Hurricane Matthew’s Impact on Disney World: What You Need to Know

Published on 10/6/16 by Craig Smith

Update 10/8/16: Disney has announced that all Disney Parks which were closed today due to Hurricane Matthew will reopen tomorrow morning. They also confirmed that the hurricane did not damage any Walt Disney World Resort property.

Original Post 10/7/16: With Hurricane Matthew heading straight towards the eastern coast of Florida, the greater Orlando area is sure to be impacted pretty significantly over the next 24-48 hours. With the potential for significant flooding and winds upwards of 140 mph, Disney has done something they’ve only done 4 times in 45 years- They’ve closed Disney World!

Photo by khawkins04

Disney has closed all Walt Disney World theme parks, Disney Springs, miniature golf courses, Water Parks and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at 5pm Thursday and will be closed Friday. Obviously, this means Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party scheduled for Thursday and Friday nights are canceled as well.

Additionally, Disney has closed and evacuated Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. You can also pretty much assume that outdoor activities and shows at the various Disney World hotels are canceled tonight and tomorrow as well, but your best bet is to check with your hotel if you were planning on attending an outdoor event.

Many hotel restaurants remain open, but again, best to check first before heading to one.

If you are a Disney Resort guest right now, you will want to monitor Disney’s special Hurricane Matthew webpage that gives closures and instructions.

In case you were wondering the other times Disney World closed were:

Hurricane Jeanne (September 26, 2004)
Hurricane Floyd (September 15, 1999)
Hurricane Frances (September 4-5, 1999)

This is obviously a fluid situation and I will be posting updates to this post as any further announcements are made regarding disney world resorts and parks.

Stay safe everyone!