Disney World Issues Warning to Guests Over Hurricane Milton

As Hurricane Milton moves toward Florida’s eastern coast, Disney World, located in Orlando, has issued an official warning to guests urging caution and preparation for potential severe weather conditions. The Category 3 storm made landfall Thursday, and the Orlando area is projected to experience heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding.
In an update posted to its website Thursday morning, Disney World announced adjustments to its operations, including temporary closures of attractions and entire parks.
The update confirmed that the iconic Walt Disney World theme parks, water parks, recreation offerings, and Disney Springs are now closed through Thursday, October 10.
Guests have been informed that scheduled events, parades, and outdoor performances may be canceled or rescheduled. The resort is prepared to offer refunds or rebooking options for those whose plans are disrupted by the hurricane.
As stated in the update, operational impacts include:
All theme parks and Disney Springs—including the parking garages—are currently closed and will remain closed on Thursday, October 10. This includes the cancellation of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (event tickets will be refunded).
For partially used multiday tickets, ticket expiration dates will be adjusted to expire on October 11, 2025.
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa are temporarily closed. They are likely to remain closed until Sunday, October 13.
Select dining locations for Guests currently staying in the Disney Resort hotels will still be operational. Guests are advised to check the food and dining pages on the Disney app or website.
Disney advises that some activities may be available for guests to enjoy at the Disney Resort hotel including use of the fitness center, free Disney movies in the resort hotel rooms and surprise Character visits in the lobby
Wind & Waves Grill is closed for breakfast on Thursday, October 10. The Spa at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is closed through Thursday, October 10.
The following locations are closed through Thursday, October 10:
Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park remains closed for planned refurbishment.
Disney has advised that prepaid bookable experiences will be automatically refunded within 7 to 10 business days.
The National Hurricane Center has warned that Hurricane Milton could be one of the deadliest storms on record for West-central Florida, as reported by The Insurer, bringing dangerous storm surges along the coast, as well as wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour in central Florida.
Local authorities are urging both tourists and residents to heed evacuation orders in coastal areas and to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
Newsweek reached out to The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Hurricane Center via email on Thursday for comment.
Despite the weather threat, Disney’s emergency preparedness teams are well-equipped to manage the storm’s impact. The company has successfully navigated similar hurricanes in past years, including Hurricanes Dorian (2019) and Ian (2022).
Guests are encouraged to check for updates through Disney’s official channels or on the My Disney Experience app. Disney is continuing to provide updates and resources directly to their guests, including information on sheltering in place if necessary.