation policies for dining and other experiences. Guests with prepaid reservations will receive automatic refunds within 7 to 10 business days. No cancellation fees will be enforced until further notice.
Related: BREAKING: Universal Orlando Announces Hurricane Closure
Additionally, Disney has waived change and cancellation fees for hotel reservations booked for stays between Oct. 8 and Oct. 14. Most room-only reservations and vacation packages can be modified or canceled online without penalties, though some restrictions may apply for reservations involving third-party services like air travel.
Guests with these reservations are encouraged to contact Disney Central for assistance, as changes to flights or packages with additional services cannot be completed online.
Disney World Hurricane Preparations
As Hurricane Milton barrels toward Central Florida, Disney is working closely with local officials and monitoring the storm’s path. Preparations are in place to resume normal operations once the weather permits.
The Walt Disney World Emergency Operations Center will remain operational throughout the storm, keeping a watchful eye on conditions to ensure the safety of everyone on property. Updates on closures, reopenings, and any further adjustments will be posted on Disney’s official website and social media channels.
Related: Another Florida Theme Park Ceases All Operations Due to Hurricane Milton
For those currently staying at a Disney resort or planning to travel to Walt Disney World during the storm, Disney advises checking for updates regularly and adhering to safety protocols.
About Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World Resort, located in Central Florida, is home to four theme parks, two water parks, and numerous resorts. It is one of the world’s most visited entertainment destinations, known for its iconic attractions and immersive experiences.
Stay tuned to Inside The Magic for more updates on Walt Disney World Resort ahead of Hurricane Milton