Walt Disney World Reopening After Hurricane Milton: Full Details on Safety Measures and Recovery
Orlando, FL — Walt Disney World Resort will reopen on Friday, October 11, after a temporary closure due to Hurricane Milton. The resort shut down for two days to ensure safety for guests and cast members. This Walt Disney World reopening follows extensive preparations to protect the property from storm damage.
Preparations Across the Resort
Ahead of Hurricane Milton’s arrival, Disney closed its parks early on October 9. All four theme parks—Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom—shut down by 2 PM. Disney Springs and select accommodations also closed early. This allowed staff to secure each area before the storm.
Disney acted quickly to protect outdoor items. Staff tied down food carts and merchandise stands. At EPCOT, they removed the awning in the France Pavilion. In the UK Pavilion, stands were secured with straps. The smoothie bar in the Morocco Pavilion was emptied. These efforts prevented hazards.
The monorail stored inside the Contemporary Resort. Credit: Lisa Cown Brown
Prioritizing Safety for Guests and Cast Members
Disney stopped accepting new reservations for October 9 and 10. This limited the number of guests on property. The Emergency Operations Center stayed in contact with weather experts and local leaders. Disney made adjustments as needed. They removed birdhouses at Animal Kingdom. Water levels at Hollywood Studios’ Echo Lake were lowered.
Impacted Areas and Reopening Timeline
The Walt Disney World reopening includes all four theme parks and Disney Springs. Some areas will stay closed longer. Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and the Treehouse Villas need further inspection. These locations will reopen gradually.
Water parks like Typhoon Lagoon will also stay closed. Additional safety checks are needed before reopening.
Quick Return to Operations
The Walt Disney World reopening on October 11 shows the resort’s quick recovery. Staff worked hard to secure the property and assess damages. Guests should check the My Disney Experience app for updates.
Disney’s response to Hurricane Milton shows its commitment to safety. The reopening highlights the resilience of the resort.
If you or your loved ones are in the areas affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene don’t hesitate to reach out to the Red Cross for assistance.