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Walt Disney World Officially Under Tropical Storm Watch, Potential Hurricane Imminent

A nighttime view of a theme park featuring a brightly lit carousel on the left and a theater entrance labeled "Philharmagic" on the right. Following a recent tropical storm, the ground is wet, creating reflective illusions of the illuminated structures, with a tall, glowing castle in the background.
Credit: Brett Kiger, Flickr

It’s that time of year again, when the hurricane season really begins ramping up.

sunset and rain epcot

Credit: Jeff Krause, Flickr

READ MORE: Tourists BEWARE! Official Hurricane Watch Issued for the Coast of Florida

Walt Disney World’s location in Central Florida is, for the most part, one of the best things about the theme park. But during hurricane season, it’s one of the major drawbacks.

This year is no different, as the National Weather Service has officially placed Orange and Osceola counties under Tropical Storm Watch. If these counties sound familiar, it’s because they’re the counties Walt Disney World resides in.

Tropical Storm Watch Issued For Walt Disney World. What Does That Mean?

animal kingdom lion, rain, disney rain

Credit: Disney

READ MORE: Multiple Storms Begin Forming as Hurricane Season Ramps Up – Will It Affect Your Disney Vacation?

This official watch has been placed due to Tropical Storm Idalia, which is currently making its way up the Atlantic ocean, traveling from the Gulf of Mexico and onto Florida’s west coast.

This Tropical Storm Watch is meant to alert residents and visitors alike that tropical storm-force winds could begin forming in Orange and Osceola counties in the next 48 hours.

But what comes after that? Unfortunately, it’s not fantastic news.

What Happens After the Tropical Storm Watch Ends?

the many adventures of winnie the pooh rain scene

Credit: Joe Penniston on Flickr

READ MORE: Emergency Management Team Preparing as Tropical Storm Approaches Sunshine State

The latest news from the National Hurricane Center warns that Tropical Storm Idalia will progress into a major hurricane before it even arrives on Florida’s west coast.

Not only that, but the National Hurricane Center is also warning that Tropical Storm Idalia may make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane on Wednesday morning.

That being said, residents and visitors in Central Florida may possibly begin feeling the unrelenting rain and high-speed winds of the storm on Tuesday, with the worst conditions beginning on Wednesday.

Will Walt Disney World Close?

storm castle

Credit: Disney and Canva

READ MORE: Florida’s Hurricane Season Has Been Uneventful, But Officials Are Urging Visitors to Prepare For the Worst…

At this time, Walt Disney World hasn’t announced any changes in operations. Of course, this may change as Tropical Storm Idalia arrives. Keep an eye out on local forecasts, and stay tuned to Disney Dining for the latest updates regarding Walt Disney World operations.

About Isabella Reimer

Isabella Reimer grew up visiting Walt Disney World and relocated to Central Florida to be even closer to The Most Magical Place on Earth. She earned her Bachelor’s from Florida State University, where she studied Creative Writing and Women’s Studies. Her biggest hobby is bonding with the ikran at Avatar Flight of Passage, and her retirement plan includes becoming the 1,000 Happy Haunt of the Haunted Mansion.