I’m sure you all know that Disney World may be in the direct path of a pretty strong hurricane this weekend and/or early next week. Cruises have been canceled, flights have been canceled, and we’re hearing form our readers that entire vacations are being canceled due to the threat of Hurricane Irma.

In this post, we’ll be updating regularly with any cancellations and closures we hear about due to the storm, and any tips and updates that might be helpful for those in Disney World during the storm, or those planning to head to Orlando this weekend. Stay tuned and stay safe.

Disney World and Other Theme Park Closures

Updated 9/8 2:58 PM ET:

According to the Orlando Sentinel, Disney World’s theme parks and other Orlando area theme parks will be closing starting Saturday evening and remaining closed through Monday.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme parks will close at 7 p.m. Saturday, followed by Magic Kingdom and Epcot at 9 p.m. All four are expected to stay closed through Monday, Disney officials announced Friday afternoon.

Water park Typhoon Lagoon will close Saturday at 5 p.m. and will not operate Sunday or Monday. Blizzard Beach, which was closed Friday, also will be unavailable Sunday and Monday.

Saturday’s end-of-night finales at Disney parks, such as “Rivers of Light” show at Animal Kingdom and the “Happily Ever After” fireworks at Magic Kingdom, have also been pulled from the lineup.

Stores at Disney Springs will close by 9 p.m. Saturday, and they will not be open for business on Sunday or Monday.

NOTE THAT HOTELS AND RESORTS WILL STILL BE OPEN AND DOING EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO CATER TO THEIR GUESTS.

Sea World, Legoland, and Busch Gardens have also scheduled closures starting Saturday night.

Resort Hotel Updates

We are seeing reports on Resort Hotel Facebook fan pages that guests are being informed that a 7 p.m. curfew will be in place tonight at the hotels. And, check out this post from Pop Century!

Orlando International Airport

Orlando International Airport will suspend flights starting at 5:15 pm on Saturday, September 9th. Orlando Sanford International Airport will suspend flights starting at 5:15 pm on Saturday, September 9th. Flights won’t resume until further notice.

If this affects your travels, be sure to contact your airline for more information.

Advance Dining Reservations for Disney World Restaurants

Please be advised of these temporary changes to making or canceling Advance Dining Reservations: new dining reservations are not being accepted for any Disney World restaurants for the dates of September 10th or 11th. Also, the regular dining cancellation policies will not be enforced for reservations through Monday, September 11th. Below is the statement from the Disney World website.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Cancellation

We have an important update for anyone who has tickets to the September 10th Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. The event has been cancelled (September 10th only) in anticipation of Hurricane Irma. 

If you do have tickets, please note the following options that are posted on the Disney World website. Guests may exchange their September 10th ticket for one of the following:

– Tickets to attend another Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

– Tickets to attend an upcoming Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

– 1 Day Magic Your Way Tickets with Park Hopper Option, to be used within the next 2 years

– A full refund for event tickets

Call (407) 939-7818 or email [email protected], and have your tickets available in order for your request to be processed as soon as possible.

Fort Wilderness Closure

Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds will close beginning Saturday, September 9 at 2:00 pm (the reopen date has not yet been posted). Remember, this will also impact Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, Trail’s End, and Mickey’s Backyard BBQ reservations.

Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show Cancellation

We were notified that the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has been cancelled for Saturday night. We believe the Sunday night performance will also be cancelled.

Night of Joy Cancellation

Additionally, Night of Joy at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex has been cancelled for September 9th (the September 8th Night of Joy will still take place). September 9th guests may attend the Friday night event or request a full refund.

Blizzard Beach Closure

Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park

will also be closed on Friday, September 8th and Saturday, September 9th.

‘Ohana Menu Changes

Guests with ADR for tonight have been told that dinner at ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will be treated to a buffet style meal rather than the typical all-you-care-to-enjoy skewered meats and sides. The buffet is priced at $20 per adult, $10 per child (or one Disney Dining Plan credit).

Free Food at Parks

Animal Kingdom has been handing out free food during the day on Saturday, presumably in advance of the park being closed for the next two days. Elephant Ear cookies and Flame Tree BBQ Ribs have been spotted. If you’re in the parks tonight, keep your eyes open!

Disney’s Hurricane Policies and FAQs

Also remember, Disney’s Hurricane Policy and FAQs are posted on the Disney World website!

Disney also has a page dedicated to Hurricane Irma and any related closures and cancellations!

Stay safe, everybody!!