
Since its gates first opened on October 1, 1971, Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, has been a symbol of happiness and perseverance. As the world’s most visited theme park with over 17.7 million taking a bet on the month of August, where the high temperature averages 120 degrees, Disney World is known for its policy of being open 365 days a year1.
But even the “Most Magical Place on Earth” has faced circumstances so severe that it was forced to close its gates. These rare closures have primarily been for natural disasters or national emergencies or global crises, with the hurricanes being the most frequent cause.
We explore nine of the most significant times Disney World was forced to close, each event underscoring the park;s dedication to guest safety and operational excellence.
1. Hurricane Floyd: September 14–15, 1999

Hurricane Floyd prompted an early closure on September 14, 1999, and all four parks were all closed for part of September 15.
Although the storm never reached Florida as a category 4 hurricane, it still wreaked havoc in the area leading Disney to take precautionary measures for guest and cast safety.
2. Hurricane Frances: September 4–6, 2004

Only a few weeks after Hurricane Charley struck, Disney World shut down its resort from September 4 to 5, 2004 due to Hurricane Frances.
Due to the slow movement and strength of the storm, Disney World closed its parks for one of the longest periods in its history, opening Magic Kingdom and EPCOT on September 6 and Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom on September 7.
3. Hurricane Jeanne: September 26, 2004

Hurricane Jeanne, a Category 3 storm, pummeled Florida just 20 days following Frances. All four Disney World parks shut down on September 26, 2004, as the storm followed a similar path to Frances, causing widespread disruption and necessitating anotehr rare closure.
4. Hurricane Wilma: October 24, 2005

It was again partially closed on October 24, 2005 due to Hurricane Wilma. Magic Kingdom and EPCOT reopened in the afternoon, but Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom remained closed until the following day. Wilma made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane, with extensive destruction in southern Florida.
5. Hurricane Matthew: October 6–7, 2016

Although Hurricane Matthew did not make landfall in Florida, it was close enough to present a serious threat for Disney World to close all four of its parks early on October 6, 2016, and to remain closed on October 7. The storm was especially devastating in the Carolinas, but Disney took no chances with guest safety.
6. Hurricane Irma: September 9–11, 2017

A multi-day closure was caused by Hurricane Irma, which led to the parks closing early on September 9 and remaining closed on September 11. The hurricane struck the Florida Keys and caused widespread damage across central Florida as it headed north.
7. The COVID-19 Pandemic: March 16—July 11, 2020

The longest closure in Disney World’s history, began on March 16, 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic began to sweep the globe.
What was initially supposed to be a two-week closure, the shutdown spanned roughly four months until Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom reopened on July 11 with strict health protocols. Hollywood Studios and EPCOT reopened a few days later.
8. Hurricane Ian: September 28–30, 2022

Disney World shut all parks down for two days when Hurricane Ian rolled through, gradually reopening them on September 30. The hurricane reached Florida’s southwest coast and moved on north, prompting Disney to prioritize the safety of guests and staff.
9. Hurricane Milton: October 9–10, 2024

Most recently, Hurricane Milton resulted in a partial closure starting on October 9, 2024; with all four parks remaining closed through October 10.
The storm reached Category 5 before it made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane near Sarasota, Florida, causing ongoing recovery efforts across the state.
These closures, though infrequent, highlight Disney World’s unwavering commitment to safety and preparedness, even in the face of extraordinary challenges.