Walt Disney World advises resort guests to stay indoors

As Hurricane Milton continues its east-northeast path away from Florida, Walt Disney World issued a new operational update this morning urging the resort’s hotel guests to remain indoors while the storm’s impacts are assessed. The latest warning from the National Weather Service highlights the ongoing threat of strong winds, heavy rainfall and flash flooding in the region.

Walt Disney World Operations Update (Thursday, October 10, 2024, 7:30 a.m. ET)

Walt Disney World Resort has asked all resort hotel guests to continue to shelter in their rooms while the resort assesses damage and safety conditions following the storm. The safety of guests and Cast Members remains our top priority and additional information will be provided when it is deemed safe to remain outdoors.

Resort guests are advised to monitor the My Disney Experience app and other official channels for further instructions.

Update on Hurricane Milton

At 8:00 a.m. EDT, the National Hurricane Center reported that Hurricane Milton was located about 75 miles east-northeast of Cape Canaveral, Florida, with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph. Milton, now a Category 1 hurricane, is moving steadily away from the Florida coast at 18 miles per hour and is expected to weaken as it enters the Atlantic Ocean later today.

Although Milton is retreating from Florida, the storm’s outer bands are still producing strong winds and heavy rains near the Space Coast, with wind gusts of up to 76 mph reported at Marineland and Cocoa-Patrick Air Force Base.

Weather conditions and warnings

Hurricane warnings remain in effect for portions of east-central Florida, including areas near Sebastian Inlet and along the coast to Altamaha Sound in Georgia. In addition to hurricane-force winds, a storm surge warning has been issued for the same area, with water levels expected to rise 3 to 5 feet above normal. The St. Johns River is also under a storm surge warning, meaning 2 to 4 feet of flooding is possible along its banks.

Tropical storms are also occurring in parts of Georgia, South Carolina and the northwestern Bahamas.

Rainfall and flash flood risk

As Hurricane Milton moves further away from Florida, an additional 2 to 4 inches of rainfall is expected across portions of the east-central and northeast coasts of Florida by this morning. These rains increase the risk of flash flooding, particularly in urban areas, and could worsen river flooding in already swollen waterways.

Heavy rains have already caused flash flooding in parts of Orlando and surrounding areas, including regions near Walt Disney World.

Guests are advised to avoid traveling through flooded areas and follow all local safety instructions.

Walt Disney World guests should continue to stay indoors and monitor official communications for when it is safe to move around the resort. Restaurant and room services are available at the resort and Disney is working to ensure guests remain safe and comfortable during this time.

Theme parks and Disney Springs will remain closed on Thursday, October 10th

Walt Disney World and Disney Springs theme parks will remain closed throughout Thursday, October 10, as Hurricane Milton is expected to move across Central Florida. This closure affects all four major parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Canceled

The Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party scheduled for Thursday, October 10th has been canceled. Guests who purchased tickets to the event will receive an automatic refund.

Adjustments to the expiration date of multi-day tickets

For guests with partially used multi-day tickets, Walt Disney World is making accommodations by extending ticket expiration dates. These tickets now expire on October 11, 2025.