Disney World prepares for Hurricane Dorian, closing Blizzard Beach on Sunday

Walt Disney World is operating under normal conditions now and will close Blizzard Beach on Sunday as Hurricane Dorian barrels toward Florida.

“We are taking precautions, including canceling weekend sporting events and closing Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park on Sunday,” according to a statement on the Disney World website.

Guests with current and upcoming reservations 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 should plan to be impacted by the weather.

“If a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area—or for your place of residence—within 7 days of your scheduled arrival date, you may call in advance to reschedule or cancel your Walt Disney Travel Company Magic Your Way vacation package and most room only reservations (booked directly with Disney) without any cancellation or change fees imposed by Disney,” according to the Disney World. 

If you booked through others and not The Walt Disney Travel Company, including airline, car rental and hotels, you are responsible for any non-refundable payments, as well as cancellation or change fees assessed by those suppliers. The policy does not apply to certain special events or dining experiences.

Here is more information on Disney’s hurricane policy. 

Disney World construction crews and cast members have started to secure work sites and loose items in preparation for the storm.

The storm is expected to hit Florida’s east coast as a Category 4 and then hug the coast north. Meteorologists still warn that the track could change and that even if the storm hugs the coast the Walt Disney World area could still be impacted.

Some of the things Disney does to prepare for the storm include taking down the tarp on fences, which is used to hide the work area from guests. Disney will also take down items which could be blown down in a storm such as umbrellas, secure pennants and cover lights with plastic. Workers were also seen Friday securing the lines on the Disney Skyliner.

Orlando International Airport as already announced that it will cease operation Monday morning. It is unknown when the airport will reopen.

So what happens if you are at Disney World and a hurricane comes? 

For those at the Disney World resort hotels, there are plenty of cast members around and Disney does what it can to keep guests busy. In most cases, guests will stay in their rooms. Guests may be taken to an interior ballroom if Disney believes there is immediate danger. There is usually food available and at times Disney characters can be seen entertaining the kids.

Keep checking back with us for the latest updates.