Is Disney Closed for Hurricane?
Hurricane Weather Warning for Disney
As the Atlantic hurricane season continues to gain momentum, Disney has issued a hurricane warning for its Florida and California theme parks. While Disney has been open for business for years, it seems that the iconic theme park resort has decided to close for a brief period. In this article, we will explore what happened, why Disney closed, and what you can expect from the reopened theme park.
What Happened
On July 1, 2022, Disney announced that it would be closing its theme parks for a two-week period due to Hurricane Ian. The decision was made after Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall to the region. The strong storm surge and hurricane-force winds were expected to impact Disney’s Florida theme parks, which are located in the state.
Why Disney Closed
According to an official statement from Disney, the company decided to close its theme parks for the two-week period in order to prioritize the safety of its employees, guests, and the community. Disney cited the following reasons for the closure:
- Safety of Employees: Disney prioritizes the safety of its employees and the community. Closing the parks allows Disney to ensure that its employees are safe and cared for while the park is closed.
- Preparation for the Hurricane: Disney wanted to ensure that the parks were thoroughly inspected and prepared for the storm, which could impact its operations and guest experience.
- Community Support: Disney also wanted to offer support to the local community, which was expected to be affected by the storm.
Hurricane Damage and Conditions
The storm made landfall in Florida on September 1, 2022, causing significant damage to the theme parks. The Florida Keys Tourist Resort, which includes Disney’s Bay Lake Tower, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort, suffered extensive damage, including:
- Storm Damage to Elevation: The storms caused the Florida Keys to be elevated to an elevation of 3,000 feet, which increased the risk of flooding and damage to the resort.
- Damage to Infrastructure: The storm caused damage to the Florida Keys‘ water and sewage systems, as well as the power grid, which affected the ability to power the resorts.
Reopening Plan
After the two-week closure, Disney announced a reopening plan for its theme parks. The reopening plan included:
- Health and Safety Protocols: Disney has implemented enhanced health and safety protocols to ensure that guests can visit the parks without putting themselves at risk.
- Pandemic Precautions: Disney has taken extra precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including increased cleanliness and disinfection protocols.
- Temporary Attractions: Some temporary attractions, such as Soarin’ Over the Horizon, have been made available for guests to enjoy.
Guest Reaction and Resumption of Operations
Guests who visited the parks during the two-week closure expressed mixed feelings about the reopening. While some were grateful for the opportunity to visit the parks, others were disappointed that they couldn’t enjoy their favorite attractions. Disney has offered extra rewards and mementos for those who visited the parks during the closure.
Reopening Schedule
The reopening schedule for Disney’s theme parks varies by park. Here is a breakdown of the reopening schedule:
| Park | Reopening Schedule |
|---|---|
| Magic Kingdom | September 8, 2022, at 10:00 AM |
| Epcot | September 12, 2022, at 10:00 AM |
| Disney’s Hollywood Studios | September 13, 2022, at 10:00 AM |
| Disney’s Animal Kingdom | September 14, 2022, at 10:00 AM |
Concluding Thoughts
While the hurricane closure was a disappointment for Disney fans, the company’s decision to prioritize the safety of its employees, guests, and the community was admirable. With the reopening plan in place, Disney has ensured that its guests can visit the parks safely and enjoy the attractions and entertainment that make the resorts so beloved.