Hurricane Ian: Disney World Closures, Cancellations & Operational Impacts

Hurricane Ian is already causing closures and cancellations around Walt Disney World at resorts, water parks, and more. We’ll update you on the storm’s impact on WDW operations, what you can do if you’re scheduled to travel to Florida in the near future to help you decide whether to reschedule your trip, cancel entirely, or ride out the storm at a hotel. (Updated September 27, 2022 at 9:30 am EST.)

We’ve already shared that Hurricane Ian continues to strengthen and shifts towards Central Florida and Walt Disney World. Since then, Hurricane Ian has intensified into a Category 3 system, with its path continuing to target Florida’s Gulf Coast including a threat to Central Florida, which is now under a tropical storm warning as hurricane warnings were issued along the coast including the potential for 10-foot storm surge in Tampa Bay.

The National Hurricane Center updates its Hurricane Ian Advisory every few hours, at which point it shifts the ‘cone of uncertainty’ representing the range of possibilities for the storm’s center that extends up to five days into the future. The cone of uncertainty predicts the hurricane’s path, but even outside of the cone, ferocious winds, storm surge, heavy rains, and other intense weather can be felt.

Now, Walt Disney World has shared its first closures and warnings for Hurricane Ian, with the following announcement:

“Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions as we prepare to make necessary adjustments based on the latest information from the National Weather Service. We continue to put the safety of our Cast Members and Guests first and will share updates as we monitor Hurricane Ian.”

Walt Disney World Operational Updates for Hurricane Ian

Disney Resort Hotels: Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and the Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will temporarily close Wednesday, September 28 through Friday, September 30 due to the weather. Disney is contacting guests with current and upcoming reservations since these locations will be closing.

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser resort will be closed through September 30 due to Hurricane Ian. Disney will be contacting guests affected by the closure.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will close temporarily Wednesday, September 28 and Thursday, September 29, 2022. (Disney’s Blizzard Beach is currently closed for the season.)

Winter Summerland Miniature Golf and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf will also temporarily close Wednesday, September 28 and Thursday, September 29, 2022.

Reservations for Dining and Other Experiences: Effective immediately, Walt Disney World will not enforce cancellation policies until further notice for dining and other experiences like Savi’s Workshop and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.

Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue performances have been canceled September 28-30 in light of the temporary closure of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Guests with pre-paid reservations will be automatically canceled and refunded.

Disney Springs is currently operating under normal conditions.

Disney Skyliner gondolas are operating as normal at present, but typically close for inclement weather–so expect a lot of downtime starting Tuesday.

Walt Disney World is currently monitoring weather conditions and will communicate any changes to park operating hours or special events at a later time.

Although not mentioned there, Walt Disney World is quietly allowing changes and cancellations with no penalties for guests arriving between now and Monday, October 3, 2022. This applies to reservations booked by the Walt Disney Travel Company or Disney Destinations, LLC. (In other words, if you booked through Walt Disney World directly–either by phone or Disneyworld.com–you’re eligible. Same goes for reservations booked via an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner or travel agent.)

Most room-only and vacation packages can be modified, or cancelled online, including changes to travel dates, without fees. Packages including air transportation or other services provided by third parties, or those with travel protection, cannot be modified or cancelled online. Guests with these reservations will need to call Walt Disney World for assistance. (Expect longer-than-normal hold times.)

What’s not clear yet is whether this includes Disney Vacation Club Members or those booked using DVC points. Normally, that’s the case, but we have not yet heard any updates on the Disney Vacation Club side of things.

Another unknown is whether Walt Disney World resort hotels has lifted the pet restriction policy for arrivals between now and October 3, 2022. Even if this hasn’t officially happened yet, it almost certainly will occur. This is done because Disney’s resorts are a popular relocation option for…