### Disney World Closes as Hurricane Milton Approaches Florida

With Hurricane Milton predicted to make landfall between 11 p.m. on October 9 and 2 a.m. on October 10, Disney World will be closing its gates to ensure the safety of its guests and staff. This powerful storm is expected to hit the Tampa Bay region as a Category 3 or 4 hurricane, bringing catastrophic damage across Florida before moving into the Atlantic by Thursday afternoon.

Disney World, located in Orlando, has decided to close its theme parks and other attractions on Wednesday, October 9. Phased closures will begin at 1 p.m. ET for Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom. Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney Springs will follow, closing at 2 p.m.

Additionally, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, scheduled for October 10 at Magic Kingdom park, has been canceled. Guests who purchased event tickets will receive refunds.

Some Disney World resort accommodations will also be closed for safety reasons. Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, the Copper Creek Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, and the Treehouse Villas at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will shut down starting at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 9. The Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and the Treehouse Villas will remain closed until Sunday, October 13, while the Copper Creek Cabins are expected to reopen on Friday, October 11.

This marks one of the few instances that Disney World has shut down due to weather since its inception in October 1971, reflecting the severe impact anticipated from Hurricane Milton.