Walt Disney World Resort is assessing the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, which swept through central Florida on Wednesday night. This closure marks only the 12th time in the park’s 53-year history that it has had to shut down operations, with nine of those closures resulting from hurricanes.
In a statement released Thursday morning, the resort expressed gratitude that it weathered the storm, adding, “We are currently assessing the impacts to our property.” The resort is preparing to reopen its four 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,” the statement concluded.
Ahead of the storm, Disney announced on Tuesday that it would close in phases beginning at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, October 9. Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom closed first, followed by Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney Springs at 2 p.m. While they estimated that the parks would likely remain closed on Thursday, October 10, plans were already in motion to assess and repair any damage.
In addition, Disney had previously announced on Monday, October 7, that some of its more rustic accommodations, including Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, the Copper Creek Cabins at Wilderness Lodge, and the Treehouse Villas at Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, would close on Wednesday morning.
Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane near Siesta Key, Florida, at approximately 8:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday. The storm had been downgraded to Category 4 early Tuesday after it had briefly strengthened into a Category 5 on Monday.
Disney World had paused new hotel reservations for Wednesday and Thursday in anticipation of the storm’s landfall. However, a representative for Disney stated on Monday morning that the Orlando resort was still 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,” the statement noted.
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This closure adds to Disney World’s history of responding to significant weather events. Since opening its gates in 1971, the resort has seen closures due to various hurricanes, including Floyd in September 1999, Charley in August 2004, and Frances, Jeanne, Matthew, Irma, Dorian, Ian, and Nicole in the years that followed. The park also closed after the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001 and during the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in its longest closure ever—from March 2020 to July 2020.
Milton is the second major hurricane to impact Florida’s Gulf Coast in a short span, following Hurricane Helene, which struck the Big Bend region on September 26 as a Category 4 storm. Helene caused widespread devastation across the southeast, affecting not just Florida but also states like Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.
As Disney World prepares to assess and address any damage, the safety of guests and employees remains the top priority. The resort has a long history of resilience and preparedness when it comes to extreme weather events. Its ability to recover quickly and resume operations is crucial for the millions of visitors who plan their vacations around the iconic attractions.
In the days following the storm, updates will likely come from Disney regarding any changes to reopening plans or specific areas that may require additional time for repairs. For those who have upcoming reservations or plans to visit, it is advisable to stay informed through Disney’s official channels for the latest information.
