As Hurricane Milton barrels toward Florida, Disney World has shuttered several attractions, prioritizing the safety of its visitors and staff. This formidable Category 5 storm is expected to crash into the Tampa Bay area by Thursday morning, with Orlando feeling the brunt of tropical-storm-force winds as early as Wednesday afternoon. In anticipation of Milton's arrival, Disney World took proactive steps on Tuesday, adjusting park operations to ensure everyone could secure shelter well ahead of deteriorating conditions.
Disney's Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom will wrap up operations by 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday, followed closely by Epcot and Disney Springs at 2 p.m. The entertainment giant has signaled that the parks are likely to remain closed through Thursday, though there's a glimmer of hope that Disney Springs might reopen later in the day with limited services.
The much-anticipated Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom, slated for Thursday, is now off the calendar, with refunds en route to those who had purchased tickets. Likewise, accommodations like Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground along with Treehouse Villas at Saratoga Springs Resort are pausing guest stays from Wednesday midday until October 13.
Transportation services within Walt Disney World will cease post-park closure on Wednesday; however, a restricted Minnie Van and Mears taxi service will remain available for resort guests. Amid these extensive closures, Disney also plans to waive cancellation fees for dining and other bookable experiences, promising automatic refunds within a week or so.
In its Monday briefing before the hurricane's approach was fully known, Walt Disney World reported "normal conditions" but acknowledged adjustments were being made in response to evolving weather forecasts. These early actions included shutting down various recreational sites and accommodation offerings across the resort.
Similarly affected by Milton's impending landfall is Universal Studios Florida along with its Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk, all set to close their doors by 2 p.m. on Wednesday and remain closed through Thursday. The resort has canceled its Halloween Horror Nights for both days in question but hopes to resume normal operations by Friday if the storm spares the area significant damage.
Universal has extended flexibility to guests with existing bookings for theme park tickets or vacation packages directly purchased through them. In light of hurricane warnings or state emergencies declared in Orlando or guests' home regions within a seven-day window of their scheduled arrival, Universal is offering penalty-free rescheduling or cancellations—a policy aimed at easing concerns during this unpredictable storm season.
As both entertainment complexes brace for Hurricane Milton's impact, they stand as examples of prompt crisis management aimed at safeguarding guests while minimizing disruptions where possible. Their coordinated efforts underscore an unwavering commitment to visitor safety amidst Florida's often turbulent weather patterns.
