The National Hurricane Center has just issued a hurricane warning for Orange and Osceola counties, home to the Walt Disney World Resort.
Hurricane Milton is a rapidly strengthening Category 5 hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico. It is projected to make landfall in Tampa late Wednesday night into Thursday morning.
Information valid as of Monday, October 7th, 2024 at 4PM CDT:
The majority of Central Florida is now under a hurricane warning, upgraded from a hurricane watch earlier in the day. Many counties along the citrus coast are now under mandatory evacuation orders. Walt Disney World’s surrounding counties are also under a State of Emergency.
Hurricane Milton is expected to impact Walt Disney World beginning late Wednesday night. On Thursday morning, the hurricane is forecasted to pass almost directly over Walt Disney World following a track up Interstate 4.
For those still located in Central Florida, make your final preparations for Hurricane Milton. Follow the latest updates from the National Hurricane Center and local Emergency Management.
Walt Disney World’s Response
Walt Disney World has suspended new resort bookings for dates the hurricane is projected to impact. This move allows flexibility for current resort guests who need to extend their stay. The Orlando International Airport is suspending commercial flights beginning Wednesday morning, which will result in some Walt Disney World guests sheltering in place. Disney has also suspended cancellation fees and change fees for vacationers impacted by this sudden storm.
However, Disney has yet to announce park closures. In the case of Hurricane Irma, Walt Disney World closed early in the evening leading up to landfall and remain closed the following two days.
Disney’s Monday, October 7th, 2024 6PM statement:
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.
Additional Key Information:
Prepare for hurricane-force wind gusts throughout Central Florida Wednesday leading into Thursday. Orlando International Airport halting commercial flights starting Wednesday morning. We should be getting a new statement from Walt Disney World shortly. pic.twitter.com/YbVRB3xd99
— Mickey Views (@MickeyViews) October 7, 2024
