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Disney World to Remain Open as Florida Prepares For Hurricane Ian

Last week, the National Hurricane Center announced the formation of Tropical Depression Nine. The storm moved through the Caribbean quickly and soon formed into a Tropical Depression as it made its way to the Gulf. Just this weekend, the Tropical Depression formed into Hurricane Ian, and it is gaining in strength as it makes its way to the Gulf Coast of Florida — where it is expected to hit in just a day or so.

Hurricane Ian
Credit: NBC2

As of right now, Hurricane Ian is expected to have sustained winds of over 100 miles per hour and — if it stays on its projected path — should hit the state as a Category 2 or Category 3 storm. Flash flooding is expected along the entire west coast of the state, and residents in the area have been warned that they may need to evacuate.

The National Weather Service of Melbourne tweeted the following weather update:

11AM Update | Tropical Storm Watches have been issued for portions of E central FL. River flooding concerns are increasing, especially for those already in Minor Flood. Residents should aim to complete preparations by Tuesday night.

https://twitter.com/NWSMelbourne/status/1574424356905795584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1574424356905795584%7Ctwgr%5E3cf2d10b2e6e88e2d51c1ca7598b842da4be9239%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.orlandosentinel.com%2Fweather%2Fhurricane%2Fos-ne-huricane-ian-florida-monday-20220926-rk77jds3knhwtd66hiff24dvpq-story.html

At this time, the Walt Disney World Resort is monitoring the situation, but does plan to remain open. Both Orange County and Osceola County — where Walt Disney World is situated — are under Tropical Storm Watches, while the coast is under a Hurricane watch. Disney is constantly monitoring the situation and, if necessary, will close the theme parks in order to keep Guests safe. This has been a quiet hurricane season and the Parks have not had to close early or not open for the day.

Hurricane Ian
Credit: National Hurricane Center

Should the Parks need to close, Guests are encouraged to stay inside their hotel for their safety. Disney has had to close due to hurricanes before, and the Cast Members always go above and beyond to make sure that Guests are safe and still have a magical time.

If a hurricane warning is issued within seven days of your Walt Disney World Resort vacation, you are allowed to call Disney and reschedule your vacation without any change or cancellation fees. You can read more about Disney World’s hurricane policy by clicking here.

This is an ever-evolving situation, and Disney Dining will keep readers updated if new announcements are made about Hurricane Ian.

Krysten Swensen

A born and bred New England girl living the Disney life in Southern California. I love to read, to watch The Golden Girls, and love everything to do with Disney and Universal. I also love to share daily doses of Disney on my Disney Instagram @BrazzleDazzleDisney!

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