Disney Park Closure Due to Hurricane Milton: Essential Information You Need

Hurricane Milton is making its way toward Florida, bringing with it potential risks of severe weather, including intense winds and heavy rainfall. As of now, Disney World remains operational. However, the theme park has chosen to pause reservations scheduled for October 8 and 9 as a safety precaution. Local businesses and facilities are also implementing measures to ensure safety as officials continue to monitor the development of the storm closely.

This cyclone follows Hurricane Helene, and Florida’s governor has declared a state of emergency for various counties. While Disney has not completely shut down, some attractions and park hours may see limitations based on the hurricane’s impact.

Disney World has a flexible hurricane policy that enables visitors to modify or reschedule their trips if a hurricane warning is declared. The resort, which encompasses Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios, plans to keep a close watch on the weather conditions and provide updates to the public. As of October 7, the theme park is operating with limited availability.

What actions has Disney implemented in response to Hurricane Milton?

Now classified as a Category 5 storm with winds hitting 160 mph, Hurricane Milton is nearing Florida’s western coastline. In anticipation of the storm, Disney has enacted precautionary protocols by closing select amenities and halting bookings. Meanwhile, the National Hurricane Center has released alerts, and a state of emergency has been declared for 51 out of 67 counties across Florida. Schools in various areas are also shutting down in preparation for Milton’s expected landfall on Wednesday, October 9.

Although the resort remains open, it has initiated numerous safety measures. Guests are urged to stay updated with weather reports, and all park reservations for dates around the hurricane’s arrival have been temporarily suspended. While some attractions could face delays or closures, the park is dedicated to ensuring visitor safety as the storm unfolds. Further updates on the status of the parks will be shared as conditions change.

As of 7:30 a.m. on Monday, October 7, Disney has provided the following update on its weather information page:

“Walt Disney World Resort is currently functioning under typical circumstances. We are diligently tracking the storm’s pathway while prioritizing the safety of our Guests and Cast Members.”

Since its inception in 1971, Disney World has only had to close its doors a handful of times due to hurricanes. These decisions were made with guest and staff safety in mind. Here are some significant instances of those closures:

• Hurricane Floyd (September 1999)
• Hurricane Charley (August 2004)
• Hurricane Frances (September 2004)
• Hurricane Jeanne (September 2004)
• Hurricane Matthew (October 2016)
• Hurricane Irma (September 2017)
• Hurricane Ian (September 2022)
• COVID-19 Pandemic (March to July 2020) (not a hurricane, but significant nonetheless)

Overview of Disney’s hurricane policy

The company’s hurricane policy enables guests to adjust or cancel their reservations without incurring penalties when a hurricane warning has been issued by the National Hurricane Center within a week of their planned visit. This flexibility applies to tickets, hotel accommodations, and vacation packages made through their official platform. This policy aims to provide reassurance for visitors in the face of severe weather, allowing for refunds or scheduling changes, thus reducing financial stress during potential storms. It is important to note that third-party bookings may differ in policies.

As Hurricane Milton approaches, the potential impact remains uncertain. Authorities are anticipated to take necessary steps to safeguard guests and staff depending on the storm’s intensity. In the meantime, individuals are advised to stay alert for weather updates and adhere to any safety advisories issued.

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