Hurricane Dorian is rapidly nearing the United States and we just got word that Disney World is closing early to keep everyone safe in the storm.
Hurricane Dorian’s Path as of 9/2
The Skyliner has been prepped for the storm, Orlando International Airport planned to close (then flip flopped!), and we’ve told you about a few planned closures released by Disney a few days ago, but we’ve been waiting to see if the parks would close early for the storm. Now we know!
Disney has announced plans to close their four theme parks early tomorrow, September 3rd. Magic Kingdom and Epcot will be closing at 3PM. Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom will be closing at 2PM to prepare for the storm.
Light Crowds in Magic Kingdom Before Dorian Arrives
Note that Fort Wilderness Cabins and Campground will also close at 3pm on September 3rd in advance of the storm. Disney Springs is also closing at 3pm. House of Blues posted they would be closed all day Tuesday, and we expect other shops and restaurants will do the same as they are often under different management.
Crowds are significantly lighter all over the parks currently. Our reporters in Magic Kingdom today were stunned by the park’s emptiness.
Light Crowds in Adventureland
We found many popular rides with wait times well below their average.
Short Wait Times at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
We spotted many carts around the parks already closed for the day.
Cart Closed in Frontierland
Even Sunshine Tree Terrace is battening down the hatches.
Sunshine Tree Terrace Closed for Dorian
We’ll keep you posted as any more closures or news is released. Stay safe and dry if you’re at Disney World!
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20 minutes fir BTM is a “short” wait???
Do people get refunds that were scheduled for vacation this week?
BTM was consistently 60-75 minutes when we went in June, so I’d call 20 minutes a short wait.
We did HS today, getting there at 9. Star Wars was great. Did the ride with about a 35 minute wait. Then Slinky Dog with about 25 minute wait. Great day to be a local passholder.
Will the Food & Wine festival food booths at Epcot be open tomorrow, Sept 3? I assume not since they’d only be open 4 hours.
Probably mid to late 1980’s, we were the last flight allowed to land at Orlando airport in late afternoon. We checked into Contemporary Resort. Parks had just closed as hurricane was predicted to skirt by the area. Cannot remember the name of the storm. Pool furniture was placed in the pool and trash cans tied to palm trees. Campground was evacuated and campers were moved to conference and meeting rooms in our hotel. Blankets etc were distributed. Movies were shown and arcade areas were very busy as were restaurants. Disney really took care of everyone nicely. Lots of wind and rain during the night but by morning it was out of the area. Nothing was damaged and all was well as we began our Disney vacation.
I’m curious…what happens to stranded guests who cannot fly out Tuesday? Do they stay and extra day for free? Do they need to spend the day at the airport? Hoping everything goes smoothly and the wind and rain do no real damage.
Michelle, to my knowledge, guests are required to pay for additional nights.
Phil, that’s a good question. I think yes, but let me see if I can find out for sure.
Vicky, sounds like it! Here’s Disney’s Hurricane Policy.
Scrolling across the TV is to make sure you eat something at the parks before returning to the resorts. My guess is because it is going to be VERY busy. We aren’t even going to the parks today. We are resort hopping.