Walt Disney World Resort has extended its theme parks, and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party closures indefinitely. The worst is being feared ahead of a massive, destructive Category 5 Hurricane Milton approaching Florida.
Disney World Extends Closures Ahead of Hurricane Milton: Millions To Be Refunded as Lockdowns Begin
Walt Disney World Resort has announced it will remain closed on Thursday, Oct. 10, due to the threat posed by Hurricane Milton. The decision comes as the powerful storm continues to make its way toward Central Florida, prompting widespread preparations and safety measures across the region.
The closure was officially confirmed on Disney’s weather updates page after an earlier statement suggested parks would “likely” close on Thursday. This marks a continuation of the phased closures, which began earlier today as Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom shut their doors at 1 p.m., followed by Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney Springs at 2 p.m.
Halloween Party Cancelled, Refunds to be Issued
Disney also confirmed the cancellation of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, which was scheduled for Thursday evening. Guests who had purchased tickets for the popular event will receive refunds. The cancellation adds to the financial burden the resort is facing, as Disney is expected to refund around $17 million in event and theme park tickets due to the extended closure.
Walt Disney World theme parks and Disney Springs will remain closed on Thursday. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on Thursday will be cancelled and tickets will be refunded.
Walt Disney World theme parks and Disney Springs will remain closed on Thursday. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on Thursday will be cancelled and tickets will be refunded. pic.twitter.com/w0lunx24wQ
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) October 9, 2024
This figure is based on the estimated 142,000 guests that visit Disney World daily, combined with the average price of $119 for a one-day, one-park ticket. Guests who had purchased tickets for the special Halloween event, which typically averages around the same cost, will also be eligible for refunds.
Given that the parks are closed for multiple days, Disney is bracing for significant financial losses, in addition to the potential damage Hurricane Milton may cause.
Multi-Day Ticket Extensions
In response to the storm, Disney is offering ticket extensions for guests with partially used multi-day tickets. These tickets, originally set to expire within the standard usage period, will now be valid through Oct. 11, 2025. The extension is designed to give guests more flexibility, considering the disruption caused by the hurricane.
Minnie Van service, which provides on-demand transportation for guests around the resort, was also suspended as of 4 p.m. Wednesday and will remain unavailable until conditions improve. Limited Mears taxi service will continue to operate, offering a transportation option for those staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels.
Disney World Park Closures and Curfew in Osceola County
A county-wide curfew has been issued for Osceola County, which includes parts of Walt Disney World, beginning at 8 p.m. Wednesday. Both the Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort are also under a Tornado Watch as a result of Hurricane Milton’s outer bands.
Before the storm’s impact, park staff were seen working diligently to secure areas across the resort, including Magic Kingdom, as guests enjoyed their final hours before the parks shut down. Cast Members were busy securing outdoor attractions and preparing for what could be days of downtime.
State of Emergency Declared
The storm, which was classified as Hurricane Milton on Oct. 6, escalated quickly from a Category 4 to a Category 5 hurricane, before slightly weakening to a Category 4 as of Wednesday afternoon. A Hurricane Warning was issued for the region on Oct. 7, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a State of Emergency for Walt Disney World and the surrounding areas on Oct. 5.
In preparation for the storm, Disney implemented a series of operational changes, including pausing new hotel reservations for Oct. 9 and 10. Park reservations for those dates were also blocked, and resort cancellation fees have been waived for affected guests. Disney is also waiving change fees for those needing to modify their reservations due to the hurricane.
Several accommodations, including Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, the Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, closed as of 11 a.m. Wednesday. These closures are expected to remain in effect until the storm passes and safety assessments can be made.
Disney’s Preparedness and Safety Measures
Walt Disney World is known for its extensive hurricane preparedness plans. With Hurricane Milton approaching, the resort has been in constant communication with weather experts and local authorities to ensure the safety of guests, employees, and property. Although the resort has endured hurricanes before, the magnitude of Hurricane Milton has prompted an especially cautious approach.
Parking garages at Disney Springs were closed early on Wednesday to ensure that no vehicles would be left vulnerable during the storm. As the hurricane’s path became clearer, Disney began advising guests to stay inside their accommodations and to refrain from venturing out, as high winds and potential flooding are expected across the region.
The total impact of Hurricane Milton on Disney World’s operations and revenue remains to be seen, but with the potential of multiple days of closure and tens of thousands of refunds being processed, the financial hit could be substantial.
Disney World Guests: Looking Ahead
As Hurricane Milton continues its path toward Central Florida, guests with future reservations are advised to monitor Disney’s official channels for updates on park reopening dates and further operational changes. Those planning to visit Walt Disney World in the coming days should be aware of potential delays, as safety remains the top priority.
In the meantime, guests can expect continued accommodations, including ticket extensions and fee waivers, as Disney makes every effort to mitigate the impact of the storm on its visitors.
Stay tuned for more updates as Hurricane Milton’s effects on Walt Disney World and the surrounding area unfold.