Walt Disney World officials closed theme parks and other attractions for Hurricane Milton, as the theme park has shuttered doors for weather and two national emergencies since opening in October 1971.
In its long storied history, the "most magical place on Earth," has only closed 11 times including Hurricane Milton.
As Kentuckians plan ahead for trips to the Florida amusement park, Kentucky residents can see what to expect from Hurricane Milton if they have a trip planned for fall break.
Hurricane Milton live weather updates:Hurricane leaves destruction, but not 'worst case scenario'
Here's what you need to know:
Is Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida open today, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 after Hurricane Milton aftermath?
The Walt Disney World theme parks, water parks, recreation offerings and Disney Springs are now closed through Thursday, October 10, according to the website.
What is closed at Walt Disney World today, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 after Hurricane Milton aftermath in Orlando, Florida
Here is a list of today's closings at Walt Disney World, according to the website:
- All Walt Disney World theme parks and Disney Springs
- All parking garages
- Cancellation of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (event tickets will be refunded)
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground (likely to reopen Sunday, Oct. 13)
- Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa (likely to reopen Sunday, Oct. 13)
- Wind & Waves Grill is closed for breakfast (Thursday, Oct. 10)
- The Spa at Disney's Vero Beach Resort (Thursday, Oct. 10)
- Walt Disney World Transportation
- Minnie Van service
- Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park
- Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf
- Winter Summerland Miniature Golf
- Prepaid bookable dining experiences will be automatically refunded within 7 to 10 business days. Cancellation policies have been paused until further notice. Select dining locations remina open for resort guests. Check the food and dining pages for Disney Resort hotels for updated information.
What can I do at Walt Disney World Resorts after Hurricane Milton damage hits Florida?
Here's a list of Walt Disney World Resort activities that may be available at your resort today, according to the website:
- Free Disney movies in your hotel room
- Surprise character visits and family fun in the lobby
- Free arcade play starting at 4 p.m. ET.
- Fitness centers operating under normal hours
The website notes that hours and availability may be adjusted as necessary without prior notice.
Hurricane Milton Florida power outages across 24 hours via Whisker Labs
Whisker Labs created a visualization of the power outages over the past 24 hours as Hurricane Milton moved across Florida.
Hurricane Milton path tracker:Storm exits Florida at Category 1 strength after slamming west coast
What is Walt Disney World's hurricane policy?
According toits website, Walt Disney World Resort will make exceptions to its standard policy andissue refunds in the event of a hurricaneif the National Hurricane Center issues a warning for the Orlando area or a visitor’s place of residence within seven days of their “scheduled arrival date,"if tickets and reservations were booked directly through Disney. Dates can also be modified.
You will have to reach out to any third-party suppliers you booked with.
Walt Disney World historical list of closures
Here’s a list of when Disney World did not open for guests:
- Hurricane Floyd in September 1999
- Hurricane Charley in August 2004
- Hurricane Frances in August 2004
- Hurricane Jeanne in August 2004
- Hurricane Matthew in October 2016
- Hurricane Irma in October 2017
- COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020
- Hurricane Ian in September 2022
- Hurricane Milton in October 2024
Here’s when Disney World closed early:
- Hurricane Elena in August 1985
- Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks
When will Florida theme parks reopen after Hurricane Milton? Are Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, LEGOLAND Florida, Sea World and Universal Orlando closed today?
▶Universal Orlando: Its theme parks and Halloween Horror Nights event is closed for Thursday, Oct. 10. Universal officials anticipate a full reopening of our destination, including Halloween Horror Nights, on Friday, Oct. 11 at normal operating hours pending the outcome of storm impacts.
▶Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, SeaWorld Orlando: Both parks, as well as Aquatica, Discovery Cove and its Howl-O-Scream event, remain closed on Thursday, Oct. 10. Officials said to staytuned for information regarding its parks reopening following the storm on Friday, Oct. 11.
▶LEGOLAND Florida:Theme park remains closed for Thursday, Oct. 11. Officials have not released a reopening date and said to check their social media for updates.
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Chris Sims is a digital content producer at Midwest Connect Gannett. Follow him on Twitter:@ChrisFSims.