As Hurricane Milton gets closer to landfall, Florida is preparing for high winds and potential flooding.

Disney World before Hurricane Helene

Orlando International Airport has currently ceased commercial flights, although it remains open to flights dedicated to emergency, aid, and relief. Today, October 9th, Disney World closed early and will remain closed through tomorrow, October 10th. That means that many guests will be riding out the hurricane in their Disney World hotel rooms. Ahead of the storm, though, we saw Disney World beginning to prepare at Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs.

First up, we got a heads up from DFB reader @fordyta on Instagram about some of the preparations happening at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (and likely ALL the Disney World hotels). There, folks were able to visit Capt. Cook’s to grab meal kits, which are now available at all Disney World hotels. Here’s a closer look at the meal kits that are available right now. There’s a breakfast box, as well as a lunch and dinner box with a choice of sandwich or plant-based bowl. Kids’ meals are also available. Prices for each meal box range from $5–$7.

@fordyta on Instagram

The TVs in the hotel rooms also have an updated screen with information about Hurricane Milton. Disney also announced that hotel guests will have access to free Disney movies in their Resort hotel rooms.

©fordyta on Instagram

If you are planning on grabbing some food before the hurricane, note that Mobile Order arrival windows are filling up fast. This seems to be particularly the case at Disney’s value resorts. Disney issued an updated statement on the My Disney Experience website urging people to plan ahead.

©Disney

Disney World further updated the information on its website. Select dining locations will remain open, although operating hours might be different than normal. Disney also recommends that hotel guests pre-purchase breakfast and lunch for tomorrow, October 10th. There’s also a list of activities available.

©Disney

Lots of preparation work was underway in Disney Springs before its closure today, too. Note that Cast Members will be working tirelessly preparing for the hurricane ahead of its arrival. When we visited, the Disney-owned stores were still open (although they’re closed now), but many independently-owned stores and restaurants were not. Starbucks was closed.

Starbucks was closed

We also noticed that some stores had put out sandbags in preparation for the storm.

Sandbags

Trash cans were being shrink-wrapped together.

Shrink-wrapped trash cans

We also saw Cast Members covering a kiosk with a tarp.

CMs prepping for the hurricane

These are just some of the many preparations currently underway here.

Hurricane prep has begun in Disney Springs. Stores have placed sandbags outside, and trash cans have been wrapped together to help secure them. 🌀 pic.twitter.com/dzo9Sb638T

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) October 9, 2024

We also visited the Transportation and Ticket Center and saw visitors leaving just before Magic Kingdom and EPCOT closed early. We were also told that those WITHOUT a hotel reservation at Disney World’s three Monorail hotels would NOT be able to get on the Monorail until further notice. 

Visitors leaving Magic Kingdom and EPCOT at the Transportation and Ticket Center

We also tried to visit Disney’s Coronado Springs, but the convention center entrance was blocked off. A security guard told us the parking lots were fuller than usual because many Florida evacuees drove there. We also noticed that both Speedway gas stations and convenience stores on Disney World property were closed.

As of now, all theme parks and Disney Springs are closed, and we imagine that hotel guests are being told to shelter in place for the time being. We’ll keep you updated on everything related to the hurricane.

Everything You Need to Know About Riding Out a Hurricane in Disney World

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