Hurricanes at Walt Disney World are something to prepare for when planning your Disney vacation during hurricane season in Florida. Hurricane season typically takes place September-November so if you plan on a vacation during these months there's a chance your travel could be impacted by severe weather.
Our article covers Walt Disney World's hurricane cancellation policy, updates on the most current storm impacting the resort and tips on how to plan your trip.
UPDATED with news on the most recent Hurricane Milton which may hit Walt Disney World! Keep reading for all the most recent weather updates and coverage on the potential for park closures!
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Walt Disney World Hurricane Updates
Update October 11th 10:56 AM ET: Reopening update from this morning at Walt Disney World.
The theme parks have reopened today but have limited reservations available for park guests. There are also more limited hours for the parks. All Annual Passholder reservations are sold out.
At the time of this update, Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney's Hollywood Studios are all sold out of reservations for the day. Disney's Animal Kingdom still have availability.
Disney has also updated that Typhoon Lagoon will reopen on Saturday, October 12th.
Park hours today have pretty much returned to normal.
- Magic Kingdom: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with Early Entry at 7:30 a.m., Mickey's Not-So-Scary 7 pm – 12 am
- EPCOT: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with Early Entry at 8:30 a.m.
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: 9 p.m. to 9 p.m., with Early Entry at 8:30 a.m.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with Early Entry at 7:30 a.m. Extended Evening Hours will run from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Update October 10th 3:34 PM ET: We now have information on the reopening of MCO.
Official MCO Statement – Although we’ll receive a few domestic arrivals this evening, no departures or international flights will occur. Please don’t come to the airport for a departing flight tonight. Departures begin tomorrow. Check with your airline for updates.
Update October 10th 12:30 AM ET: Disney World has shared a new update on the reopening of the resort.
“We’re grateful Walt Disney World Resort weathered the storm, and we are currently assessing the impacts to our property to prepare for reopening the theme parks, Disney Springs and possibly other areas on Friday, October 11. Our hearts are with our fellow Floridians who were impacted by this storm.”
Universal Orlando has shared the following update:
“Our hearts are with all those impacted by Hurricane Milton, and we are dedicated to helping our community recovery. We are also grateful for the hard work of our Team Members during this challenging time.
On Friday, Oct. 11, we look forward to welcoming back our guests as we return to our normal operation across all our theme parks, CityWalk and Halloween Horror Nights inclusive of Early Park Admission for Universal Orlando Hotel guests, Premier Passholders and Preferred Passholders. Guests can visit our website and social channels for more information.”
Update October 9th 3:48 PM ET: Disney World has shared an additional update on the park closures.
All Disney World theme parks will be closed on Thursday and Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is cancelled that night. All event tickets will be refunded. This is an update to the previous Disney statement that left some room for the theme parks to reopen on Thursday if the conditions allowed.
Disney Springs will also remain closed all of Thursday.
Partially used multi-day tickets will now have their expiration dates shifted. These tickets will now be valid through October 11, 2025.
We will continue to update this article with the latest on the storm and the impact on Walt Disney World.
Update October 9th 9:53 AM ET: We continue to monitor Hurricane Milton as it approaches Walt Disney World. The plan for closures remains the same as detailed below.
A recent financial analysis was just released from Goldman Sachs and detailed by Forbes predicting that Disney will lose something between $150-$200 million due to the coming hurricane and that there would be a decline in park attendance by 6%.
Disney Cruise Line has also been impacted by the storm. Sailing itineraries have been extended or moved to avoid going into Port Canaveral as the storm is hitting and some other shore excursions have been cancelled. This is really a high intensity version of this article where we shared a behind-the-scenes look at how Disney Cruise Line searches for good weather for sailings.
Update October 8th 3:33PM ET: Walt Disney World has announced park closures due to the impact of Hurricane Milton for Wednesday, October 9th and Thursday, October 10th.
Animal Kingdom and Disney Hollywood Studios will close at 1PM on Wednesday, October 9th with Magic Kingdom, EPCOT and Disney Springs closing at 2PM.
Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is cancelled for Thursday, October 10th. The theme parks will likely remain closed that day as well.
Walt Disney World Transportation will stop operating on Wednesday, Oct. 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
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, Winter Summerland Miniature Golf, and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf will be closed on Wednesday, Oct. 9
Pre-paid bookable experiences will be automatically refunded within 7 to 10 business days
Update October 8th 2:27PM ET: Universal Orlando has announced closures impacting the park on October 9th and October 10th. Here is the statement from Universal Orlando below:
“Due to Hurricane Milton, Universal Orlando Resort is making the following operational changes for Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Thursday, Oct. 10.
- On Wednesday, Oct. 9, Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk will be open until 2 p.m. and will be closed on Thursday, Oct. 10. (*Note: 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 Volcano Bay will be closed Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Thursday, Oct. 10.
- Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida is canceled for Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Thursday, Oct. 10.
Our hotels remain operational as they focus on taking care of our guests. We anticipate a full reopening of our destination, including Halloween Horror Nights, on Friday, Oct. 11 at our normal operating hours pending the outcome of storm impacts.”
Walt Disney World will likely follow suit soon.
Update October 8th 1:13PM ET: SeaWorld has made the decision to close SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando and Discovery Cove Orlando on October 9th and October 10th due to projected impacts from Hurricane Milton to “the safety of ambassadors, guests and animals.”
I anticipate we will be getting a Walt Disney World hurricane closure announcement very soon.
Update October 7th 12:11PM ET: Walt Disney World has extended the window for waiving fees for changes and cancellations to existing Walt Disney World vacation packages to October 14th. Currently, Orlando is under a hurricane warning with no official end date although experts expect Hurricane Milton to hit the rea Thursday, October 10th.
Many guests might be wondering why Walt Disney World hasn't announced any park closures yet but Disney will likely wait until the storm gets closer before assessing any changes to park operations. I expect in usual fashion we will see the water parks and recreational activities (golf, etc.) added to the closure list first before we hear any details about theme park closures.
Update October 7th 6:16 PM ET: Disney World has announced the first hotel closures ahead of Hurricane Milton.
Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, the Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will close on Wednesday, October 9th at 11 am.
We expect to receive more information soon on other theme park-related closures.
Update October 7th 1:21 PM ET: The Orlando Airport and the Orlando Executive Airport will cease commercial and private operations on October 9, 2024.
This again indicates the intensity of the expected storm. Please see their full statement below and scroll down for the full update on the impacts of the storm on Walt Disney World.
“On Wednesday morning, October 9, Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) will cease commercial passenger and private operations in advance of Hurricane Milton, a move made in coordination with our partners. The airport is not closed and will remain open to accept emergency/aid and relief flights as necessary. We will resume commercial operations as soon as possible based on damage assessment.
The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), which manages and operates both MCO and ORL, continues to stress safety. Passengers are encouraged to check with their airlines for flight updates. GOAA wants to alert the public that MCO is not an authorized shelter. The airport cannot accommodate local residents during severe weather events. We will continue to monitor the storm and provide additional updates as needed.”
Update October 7th 2024 12:20 PM ET: Hurricane Milton has now been upgraded to a Category 5 Hurricane. A category 5 hurricane is the strongest hurricane on the scale. Hurricane Milton has been tracked to have over 160 mph winds with even higher gusts of wind.
A full hurricane watch is now in effect for the Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando areas.
The hurricane is now expected to make landfall Wednesday evening according to the National Hurricane Center. They shared “A watch is typically issued 48 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous.”
“On the forecast track, Milton is forecast to move near or just north of the Yucatan Peninsula today and Tuesday, then cross the eastern Gulf of Mexico and approach the west coast of the Florida Peninsula by Wednesday. Data from NOAA and Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that the maximum sustained winds have increased to near 155 mph (250 km/h) with higher gusts. Milton is a category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Milton is forecast to become a category 5 hurricane later today and become a large hurricane over the eastern Gulf of Mexico.”
As we shared in a previous update that you can read below, precautions are already being taken to protect guests and Cast Members. The theme parks will likely end up closing as the storm arrives at Walt Disney World. At this point there has been a pause put on reservations for hotels on October 9th and October 10th 2024 and a pause on theme park reservations for October 10th. This will give Disney more flexibility to safely house guests and Cast Members during the storm.
No official warnings have been announced yet by Walt Disney World but as the storm intensifies we expect to see a closure and more information shared later today or tomorrow.
This hurricane is expected to impact Walt Disney World much more than Hurricane Helene which recently passed over Florida. During that hurricane, they only canceled some events including Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and closed the water parks and mini golf courses. At the very least we'll see these similar precautions taken for this far higher rated and direct hit storm. Based on the current path of the hurricane and moves by Disney, it seems that a Wednesday closure could happen but again we will update this page when we get the official statement from Disney.
We detail more on what a closure and hurricane lockdown at Walt Disney World looks like at the bottom of this page. Disney went above and beyond when building the resorts. As some have said in comments on social media when we've been sharing these updates, it is one of the best places in Florida to be to ride out a storm so those guests and Cast Members still there will be safe.
Update October 6th 2024 6:49 AM ET: Tropical Storm Milton has now been upgraded to Hurricane Milton. Walt Disney World has also announced they will be waiving any cancellation fees for check in dates of Sunday, 10/6 through Saturday 10/12. Here is the full statement below:
“Due to potential weather impacts to guest travel plans, change and cancellation fees imposed by Disney will be waived for check-in dates of Sunday, 10/6 – Saturday, 10/12.
Most room-only and vacation packages can be modified, or canceled 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 canceled online. For Guests with these reservations please call for assistance.”The storm is expected to have a greater impact on Walt Disney World than the recent Hurricane Helene which caused very few operational impacts.
Please see the earlier update below for information on expected park closures.
Update October 6th 2024, 2PM ET: Tropical Storm Milton is expected to become a Category 3 Hurricane by late afternoon today. The National Hurricane Center has said that when Milton strengthens to a hurricane it will bring “devastating damage” with winds of up to 129mph. Milton is expected to hit the Orlando area by Wednesday, October 9th 2024.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for numerous counties including Orange County which is where Walt Disney World is located.
Currently, Walt Disney World has not announced any closures or activated its hurricane policy. You can find Walt Disney World's weather updates on their website which will cover any impacts to the theme parks. Disney has updated the page to mention they are monitoring Tropical Storm Milton, “Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions. We are closely monitoring the path of the projected storm as we continue to prioritize the safety of our Guests and Cast Members.”
While Walt Disney World has not made an official statement quite yet, Walt Disney World has blocked the ability for annual passholders to make park reservations October 9th 2024. They have also blocked the ability to make hotel reservations for October 9th and October 10th 2024. This could be an indication that they are expecting an impact to normal park operations.
We will keep an eye on the storm and continue to post updates and potential closures at Walt Disney World here.
How Disney Goes Above and Beyond During Hurricanes
Take a look at this heartwarming photos of Disney cast members going above and beyond comforting children during Hurricane Ian at the Walt Disney World resort. Box meals were served, movies were playing the lobby, and characters were on hand to bring a lighter tone.
Over at the Disney Beach Club Resort Mickey and Pluto were out greeting guests.
And of course the Country Bear Jamboree.
And finally, my favorite, Doug and Russell from Up playing Uno with guests.
Walt Disney World Hurricane Cancellation Policy
If a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area—or for your place of residence—within 7 days of your scheduled arrival date, you may call in advance to reschedule or cancel your Walt Disney Travel Company Disney Resort hotel packages and most room-only reservations (booked directly with Disney) without any cancellation or change fees imposed by Disney. This policy does not apply to certain special events or dining experiences.
Keep in mind if you have products/services from third parties included in your vacation- airlines, hotels, car rentals- you will be responsible for any nonrefundable payments.
This policy also applies to Disney's Vero Beach Resort or Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort in the event a hurricane warning is issued for those destinations. The policy only applies to Walt Disney Travel Company Disney Resort hotel packages, as well as rooms and packages for sports groups.
The policy does not apply to rooms or packages for youth groups, other groups, and special events. It also does not apply to meetings and conventions.
If you booked with a third-party travel agency, you need to contact them directly as they may have different policies in place than Disney.
You can call (407) 939-7675 with any questions and to reschedule your vacation in the event of a hurricane warning.
I received a special offer when I booked my vacation with the Walt Disney Travel Company. If a hurricane warning is issued within 7 days of my arrival date and I reschedule, will I get the same special offer?
Cast Members will be able to reschedule your vacation to your new desired travel dates if the same special offer is available. If the same special offer is not available Cast Members will assist by identifying alternate offers during your new desired travel dates. All amounts you paid to the Walt Disney Travel Company for rooms, park tickets, dining plans and other Disney products and services will be applied toward your new reservation.
Any discounts or special offers applicable to your original confirmed vacation may not apply to the rescheduled vacation travel dates. You are responsible for applicable package pricing for the new vacation dates.
If I reschedule my vacation to a different date because of a hurricane warning, will I be able to get the same accommodations?
If you are scheduled to arrive within 7 days of a hurricane warning, you may call us in advance to reschedule without a Disney-imposed change fee. We cannot guarantee the availability of similar accommodations for the new travel dates. All amounts you paid to Disney for rooms, theme park tickets, dining plans, and other Disney products and services will be applied toward your new reservation.
Any discounts or special offers applicable to your original confirmed vacation will not apply to the rescheduled vacation travel dates. You are responsible for applicable package pricing for the new vacation dates.
The policy does not apply to certain special events and dining experiences.
Should You Cancel Your Disney World Vacation?
This is a hard question to answer for a number of reasons.
Largely, this is subjective as everyone will have different preferences on how they will want to handle the potential impact of a hurricane at Walt Disney World. Hurricanes are also extremely unpredictable. The good news is that Orlando doesn't often get hit as hard as coastal towns since it's located in the middle of Florida so most of the storm has the possibility to tamper down before it reaches Walt Disney World.
While I can't speak to what you should or shouldn't do, I recommend reviewing Walt Disney World's cancellation policy (above) and tracking the weather as it leads up to your trip.
If the hurricane does not pose a safety risk, it will at the least have the impact of high winds and torrential rain during your visit and that may be enough for some guests to take advantage of the 7-day cancellation policy Walt Disney World offers and reschedule.
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I was at Disney for Hurricane Matthew. Disney went above and beyond to insure the safety and comfort of both guests and cast members.
Really appreciate you sharing that experience! Glad to hear that you rode it out smoothly