Walt Disney World Announces Extended Closures and Ticket Refunds Due to Hurricane Milton

Oct 09, 2024 in "Severe Weather impacts to Walt Disney World"

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Hurricane Milton at Walt Disney World

Posted: Wednesday October 9, 2024 1:35pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

As Hurricane Milton draws closer to central Florida, Walt Disney World Resort has issued several new updates regarding closures and operational changes to ensure the safety of guests and Cast Members.

With the storm expected to bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and potential tornadoes, the resort is taking additional precautions, including extended closures on Thursday, October 10.

Key Updates from Walt Disney World

Theme Parks and Disney Springs to Remain Closed on Thursday, October 10

Walt Disney World theme parks and Disney Springs will remain closed throughout Thursday, October 10, as Hurricane Milton is expected to pass through central Florida. This closure includes all four major parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Canceled

The Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, scheduled for Thursday, October 10, has been canceled. Guests who purchased tickets for the event will receive automatic refunds.

Multi-Day Ticket Expiration Adjustments

For guests with partially used multi-day tickets, Walt Disney World is making accommodations by extending the ticket expiration dates. These tickets will now expire on October 11, 2025.

Parking Garages at Disney Springs Closing

The parking garages at Disney Springs will close at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, October 9, in alignment with the early closure of the shopping and entertainment district. The garages will remain unavailable during the storm and will not reopen until it is safe to do so.

Minnie Van Service Temporarily Suspended

Minnie Van service will be temporarily unavailable starting at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, October 9. This suspension will remain in place until after the storm, with the service resuming when it is safe to do so.

Limited Mears Taxi Service Available

While other transportation services are suspended, limited Mears taxi service will still be available for Walt Disney World Resort Guests who may need transportation during the storm. Guests are encouraged to plan accordingly as service availability may be limited.

Preparing for Hurricane Milton at Walt Disney World

As Hurricane Milton continues to approach, Walt Disney World has already implemented early park closures for Wednesday, October 9, with Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios closing at 1 pm, followed by Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney Springs at 2 pm.

With the storm expected to bring torrential rains, strong winds, and flooding, all guests at Walt Disney World Resort should follow official guidance and remain indoors during the height of the storm. For those staying at Disney Resort hotels, Cast Members are on hand to provide assistance and ensure guests' safety.

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LilofanOct 19, 2024

Once Oscar crosses Cuba on Mon/Tue forecasters will be seeing if Oscar makes a northern turn up the Gulf, wait and see.

VacationeerOct 19, 2024

What’s up with this Oscar Hurricane. Little chance of making a Florida run?

donaldtooOct 18, 2024

I, personally, am not keeping a scorecard on who or who hasn’t donated what…that’s their business, not mine, and yet another thing I’m not losing sleep over. It’s just that millions upon millions of dollars to me is unfathomable. I have no more words… :cyclops:

LilofanOct 17, 2024

Even if TWDC donated millions more a few will still critic it wasn't enough or why execs don't personally donate. Disney isn't the only company meeting this feedback.

plutofan15Oct 17, 2024

I am well aware of what you were referring to. I am not defending or criticizing the man. A person has the right to do whatever he or she wants to do with their money. If making it public makes you feel better, that's on you not the individual. For the record, I do not agree with more decisions the company has made recently than I agree with. For whatever that is worth.

Figgy1Oct 17, 2024

With how upset the latest cash grabs have made people, maybe he should and I was talking about how 2 individuals have equaled or exceeded the corporate donation

plutofan15Oct 17, 2024

And yet nobody knows whether Iger has donated or has not donated. Not everybody makes their charitable donations public. Just saying.

LilofanOct 17, 2024

It won't change the haters that still hate Bob...

Figgy1Oct 17, 2024

Dolly Parton 3 million, Taylor Swift 5 million. Just saying

donaldtooOct 17, 2024

His net worth is estimated at over $700 million, so maybe he could chip in a few million more…? I’m not one of those that hate rich people, and, ultimately, it’s none of my business what they do with their money, but $700 million and you can’t donate a few million here and there from time to time…?! It’s not like he’s a spring chicken, and, as they say, you can’t take it with you…!!!!! :hilarious:;):hilarious:

John park hopperOct 17, 2024

It's great Disney is donating 3 million it would be even better if Bob donated 3 million of his 31.6 million salary

DCBakerOct 16, 2024

In a new email, Disney says it's investing $3 million that will be used to assist cast members, the local community and nonprofits aiding in recovery efforts after Hurricane Milton. Here's the email: Florida friends and neighbors, With Hurricane Milton now behind us, we hope that you all made it through the storm safely. We know it was a very challenging event and realize that many of our fellow Floridians are facing difficult circumstances as a result. It’s touching to see so many residents, local businesses and nonprofits stepping up to provide relief to those who need it. We’re especially thankful to our cast members who helped keep our guests and each other safe during the storm and continue to support our community. Like all of you, we are dedicated to helping Florida move forward. Disney is investing $3 million that will be used to assist cast members, the local community and nonprofits aiding in recovery efforts. This is in addition to the thousands of meals delivered to Second Harvest Food Bank and Osceola Council on Aging, as well as donations we made ahead of hurricane season to help Florida nonprofits stock up with supplies that could be used in storm shelters like blankets, sheets, pillows and hygiene products. The Disney Employee Relief Fund has also been activated to assist any Disney employee whose primary home was impacted by the storm, and we’re providing other personalized assistance for cast, including repair services, mental health resources, backup adult and child care, and food, water and ice distribution. As Florida continues to recover, we remain by the side of our extended Disney family and communities across the state. Thank you to all those who have stepped up before, during and after the storm to keep the people and places around us safe. We are proud to serve alongside you.

MisterPenguinOct 15, 2024

Watch out, Disneyland Paris!

jmuboyOct 15, 2024

I noticed this as well. I assume having landscape teams get into the enclosures to clean up and address replanting is a lot more challenging in this attraction for obvious reasons. I would assume the debris will slowly be removed. Also noticed a good amount of bamboo patches in the attraction were impacted which is easy to cut back and let regrow (which it regrows quickly and easily) Some degree of natural destruction and regrowth of vegetation gives this attraction its hyper realistic feel. As opposed to the manicured landscape you typically see at WDW