Mostly business as usual at Walt Disney World as Elsa approaches the Florida west coast with hurricane force winds expected

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Flags removed at EPCOT main entrance at Hurricane Elsa approaches

Posted: Tuesday July 6, 2021 2:21pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Tropical Storm Elsa is approaching the Florida west coast and is expected to arrive with hurricane force winds by 8am Wednesday morning.

Tropical Storm Elsa forecast - July 6 2021

The latest track keeps Elsa to the west of Walt Disney World with Central Florida hoping to avoid any significant effects from the storm. 2 to 4 inches of rain are expected across Central Florida, with localized maximum totals up to 6 inches through Wednesday night.

Business is carrying on mostly as normal at the parks today, although preparations are underway to secure items that may become airborne or damaged during high winds. Disney also announced mid-afternoon that EPCOT Forever is canceled this evening.

Flags removed at EPCOT main entrance at Hurricane Elsa approaches

At EPCOT, Cast Members were removing the main entrance flags earlier this morning.

Flags removed at EPCOT main entrance at Hurricane Elsa approaches

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Walt dJul 08, 2021

Yes elsa” let Her go….

wdwmagicJul 07, 2021

Tornado Watch now in effect for WDW until 8am Wed.

wdwfan22Jul 07, 2021

Happily Ever After ran as normal. No Tinkerbell as expected. It's only sprinkling at times and the wait times are non existent for most rides. Perfect night to be in the Magic Kingdom.

Disney AnalystJul 07, 2021

Just watching a stream, show appears 100% intact tonight. Wonder if storm hasn't progressed much yet? Perhaps they expected it to be worse by showtime for Epcot Forever.

MisterPenguinJul 07, 2021

https://www.windfinder.com/#8/27.0640/-82.4002/sfc/nospots

BrianJul 06, 2021

EPCOT Forever was cancelled because of the proximity of pyro to guests. HEA will likely be modified to exclude the in-park pyro (launched on and aside the castle), unless conditions worsen. The main pyro is launched a considerable distance away from guests. If you're going, I'd be prepared for a delay or perhaps even a slightly early start time. edit: Looks like Steve beat me to it with his news post regarding HEA. :)

durangojimJul 06, 2021

Just got back from DHS. Actually seemed busier than earlier in the week. We’re going to take the skyliner over to DHS around 6 tonight to try to ride Slinky. Dark sky isn’t showing rain until later tonight so fingers crossed.

wdwmagicJul 06, 2021

Disney World fireworks shows impacted tonight as effects from Hurricane Elsa expected this evening https://www.wdwmagic.com/other/severe-weather-information/news/06jul2021-disney-world-fireworks-shows-impacted-tonight-as-effects-from-hurricane-elsa-expected-this-evening.htm

IanDLBZFJul 06, 2021

From Busch Gardens Tampa: Due to the anticipated impact of Tropical Storm Elsa, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will close at 4:00 P.M. on Tuesday, July 6 to ensure the safety of our ambassadors, guests and animals. At this time, the park is expected to open at 12:00 P.M. on Wednesday, July 7. Updates to the operating schedule will be communicated as needed.

jrhwdwJul 06, 2021

Will HEA be canceled as well?

DCBakerJul 06, 2021

MorphinePrinceJul 06, 2021

Typical spotty afternoon showers right now. We're not adjusting our evening plans just yet, gonna play it by ear.

JohnDJul 06, 2021

Elsa: The wind is howling like this swirling storm inside Couldn't keep it in, heaven knows I've tried Don't let them in, don't let them see Be the good girl you always have to be Conceal, don't feel, don't let them know Well, now they know Let it go, let it go Can't hold it back anymore Let it go, let it go Turn away and slam the door I don't care what they're going to say Let the storm rage on Gee, thanks.