As we all wait with bated breath and caution for Category 5 storm Hurricane Milton to hit Florida and the Gulf Coast, Florida and surrounding areas are taking precautions, including evacuating the area. own millions leave Many visitors to the state had to cancel plans due to the storm, including trips to Disney World.
But Walt Disney World remained open Tuesday even as other Orlando theme parks closed ahead of Hurricane Milton’s expected hit.
Disney said that while it has closed campgrounds and rental cabins in its wooded areas, it is still operating under normal conditions and on schedule. On October 7 at 6 p.m., Disney World announced that its more rustic accommodations would be closed ahead of the storm. Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground (including dining and entertainment venues), Copper Creek Cabins at Wilderness Lodge, and Treehouse Villas at Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will be temporarily closed starting at 11 a.m. on October 9.
The update adds that the Treehouse Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa may be closed until Sunday, October 13, and the Copper Creek Cabins at Wilderness Lodge may reopen on Friday, October 11.
Disney has not made any major announcements about its other resort hotels or parks, which remained open as of Tuesday morning. However, Disney may announce further closures as the storm approaches.
On Oct. 6, Disney World suspended new hotel reservations for Wednesday and Thursday in anticipation of the hurricane’s landfall.
However, as of Monday morning, a Disney representative told people Orlando resorts are still operating “under normal conditions.”
“We are closely monitoring the expected path of the storm as we continue to prioritize the safety of our guests and cast members,” the statement added.
If the park does close, it will be the 12th time in Disney World’s 53-year history.
Milton is the second major hurricane to hit Florida’s Gulf Coast in the past two weeks.
Category 4 Hurricane Helen hit the Big Bend region of the state on September 26, causing damage throughout the Southeast and also affecting Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. During the storm, Disney World remained operational except for some experience facilities.
The last time Disney World was closed due to a storm was Hurricane Nicole in 2022, when it was closed for about 36 hours.
To learn more about how you can assist with Hurricane Helene relief, recovery and rebuilding efforts, Click here.
