Hurricane Milton is threatening the west coast of Florida proper on the heels of Hurricane Helene‘s destruction. After the storm intensified into a Category 4 — then quickly a Category 5 — in the Gulf Coast, residents in the Sunshine State are preparing for the worst.  Since Walt Disney World could be in the hurricane’s path, will the Orlando parks shut?

When Is Hurricane Milton Going to Hit Florida?

Milton is projected to make landfall on Wednesday, October 9, and it’s anticipated to spiral via the remainder of Florida via the top of the week. Milton ought to then unfurl over the south Atlantic Ocean, however meteorologists have famous that it’s too early to foretell the precise path of the hurricane.

Is Disney World Closing for Milton?

Hurricane Milton Strengthens Into Category 4 Storm, Expected to Hit Walt Disney World and Universal Thursdayhttps://t.co/i9cNE193XQ

— WDW News Today (@WDWNT) October 7, 2024

On Monday, October 7, the Walt Disney Company introduced the parks have been nonetheless open in a press release by way of the Orlando parks’ web site. However, Disney additionally inspired visitors “to prepare for the local climate and check the weather forecast for Central Florida.”

“Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions,” the announcement learn. “We are closely monitoring the path of the projected storm as we continue to prioritize the safety of our guests and cast members.”

According to the parks’ climate insurance policies, if the National Hurricane Center (NHC) points a warning inside seven days of a visitor’s scheduled arrival date, the visitor can “reschedule or cancel [their] Walt Disney Travel Company Disney Resort Hotel Package and most room only reservations (booked directly with Disney) without any cancellation or change fees imposed by Disney.”

Per Florida Today, Disney World has briefly closed the flexibility to make park reservations on Tuesday, October 8, and Wednesday, October 9.

Disney World up to date its web site at 6:00 p.m. ET on October 7 with the next assertion: “We are closely monitoring the path of the projected storm, and the safety of our guests and cast members remains our top priority. Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions and will continue to be on Tuesday, October 8. Looking ahead, we are making adjustments based on the latest weather forecast and some areas with unique environments.”

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, the Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will “temporarily close beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 9,” per Disney’s web site. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa may even “remain closed until Sunday, October 13,” however the Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will “likely reopen on Friday, October 11.”

As for the parks, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park will shut at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 9, whereas Magic Kingdom, EPCOT and Disney Springs will shut at 2:00 p.m. that day.

WDW famous on October 8 that it’s “likely the theme parks will remain closed on Thursday, October 10” and that Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom is canceled that day. Event tickets for MNSSHP will probably be refunded.

Hurricane Milton’s Projected Path

0800 UPDATE -Milton has quickly intensified right into a Major Category 4 Hurricane. Data from each Hurricane Hunter plane point out most winds are estimated to be 150 mph with a stress fallen to 940 mb. Changes will will probably be mirrored within the regular 10 AM CDT advisory merchandise. pic.twitter.com/YbQAub1RQw

— National Hurricane Center (@NWSNHC) October 7, 2024

According to the NHC, Milton “has rapidly intensified into a Major Category 4 Hurricane” as of October 7, the group introduced by way of X.

Last month, Hurricane Helene made landfall within the Big Bend area of Florida on September 26. The storm moved its manner up the east coast and in the end killed greater than 200 folks in a number of southern states.