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Disney World Hit With Two Government Warnings in Two Days, Park Operations at Risk

Walt Disney World Resort is facing a turbulent start to the week after two government-issued weather warnings were delivered within 48 hours, placing the Central Florida destination under close watch. The ongoing storms have prompted concerns over flooding, travel delays, and potential disruptions to park operations as the region braces for more rain.

Consecutive Weather Alerts Across Central Florida

Entrance to the Haunted Mansion ride at a theme park, with a sign reading "Lightning Lane Entrance" and guests wearing rain ponchos walking past the ornate, spooky brick building in the background.
Credit: Inside the Magic

Over the last 24 hours, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued multiple alerts for Central Florida, impacting both Walt Disney World Resort and nearby Universal Orlando Resort. The first Flood Watch was announced on Sunday, warning residents and guests in the Orlando area to prepare for “devastating” rainfall and flash flooding. This morning, a second alert extended the warning through 8:00 p.m. on Monday.

The NWS Melbourne office shared an update on X (formerly known as Twitter), warning residents and visitors to stay cautious as more storms approach:

Oct 27 | 🌧️ and 🌩️ today ahead of an approaching cool front. 🌧️ will be faster moving today, but a few spots could see multiple rounds. A Flood Watch continues for the northern counties due to the extreme sensitivity to additional heavy 🌧️. Avoid flooded areas.

The latest Flood Watch includes major tourist hubs such as Orlando, Kissimmee, Daytona Beach, Sanford, and Leesburg. The back-to-back warnings come amid a pattern of intense rainfall that continues to sweep through Central Florida, leaving ground surfaces saturated and highly vulnerable to additional flooding.

Disney World and Cruise Line Adjust to Weather Threat

The timing of these storms in Central Florida coincides with Hurricane Melissa, a powerful Category 5 system currently moving through the Caribbean. While the hurricane is not forecast to make landfall in Central Florida, intensified rainfall and wind patterns are expected to hit Walt Disney World Resort in its wake.

Minnie Mouse, dressed in a colorful outfit, poses and waves in front of a large cruise ship with the name "Disney Destiny" painted on its side. The ship is docked near a covered structure.
Credit: Disney Cruise Line

In response to Hurricane Melissa, Disney Cruise Line has altered itineraries for both the Disney Treasure and the Disney Wish, rerouting the vessels to avoid potential danger from the storm. The tropical storm is described as “catastrophic and life-threatening.”

Possible Impacts on Theme Park Operations

While Walt Disney World Resort has not announced any closures, the National Weather Service continues to warn of potential flash flooding and unstable weather throughout the week. Areas that saw heavy rainfall on Sunday are at particular risk of additional flooding on Monday as the storms persist.

A rainy evening at Disney World's Main Street, showing the reflection of the street in the pavement.
Credit: Jess Colopy, Disney Dining

Walt Disney World Resort guests are encouraged to check the My Disney Experience app and official park communication channels for updates on attraction closures, transportation delays, or modified entertainment schedules. Historically, Disney has suspended outdoor shows and temporarily closed select attractions during similar severe weather events.

Has inclement weather impacted your Walt Disney World Resort vacation? Share your story with Disney Dining in the comments!

Author

  • Jess Colopy

    Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

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