Walt Disney World Reopening Details Confirmed Following Hurricane Ian

Hurricane Ian made landfall in Central Florida as a Category 4 storm, leaving flooding and lots of damage to assess in its wake.

At Walt Disney World, the theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs, and most other experiences and amenities have been closed due to the hurricane since Wednesday, September 28. Closures also included special events like tonight’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Magic Kingdom Park, and voyages aboard the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.

RELATED: Disney Releases Statement as Hurricane Ian Exits Florida

As crews work to assess flooding and damage around the Walt Disney World Resort, and as the Orlando International Airport has remained closed, Disney just announced that the reopening of its theme parks and Disney Springs will take place in a phased approach beginning on Friday, September 30, 2022.

Disney’s official announcement reads:

Update on Hurricane Ian: We are seeing the impacts of Hurricane Ian 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 Ian 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. 

RELATED: Refund Details for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Cancelled Due to Hurricane Ian

UPDATE: Disney has confirmed the Park hours for Friday, September 30, along with the update that transportation and Genie+ / Lightning Lane will operate normally beginning tomorrow.

Theme park reporter Scott Gustin shared the update from Disney on Twitter:

NEW: Walt Disney World has released theme park hours for Friday, Sept. 30.

Theme park reservations are required – and early entry for resort guests is extended in the AM. MNSSHP still scheduled.

Here are the details — note the times for early entry and “all guests.” pic.twitter.com/DkT2UVlMD8

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) September 29, 2022

If you are currently staying at a Disney Resort, or are checking in beginning tomorrow and through the weekend, we recommend checking DisneyWorld.com/Weather for updates on revised check-in times and dining availability during Disney World’s phased reopening.

Some experiences will remain closed longer based on damage sustained during the storm, including 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, and Winter Summerland Miniature Golf.

We will continue to monitor the situation at Walt Disney World, and will be back with additional information as we have it here on Disney Tips.