As Hurricane Milton bears down on Central Florida, Walt Disney World has taken the cautious step of extending its closure through at least Thursday, October 10.
The Category 4 storm has caused widespread disruption, leaving Disney fans to wonder when the parks will reopen and the magic will return.
Disney had originally planned for a possible Thursday reopening, but with the intensity of Hurricane Milton, that decision has been pushed back. All four parks—Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom—closed on Wednesday, October 9, and Disney Springs followed suit shortly after.
Events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party have been canceled, and transportation options like Minnie Vans have been suspended for guest safety.
What’s Next for Disney Park Fans?
There’s hope that Walt Disney World could reopen as early as Friday, October 11. However, reopening depends on the extent of the damage caused by Hurricane Milton, not just to the parks themselves, but to the surrounding areas in Central Florida. In past storms, Disney has worked quickly to assess damage and reopen as soon as possible, but the timeline this time remains uncertain.
Hurricane Irma in 2017 caused the longest weather-related closure in Disney World’s history, shutting the parks for two full days. Depending on how Hurricane Milton impacts Central Florida, it’s possible this storm could match or even exceed that record. While Disney is known for its incredible response time, safety checks and repairs will need to be made before guests can return to the parks.
Is Friday a Realistic Reopening Date?
Disney is hopeful for a Friday reopening, but it’s far from guaranteed. Hurricane Milton is still making its way through Florida, and the extent of the damage will be clearer once the storm passes. Disney’s operations team will need to ensure the parks are safe, which could mean addressing potential flooding, debris, and any structural damage.
The reopening also depends heavily on the state of Central Florida’s infrastructure. If roads are blocked, power is out, or airports are closed, it will be difficult for Disney to fully resume operations. Guests staying on property can remain in their resort hotels, but certain areas, like Fort Wilderness, have been temporarily closed as a safety measure.
Disney has extended the expiration dates of multi-day tickets, and other guest accommodations are in place for those affected by the closures. Right now, the best thing fans can do is stay patient and keep an eye on official Disney updates for more information. While we all hope the parks reopen on Friday, the decision will ultimately depend on the extent of Hurricane Milton’s damage.