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Walt Disney World Issues Update as Hurricane Idalia Approaches

Hurricane Idalia fort wilderness
Credit: Disney, Adobe

Hurricane Idalia is preparing to batter the Gulf Coast of Florida as a major Category 3 storm. The storm will move across the state quickly, impacting Central Florida before hammering the state’s East Coast. As the storm nears, many are wondering what this may mean for their Walt Disney World Resort vacation.

magic kingdom hurricane

Credit: Disney, Canva

Disney officials are keeping a watchful eye on the storm and will make judgment calls on closures on a case-by-case basis. Currently, Walt Disney World intends to remain open. That could change quickly, though.

One Resort is being impacted by the storm. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is at risk due to the potential for flooding and the strong winds. As many guests sleep on the ground in tents, and many others set up RV living spaces outdoors, the resort becomes hazardous during inclement weather.

Fort Wilderness

Credit: Disney

Fort Wilderness is often the first Disney hotel closed or evacuated when bad weather strikes. At this time, the resort remains open, but Disney recently released a statement with important safety information for guests camping at the resort. As of 6:00 pm tonight (Tuesday, August 29, 2023), guests are required to “remove and stow all outside items, including tents and décor, and take in camper awnings.”

Disney's Fort Wilderness Campground

Credit: Disney

Disney is also offering early departure or alternate accommodations to Fort Wilderness guests who do not wish to stay at the campground during the storm. Disney encourages anyone wishing to modify their plans to call (407) 939-2744 to discuss options.

Fort Wilderness

Credit: Disney

All guests scheduled to arrive between August 28 and September 4 can cancel their tripswith no cancellation fee. Guests wishing to change resorts or reschedule ARE responsible for any cost difference. (Example: if you wanted to move from Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground to the Grand Floridian resort or Disneys Contemporary Resort, you’d need to pay the difference between what your campsite cost and what thethe a room at the new Disney resort costs). For a full review of Disney’s hurricane policy and what to do if you find yourself at Disney when a hurricane strikes, click here.

About Jill Bivins

Jill Bivins has been visiting Disney Parks since she was 2 years old and loves sharing her Disney adventures with the world. She likes to say Disney is in her blood and writing is in her bones — so any time she has the opportunity to combine these loves she is one happy camper! She has a deep abiding love for Epcot and as a die hard Star Wars fan has a serious love for Hollywood Studios as well. When she isn't exploring or writing about Disney Parks, Jill is homeschooling her 8 year old son, playing with her brand new baby son, or pretending to be a farmer on her family homestead (despite being unable to keep even a cactus alive). Find Jill on Instagram @minnieonmain.

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