Hurricane Milton has made its mark on Central Florida, forcing Walt Disney World to extend its closure through Thursday, October 10.
As a major Category 4 storm, Hurricane Milton continues to affect the region, keeping the parks closed and leaving fans wondering when they might reopen.
Walt Disney World initially closed on Wednesday, October 9, as the storm moved closer, causing all four theme parks and Disney Springs to shutter early in the day. Popular events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party were canceled, with refunds issued to guests. Safety remains Disney’s number one priority, which is why these measures were put in place as the storm approached.
When Can Fans Expect the Disney World Parks to Reopen?
Right now, Disney is hoping to reopen the parks by Friday, October 11, but that largely depends on the damage left behind by Hurricane Milton. Disney has dealt with hurricanes before, including Hurricane Irma in 2017, when the parks closed for two days, making it the longest weather-related shutdown in its history. With Hurricane Milton already causing significant disruption, there’s concern the reopening might take longer if there is severe damage not only to the parks but to Central Florida as a whole.
After a storm like this, Disney’s teams will need to assess the safety of the parks, ensuring that attractions, walkways, and resort areas are free from damage. Even if the parks themselves hold up, the surrounding area could delay the reopening. Road conditions, power outages, and access to the parks are all critical factors in Disney’s decision to resume operations.
Could the Closures Be Extended?
It’s entirely possible. While Disney has prepared extensively for these types of storms, the impact of Hurricane Milton on the resort and the region remains to be seen. As of now, Disney has communicated that they are aiming to reopen on Friday, but that timeline could shift depending on the severity of the storm’s aftermath.
The resort’s accommodations, including Fort Wilderness Resort and certain other properties, were among the first areas to close as the storm approached. Other resorts remain open for now, serving as a shelter for guests staying on-site. Minnie Van services have been suspended, and transportation around the resort is limited until conditions improve.
While we all hope for a speedy reopening, the situation is still fluid, and fans are advised to stay tuned to official Disney channels for further updates. Disney has assured guests with park reservations or multi-day tickets that accommodations will be made, including extending the expiration dates for partially used tickets. The safety of guests and Cast Members remains the resort’s top priority as they navigate the aftermath of Hurricane Milton.
