Walt Disney World Resort is welcoming guests back today following a brief closure due to Hurricane Milton. The popular theme park destination weathered the storm successfully and is ready to resume normal operations.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) also resumed operations this morning after a two-day closure.
Reopening Details
Disney World announced that all four of its theme parks – Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom – will reopen according to their regular scheduled hours on Friday. Disney Springs, the resort’s shopping and entertainment district, will also return to normal operations, opening at 10:00am.
In a statement, Disney expressed gratitude for the resort’s resilience during the storm and extended sympathies to fellow Floridians impacted by Hurricane Milton. The company emphasized its commitment to guest and cast member safety, having conducted thorough assessments of the property before deciding to reopen.
With the worst of the storm past Central Florida, our ride-out crews have completed their assessments of Hurricane Milton’s impact. Walt Disney World theme parks and Disney Springs will reopen on Friday, October 11 for the scheduled operating hours. Thank you to our cast members who worked during and after the storm to keep guests and each other safe.
Our hearts go out to our fellow Floridians who were impacted by Hurricane Milton.
Damage to Parks
Minor damage can be observed around the resort. Countless tree branches and debris are seen near roadways. Some light damage to flags and other textiles is common around the resort. However, no major damage has yet been reported.
Some large banners remain down, such as in front of Cinderella Castle.
One banner was returned to Storybook Circus, while the other large one remains missing since Hurricane Helene. Smaller ground-level banners remain rolled up.
Impact on Halloween Events
While the parks are reopening, some adjustments were made to special events. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, originally scheduled for Thursday, October 10, was cancelled due to the hurricane. Disney has confirmed that tickets for this event will be refunded.
Visitors with existing reservations at Walt Disney World for check-in dates through October 16 should be aware that Disney is offering flexibility. Those unable to visit during or after the closure can modify their plans or seek refunds through Disney’s guest services.
Other Orlando Attractions
Walt Disney World isn’t the only Orlando attraction resuming operations. Universal Orlando Resort, including Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay, as well as SeaWorld Orlando, have also announced plans to reopen on Friday.
Looking Ahead
As Central Florida recovers from Hurricane Milton, the reopening of major attractions like Walt Disney World signals a swift return to normalcy for the region’s crucial tourism industry. While some areas of Florida continue to deal with the storm’s aftermath, Orlando’s theme parks are ready to once again provide magical experiences for visitors from around the world.
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