Hurricane Idalia Is Heading Toward Disney World – Get the Latest Updates Here

It’s hurricane season in Central Florida, and that means you have to prepare for the possibility of bad weather impacting your Disney World trip.

Currently, Hurricane Idalia is making its way toward Orlando, and if you’re in the area, you probably need to stay up-to-date on what’s going on. That’s why we’ve rounded up all the pertinent information right here. Let’s get into it.

UPDATES from August 30th

Idalia made landfall in Florida as a major Category 3 storm at Keaton Beach, FL.

The NHC says that #Idalia has made landfall as a major Category 3 storm with winds of 125mph at Keaton Beach, FL at 7:45… pic.twitter.com/28HTryXmWf

— Eric Burris (@EricBurrisWESH) August 30, 2023

 

Governor DeSantis indicated via Twitter/X that the State Emergency Response Team is ready to deploy teams as soon as it is safe to do so.

As of the 5AM ET advisory for Idalia from the National Hurricane Center, “catastrophic impacts from storm surge inundation of 12 to 16 feet above ground level” are expected for some parts of Florida — between the Jefferson County line and Yankeetown. The storm’s path seems to have brought it mainly up toward the northern part of Florida and it is expected to cross into southern Georgia and southeastern South Carolina.

WESH 2 News notes that a tornado watch is in effect until 3PM ET on August 30th for the two counties within which Disney World is located — Orange County and Osceola County.

Additionally, a tropical storm warning remains in effect for Orange and Osceola Counties until 12:30PM ET on August 30th.

A flood advisory has also been issued for parts of Osceola and Orange counties.

7:20 am | Flood Advisory has been issued for portions of Osceola & Orange counties. Rain bands from Idalia will bring heavy downpours that could contribute to minor flooding in Kissimmee & Saint Cloud. pic.twitter.com/KDCJrCzfOI

— NWS Melbourne (@NWSMelbourne) August 30, 2023

The Orlando Airport remains open but they have warned that flight disruptions are expected throughout the day. Be sure to check with your airline for any impacts.

Mears Connect Driven By Sunshine (essentially the Magical Express replacement) has shared via Instagram that passengers should contact their airlines for any updates and warned that “Mears Connect does not automatically cancel your reservation if your flight is cancelled.”

They have also shared the following tips:

• If your arrival flight is delayed, the system will auto edit your reservation information for ARRIVALS ONLY. Your boarding pass is valid for 48 hours. Best practice, if your travel plans have changed please let us know.
• Mears Connect will continue to operate with safety in mind first. If there are any closures, we will post an update. There may be delays due to safety precautions.
• Guests should allow extra time in anticipation of possible delays in roadway travel and increased congestion at the airport.
• Mears Connect advises that passengers proceed to the airport as scheduled as airlines can lift delays at any moment. We have limited ability to quickly react to on demand need to adjust hotel departure times.
• For major travel delays, please contact Customer Service for options.

The Walt Disney World theme parks are open and operating under normal conditions. Due to inclement weather, however, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, Winter Summerland Miniature Golf, and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf will all be CLOSED on August 30th.

Stay tuned for more news.

Prior Updates are Listed Below for Reference

UPDATE: A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties. Idalia has now strengthened into a Category 2 hurricane.

UPDATE: According to the Orlando Sentinel, Orange and Osceola Counties have been added to the previously declared State of Emergency in Florida.

UPDATE: Here’s a look at the August 29th 5PM ET advisory. Idalia is expected to make landfall on the northwest coast of Florida. The expected storm track has shifted north, moving it further away from Disney World.

UPDATE: Orlando International Airport issued a statement on Tuesday morning, saying they do not expect Idalia to significantly impact airport operations.

Our airport is open and operational. We continue to monitor the status of Hurricane #Idalia – we do not foresee any significant impact to our operations at this time. If operational changes occur, we'll post about it. Please check with your airline in regards to your flight. pic.twitter.com/qB5nv6C2b8

— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) August 29, 2023

If you’re flying soon, it would be a good idea to contact your airline for more information.

Southwest Airlines has released a list of flights that may disrupted due to Idalia. If you are flying, keep checking the status of your flight or consider rescheduling.

UPDATE: Disney has issued the following statements regarding Hurricane Idalia:

Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions. We are closely monitoring the path of the projected weather as we continue to prioritize the safety of our Guests and Cast Members. Here are a few updates: 

• Due to the inclement weather, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park will be closed on August 30.
• Due to the inclement weather, Winter Summerland Miniature Golf and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf will be closed on August 30.
• For Guests staying at Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground: As we continue to monitor the weather, we are asking that all Fort Wilderness Guests remove and stow all outside items, including décor, and take in camper awnings by 6 PM on Tuesday, August 29. If you’d like to depart early or discuss alternate options for your vacation, please contact us at (407) 939-2744.
• Evacuees & First Responders Support: Florida residents evacuating from the storm and first responders assisting in storm-related recovery efforts may also receive 50% off Disney Resort hotel stays on the evenings of August 29-31, 2023. For evacuees, please call 407-W-DISNEY for details. For first responders, please call 407-828-3200 (Option 3). This applies to new bookings only and is based on availability. 
• Travel Flexibility: At this time, change and cancellation fees imposed by Disney will be waived for check-in dates of August 28, 2023 through September 5, 2023. Guests currently staying at our Disney Resort hotels whose travel plans have been impacted by the storm may receive a discounted rate to extend their stay through the evening of August 31, if needed, by visiting the front desk.
• Storm Recovery: Walt Disney World is prepared to once again serve as a staging area for storm-related recovery efforts for the state of Florida.  

UPDATE:  The National Hurricane Center said there is a “danger of life-threatening storm surge” with the storm, and areas of flash and urban flooding are possible.

UPDATE: According to the National Hurricane Center, tropical-storm force winds could begin impacting the Disney World area late Tuesday. Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings said that officials expect about 5 inches of rain and up to 12 hours of sustained tropical storm-force winds. Orange County officials expect the biggest storm impact between midnight and noon on August 30th.

We’ll keep an eye on weather conditions and any alerts, so stay tuned to AllEars for the latest.

Click Here to See How Disney World Prepares for Hurricanes

Are you traveling to Disney World this week? Tell us in the comments.

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