As Hurricane Milton escalated to a Category 5, Florida residents are preparing for potentially severe impact, just weeks after Hurricane Helene caused damage in the Southeast. Evacuations are in progress as Milton is anticipated to hit land on Wednesday.

The storm has seen rapid intensification, moving from a Category 2 to a Category 5 hurricane on Monday.

Milton is expected to make landfall on Florida’s west coast before continuing through the state as a less powerful storm. Authorities are warning of extremely hazardous conditions, including life-threatening storm surges reaching up to 10 feet in certain regions.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has raised a state of emergency for 51 counties in advance of the storm, which includes Orange and Hillsborough counties where major theme parks are located.

Wondering if Walt Disney World Resort will stay open during Hurricane Milton? Here’s the latest information.

Is Disney World in Orlando closing because of Hurricane Milton?

Currently, Walt Disney World theme parks are operating normally; nonetheless, on Wednesday, October 9, the parks and Disney Springs will close in stages starting at 1:00 p.m. ET:

• Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom will close at 1 p.m.
• Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney Springs will shut down at 2 p.m.

It is likely that the theme parks will remain closed on Thursday, October 10. Disney indicated they may reopen Disney Springs in the afternoon with limited services.

This closure leads to the cancellation of the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom park on October 10, with refunds being issued for event tickets.

There have been alterations to operations based on the evolving weather forecasts, especially for certain locations:

• Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground (along with dining and recreational spots), the Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will close starting at 11 a.m. on October 9 and may remain shut until Sunday.
• Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa might be closed until Sunday, October 13.
• The Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge are expected to reopen by Friday, October 11.

What is Disney World’s policy regarding hurricanes? Can I obtain a refund?

According to their website, Walt Disney World Resort will adapt its usual policy and provide refunds due to a hurricane, provided the National Hurricane Center issues a warning for the Orlando area or a guest’s home location within seven days of their “scheduled arrival date,” assuming tickets and reservations were made directly through Disney. Alterations to dates can also be made.

For third-party bookings, you will need to contact those suppliers directly.

Have people sought shelter at Disney World during hurricanes?

In past hurricanes, the resort has permitted residents to stay for a fee in their hotels during evacuations.

During Hurricane Nicole in 2023, Disney offered evacuees 50% off hotel stays on specific dates, although strict check-in times were enforced.

Is Universal Studios closing due to Hurricane Milton?

On Wednesday, October 9, Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Universal CityWalk will remain open until 2 p.m., weather permitting, and will close on Thursday, October 10.

Volcano Bay will be closed on both Wednesday and Thursday, although hotel operations will continue as normal.

Universal Studios’ hurricane policy

Universal Orlando’s site states that they “cannot guarantee weather conditions, but your travel plans can still be stress-free.”

“Should a hurricane or tropical storm warning arise from the National Hurricane Center, or a state of emergency be declared for the Orlando area or your place of residence within seven days of your visit, you may contact our team ahead of time to change or cancel your Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations Package, hotel-only bookings, and Universal Orlando theme park tickets reserved directly through Universal Orlando, without facing any fees for cancellation or modifications.”