Hurricane Milton: Is Disney World still open?

As Hurricane Milton strengthens into a Category 5 storm on its way to Florida, it's mostly business as usual in the self-proclaimed “Happiest Place on Earth.”

As of 6:00 p.m. ET on Monday, Walt Disney World Resort will remain open to the public, with operations continuing as normal and expected to remain open on Tuesday. However, the park is making some adjustments based on the latest weather forecast.

According to the weather section of the Disney World website, the park's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, Copper Creek Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Treehouse Villas at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will be temporarily closed starting Wednesday.

“Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions. We are closely monitoring the path of the forecast storm and continue to prioritize the safety of our guests and Cast Members,” the resort said.

However, if you have reservations but reconsider due to weather, the resort will waive cancellation fees.

“If the National Hurricane Center issues a hurricane warning for the Orlando area within seven days of your scheduled arrival date, you may rebook or cancel your Walt Disney Travel Company Disney Resort hotel packages and most room-only reservations (booked directly with Disney). . without any cancellation or change fees being assessed by Disney,” the park’s hurricane policy states.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency last Saturday for 35 counties in the state, including Orange County, where Disney World is located. If the parks are temporarily closed due to the hurricane, it would be only the 12th time this year, according to the fan-published Walt Disney World Magazine in the park's 53-year history.

Of the 11 previous closures, nine were due to hurricanes, most recently Ian in September 2022 and Nicole in November 2022. The park was also closed after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and during the COVID-19 pandemic.