Hurricane Ian continues to threaten much of Florida — including Disney World.

We’ve been tracking the storm since it was just a tropical depression, but Ian has quickly turned into a powerful system and ultimately went past Cuba as a Category 3 hurricane. A Hurricane Watch, Tropical Storm Warning, and flood advisories have been issued for Disney World, and now it looks like Disney World is officially closing its doors due to Hurricane Ian. 

Disney World has already announced some hotel closures and changes in dining reservation policies, but more changes are on the way.

Disney World shared a message with Cast Members via the Hub regarding upcoming theme park closures due to Hurricane Ian. Disney later confirmed this via Twitter. Disney World will close its theme parks and water parks on Wednesday, September 28th, and Thursday, September 29th. 

They have also shared that Disney Springs will be closed on Wednesday, September 28th. They expect Disney Springs will also be closed on Thursday, September 29th, but more updates on that will be coming soon.

According to Disney, “For the safety of our Guests and Cast Members, Guests must check in to our resorts on Sept. 28, by 3PM. Please feel free to reschedule your trip or cancel your stay with us; any customary cancellation fees will be waived.” 

Disney World has updated their website with a few more bits of important information!

• Guests that are checked in by 3PM on Wednesday will be asked to shelter in place at their resort for the duration of the storm, this includes any resort-to-resort transfers.
• On Tuesday, Guests are strongly encouraged to enjoy food and beverage offerings at the parks and Disney Springs before returning to their Resort hotels.
• Dining options for Guests staying in our Resort hotels will vary, and in some cases may be very limited. Where available, restaurants will accept walk-ups only meaning that Guests will not need dining reservations.
• Characters will not be available in character dining locations on Wednesday and Thursday.
• The Grand Floridian Spa will close at noon Wednesday, September 28th.

They have also made a few updates regarding transportation.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has also been canceled for Thursday, September 29th. And ESPN Wide World of Sports will be closed on Wednesday, September 28th and Thursday, September 29th.

If you go to the My Disney Experience app, you’ll now see that no hours are shown for the theme parks and they are marked as “closed” on September 28th…

…and September 29th.

The storm was declared a hurricane early Monday morning, with much of the state currently under some sort of weather watch or warning.

Storm warnings are in effect for all of east central Florida and Hurricane watches are in effect for all inland counties, including Orange County and Osceola County, where Disney World is located.

The National Weather Service notes that heavy rainfall of 8-12 inches (with higher amounts locally — up to 15 inches) could cause flooding concerns. Sustained tropical storm force winds are likely, with the earliest reasonable arrival of the tropical-storm-force winds on Tuesday into Wednesday morning. There is also the possibility for a few tornados starting Tuesday.

Here’s a look at just how much rain could be coming.

Keep in mind, these numbers have GONE DOWN from 6z runs… thank goodness. https://t.co/CfIA3c1Uya

— Eric Burris (@EricBurrisWESH) September 27, 2022

 

 

 

As of around 3PM on Tuesday, September 27th, this was a look at the storm.

Special advisory for #Ian just issued; Here's the newest information; pic.twitter.com/ntN2FZIfCg

— Eric Burris (@EricBurrisWESH) September 27, 2022

 

 

 

The Orlando International Airport will be closed beginning at 10:30AM on Wednesday, September 28th in anticipation of the storm.

The Sunshine Flyer, a Magical Express replacement service, will be offering full refunds for cancelations due to Hurricane Ian.

If you’re wondering what Disney’s cancelation policies are when it comes to hurricanes, we’ve got a step-by-step post for you here to check out so you know what to expect.

We are working diligently to get you the latest updates on the storm. Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is also closing in Disney World ahead of the hurricane.

Elsewhere in Orlando, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld have also announced closures due to the Hurricane.

If you’re hunkering down for the storm in Disney World, you can see what Disney is doing to prepare for Hurricane Ian here. Plus, here’s everything you need to know about going to the parks during Hurricane Season.

Note that in the past we have seen hurricane meal kits added to some quick service menus throughout the Disney World resorts. Keep an eye out for things like hurricane meal kits or special activities at the resort you’re staying at. You’ll also want to be mindful of any notices the hotel may put up regarding special opening or closing hours for restaurants or shops in the hotel.

As of September 28th, Hurricane Ian has been upgraded to a Category 4 hurricane and winds are expected to hit upwards of 155MPH. Central Florida has also issued a Tornado Watch. 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. 

We are continuing to watch for updates on Hurricane Ian and will let you know what we find. You can check out our posts below for more information:

• The latest updates on Hurricane Ian ⬅️ We are continually updating this post with more hurricane updates
• What you need to know about cruising during hurricane season
• Disney Cruise Line comments on potential impacts of Hurricane Ian
• 6 items you need for a hurricane in Disney World
• Florida hotels offering discounted rates for hurricane evacuees
• Disney World crowd levels ahead of Hurricane Ian
• With Hurricane Ian approaching, Disney World hotels are showing no available rooms
• State of Emergency declared in Florida ahead of Hurricane Ian

Wondering about what severe weather looks like in Disney World? Click here to see our full post all about the most extreme weather ever seen in Disney World.

Disney World has closed for hurricanes in the past, and you can learn all about that in our post covering ALL of the times in history that Disney World has closed. Past hurricane closures have similarly lasted one to two days (generally), but things can greatly depend on the strength of the storm and the path it ultimately takes.

Stay tuned for more updates.

What To Do If You’re in Disney World During Hurricane Ian

Have you been to Disney World during a hurricane? Let us know in the comments.