As Hurricane Ian approaches Florida, preparations are being made in anticipation of the incoming hurricane threat.

Florida’s Governor, Ron DeSantis, has issued a state of emergency for the entire state. The Orlando International Airport has shifted operations due to the incoming storm. And now, Disney World is likely going through their own preparations to ensure guests are safe and taken care of during the storm.

Let’s take a look at the five ways Disney is gearing up for the storm.

Shutting Down

Disney World let Cast Members know that the theme parks and water parks will be closed from September 28th through September 29th.

Disney Springs will also be closed on September 28th, with the fate of operations on September 29th still yet to be determined. We will keep you updated as more is announced about the resort’s closure.

Check out more information about the multi-day closure of Disney World here

Making Food Boxes

Hurricane Meal Kits are a commonly-seen item during hurricane season in Disney World. We’ve seen these pre-packaged meals and snacks at Disney Resort hotel food courts and dining locations.

These boxes usually have sandwiches, chips, and fruit. During Hurricane Elsa, these locations had Adult Breakfast Kits, Adult Lunch Kits, Adult Gluten/Wheat Allergy-Friendly Kits, Adult Vegetarian Lunch Kits, and similar meal kits for kids!

These meal kits are likely being prepared right now to gear up for the incoming storm. We will be on the lookout for them to show up on menus online.

Check out more about what’s offered in these meal kits

Here is more information regarding the meal kits and which locations are open and closed at the time.

Moving Remy

We’re talking about Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak, which is the scavenger hunt for the 2022 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival that tasks guests with the mission to find Chef Remy throughout the park. Well, he can sometimes be found up high above food booths…

…which is obviously dangerous with the incoming winds. So, Disney has removed these high-up Remys.

Don’t worry — a Cast Member confirmed that they’ve been moved to other areas instead (spoiler: look indoors and at nearby merchandise locations), so you can still find them!

Removing Beverage Carts

The beverage cart by Enoteca Castello has also been removed.

This may mean more outdoor carts will be removed in the coming days. We’ll let you know if and when that happens.

Removing Seating

Over at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe, they’re already starting to remove seating.

We’ve also noticed some benches being removed around the rest of the resort.

Planning Indoor Activities

Disney is also probably planning some indoor activities for guests to partake in if the storm gets too severe.

These activities tend to include movie marathons, meet-and-greets, games, and more. This actually sounds like a fun way to ride out the storm!

Check out 6 tips for planning a Disney World trip during hurricane season

Setting Up Character Meet-and-Greets

Since character meet-and-greets are usually sprinkled into the indoor activities for guests, it’s safe to say Disney is likely setting options for those appearances up now.

Is there a better way to ride out a storm than hanging out with some Disney characters?! We don’t think so.

Here’s what to do if you’re going to Disney World during Tropical Storm Ian

Preparing to Halt Transportation

Of course, when dangerous weather hits the resort, certain transportation offerings have to shut down. Already, we noticed that only Guard Boats were in the Marina at Disney’s Polynesian Resort.

And during a hurricane, the Skyliner gondolas are moved off the main lines to protect guests, Cast Members, and the gondolas. This shift hasn’t been made yet but we will let you know if and when the gondolas are moved.

In the past, these gondolas have been stored at one holding location — the Skyliner Station at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.

Check out more about the shutdown of Skyliner gondolas when there’s a hurricane

Accommodation Changes

A DFB reader, Hannah, sent us this posting at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds. 

They’re asking guests to “remove and stow” all outside items. Additionally, they’re offering to discuss “alternate options” for those camping in a tent. (Thanks for the pic, Hannah!)

Here are the best hurricane-ready hotels in Disney World

Speaking of hotel accommodations, Disney World hotels are currently showing no availability for the week.

If the parks end up shutting down due to the storm, it would make sense that Disney wants to limit the number of guests at the resorts. But just as a reminder, Disney has not made a statement on the storm at this time.

You can read more about this change here.

We have also seen signs popping up at a few hotel locations like the one below!

We’re starting to see #HurricaneIan signage around Disney World 👀⚠️ pic.twitter.com/hIfNbyrtIa

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) September 27, 2022

BIG UPDATE: Disney World has announced closures for select hotels, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, and the mini golf courses. They have also adjusted the dining cancellation policy.

Read all about the closures HERE! And the change to the dining cancellation policy HERE! 

Disney has also shared this statement on Twitter.

Also, please note that as of September 27th, 2022, a Tropical Storm WARNING and a hurricane watch have been put in place for Orange County, Florida, and Osceola County, Florida. Those are the two counties that Disney World is located within.

On September 28th, the hurricane was upgraded to a Category 4 hurricane with winds expected to hit upwards of 155MPH. A Tornado Watch has also been issued for Central Florida. Later in the day a Tornado Warning was issued for Osceola and Brevard counties.

Hurricane Ian made landfall in Cayo Costa, Florida with winds of 150 mph — making it officially landing as a Category 4 storm at 3:05PM ET.

On September 29th, Hurricane Ian was downgraded to a tropical storm and significant flooding has taken place around Disney World and Orlando. Due to this flooding, the Orlando International Airport will remain closed today. You can read their most recent statement below.

Disney has also released a statement. We have shared the park pass reservations are not available for tomorrow but as of now, Disney has only announced that they will remain closed through September 29th.

BIG UPDATE: Disney World will officially begin a phased reopening on Friday, September 30th. 

And those are the things Disney is doing right now to prepare for the incoming Hurricane Ian. Check out the latest on the tropical storm here. Or take a look what to do if you’re going to Disney World during Hurricane Ian. 

Here are a few more hurricane resources if you are interested: 

• 6 Tips for Planning a Disney World Trip During Hurricane Season
• The Best Hurricane Ready Hotels During Hurricane Season
• 8 Tips for Riding Out a Hurricane in Disney World

Will you be in the resort during this storm? Let us know in the comments.