Walt Disney World Reopening After Hurricane Ian

Hurricane Ian is heading toward Walt Disney World, and if you have a vacation planned for the next few days, you no doubt are wondering what to do and how your vacation will be affected by this event.

In this post, we are going to share the latest updates regarding Hurricane Ian and Walt Disney World. We’ll tell you what experiences have closed at Disney World up to this point, and even if any of the 4 theme parks have closed.

We’ll also tell you what Disney is doing to cooperate with the local authorities and make sure that all of its guests and Cast Members are safe and well cared for. Basically, if you want to know if this story will hit Disney World and everything going on about it, this is the place.

(Updated 9/29/22 at 8:24 pm EDT) – Walt Disney World is officially closed due to Hurricane Ian. The theme parks and Disney Springs will begin a phased reopening starting tomorrow Friday, September 30. *(Reopening Hours Posted Below.)

Hurricane Ian has now passed over Walt Disney World and the Orlando area. We are still waiting to access all the damage but much has come in already.

*Here is all the damage so far – Damage from Hurricane Ian at Disney World.

MCO Orlando airport will resume passenger flights after 12:00 pm on Friday, September 30, 2022. This is after being closed for two days on September 28 and 29.

The National Hurricane Center has given its latest update on Hurricane Ian which has now weakened to a tropical storm after slamming Central Florida. This was the 5th strongest to ever hit the United States, and Walt Disney World was right in the middle of its path.

No new Walt Disney World Resort hotel reservations are available for booking through October 2, 2022.

Walt Disney World has released an updated statement since the hurricane has passed. Keep reading below for more detailed updates.

We already were writing updates in our main Hurricanes at Disney World guide, but there are so many new updates each day, it felt right to make a new post dedicated just to Hurricane Ian. If you are looking for info on how often hurricanes occur at Disney World, how Disney prepares for them, and what to do if you are there when it happens, make sure to read that article.

We’ve been at Walt Disney World during multiple hurricanes so we know it can be a scary time, but even if you are stuck there during a storm, it won’t be all bad, and you can actually have a pretty great time.

Here are a couple of articles if you want to know anything about our past hurricane experiences at WDW:

• Surviving Hurricane Irma at Disney World
• Preparing for Hurrican Dorian at Disney World

There are going to be a ton of updates about the reopening of Walt Disney World, keep checking back here for the latest updates.

Scroll down for the latest updates and keep checking back for more!

Is Walt Disney World Closed?

Yes, right now it is currently closed. It was announced on Tuesday that Walt Disney World was closing for 2 days due to Hurricane Ian (September 28th and 29th).

Walt Disney World closed all 4 theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom) as well as its 2 water parks on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, and Thursday, September 29, 2022.

When is Disney World Reopening?

Disney has just announced that it is beginning a phased reopening at the theme parks and Disney Springs tomorrow, Friday, September 30, 2022.

Even though the parks and Disney Springs are reopening on Friday, that doesn’t mean that everything will be open all at once. Disney used the term “phased reopening” which means it will probably take a few days to get back up to speed completely.

Right now in the My Disney Experience app all 4 Disney World theme parks are showing reduced operating hours:

Magic Kingdom:

• Resort Guests – 8:00 am – 10:00 am (early entry)
• All Guests – 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

EPCOT:

• Resort Guests – 9:00 am – 11:00 am (early entry)
• All Guests – 11:00 am – 9:00 pm

Hollywood Studios:

• Resort Guests – 10:00 am – 12:00 pm (early entry)
• All Guests – 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Animal Kingdom:

• Resort Guests – 11:00 am – 1:00 pm (early entry)
• All Guests – 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Disney Springs:

• 10:00 am – 11:30 pm

Those are greatly reduced hours with most of the parks opening late and all of them closing much earlier than normal.

At this time, Disney hasn’t said how long these reduced hours will last or if it will just be for tomorrow and then Saturday will be back to normal. There are a lot of factors at play such as supplies, but even more so available cast members.

• All transportation will be running including the Disney Skyliner, Monorail, Buses, and Boats.
• Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will go on as normal tomorrow and it starts at 7:00 pm.

They should be releasing some more info on all of this tomorrow so keep checking the app for the latest.

Guests should expect that many attractions, restaurants, nighttime shows, and other experiences will not be operational for the next few days.

This is the first time that Walt Disney World has closed since closing for the COVID pandemic back in March 2020, and the first time it’s closed for a hurricane since Hurricane Irma in 2017.

Before the storm, Disney did everything in its power to prepare for the storm, including taking down lamps and tieing up anything that is not firmly connected to a building or the ground and that could fly away.

It has also made arrangements for guest meals over the last few days as well as special entertainment in the hotels so that everyone doesn’t get bored.

Resort Reopening Dates

Disney has announced the reopening dates of the few resort hotels that closed due to Hurricane Ian.

• Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – Friday, September 30, 2022
• Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Friday, September 30, 2022
• Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground – TBD
• Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa – Friday, October 3, 2022
• Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Hotel – This is reopening for voyages departing on October 1, 2022. Disney is contacting guests to reschedule their voyages for a future date.

Disney World Official Reopening Statement

Disney has just given an updated statement on the Walt Disney World Resort reopening:

We are seeing the impacts of Hurricane lan across Florida and are thinking of our neighbors in Central Florida and across the state. We will share more information about our plan to support relief efforts for our Florida neighbors soon.

We thank our first responders and community leaders for their courageous efforts in preparing for and managing the storm’s impact. To our cast members in Florida and in South Carolina, thank you for selflessly taking care of our guests.

We continue to closely monitor weather conditions as we assess the impact of Hurricane lan on our property. While theme parks and many operating areas remain closed to guests today, we anticipate weather conditions to improve this evening.

Walt Disney World Resort will resume theme park and Disney Springs operations in a phased approach starting on Friday, Sept. 30. Operating hours will be updated later today on Disneyworld.com/Weather.

Orlando International Airport Reopening

The Orlando International Airport has announced that it will resume passenger flights after 12:00 pm on Friday, September 30, 2022. Commercial flights already resumed on Thursday.

Passengers are advised to not arrive before 10:00 am on Friday.

Here is the full statement:

After conferring with the National Weather Service, airlines, and federal partners, it has been decided that Orlando International Airport will resume passenger flights after 12:00pm Friday, (09/30/22). Travelers are advised not to arrive at the airport for their departure prior to 10 a.m., so the airport and partners can prepare working areas to better serve our customers.

This decision was made after a thorough investigation of any property damage and a careful consideration for the safety and security of the traveling public and airport employees. All roads leading into airport property and parking facilities will reopen Friday morning.

The airport’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will continue a 24 hour- a-day monitoring of airport activities and airport leaders will work with industry partners to determine if any further adjustments to airport operations plans are necessary.

Travelers are advised to contact their airlines and rental car companies directly for individual flight and rental car information.

Current Walt Disney World Closures

Besides the Walt Disney World theme parks closing for 2 days, there will be many other closures at Walt Disney World including transportation, attractions, shows, and more.

Here is an updated list of everything closed at Walt Disney World due to Hurricane Ian:

Theme Parks

All 4 theme parks are closed on September 28 and 29, 2022.

• Magic Kingdom
• EPCOT
• Hollywood Studios
• Animal Kingdom

Disney Springs

• Disney Springs will be closed on Wednesday, September 28, and Thursday, September 29, 2022. This includes all restaurants and retail stores. It may open on Friday, September 30 depending on conditions.

Airports

• Orlando International Airport – Passenger flights will resume after 12:00 pm on Friday, September 30, 2022. Travelers should not arrive before 10:00 am.
• Sanford Airport – The airport will close starting at 5:00 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2022. All flights are canceled on Wednesday and Thursday.

Theme Parks & Water Parks

• Typhoon Lagoon – Closed temporarily on Wednesday, September 28, and Thursday, September 29.
• Blizzard Beach

Disney World Resort Hotels

• Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
• Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
• Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Hotel – This is now closed for voyages departing on September 27 and 29 and it will reopen on October 1. Disney is contacting guests to reschedule their voyages for a future date.

Transportation

• Disney Skyliner Gondolas – This guest-favorite transportation system has now closed since it is obviously very sensitive to severe weather, especially hurricanes. Guests can now take bus transportation as an alternative. These will remain closed until the hurricane passes but no reopening date has been announced.
• Disney Friendship Boats – The passenger boats that go between Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and the EPCOT area resort hotels are now closed. No reopening date has been announced at this time.

Attractions

• All Attractions – Since all the parks are closed, these will also remain closed through at least Thursday.

Restaurants

Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue – All performances at the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue are canceled through September 30, 2022.

Extra Experiences

• Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party – This hard-ticket event has been canceled for September 29, 2022.
• Winter Summerland Miniature Golf and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf – Closed temporarily on Wednesday, September 28, and Thursday, September 29.

If You Have Special Experience Reservations

Some of the best experiences at Walt Disney World require reservations that usually incur a penalty if canceled at the last minute. Disney has already started waiving the cancellation fees at locations such as Savi’s Workshop, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, and more.

Orlando International Airport Operational Updates

Orlando International Airport remains closed on Thursday, September 29, 2022. Here is the latest official statement from the airport:

Since commercial operations at the Orlando International Airport ceased at 10:30 a.m. yesterday, an emergency plan was put in place in order to secure the facility.

There are no scheduled flights today at MCO.

All roads leading into Orlando International Airport are closed due to flooding at this time. This includes all major and secondary arteries including Jeff Fuqua Blvd and Heintzelman Blvd, and Bear Rd and Cargo

Rd. Our staff will conduct a damage assessment of the entire facility complex to ensure it’s safe to resume operations.

Commercial operations are expected to resume sometime Friday, 09/30/22, pending on damage assessment. Whenever a specific time is decided, we’ll share it on our social media channels and website.

Travelers are advised to contact their airlines directly for information about their specific flights.

Orlando International Airport

Disney World Hurricane Changes Updates

The latest and biggest news is that Disney has announced that the Walt Disney World Resort is officially closing for 2 days from Wednesday, September 28 to Thursday, September 29, 2022.

(UPDATE) – Last night Disney asked all Disney World Resort guests to shelter in their rooms starting at 9:00 pm EDT. They have not yet announced when it will be safe to come out and resume activities around the Resorts.

The message from last night shown on in-room televisions at the resorts read: “At 9 p.m. tonight after you’ve eaten dinner, we strongly recommend that you shelter indoors and do not leave your building or room.”

Disney did the smart thing and decided ahead of time to close down the 4 Disney World theme parks since it is going to be very unsafe conditions over the next couple of days.

Disney has issued a new updated statement regarding Hurricane Ian and Walt Disney World closing:

If you are trying to change your trip, I have good news! Disney has already started waiving change or cancellation fees for vacations with check-in dates from 9/26-10/3. Most room-only or vacation packages can be canceled for free online, but if you need assistance you can also call Disney directly or your authorized Disney travel agent.

Here are some of the other policy changes around the resort during the next few days.

Disney World Meal Kits and Character Entertainment

Disney has started preparing meal kits and character entertainment for guests sheltering down at the Disney World Resort hotels.

As is the case whenever a hurricane hits Walt Disney World, Disney wants to make sure its guests are well taken care of, and that means providing them with something to eat and drink and something to keep them occupied.

Meal Kits – These are simple and quick meals available at most counter service locations. They are necessary because not all resort hotel restaurants will stay open during the next two days.

Options include tuna salad sandwich, vegetarian wrap, ham and cheese sandwich, roast beef sandwich, and Kids’ peanut butter and jelly. Prices are between $5-$7 for adults and $4-$6 for kids.

Character Interactions and Games – One of the most fun parts about being stuck in the Disney resorts during a hurricane is all the games and character meets that the cast members organize for the guests.

During our last hurricane at Disney World, there was an events board posted in the lobby with a schedule of all the activities that guests could participate in such as pin trading, dancing, arts and crafts, even a dog show.

Not only that, there were characters around for almost the entire time and they were in the lobby with us, dancing around, taking pictures, and signing autographs. It looks like guests staying during Hurrican Ian are going to have a similar experience.

Disney World Resort Hotel Policies

Disney made a statement and outlined the latest information about hotel operations during Hurricane Ian and the days surrounding the storm. Here is what they had to say:

“We are thinking of our neighbors across Florida. We will get through this together and we’ll be there to help our cast members and community.

As we keep safety in mind, our theme parks and other operating areas remain closed today while crew assess the impact of the storm and clear debris. Thank you to all of our cast members who continue to care for the thousands of guests currently staying at our Disney Resort hotels.”

Disney World Ticket Cancellation Policy

Usually, Disney doesn’t offer much leeway when it comes to canceling your park tickets or getting a refund for them. However, they have made some exceptions due to Hurricane Ian that make it much easier for guests to get their money back.

Any partially-used multi-day theme park tickets that have a usage window related to the Walt Disney World theme parks closure (September 28 and 29, 2022) will have their expiration window automatically extended through September 30, 2023.

That means guests can use them on any dates from now until then without having to worry about them expiring.

Normally, multi-day tickets are only valid for a few extra days extra, so this is a big change from the norm, yet standard when a hurricane comes to Orlando.

No New Reservations for Disney World Hotels

From a few days before the hurricane, everyone in the state of Florida was shuffling around trying to figure out what to do with the storm on its way. Naturally, Walt Disney World sold out of hotel rooms immediately, and hasn’t been any availability in days.

It looks like that is going to continue as the Walt Disney World Resort is not allowing any more new reservations until at least October 3, 2022 (they are suspended through October 2). This is a one-day extension as previously the reservations were suspended through October 1, 2022.

Usually, during bad storms like a hurricane the Walt Disney World Resort hotels will up rather quickly, not because people are anxious to go on vacation, but because they want a safe place to stay during the storm.

In fact, Dinsey World is one of the absolute safest places you can be in Central Florida during a hurricane because of the sturdiness of its buildings and the extreme lengths they go to during the building process.

It’s not likely that reservations will be pushed back any further than October 2, as the situation should be calmed down by then as all the locals go home. We’ll keep you updated and let you know exactly when you can start making reservations again as soon as we find out.

Latest Hurricane Ian Storm Updates

(Updated 9/29/22 at 10:43 am EDT) – Even though most storms that form in the Caribbean don’t make it to Florida, Hurricane Ian did in fact have a significant impact on the Walt Disney World Resort and we are waiting to find out how much damage it actually caused.

The National Hurricane Center has updated the status of Hurricane Ian which hit the Florida coast and traveled across the center of the state last night and early this morning. As of 5:00 am, Hurricane Ian has now been downgraded to Tropical Storm Ian.

The storm passed almost straight over Walt Disney World and he strongest winds were between Wednesday night and early Thursday morning.

So far, power remains on at Walt Disney World, and only minor flooding and damage has been reported.

Much of the area remains under a hurricane watch, tropical storm warning, flood watch, and storm surge warning, according to the National Weather Service.

As of the 5 a.m. advisory, Ian was moving north-northeast at 8 mph and winds had slowed to 65 mph. It was located 40 miles southeast of Orlando and 35 miles southwest of Cape Canaveral.

So far, 2.6 million people are without power in Florida, and 173,000 of them are in Orange County, home of Walt Disney World.

Earlier yesterday as Hurricane Ian was strengthening, it looked like it would reach a Category 5 level storm, but it came just short. The maximum sustained winds were around 150 mph as it hit the Cayo Coast near Fort Myers and Cape Coral.

Even though it didn’t quite make it to Category 5 level, it’s still one of the most extreme hurricanes to have ever hit the United States.

On Wednesday there were devastating storm surge inundations of 12 to 18 feet above ground level along with ongoing destructive waves along the Florida coast.

According to the NHC: “Catastrophic wind damage is occurring along the southwestern coast of Florida in areas near the eyewall of Ian. Hurricane-force winds, especially in gusts, are expected to spread inland to central Florida near the core of Ian through early Thursday.”

“Hurricane conditions are expected along the east-central Florida coast overnight through early Thursday.”

It is still too early to determine the exact magnitude or location of these impacts around the state, but as far as we can tell they have been severe. “Life-threatening catastrophic flooding is expected across portions of central Florida, with considerable flooding in southern Florida, northern Florida, southeastern Georgia, and coastal South Carolina.”

Also, according to the NHC, “widespread, prolonged major and record river flooding is expected across central Florida.”

The forecast is for more rain and lots of flooding in Central and Northeast Florida.

If you live in these highlighted areas… know that you're under either a flash flood warning or flash flood EMERGENCY…

Flooding is happening as we speak, and this is as the NWS says a 'particularly dangerous situation'.

Be safe… pic.twitter.com/PrUeokyIFB

— Eric Burris (@EricBurrisWESH) September 29, 2022

Due to the seriousness of the event, earlier this week, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a State of Emergency for the entire state of Florida including Osceola County and Orange County, which are home to the Walt Disney World Resort.

On Tuesday, the Orlando International Airport announced that it was ceasing operations starting at 10:30 am on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, due to the hurricane. If you have a flight in the next few days make sure to check with your airline for the latest as there will likely be more delays and cancellations.

Also, Sanford Airport closed at 5:00 pm on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, and all flights on Wednesday and Thursday are canceled.

Representatives from the state and county met earlier in the week with Walt Disney World officials to come up with a plan for safety to keep guests and Cast Members safe from any effects of the hurricane. Those plans are in place and if you are at Walt Disney World at this time it’s important you listen to directions from the Cast Members stationed there.

What happened to Walt Disney World during the Hurricane? Right now it is not known how much damage was actually done to Walt Disney World itself.

If the center of the storm did indeed pass over Disney World, it could have easily caused significant damage to trees and some structures onsite. Strong winds are still expected in the area and it will have a significant impact on guests over the next couple of days.

We’ll update you with the damages as soon as we find out more.

If nothing else, this should remind us that the hurricane season in Florida is long and anything can happen all the way through November. Of course, as soon as more hurricane updates come out we’ll keep you updated with the latest.

In the meantime, make sure to check the National Hurricane Center for the latest updates on any tropical storms or hurricanes that form in the Atlantic or Caribbean over the next few weeks and months.

Latest National Weather Service Update

As of 12:37 pm EST on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, here is the latest National Weather Service update for the Orlando area:

…HURRICANE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT…

WIND – LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Equivalent Strong Tropical Storm force wind – Peak Wind Forecast: 55-70 mph with gusts to 90 mph – Window for Tropical Storm force winds: early this afternoon until early Friday morning

– THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 74 to 110 mph – The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment.

– PLAN: Plan for life-threatening wind of equivalent CAT 1 or 2 hurricane force.

– PREPARE: Remaining efforts to protect life and property should be urgently completed. Prepare for considerable wind damage.

– ACT: Move to safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous.

– POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Extensive

• Considerable roof damage to sturdy buildings, with some having window, door, and garage door failures leading to structural damage. Mobile homes severely damaged, with some destroyed. Damage accentuated by airborne projectiles. Locations may be uninhabitable for weeks.
• Many large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and roadway signs blown over.
• Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. Several bridges, causeways, and access routes impassable.
• Large areas with power and communications outages.

FLOODING RAIN – LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect – Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 10-15 inches, with locally higher amounts

– THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for extreme flooding rain – The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment.

– PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for extreme flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are likely.

– PREPARE: Urgently consider protective actions from extreme and widespread rainfall flooding.

– ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take action will likely result in serious injury or loss of life.

– POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Devastating to Catastrophic – Extreme rainfall flooding may prompt numerous evacuations and rescues. – Rivers and tributaries may overwhelmingly overflow their banks in many places with deep moving water. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become raging rivers. In mountain areas, deadly runoff may rage down valleys while increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed.

– Flood waters can enter numerous structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Numerous places where flood waters may cover escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of raging water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become very dangerous. Numerous road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out.

TORNADO – LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Tornado Watch is in effect – Situation is favorable for tornadoes – THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for several tornadoes – The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment.

– PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for several tornadoes with a few possibly intense having larger damage paths.

– PREPARE: Those living in manufactured homes or on boats are urged to relocate to safe shelter before hazardous weather arrives.

– ACT: Listen for tornado watches and warnings. If a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly.

– POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant – The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. – Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures. – Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.

Full List of Restaurants Operating During Hurricane Ian

As expected, not all Disney World restaurants will be open during Hurricane Ian, but Disney has released an official list of the ones that will continue to be operational.

The dining locations offering meal kits are marked with an asterisk*.

The restaurants on this list is subject to change so check the Disney website for the location and the most up-to-date hours. Also, do not leave your hotel to travel to one of these dining locations, only visit the ones where you are waiting out the storm.

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort

Open

• World Premiere Food Court*
• Silver Screen Spirits

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

Open

• Intermission Food Court*
• Singing Spirits

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

Open

• End Zone Food Court*
• Grandstand Spirits

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Open

• Landscape of Flavors Food Court*
• The Drop Off

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village

Open

• The Mara*
• Boma – Flavors of Africa
• Sanna
• Sanaa Lounge
• Kilimanjaro Club Level
• Victoria Falls
• Zuwadi Traders (Jambo House)*
• Jahari Treasures (Kidani Village)*
• Club Level – available for Club Level Guests

Closed

• Jiko – The Cooking Place

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Disney’s BoardWalk Villas

Open

• Belle Vue Lounge*
• BoardWalk Ice Cream*
• BoardWalk Deli*
• Club Level – available for Club Level Guests
• Convention Center Buffet

Closed

• Trattoria al Forno
• Flying Fish Café
• AbracadaBar

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Open

• Centertown Marketplace*
• Spyglass Grill*
• Banana Cabana

Closed

• Sebastian’s Grill

Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Open

• Contempo Cafe*
• Chef Mickey’s
• Outer Rim
• Steakhouse 71
• Cove Bar
• Club Level – available for Club Level Guests

Closed

• California Grill

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Open

• Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood – Buffet offering
• Barcelona Lounge*
• El Mercado*
• Maya Grill
• Rix Bar & Grill
• Chronos Club Level – available for Club level guests

Closed

• Three Bridges Bar & Grill
• Dahlia Lounge
• Rix Café
• Siestas Cantina Pool Bar
• Laguna Bar

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Open

• Gaspirilla Island Grill*
• Beaches Pool Bar*
• Citrico’s

Closed

• Grand Floridian Café
• 1900 Park Fare
• Victoria & Albert’s
• Narcoossee’s

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Open

• Olivia’s Cafe*
• Good’s Food To Go
• Gurgling Suitcase
• Turtle Pond Pool Bar*

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

Open

• Capt. Cook’s*
• Kona Island
• Tambu Lounge
• Pineapple Lanai
• Lobby Bar
• Club Lounge – available for Club Level guests

Closed

• Trader Sam’s
• Kona Café
• ‘Ohana

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Open

• Everything Pop Shopping & Dining*
• Petals Pool Bar

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Open

• Sassagoula Food Court*
• Scat Cat’s Cafe
• Scat Cat’s Lounge
• Mardi Gras

Closed

• Cat Scat Lounge

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

Open

• Riverside Mill Food Court*
• Muddy Rivers
• River Roost

Closed

• Boatwright’s

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Open

• Primo Piatto*
• La Petit Cafe

Closed

• Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera
• Bar Riva

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Open

• Artist’s Pallette*

Closed

• Turf Club Bar & Grill
• Turf Club Lounge

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort, Boulder Ridge at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort

Open

• Roaring Fork*
• Whispering Canyon Cafe
• Territory Lounge
• Boulder Ridge
• Club Lounge – available for Club Level guests

Closed

• Storybook Dining at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Geyser Point

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Open

• Ale & Compass Restaurant
• Ale & Compass Lounge
• Beach Club Marketplace*
• Beaches & Cream Soda Shop
• Cape May Café
• Market at Ale & Compass*
• Martha’s Vineyard Lounge
• Yachtsman Steakhouse
• Concierge Lounges – available for Club Level guests

Closed

• Crew’s Cup Lounge
• Hurricane Hanna’s Bar & Grill

Can I Get a Refund for My Vacation?

If you are debating whether or not to cancel your trip to Walt Disney World because of Hurricane Ian, you are probably wondering what is Disney’s Hurricane Cancellation Policy. Can you get a refund for your trip if you don’t go?

• Right now Disney has already started waiving the change or cancellation fees for any guest with a check-in date between 9/26/22 and 10/3/22.

Disney’s Official Hurricane Policy on their website reads:

“If a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area—or for your place of residence—within 7 days of your scheduled arrival date, you may call in advance to reschedule or cancel your 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.“

Basically, if the National Hurricane Center issues a warning either for the Orlando area or where you are traveling from, Walt Disney World allows you to get a refund on any vacation package booked through Disney. This includes hotel rooms, theme park tickets, dining reservations, and some special events and experiences you have booked.

Since Hurricane Ian will have a major impact on Walt Disney World, it’s good to know that if you decide to cancel your vacation you have the option. We’ve experienced this first-hand and can say that Disney is very good at working with guests to either reschedule or get a refund.

How to Cancel or Change Your Disney World Vacation

If you have decided to change or cancel your Walt Disney World vacation plans due to Hurricane Ian, you can call Disney at (407) 939-7675. They will answer any questions you have and help you go through the entire process.

The only thing is that there will be thousands of other guests with the same idea as you at the moment, so just be patient with the cast members as they are doing their very best to help make you happy.

What about Plane Tickets or Car Rentals?
Since Disney no longer books airfare for its guests as part of the vacation packages, you are responsible for any fees occurred by the airline company.

If you booked your plane tickets, car rental, etc through a third-party vendor, you’ll have to contact them separately to find out what their cancellation policy is for hurricanes.

I Didn’t Book through Disney. What Now?
You’ll have to contact your travel agent or third-party vendors that you booked your Disney World vacation through and see what solutions they can give you. That’s one reason we recommend booking directly with Disney or a Disney-authorized travel agent.

If I Reschedule to another Date, Can I Get the Same Package and Hotel?
The Cast Members at Disney will do their best to rebook your next trip at the same resort hotel and with the same offer as you had in your previously booked vacation, but nothing is guaranteed. It’s possible that the exact dates, hotel, or package may not be available, so you may have to change things a bit.

Also, keep in mind that depending on the dates you choose to go and where you choose to stay, you are responsible for the difference in price. That means your new trip may end up costing more or less money than the prior trip and you need to pay it.

That wraps up our article about Hurricane Ian and Walt Disney World. I hope we gave you some good tips to keep in mind and that help you make a good decision about whether or not to go to Disney World this week and how best to handle the situation.

If you are taking a trip to Disney World during hurricane season, you should definitely consider the risks, and you might want to choose another time of the year. Here is our ranking of the best months to go to Disney World.

Your Thoughts

I want to know what you think about Hurricane Ian reopening at Walt Disney World…

• Were you there? If so, how was your trip?
• Have you ever been at Walt Disney World during a hurricane before?

Let us know in the comments section below!

If you enjoyed this article, as always I appreciate it if you’d share it with others via social media.  I work hard at making this website into a useful resource for you and your family to plan your visit to the Disney Parks and I hope it can help you! Thanks 🙂