Hurricane Idalia update: Disney closing water park, Universal normal operations

Walt Disney World will be closing its water park on Wednesday while its four theme parks will remain open and Universal Orlando plans to open its parks during normal hours as well.

The announcements come as the fringes of Hurricane Idalia have reached the Orlando area at 5:30 p.m., bringing rain and thunderstorms.

The storm now has 100 mph winds as it cross the Gulf of Mexico. Life-threatening storm surge inundation is likely elsewhere along portions of the Florida Gulf Coast where a Storm Surge Warning is in effect. Residents in these areas should follow any advice given by local officials, according to the National Hurricane Center.

There is the potential for destructive life-threatening winds where the core of Idalia moves onshore in the Big Bend region of Florida as a Category 3 storm , with hurricane conditions expected elsewhere in portions of the Hurricane Warning area along the Florida Gulf Coast.

The Disney World area is under a Tropical Storm Warning with potential for 39 to 57 mph winds with rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches with higher amounts possible in certain areas.

Hurricane Idalia impact on Disney World

• Walt Disney World is currently operating under normal conditions and plans have a normal opening on August 30.
• 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.
• Disney World Resort Hotels are open.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Hurricane Idalia impact on Universal Orlando

• Universal Orlando Resort theme parks including Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Volcano Bay are planning to open and operate as normal at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, August. 30. However, Early Park Admission benefit for on-site hotel guests, select Annual Passholders and other select travel trade clients will not be offered
• Hotels remain operational as they focus on taking care of our guests.
• Change and cancellation fees have also been waived for vacation packages. In the event that a hurricane or tropical storm warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center or a state of emergency is declared for the Orlando area or in your place of residence, within seven days of your arrival, you can contact our team in advance to reschedule or cancel your Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations Package, hotel room only accommodations and Universal Orlando theme park tickets booked directly with Universal Orlando, without any cancellation or change fees imposed.

Hurricane Idalia impact on Tampa International Airport

Tampa International Airport is now closed due to the storm. Please check with your airline for the latest on flight schedules and follow our feed on X, formerly Twitter, for announcements.

Hurricane Idalia impact on Orlanod International Airport

Orlando International Airport is currently open and operational. Regarding specific flights, check with airlines.