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We shared the news that Walt Disney World Resort will have all four theme parks and water parks closed on Wednesday, September 28, and Thursday, September 29, 2022, as Hurricane Ian aims for the Sunshine State.
Now, in the early hours of Wednesday, September 28, Hurricane Ian is currently at a Category 4 status but is approaching a Category 5 with winds up to 155 mph. The hurricane is approaching southwest Florida this morning and is forecasted to make landfall around 2 pm ET. The storm is expected to push northeast towards Central Florida and Walt Disney World Resort into the evening of Wednesday, September 28.
RELATED: Walt Disney World to Close Due to Hurricane Ian Impact
According to Orlando Sentinel, “In a special 6:35 a.m. update from the National Hurricane Center, forecasts said recent data from an NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that maximum sustained winds have increased to near 155 mph, a strong Category 4 system 2 mph shy of Category 5 status located about 65 miles west-southwest of Naples and 80 miles south-southwest of Punta Gorda moving north-northeast at 9 mph.”
An update provided by WESH notes the storm IS a Category 5 hurricane at 158 mph winds:
RELATED: Disney Blocks Hotel Reservations and Talks Closure With Hurricane Ian on the Way
Walt Disney World and other theme park giants such as Universal Orlando Resort have made the decision to close their gates to protect their Guests and Cast Members, as Hurricane Ian has proven to pack an uncertain and strong punch.
RELATED: Disney Travelers! HUGE News from Orlando Airport Regarding Hurricane Ian
While Disney worked to block Guests from evacuating to its property by pausing Resort Hotel reservations, Guests currently staying onsite or those Guests that already had reservations are being encouraged to remain inside their Resort rooms.
Furthermore, Guests staying at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, and the Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort have been moved to Disney Resort Hotels. Disney is also sending push notifications to Guests staying at its Resorts to keep them informed of the latest updates.
Our thoughts are with all Florida residents and Guests impacted by this storm. We will be sure to share updates as they are received. Stay safe, Disney family!
