Disney World Closing for Hurricane Milton
All 4 theme parks and more are closing at Walt Disney World due to Hurricane Milton. Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom won’t reopen until after the storm passes Orlando. Additionally, there are other closures, changes, and cancellations through at least Friday, October 10, 2024. This post provides a rundown of all operational updates to Central Florida attractions. (Updated October 9, 2024 at 1:45 pm.)
With regard to the storm system itself, Hurricane Milton is currently a Category 4 storm. The center of the storm is forecast to make landfall along the west-central coast of Florida shortly after midnight with “devastating 130 mph sustained winds and 15-foot surge, and move across central Florida through Thursday.
As of the 1 p.m. update on October 9, the National Hurricane Center reported that the center of Hurricane Milton was located about 145 miles west of Fort Myers and 160 miles southwest of Tampa moving northeast at 17 mph with maximum sustained winds of 145 mph, making it a strong Category 4 hurricane after having dropped from Category 5 overnight. The NHC warns that Milton is a potentially catastrophic hurricane at the top of its wind scale, and one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida.
All of Walt Disney World is now under a hurricane warning, as both Osceola and Orange Counties have been upgraded from watch status to fully-fledged hurricane warnings. Additionally, a tornado watch has been issued for parts of Florida until 9 p.m. on Wednesday, including both Orange and Osceola Counties. The watch area could expand and be extended during the day.
Here’s our latest look at all of the closures at Walt Disney World, Orlando Airports, and other theme parks in Central Florida…
Walt Disney World Closures & Cancellations for Hurricane Milton
Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom theme parks will close early due to Hurricane Milton on Wednesday, October 9:
- Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will close at 1 p.m.
- Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney Springs will close at 2 p.m.
It is likely that all 4 Walt Disney World theme parks will remain closed on Thursday, October 10, 2024. Walt Disney World will consider opening Disney Springs on Thursday in the late afternoon, with limited offerings.
Above was the original verbiage, below is the latest updated as of October 9, 2024 at 1:15 pm:
“On Thursday, October 10, our theme parks and Disney Springs will remain closed, and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will be cancelled (event tickets will be refunded).
For partially used multi-day tickets, ticket expiration dates will be adjusted to expire on October 11, 2025.”
Currently, all 4 theme parks are scheduled to reopen on Friday, October 11, 2024, but the schedule is subject to change.
This new language makes it a definitive, all-day closure tomorrow. This is likely due to the slowing of the system and its projected intensity. As of the latest NHC update, Milton is forecast to be a category 3 or 4 strength at landfall, and is anticipated to exit Florida on Thursday still as a hurricane.
One thing to note is the way that Walt Disney World equivocates on the status of things on Thursday. The theme parks are “likely” to be closed all day and they “will consider” opening Disney Springs on Thursday in the late afternoon, with limited offerings. Those are Disney’s wiggle words, not mine!
It might seem odd to see Walt Disney World use language like this. However, there’s past precedent for Walt Disney World reopening areas only to on-site resort guests–and ahead of schedule. This is exactly what we experienced in the aftermath of Irma, when that hurricane turned out to be not nearly as bad for Walt Disney World as originally forecast. We can only hope Central Florida is so lucky when it comes to Hurricane Milton.
Point being, things could reopen ahead of schedule on October 10 if Hurricane Milton passes quickly and Central Florida emerges relatively unscathed. If the best case scenario (hopefully!) plays out, it wouldn’t surprise us if EPCOT reopens on Thursday night for resort guests, followed by the other parks later in the day or on Saturday and Sunday. Having Disney Springs up and running on Thursday evening would be a good consolation prize, too.
However, there’s also another scenario where things are worse than expected (or the storm simply arrives later than expected), and the closures are extended. Even though Walt Disney World clearly intends upon being back to business as usual by Friday, there are no guarantees that’ll happen.
We don’t really want to even think about the worst-case scenario, much less discuss it. But it’s not necessary. You can probably imagine circumstances that would prolong the closure into Friday or the weekend.
It’ll be interesting to see what happens with Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom and Halloween Horror Nights on Friday. This are big-money events for Disney and Universal that they won’t want to cancel, but it might be tough to get everything back up and running–and properly staffed–by then. This wouldn’t even require a worst-case scenario or anything close to it–those events may have cancellations even after everything else is back to normal.
Whenever the parks do reopen, don’t be surprised if certain attractions don’t reopen right away. Anything with a lot of trees is an obvious candidate for a prolonged closure. If I recall correctly, it took Jungle Cruise a couple of days after Hurricane Irma to reopen.
It might be a similar story with trails and attractions in Animal Kingdom, or the park as a whole, if there are staggered reopenings. Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom is another such area, and there won’t be a huge sense of urgency to get that area reopened since it’s less popular.
Outside the parks, there might be resorts that are out of commission entirely or have areas closed off due to downed trees. Fort Wilderness is the most obvious example, but not the only one–many resorts have a lot of trees. It’s a similar story with the Port Orleans Resorts, Wilderness Lodge, etc.
Along with this, the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party scheduled for Thursday, October 10 is cancelled. Guests with pre-purchased party tickets for this party will automatically receive a full refund for the event tickets.
Note:Â Reports we’ve heard about moving Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party tickets to a different sold out date were very mixed when it came to the Hurricane Helene cancellations a couple weeks ago.
The best chances of success are when switching to the October 11 event, which makes sense both for guests and for Disney, as they’re likely to have a ton of cancellations for that MNSSHP. As there’s no officially published policy, your mileage may vary.
Transportation – Walt Disney World Transportation will stop operating on Wednesday, October 9 after Disney Springs and the Walt Disney World theme parks close. Limited Minnie Van and Mears taxi service will be available to Walt Disney World Resort Guests.
Reservations for Dining and Other Experiences – Effective immediately, Walt Disney World will not enforce cancellation policies until further notice for dining and other experiences.
Prepaid bookable experiences will be automatically refunded within 7 to 10 business days.
Recreation – Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park, Winter Summerland Miniature Golf and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf will be closed on Wednesday, October 9. Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park remains closed for planned refurbishment.
There are no events planned for ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex until the weekend.
The following ‘rustic resorts’ will temporarily close beginning at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 9, 2024:
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
- Cascade Cabins at Copper Creek Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa are likely to remain closed until Sunday, October 13, 2024. The Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will likely reopen on Friday, October 11, 2024.
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue performances have been canceled October 9-10 in light of the temporary closure of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Guests with pre-paid reservations will be automatically canceled and refunded.
Restaurants in resorts will continue to operate in select locations with availability subject to change.
Additionally, Walt Disney World is allowing changes and cancellations with no penalties for guests arriving between now and Monday, October 14, 2024. This applies to reservations booked by the Walt Disney Travel Company or Disney Destinations, LLC. (In other words, if you booked through Walt Disney World directly–either by phone or Disneyworld.com–you’re eligible. Same goes for reservations booked via an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner or travel agent.)
Most room-only and vacation packages can be modified, or cancelled online, including changes to travel dates, without fees. Packages including air transportation or other services provided by third parties, or those with travel protection, cannot be modified or cancelled online. Guests with these reservations will need to call Walt Disney World for assistance. (Expect longer-than-normal hold times.)
Due to Hurricane Milton, Universal Orlando Resort is making the following operational changes for Wednesday, October 9 and Thursday, October 10, 2024:
- On Wednesday, Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk will be open until 2 p.m. and will be closed all-day on Thursday, October 10, 2024.
- Universal Volcano Bay will be closed all day on Wednesday, October 9 and Thursday, October 10.
- Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida is cancelled for Wednesday and Thursday nights
- Universal hotels remain operational as they focus on taking care of guests.
Note that hours of operation are subject to change based on forecast alterations and some attraction and experience availability may be limited on Wednesday as we prepare for an early closure.
Universal Orlando Resort anticipates a full reopening, including Halloween Horror Nights, on October 11, 2024 at normal operating hours pending the outcome of storm impacts.
Elsewhere around Central Florida, LEGOLAND Florida Resort will be closed Wednesday and Thursday due to Hurricane Milton. This closure also includes Peppa Pig Theme Park.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort will be OPEN in a limited capacity, including to guests with existing reservations.
Due to the projected path of Hurricane Milton, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, and Discovery Cove parks have enacted its Named Storm Policy and will be temporarily closed on:
- Busch Gardens Tampa is CLOSED on Tuesday, October 8th, Wednesday, October 9th and Thursday, October 10th. Howl-O-Scream is cancelled for Thursday, October 10. Tickets may be used for any remaining Howl-O-Scream event nights.
- Adventure Island remains running on its seasonal schedule without changes at this time. Please check social media for updates regarding park opening on Friday, October 11.
- SeaWorld Orlando remains OPEN on Tuesday, October 8th. SeaWorld Orlando will be CLOSED on Wednesday, October 9th and Thursday, October 10th.
- Aquatica Orlando remains OPEN on Tuesday, October 8th. Aquatica will be CLOSED on Wednesday, October 9th and Thursday, October 10th.
All date-intended tickets for closure days have been extended through December 31, 2024 and requires no action to be taken. Precautions are in place following the parks’ comprehensive weather preparedness plan to ensure the safety of animals and ambassadors during this time. Guests are encouraged to check back on our website and follow our social media channels for updates. Stay tuned for information regarding reopening following the storm on Friday, October 11, 2024.
Orlando International Airport announced that it will cease commercial passenger and private operations due to Hurricane Milton starting at 8 am on October 9, 2024. MCO itself is NOT closed and will remain open to accept emergency/aid and relief flights as necessary.
Currently, MCO is expected to resume operations on Friday, after assessing all damage to airport property and facilities. Orlando International Airport notes the time for the reopening is “fluid” and subject to change. It could happen sooner–or later–depending upon Hurricane Milton’s intensity and impacts in Orlando.
Per Orlando International Airport’s official @MCO Twitter account, key airport, airline, and federal agency representatives will continue monitoring the weather and determine whether any future closures may be necessary.
We don’t have much to add here. Hurricane Milton is currently a major Category 4 system, and is likely to make landfall south of Tampa Bay on Wednesday night with a path taking it right through Central Florida on Thursday–directly towards the tourist corridor and Walt Disney World. Governor DeSantis has warned of catastrophic flooding and life-threatening storm surge in areas of Florida, with impacts far broader than where of the eye makes landfall.
Ultimately, if you are at Walt Disney World, be safe. Take this seriously, for your own sake and that of Cast Members and other guests. As accurate as storm forecasting has become, it’s still not 100% certain. It’s only appropriate for Walt Disney World to prioritize human life and safety, erring on the side of caution and closing the parks, relocating guests, and canceling entertainment. Here’s hoping this passes quickly and with minimal damage and harm, and Walt Disney World can resume normal operations on October 11, 2024. We’ll keep you posted either way!
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Your Thoughts
Are you currently at Walt Disney World or Central Florida? Have you visited during past hurricanes? Any additional info, thoughts, or first-hand experiences to share about riding out a hurricane at Walt Disney World? Do you agree or disagree with our advice? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
As of the 6:00 PM EDT advisory, Milton has dropped to maximum sustained winds of 120 mph, with gusts up to 150 mph. This is good news, as the weakening is taking place as predicted. Milton is projected to be a Cat 1 with 90 mph winds prior to reaching WDW and Orlando. All much better news than the last 24 hours made us fear might be the case. The bad news? The track now takes it much closer to I-4, and therefore WDW. The current track puts the Magic Kingdom 24 miles from the track. This means that there is a possibility that all of WDW will be impacted by the eyewall. Always remember that gusts exist, and can be far greater than the maximum sustained wind speed of a hurricane. Meaning WDW could be hit with gusts of 120+ mph if the storm has sustained winds of 90 mph.
Hunker down, have a place of last refuge prepared, usually the bathroom. Good luck and stay safe!
Milton continues to prove the uniqueness of hurricanes, as the dreaded front right quadrant is not where the worst winds and rain are located. Unfortunately, this is bad news for Tampa, WDW and Orlando, all of which are in the front lefthand quadrant which is where most of the action is located. Hopefully this will be over in 12 hours or so. The aftermath, will last considerably longer.
Do they have a plan to keep the animals safe at the Animal Kingdom?
When I was there right after Irma, I talked to some of the keepers about this. They said they made sure animals had access to sheltered locations but didn’t force any inside (i believe they said some large animals like the hippos or rhinos preferred to hunker down outside) I’m not sure if that protocol is changed for this storm because it seems like it will hit much harder, but they definitely have plans to ensure the health and safety of the animals.
We have campground reservations starting Oct. 14. We are pulling our camper from Texas and are concerned about finding gas for our truck or services were we to break down, and getting caught in heavy traffic of people returning to their homes. We want to go but don’t want to risk getting caught somewhere or adding to problems people living there are already experiencing. What do you recommend about taking a chance on keeping our reservation?
It’s back to Cat 5, 165 mph sustained winds, gusts to 200 mph and a very low pressure of 905 mb (26.72 inches). The current track has it passing some 40-45 south of WDW, but that track has shifted multiple times north and south of the I-4 corridor, so, don’t be surprised if it shifts back north yet again, or even further south. Or stays the same.
Pay attention to the wind field as it gets closer. As I’ve said, hurricanes can wobble along their path, and a 10–25-mile wobble can have a significant change of fortune for those where it wobbles toward, and those it wobbles away from. a 20 mile wobble south and Milton’s eye is 65 miles from the Magic Kingdom. Wobble north on the current track and it’s only 25 miles away, meaning that much of WDW is getting the full eyewall treatment.
Right now, Milton is effectively the world’s largest F3 tornado. Except instead of it being past in seconds or a minute, it will take hours to wait out.
Keep hoping for the best and preparing for the worst. Stay safe, everyone!
I was at WDW during Hurricane Ian in Sept 2022. All of WDW, including the parks, was shutdown for 2 full days. A skeleton crew was at the hotel but did a great job providing boxed meals for us guests. Even when WDW opened back up on Day 3 some attractions were still closed due to debris. By Day 4 it was back to normal. The cast members of all disciplines do an incredible job. And this is along with them having to take care of their families as well!
I don’t think Orlando/WDW has ever been hit as hard as is (sadly) predicted this week, at least not in the modern era. Irma was a Category 1 at the time it passed between Tampa and Orlando. I know things at WDW are built strong, but I think there’s a good chance it’ll take longer than Friday or Saturday to get the parks running again. Even if the damage to the resort/parks is limited, there could be a lot of CM’s in crisis mode and unable to work.
I’ll be thrilled if I’m proven wrong on this, believe me.
Stay safe everyone
I found the info page on WDW site interesting – it did not read like it was written by the usual communications people – it read very rushed, like an internal email with bullet points, etc., and just the overall style (using phrases like “we will consider,” more use of “we,” incomplete sentences, etc.) did not read like a usual posting on their site like that. It’s not a criticism, I just find it interesting.
Totally agree. I found it confusing as to what is going on. Finally found info about closers. We are WDW fans ,going frequently