1pm: Update with statement from The Walt Disney Company below:
“Our hearts to out to those impacted by Hurricanes Ian and Fiona. We are grateful for all first responders who are doing heroic work, and to our employees who helped keep our guests safe. In addition to providing impacted employees with assistance through our relief fund, we are providing support to the American Red Cross, Feeding America, Heart of Florida United Way, and others working on local relief efforts.”
Following over a day of battering wind gusts and historic rainfall driven by Hurricane Ian, Walt Disney World has decided it is ready to reopen all four of its world-famous theme parks and the Disney Springs entertainment, shopping, and dining district beginning tomorrow, September 30.
The Magic Kingdom is also set to host the hard ticket event “Mickey’s-Not-So-Scary Halloween Party” that was scheduled for Friday night.
The parks will have adjusted hours on Friday, September 30 allowing guests of Disney’s resorts a little extra time in the morning to get some fun in before non-resort guests are invited in. A delayed opening will also allow Disney to finish any last minute safety checks and give cast members time to make everything as show ready as possible.
Updated Park Hours for September 30 at Walt Disney World
A valid theme park reservation is required for entry and reservations are subject to availability. These times are currently tentative and subject to safe conditions existing for cast members and guests.
There will be no dining or enchanted extra experiences before the park hours below. However, if you have an existing dining reservation or enchanted extra experience during the early entry window, you will be allowed to enter the parks whether or not you are staying at a Disney resort hotel.
It looks like park hopping will be available after 2pm as well.
Magic Kingdom
- 8 a.m. Early Entry for Disney Resort Guests and other select hotels
- 10 a.m. all Guest entry
- 6 p.m. Park closes
- 7 p.m.-12 a.m. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
EPCOT
- 9 a.m. Early Entry for Disney Resort Guests and other select hotels
- 11 a.m. all Guest entry
- 9 p.m. Park closes
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- 10 a.m. Early Entry for Disney Resort Guests and other select hotels
- 12 p.m. all Guest entry
- 9 p.m. Park closes
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- 11 a.m. Early Entry for Disney Resort Guests and other select hotels
- 1 p.m. all Guest entry
- 7 p.m. Park closes
Disney Springs
- 10 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Please note that the Cirque du Soliel and Disney “Drawn to Life” 5:30 p.m. showing on Friday, Sept. 30 will be rescheduled to begin at 8:00 p.m..
Guest Transportation
Walt Disney World transportation, including the busses, Disney Skyliner gondola network, Friendship boats, and monorail system, are expect to return to normal operation on Friday, September 30. Transportation will open for guests 30-minutes prior to each park opening. Keep in mind that severe weather conditions can cause a pause in operations.
Continue referring to the My Disney Experience app and the DisneyWorld.com/Weather website for updated information about any further closures or changes to the above.
Temporary closures
The following locations are still closed. Disney has not yet shared a reopening date.
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
- Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
- Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
- Winter Summerland Miniature Golf
Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
Resort hotels not on the temporary closure list will reopen for guest check-in at 3pm on Friday, September 30. No one that arrives before that time will be able to check in. If you want to reschedule your trip or cancel your stay, Disney is waiving customary cancellation fees.
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser
The Star Wars themed resort and theme park experience that is the new Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will resume operations with voyages departing Saturday, Oct. 1.
Make it a Magical Day
If you do choose to visit the parks in the coming days. Please keep in mind that many of the cast members may be dealing with the impact of Hurricane Ian at their home or a friend or family member’s home. A little patience and kindness can go a long way to making it a magical experience for everyone involved.
Be safe everyone.