We will be sure to keep the post updated with all the latest updates to how Hurricane Irma is impacting the operation of Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando.

11th September 2017 update:

Though Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and other surrounding parks have suffered from some damage caused by Irma, to our knowledge all parks will be reopening tomorrow (September 12th).

The exception to this rule being Walt Disney World’s water parks:

Here is just some of the damage caused at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside sent to us by @eightlegsright:

If you are in and around the Orlando area and wish to share any photos with us then please tweet us @themeparktrader.

8th September 2017 update:

Walt Disney World has just confirmed it will be closed Sunday and Monday with parks beginning to shut on Saturday evening.

Universal Orlando has just confirmed it will be closed Sunday and Monday.

Additional cancellations and resort closures across Orlando:

Walt Disney World has announced that Fort Wilderness Campground will be closed from Saturday afternoon. Performances of Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue and Mickey’s Backyard BBQ have been canceled for September 9th, 10th and 11th

The “Spirit of Aloha” dinner show at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort that was due to occur on Saturday, September 9th has been canceled.  The Highway in the Sky Dine Around for that evening has been cancelled too.

Night of Joy has also been cancelled on Saturday 9th.

All dining reservations are paused on both September 10th and 11th at Walt Disney World and starting from today, cancellation fees are all wavered.

Universal Orlando has cancelled Rock the Universe on both Saturday and Sunday.

Blizzard Beach Water Park will be Closed Friday and Saturday but at this stage is open on Sunday.

As of right now, all other parks will remain open but expect this to change as Irma edges closer.

7th September 2017 update:

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Cancellations

Disney have decided to cancel the event that was scheduled to take place on Sunday September 10th. The event taking place this evening (September 7th) is still running ahead as normal.

Disney are offering a number of options for those impacted by the cancellation on Sunday:

  • Tickets to attend another Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
  • Tickets to attend a Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party later in the year
  • 1 Day Magic Your Way Tickets with Park Hopper Option, to be used within the next two years
  • Full refund on the tickets

You can call (407) 939-7818 or email Ticket.Inquiries@DisneyWorld.com to process an exchange.

There is still no word on park closures at this time but Disney and Universal are keeping a very close watch on the situation.

6th September 2017 update:

Currently the hurricane is tracking slightly to the East which looks slightly better on the Orlando area. There are still no announcements on any park closures in the Orlando area yet.

There are some changes and cancellations for the Disney Cruise Line to be aware of:

Disney Cruise Line changes and cancellations:

Disney Cruise Line has cancelled Disney Dream sailings on September 8th and 11th from Port Canaveral.

The September 9th sailing of the Disney Fantasy is also cancelled.

Refunds for all of these will be processed automatically and a 25% discount is being given for a future booking.

Current cruises are also being cut short by 1-2 nights. If this impacts your current cruise Disney will be refunding the nights and again guests will be given a 25% discount on a future cruise.

5th September 2017 update:

While nothing is certain at this stage, Hurricane Irma is building in intensity and is set to be an incredibly big storm as it was today upgraded to a Category 5.

While hitting landfall in Florida is still an uncertainty, at this stage it is looking likely to hit the Orlando area this weekend.

Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando are keeping an eye on the situation as it unfolds and while neither have announced any changes in park schedules at this stage, they have begun to rollout their hurricane policies.

Walt Disney World Resort policy allows for guests to reschedule or cancel their vacation packages and most room-only reservations without any fees if a hurricane warning is issued by National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area. Universal Orlando applies a similar policy.

But what happens if you are in the area when a hurricane hits?

I was there last year when Hurricane Matthew hit Florida. The impact of this meant that Walt Disney World and other parks closed for just over a day.

My biggest piece of advice is to make sure get supplies sooner rather than later and not to rely on the supplies provided (at a cost) by Disney.

Here is the queue from Disney’s Saratoga Springs resort last year to get food:

Get yourself snacks, water and just make sure you are prepared for the worst.

If a curfew is enforced then make sure you stay inside your rooms. Disney & Universal will communicate (usually via the phones in rooms) when it is safe to leave. Also, remember it is your vacation and try and make the best of the situation.

As soon as we hear anything on the impact of Irma on Walt Disney World we will update this page.