BREAKING NEWS: Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, and more local theme parks have announced multi-day closures ahead of Hurricane Ian. Airports in the Orlando area are closing as well. Disney World will close its theme parks and water parks on Wednesday, September 28th, and Thursday, September 29th. Disney Springs will be closed on Wednesday, September 28th. They expect Disney Springs will also be closed on Thursday, September 29th, but more updates on that will be coming soon.
BIG UPDATE: Disney World will officially begin a phased reopening on Friday, September 30th.
We have been monitoring Hurricane Ian and its potential impact on Disney World.
Not only have we shared how Disney World is preparing for the storm but we have shared what to do if you are traveling to Disney World during Hurricane Ian along with what the Orlando International Airport is doing to prepare. Now, Disney has shared information regarding some hotel closures, changes to dining reservations, and more.
Disney has shared that Disney will be closing Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, the Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, and the Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort from Wednesday, September 28th to Friday, September 30th. Disney has also shared that they are contacting guests with current and upcoming reservations to let them know about the changes.
UPDATE: Disney World is also closing the Star Wars: Galactic Star Cruiser. Voyages departing Tuesday, September 27th and Thursday, September 29th have been canceled. Guests with reservations for these dates are asked to please call 407-939-5209 for help with modifying their plans.
Performances of Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue have also been canceled from Sept. 28th through the 30th. Guests with pre-paid reservations will be automatically canceled and refunded.
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will also be closed on Wednesday, September 28th and Thursday, September 29th. The Winter Summerland and Fantasia Gardens Mini Golf Courses will be closed on those dates as well.
Another big change is that Disney will not enforce cancellations policies on dining or on other experiences like Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and Savi’s. This is effective immediately and until further notice.
UPDATE: According to Disney, “For the safety of our Guests and Cast Members, Guests must check in to our resorts on Sept. 28, by 3PM. Please feel free to reschedule your trip or cancel your stay with us; any customary cancellation fees will be waived.”
Disney World has updated their website with a few more bits of important information!
- Guests that are checked in by 3PM on Wednesday will be asked to shelter in place at their resort for the duration of the storm, this includes any resort-to-resort transfers.
- On Tuesday, Guests are strongly encouraged to enjoy food and beverage offerings at the parks and Disney Springs before returning to their Resort hotels.
- Dining options for Guests staying in our Resort hotels will vary, and in some cases may be very limited. Where available, restaurants will accept walk-ups only meaning that Guests will not need dining reservations.
- Characters will not be available in character dining locations on Wednesday and Thursday.
- The Grand Floridian Spa will close at noon Wednesday, September 28th.
They have also made a few updates regarding transportation.
We are continuing to monitor the storm and how Disney World plans to handle things. We will keep you updated in the coming days. More updates from Disney should be shared here: DisneyWorld.com/Weather. As of now, Disney World is under a tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch.
For up to date coverage on the storm itself, make sure you are following this post here!
Disney has also shared this statement on Twitter.
We are also following the hurricane live from our hotel rooms here. You can follow along if you want to see what is happening in the Disney World area during the hurricane.
On September 29th, Hurricane Ian was downgraded to a tropical storm and significant flooding has taken place around Disney World and Orlando. Due to this flooding, the Orlando International Airport will remain closed today. You can read their most recent statement below.
Disney has also released a statement. We have shared the park pass reservations are not available for tomorrow but as of now, Disney has only announced that they will remain closed through September 29th.
Here are a few more hurricane resources if you are interested:
- 6 Tips for Planning a Disney World Trip During Hurricane Season
- The Best Hurricane Ready Hotels During Hurricane Season
- 8 Tips for Riding Out a Hurricane in Disney World
- 5 Things Disney World Is Doing Right Now to Prepare for Hurricane Ian
- What to Do If You’re Going to Disney World During Hurricane Ian
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Are you traveling to Disney World during the storm? Let us know in the comments below.
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