With Hurricane Nicole Set to Strike, Disney World Releases Theme Park Reopening Hours

Just a couple of hours ago, the National Hurricane Center upgraded Tropical Storm Nicole to a full-fledged Category 1 hurricane, and it is set to hit the state of Florida in a matter of hours. In preparation for Hurricane Nicole, Walt Disney World Resort announced early closures and dining cancellations for November 9. However, it does not appear that Hurricane Nicole will be as damaging as Hurricane Ian — which slammed into the state earlier this month — and Disney is preparing to open tomorrow.

Credit: Disney

Just after 8 p.m. EST, the Walt Disney World website posted the following update:

While this schedule may change, as of 7:00 PM Wednesday, November 9, we are planning to make the following operational adjustments as we continue to prioritize the safety of our Cast Members and Guests during the storm:

THEME PARKS

Walt Disney World Resort theme parks will reopen in a phased approach beginning at 12:00 PM Thursday, November 10. Planned theme park operating hours based on current projections are as follows.

• Magic Kingdom Park: Noon to 6:00 PM (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is scheduled for 7:00 PM to midnight.)
• EPCOT: 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park: 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM (Fantasmic! will not be presented on Thursday, November 10.)

Transportation to theme parks will begin 30 minutes prior to the scheduled park reopening time.

Reservations for bookable experiences within the theme parks will resume at the scheduled park reopening time

Credit: Disney

For Guests who had theme park tickets that they were unable to use due to the closure, Disney is extending ticket usage and will notify impacted Guests.

Partially used multi-day theme park tickets with a validity window impacted by Hurricane Nicole will be automatically extended within 24 hours to allow use of the remaining unused ticket days through September 20, 2023. In order to enter a park, both a park reservation and valid ticket for the same park on the same date are required.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course, and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf will remain closed on Thursday, November 10.

Credit: Disney

This is a constantly evolving situation. Disney Dining will keep readers updated if and when Disney makes further changes to its operating schedule due to Hurricane Nicole.