With Hurricane Milton approaching the State of Florida, Walt Disney World is making preparations for the now-Category 5 hurricane. This evening, Disney announced the temporary closure of the most storm-vulnerable resort accommodations on property. These resorts include Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, the Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.
Disney’s 6 p.m. Monday, October 7, 2024 Announcement:
We are closely monitoring the path of the projected storm, and the safety of our Guests and Cast Members remains our top priority. Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions and will continue to be on Tuesday, Oct. 8. Looking ahead, we are making adjustments based on the latest weather forecast and some areas with unique environments.
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground (including dining and recreation locations), the Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will temporarily close beginning at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, Oct. 9.
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa are likely to remain closed until Sunday, Oct. 13.
- The Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will likely reopen on Friday, Oct. 11.
Our Analysis on the Latest Statement
The resorts first announced to temporarily close are accommodations near the waterline that would be most impacted by potential flash flooding. Also, in the case of Fort Wilderness, you have a little-sheltered property vulnerable to the forecasted hurricane-force winds and fallen trees.
Interestingly, Walt Disney World has still yet to give notice on Park closures, which will impact all guests visiting the resort. Guests currently at the resort can look forward to another day of regular operations on Tuesday, October 8th.
As the hurricane forecasting models develop further consensus and the Category 5 hurricane inches closer tomorrow, it is likely we see further closures announced for Walt Disney World. In the case of Hurricane Irma, Walt Disney World’s theme parks closed early on the day the storm approached and then remained closed the following two days.
Applying Disney’s past guest safety procedures to this hurricane, there is high likelihood of the parks closing earlier than normal on Wednesday and remaining closed on Thursday at a minimum. At the time of writing, impacts to the parks themselves have not been announced by Disney.
Please refer to Walt Disney World’s Weather Center, the National Hurricane Center, and our website as the situation develops further.
