The Walt Disney World Resort has announced that it will close all theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs, and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at 5 p.m. today ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Matthew.
Disney posted on the Walt Disney World Resort website: Based on the most recent forecasts for Hurricane Matthew, Walt Disney World theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs, miniature golf courses and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex will all be closed today by 5 p.m. and will remain closed through Friday, Oct. 7. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Theme Park is also canceled for tonight and tomorrow.
This is the first time the Walt Disney World theme parks have closed since 2005 when Hurricane Wilma hit Florida.
Hurricane Matthew was upgraded to a category 4 hurricane this afternoon as it churned past the Bahamas and made its way to the east coast of Florida. Much of the east coast of Florida is under a hurricane warning, including the Orlando area.
Yesterday Disney announced that it was relocating guests from Fort Wilderness, Disney’s Polynesian Villas bungalows, and the Saratoga Springs Treehouse Villas.
The Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue and Mickey’s Backyard BBQ are closed through Sunday and the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show at Disney’s Polynesian Village is cancelled today and tomorrow.
