Walt Disney World Shuts Down Multiple Resorts as Hurricane Milton Approaches: What Guests Need to Know

With Hurricane Milton rapidly approaching Florida as a Category 5 storm, Walt Disney World has announced temporary closures of several key resort accommodations starting Wednesday, October 9. The decision, made in the interest of guest and cast member safety, follows a pattern of proactive measures taken by Disney in past hurricane seasons.

Resort Closures Ahead of the Storm

In a statement issued earlier today, Walt Disney World confirmed that Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, and the Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will temporarily close as of 11 AM on Wednesday. These closures are expected to remain in place until Sunday, October 13, for Fort Wilderness and the Treehouse Villas. Copper Creek Cabins may reopen on Friday, October 11, depending on the extent of any damage.

This marks the first set of closures directly linked to Hurricane Milton. Walt Disney World has also paused new hotel reservations and blocked park pass reservations for Wednesday, October 9, and Thursday, October 10. Cancellation fees are being waived for guests with reservations during the hurricane period, offering flexibility in response to the unpredictable nature of the storm.

A Look Back: Disney’s History of Handling Hurricanes

Walt Disney World’s strategy for dealing with hurricanes has been tested numerous times. Significant examples include Hurricane Irma in 2017 and Hurricane Dorian in 2019. During Hurricane Irma, Walt Disney World closed its theme parks for only the sixth time in history. They implemented a comprehensive lockdown of resorts to ensure guest safety. The property remained closed for two days, offering guests access to food and entertainment within their resorts.

Similarly, during Hurricane Dorian, Walt Disney World took precautionary measures by closing select resorts and canceling nighttime spectaculars. The resorts operated under emergency protocols, providing boxed meals and additional safety guidance for all guests. Hurricane Milton is poised to test the park’s emergency preparedness again, with resort closures and operational adjustments already in effect.

Current Preparations and What to Expect

As of now, Walt Disney World has not announced any changes to theme park operations. However, given Hurricane Milton’s projected path directly over central Florida, the resort is closely monitoring conditions. They may implement further closures or adjustments if needed. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is also set to halt all commercial flights on Wednesday morning. This decision could significantly impact travel plans for those intending to visit the parks.

With Hurricane Milton and Walt Disney World expected to clash mid-week, the resort has issued advisories for all guests currently on property or planning to arrive in the coming days. Disney’s history of proactive planning and effective communication during hurricanes is being leveraged to navigate the challenges posed by Hurricane Milton.

For the latest updates on the status of Walt Disney World and Hurricane Milton, guests are encouraged to visit the official Walt Disney World Weather Updates page and follow Disney’s social media channels.