Report: Disney World Will Close Theme Parks for Hurricane Ian

Published: 9/27/22 3:32 pm EDT
Updated: 4:51 pm EDT

The Walt Disney World Resort announced that it would be closing its Theme Parks later this week due to the impending weather from Hurricane Ian.

After a few days of weather monitoring, Walt Disney World Resort informed its Cast Members that its Theme Parks Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, will be closed Wednesday, September 28, and Thursday, September 29. Disney Springs will also be closed tomorrow with a decision on Thursday operations to be decided later. 

NEW: Walt Disney World has informed Cast Members the theme parks and water parks will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday.

Disney Springs will be closed on Wednesday. A decision for Thursday will be announced later.

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) September 27, 2022

Since this article’s first publication, Disney Parks has confirmed these reports to its would-be Guests and fans, saying, in part:

“Given the latest projections, Walt Disney World theme parks and water parks will be closed on Wednesday, Sept. 28 and Thursday, Sept. 29.”

Walt Disney World Resort Update on Hurricane Ian – For the latest information, visit: https://t.co/tFCa0Atuj5 pic.twitter.com/2HikYFXRU6

— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) September 27, 2022

This news comes after several rounds of advisories from the National Hurricane Center that lastly resulted in all of Central Florida being either under a Hurricane Warning, Hurricane Watch, or Tropical Storm Warning, affecting Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, Disney Cruise Line, and more.

Disney’s update also comes after Orlando International Airport (MCO) announced it would be closing by 10:30 am Wednesday due to a “Closed Except Emergency” command from the FAA.

Latest Update at This Article’s Publication: Ian Still Cat 3, Disney World Under Hurricane Watch

The Theme Park announcements are the second round of weather-induced closures for The Most Magical Place On Earth this week. We at Disney Fanatic recently reported that Disneys Typhoon Lagoon was to be closed, as other more-at-risk lodging accommodations like the over-water Bungalows at Disneys Polynesian Village Resort, Disneys Fort Wilderness Resort, and Campground, and the Copper Creek Cabins at Disneys Wilderness Lodge.

We advise all readers whose upcoming trips have been affected by Hurricane Ian to please reach out to the Walt Disney Travel Company or your Authorized Disney Vacation Planner for the most up-to-date information surrounding your cancelation and rescheduling options. For those currently staying in a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, please heed the instructions of the Cast Members and know that you are sheltering in one of the safest places to ride out this storm.

It should also be noted that no hurricane damage is expected to come to Cinderella Castle and the other Disney World Landmarks.

We will continue to update our readers on Hurricane Ian, and its effect on the Walt Disney World Resort as more developments continue to come to light.