Traveling to Disney World during hurricane season comes with a whole different set of circumstances you need to be prepared for.

A tropical storm watch has been issued for Orange and Osceola Counties, and Idalia is now a category 2 hurricane. With the uncertainty of the storm looming, we’re bringing you the latest news and updates you need to know about Tropical Storm Idalia. 

This post will be continuously updated. Check for details marked in RED for the latest updates.

It’s time to batten down the hatches — Hurricane Idalia is heading for Florida, and Disney World could be impacted. A tropical storm watch has been issued for Orange and Osceola Counties (where Disney World is located) and a state of emergency has been declared for much of Florida. Whether you’ll be in Disney World during the storm or not, we’ll be bringing you the latest updates on the storm as it progresses.

UPDATE: The Orlando Airport noted that they plan to remain open and “maintain a state of readiness.” In their tweet, they say, “While our airport is open and operational, flight disruptions are expected throughout the day — delays/cancellations & bag delivery delays may occur. Check with your airline for updates in regards to your flight.”

While our airport is open and operational, flight disruptions are expected throughout the day – delays/cancellations & bag delivery delays may occur. Check with your airline for updates in regards to your flight. For airport status: https://t.co/vm0yMYHkcv#HurricaneIdalia pic.twitter.com/juY7zN4VkO

— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) August 30, 2023

 

Southwest has issued a travel advisory noting that scheduled service between August 28th and the 31st may be disrupted for Orlando and Tampa.

Those who have reservations to, from, or through those cities that are impacted can rebook without paying any additional charges.

August 30th UPDATE: Idalia is now a Category 3 hurricane, as it has made landfall on the Coast of Florida. Winds have reached a speed of 125mph near Keaton Beach, FL. Additionally, five Florida counties are under a tornado watch until 3PM EDT, including Lake County, Orange County, Osceola County, Seminole County, and Volusia County. By noon, all the tornado watches were canceled. Orange County, Osceola County, Seminole County, Inland Northern Brevard, and Southern Brevard Barrier Islands Counties were placed under a wind advisory from 2:12PM to 7PM, per WESH 2 News.

Tornado warning issued for Orange and Osceola counties https://t.co/CkDfJWdMoG

— WESH 2 News (@WESH) August 30, 2023

 

 

The National Hurricane Center warns of “Catastrophic impacts from storm surge inundation of 12 to 16 feet above ground level.” 

UPDATE: Orange and Osceola counties (the counties where Disney World is located) have been added to Gov. DeSantis’s order declaring a state of emergency as Hurricane Idalia approaches Florida, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said that officials expect about 5 inches or rain, as well as sustained Tropical Storm-force winds, which could last for up to 12 hours. The storm should affect weather in the Disney World area the most between midnight and noon on Wednesday. 

UPDATE: Based on the current forecast, Idalia will pass to east-central Florida on Wednesday morning, continuing northeastward throughout the day on Wednesday. The predicted track for the storm has shifted north, moving its likely path further away from Disney World.

UPDATE: Walt Disney World has issued the following statements about Hurricane Idalia:

Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions. We are closely monitoring the path of the projected weather as we continue to prioritize the safety of our Guests and Cast Members. Here are a few updates: 

• Due to the inclement weather, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park will be closed on August 30.
• Due to the inclement weather, Winter Summerland Miniature Golf and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf will be closed on August 30.
• For Guests staying at Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground: As we continue to monitor the weather, we are asking that all Fort Wilderness Guests remove and stow all outside items, including décor, and take in camper awnings by 6 PM on Tuesday, August 29. If you’d like to depart early or discuss alternate options for your vacation, please contact us at (407) 939-2744.
• Evacuees & First Responders Support: Florida residents evacuating from the storm and first responders assisting in storm-related recovery efforts may also receive 50% off Disney Resort hotel stays on the evenings of August 29-31, 2023. For evacuees, please call 407-W-DISNEY for details. For first responders, please call 407-828-3200 (Option 3). This applies to new bookings only and is based on availability. 
• Travel Flexibility: At this time, change and cancellation fees imposed by Disney will be waived for check-in dates of August 28, 2023 through September 5, 2023. Guests currently staying at our Disney Resort hotels whose travel plans have been impacted by the storm may receive a discounted rate to extend their stay through the evening of August 31, if needed, by visiting the front desk.
• Storm Recovery: Walt Disney World is prepared to once again serve as a staging area for storm-related recovery efforts for the state of Florida.  

We’ve been at Disney World during multiple hurricanes, and we’ve got lots of tips on how to prepare for hurricane season at the resort. The most important thing to remember if you’re visiting during a storm like this is to listen to the Cast Members. They’re trained in situations like this to best keep guests safe and Disney will usually have a plan in place.

UPDATE: NOAA’s latest advisory says there is a danger of “life-threatening storm surge inundation along portions of the Florida Gulf Coast,” and a potential for destructive winds as the storm moves ashore. Areas of flash and urban flooding are expected along portions of the west coast of Florida.

 

UPDATE: And here’s a look at when tropical storm winds could arrive in the area — the latest prediction is that they could begin impacting Disney World late Tuesday.

The Orlando Sentinel has shared that the storm is currently projected to grow to a Category 3 hurricane before making landfall. John Pendergrast, a forecaster with the National Weather Service in Melbourne, “said Central Florida will start to feel Tropical Storm Idalia’s effects on Tuesday and Wednesday.” According to Pendergrast, in Central Florida there will be a threat of “some heavy rain,” heavy winds and gusts, and the possibility of tornados too.

We’ll continue to monitor the storm as it approaches Florida, so stay tuned to DFB for more.

How To Handle the WORST-Case Scenario During Hurricane Season in Disney World