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Dining Reservations Disabled: Disney World Likely to Shut Down Theme Parks Wednesday

Disney World Restaurant
Credit: Inside the Magic

Will Disney World shut down due to Hurricane Milton? It looks like they have taken the next step towards a closure.

Satellite image of a large hurricane over the Gulf of Mexico shows a well-defined eye, swirling clouds covering ocean and land, affecting areas from the coast to regions near Disney World. As Hurricane Milton advances, some closures are anticipated due to its path.

Credit: The National Hurricane Center

Disney World Operations Status Amid Hurricane Milton

As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, Walt Disney World is making significant adjustments to ensure the safety of guests and cast members. With the storm expected to make landfall late Wednesday or early Thursday, the resort is preparing for potential park closures and operational changes.

Currently, Disney World has not announced any immediate closures for its theme parks, which remain open as of October 8.

However, the ability to make park reservations has been suspended for October 9, as well as hotel reservations being suspended for October 9 and 10, indicating heightened caution.

Dining reservations have also been affected; guests can no longer book dining experiences beyond 2:00 p.m. on October 9. This is a new development as of October 8, and likely hints to an early closure before the hurricane arrives in the evening.

A dining availability screen shows "No Results Found" for October 10. Another section shows availability at Frontera Cocina and Garden Grill Restaurant, with specific times listed for lunch.

Credit: Disney Dining

Additional closures have been announced for select accommodations, including Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, which will close at 11:00 a.m. on the same day. This closure will also extend to the Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. Such cancellations aim to prioritize safety as the storm’s intensity increases.

Historical Context of Disney World Closures

Cinderella Castle in front of a stormy sky

Credit: Disney Dining

Disney World has a long history of closing its parks due to hurricanes, which speaks to the company’s commitment to guest safety. Since its opening in 1971, the resort has closed its doors to the public during hurricanes on several occasions. The most notable closures included Hurricane Floyd in 1999, Hurricane Charley in 2004, and most recently, Hurricane Ian in 2022. Each incident highlighted Disney’s response strategy as the parks prepared for severe weather.

During these closures, Disney has consistently emphasized the importance of safety measures, ensuring that structures are built to withstand hurricane conditions. The resort’s history of proactive adjustments enhances its reputation for hurricane preparedness. Previous inspections have confirmed that while structures like Cinderella Castle can endure severe storms, operational safety remains a priority, prompting precautionary measures when major hurricanes approach.

The full list of Disney World hurricane closures is as follows:

  • Hurricane Floyd: Early closure on September 14, 1999, partial day closure on September 15
  • Hurricane Charley: Early closure on August 13, 2004
  • Hurricane Frances: Closed on September 4-5, 2004
  • Hurricane Jeanne: Closed on September 26, 2004
  • Hurricane Matthew: Early closure on October 6, 2016, remained closed on October 7
  • Hurricane Irma: Early closure on September 9, 2017, remained closed on September 10-11
  • Hurricane Dorian: Early closure on September 3, 2019
  • Hurricane Ian: Closed September 28-29, 2022
  • Hurricane Nicole: Closed early November 9 through mid-day November 10, 2022

Emergency Measures and Cast Member Protocol

A satellite image reveals Hurricane Milton, showcasing a swirling storm system with a distinct red and black eye at the center, encircled by vibrant bands of yellow, green, and blue.

Credit: National Hurricane Center

To navigate the impending threat of Hurricane Milton, Disney has activated emergency protocols that include the Ride Out Crew, a dedicated team of cast members assigned to stay on-site during severe weather. These individuals are specially trained to handle emergencies and are essential to maintaining resort operations during and after the storm.

The safety measures extend to both guests and cast members, with extensive preparations in place to ensure that all are secure during the storm. Improved safety measures include securing outdoor attractions and ensuring that buildings are prepared to withstand high winds and flooding.

Additionally, Disney’s hotel and resort operations are adapting to the expected impact of Hurricane Milton, with modifications affecting guest accommodations and services.

Currently, cast members are preparing to join the “ride-out crew.” After speaking with a cast member, we learned that this team is made up of select individuals who volunteer for the role. These cast members stay at the resort or location they’re assigned to assist (one reason Disney has stopped accepting new resort reservations). They share accommodations with fellow crew members, with no family or pets allowed. Once they begin their “ride-out” shift, they remain on duty until the situation is resolved, often for several days. Ride-out crew members aren’t limited to emergency responders; the team also includes entertainment cast members, bartenders, and others, all tasked with keeping guests entertained and comfortable during their extended resort stay.

Guest Impact and Policy Changes

Walt Disney World Resort

Credit: Disney

In light of the approaching storm, Disney has extended its hurricane policy, allowing considerable flexibility for guests with existing reservations. Visitors can modify or cancel their bookings without penalties through October 14. This policy comes as a relief for many who have been planning trips amidst uncertainty regarding hotel accommodations and park operations.

Guests who booked directly through Disney can expect refunds if cancellations become necessary due to hurricane warnings. However, those who made reservations through third-party vendors will need to contact those companies to discuss flexible options. The adjustments being implemented are indicative of Disney’s understanding of the significant impact hurricanes can have on guests, reaffirming its commitment to customer service.

As Hurricane Milton continues to develop, it is crucial for visitors to stay informed regarding the latest updates from Disney World and to understand their options should the storm cause further disruptions. The park’s dedication to safety and preparedness will be tested, but history shows that Disney World is well-equipped to handle such emergencies.

Do you expect Walt Disney World to close early on Wednesday?

About Alessia Dunn

Orlando theme park lover who loves thrills and theming, with a side of entertainment. You can often catch me at Disney or Universal sipping a cocktail, or crying during Happily Ever After or Fantasmic.

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