If you’ve been planning to visit Disney World this week, we’re sure you’ve probably been paying attention to the latest weather news.

If not, Tropical Storm Milton is forecasted to arrive and make landfall in Florida on Tuesday or Wednesday. By then, forecasters have estimated that it could be a Category 3 hurricane. Ahead of the storm, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued a State of Emergency for 35 counties, including the counties where Disney World is. So you might be wondering if you should still go to Disney World or if you should cancel your trip. We’re going to go through what you need to know before you make that decision.

Current Path of Milton

Let’s start with the current predictions for Hurricane Milton. The latest information shows the storm intensifying into a hurricane that could reach Category 3 status before it makes landfall in Tampa. The storm will then make its way across most of the state, including Orlando and Disney World. The storm seems to have shifted a little souther, but most of the state is still in its cone. Orange County (where part of Disney World is located) is under a flood watch through 8AM on Thursday, October 10th, according to WESH 2 News.

Granted, the path of the forecasted hurricane could shift again, so this cone is only a predicted path at this point. However, Orlando will likely remain in its path regardless, so you’ll want to keep that in mind.

Disney World Cancellation Policies

The one thing you’ll need to be certain of before you consider canceling your trip is Disney World’s cancelation policy. The Disney World website outlines the Hurricane Policy: “If a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area — or for your place of residence — within 7 days of your scheduled arrival date, you may reschedule or cancel your Walt Disney Travel Company Disney Resort hotel packages and most room-only reservations (booked directly with Disney) without any cancellation or change fees imposed by Disney. Most room-only and vacation packages can be modified, or canceled online, including changes to travel dates.”

At present, a hurricane warning has not been issued for Orlando, so you would be subject to Disney World’s regular cancelation policy. For cancelations made 2 days to 29 days prior to your arrival, you can get refunded all but the cancellation fee of $200. If you make a cancellation one day before arrival, the cost of your trip is non-refundable. However, if you used a credit card with certain travel protections or you’ve purchased travel insurance, you may be able to recoup much of your costs. Ultimately, though, the decision to cancel is up to you. Consider who you are traveling with and if you are willing to make significant changes to your original game plan.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Hurricane Cancelation Policies and Refunds in Disney World

Will Disney World close?

That is a question that we cannot answer yet. On October 6th, Disney issued the following statement:

“Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions. We are closely monitoring the path of the projected storm as we continue to prioritize the safety of our Guests and Cast Members.”

Additionally, we did notice that park pass reservations are no longer available for Wednesday, October 9th. That does not mean that the parks will close, but that possibility is something to keep an eye on. Disney World has also stopped accepting new hotel bookings for October 9th and 10th.

It’s very likely that if rainy, dangerous weather arrives, Disney World’s water parks and miniature golf courses will close like they did for Helene, but beyond that, we just don’t know yet. It all depends on the path of the storm and the severity of the weather! Disney prioritizes safety above all, so if they choose to close the parks, it’s in everyone’s best interest.

What Disney World Is Really Like Before a Hurricane

How does Disney World prepare for a hurricane?

Other than closing the parks or closing the parks early, we’re already seeing signs that the parks are preparing for some rough weather. One of the things we noticed just recently is that Cast Members were using zip ties to attach tables to fences to secure them. We’ll also see table umbrellas tied up and trash cans secured ahead of the storm.

At hotels, a hurricane “ride-out crew” of Cast Members will be assigned to staff the hotels during a hurricane so that guests staying at hotels are taken care of and given instructions on what to do in the event of bad weather. Those Cast Members will also make sure that guests are entertained if the parks are closed and they need to ride out the hurricane at that hotel. They’ll make sure you have access to basic necessities, too, like food and water.

8 DFB Reader Tips for Riding Out a Hurricane in Disney World

In the past, Disney has offered character meet-and-greets and fun games in the lobby during a hurricane, and all resorts will strive to take care of their guests to the best of their ability. If your resort offers you safe, enclosed access routes to the hotel lobby, restaurants, and shops, you may have many more options during the storm in terms of food, activities, and amenities.

What about your flight?

If you’re flying to Disney World, one airline, United Airlines, has already issued a travel alert for five Florida airports, including Orlando International Airport. If you bought a plane ticket before October 4th for a flight traveling October 7th through 10th from any of those airports, you can rebook your flight without a change fee for travel through October 17th.

Other airlines may follow suit as we get closer to Milton’s landfall. Should you choose to continue to fly on those days, you’ll also want to keep in mind that you can expect flight delays and cancelations during a bad weather event in Orlando. If you’re driving, roads could be impacted by the storm. Getting home from Disney World could also prove difficult. Again, though, this will all depend on the path of the storm. Predictions are constantly changing!

So, should you cancel?

Ultimately, this is a tough decision that you’ll need to make by weighing all these factors. We just want to make sure you have all the useful information handy and ask that you stay weather-aware over the next few days. Milton’s path isn’t set in stone and could change before it makes landfall, so staying up to date could be the best thing you do before making a final decision about your trip. We know how stressful it can be to make these kinds of decisions, and there are many unknowns regarding the weather. That said, you have options, and Disney has a history of working with its guests no matter the circumstances.

Stay tuned to DFB for more.

How to Handle the Worst-Case Scenario During Hurricane Season at Disney World

Are you planning on traveling to Disney World next week? Are you considering canceling or rescheduling your trip? Let us know in the comments!