Walt Disney World releases statement on potential major Hurricane Idalia

Aug 28, 2023 in "Severe Weather impacts to Walt Disney World"

Posted: Monday August 28, 2023 3:22pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney has provided a brief statement on its preparations and operational impacts of potential major Hurricane Idalia.

Disney's update was posted at 3pm, August 28 and states, "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."

The National Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for Orange and Osceola counties - home to Walt Disney World.

A Tropical Storm Watch means tropical storm-force winds are possible somewhere within this area within the next 48 hours. Idalia is expected landfall early Wednesday as a potential major category 3 hurricane.

Disney has also announced today that it will waive change and cancellation fees for most guests with check-in dates of August 28, 2023, through September 4, 2023. To modify or cancel Disney Resort hotel reservations, visit DisneyWorld.com/Plans.

If you have questions, cannot modify or cancel online, or need additional help rescheduling your vacation due to a hurricane warning, call (407) 939-7675.

Learn more about Walt Disney World Hurricane policy.

Notable closures announced so far:

  • Busch Gardens Tampa will close at 3pm Tuesday with an anticipated reopening on Thursday. 
  • Tampa International Airport will cease commercial operations beginning at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, with the airport remaining closed until it can assess any damages later in the week.

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John park hopperSep 01, 2023

St system coming off Africa maybe a problem but the other storms are all staying out o sea and heading north

LAKid53Sep 01, 2023

And as karma goes....there are two more systems out there.

LAKid53Sep 01, 2023

Treasure Island.

John park hopperSep 01, 2023

Visiting in Gulf Breeze FL talked to my son in Mcclellanville SC never lost power lot of rain wind but no trees down. Dodged the bullet on this one. Hurricane season is still young

some other guySep 01, 2023

not quite the usual storm debris

JoeCamelSep 01, 2023

Silver lining. As a former 20 year resident I can't exaggerate how cool this is

"El Gran Magnifico"Aug 31, 2023

I associate it with tickling.

dreday3Aug 31, 2023

I associate St. Elmo's Fire with Rob Lowe.

5thGenTexanAug 31, 2023

I copy and pasted from CNN. I dont have an opinion either way.

AylaAug 31, 2023

Why do you have extremely dangerous in quotations?

JoeCamelAug 31, 2023

I always associated St. Elmos fire with ball lightning

5thGenTexanAug 31, 2023

St Elmo's Fire This rare weather phenomena was spotted in the sky as Florida's Gulf Coast braced for the "extremely dangerous" Hurricane Idalia.

monothingieAug 31, 2023

It’s going to be a very nice evening. Credit due to Disney for handling this storm very well.