As Orlando prepares for the oncoming storm, Walt Disney World has begun preliminary storm preparations while the park operates as normal. We visited some of the parks to see what is being done to prevent damage during the intense weather.
EPCOT
Flags have been removed from the flagpoles at the entrance to EPCOT, surrounding Spaceship Earth.
Food and drink kiosks have been strapped and bolted down to prevent movement during the powerful winds.
The Guest Services podium has been removed and umbrellas have been tied up.
The splash pad in World Discovery is still running but with two stanchions blocking portions of it.
The Coastal Eats booth for the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival has had its umbrellas removed and orange tarps now cover the cash registers. This is our first time seeing these orange covers used. The mobile ice cooler is covered as well.
We noticed Cast Members clearing off merchandise from the kiosk outside Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana.
The cover over the podium at the entrance to Journey of Water was removed.
This mobile snack cart near The Seas Pavilion is operational but has tarps over it.
Inside The Land Pavilion, a wet floor sign was placed next to the elevator.
Earth Eats has similar measures as Coastal Eats, with those orange tarps.
The Imagination Kiosk has yellow straps as well, keeping it in place.
Food & Wine props have been removed, leaving empty patches of dirt in the topiaries.
Milled & Mulled and Swirled Showcase have been prepped as well.
The booths at the Canada Pavilion have been locked down with straps and covers.
Rose & Crown has been locked down with straps and covers on the outdoor kiosks.
The pin cart past the UK Pavilion has been covered and tied down.
The awning above the entrance to Monsieur Paul in the France Pavilion has been removed.
The Belgium booth is still operational but has some orange tarps out already.
The smoothie bar at Morocco has mostly been cleaned out.
The Japan and Greece booths are still operating as normal. Even the registers are uncovered.
In the Japan pavilion, posters for the Kawaii art installation were removed.
Umbrellas were also being removed on pull carts.
Stanchions block off this covered drink cart and the umbrellas have been zip-tied.
Umbrellas were being actively removed by Cast Members at the still-operational Flavors of America booth.
The banners outside Regal Eagle Smokehouse were still up.
No changes yet at the America Stage.
We also didn’t spot any changes at Italy yet.
The Tiny Village is still running as normal with the figures and trains yet to be removed.
The Bier kiosk at the Germany Pavilion has been covered with a yellow strap wrapped around it, securing it to pillars.
The beer kiosk has also been locked down in the usual fashion.
The India booth is still operating with orange tarps over the outdoor registers.
The kiosks at Africa have been locked down.
At the China Pavilion, all the banners were taken down.
The China booth is still operating with open umbrellas. Only one register is covered.
Umbrellas are still open at the Norway Pavilion.
The Norway kiosk is still operating with yellow straps already affixed.
Donald is missing his sombrero today!
The Australia booth is missing its tent and has orange tarps over the registers.
Magic Kingdom
The banners outside Main Street Theater have been rolled up.
Not much has been done to prepare for the storm at Magic Kingdom yet. It will likely be done overnight after Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party ends.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Umbrellas were still up and open when we visited the park. It seems the Hurricane prep has not yet made it to Hollywood.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Lamps are tied up outside the entrance gate to the park.
Lamps inside the park are tied up as well.
Cloth wings from bird signage around the park were removed for Hurricane Helene and are still missing.
Walt Disney World announced closures across the resort for the hurricane. Certain resorts will be closed and park reservations have been blocked for October 9. Additionally, Orlando International Airport has suspended commercial operations starting Wednesday.
Stick to WDWNT for the latest updates on the storm and how it can affect your upcoming Disney Cruise or Walt Disney World vacation.
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