Orlando International Airport to Close Due to Hurricane Ian

UPDATE: Disney World will be conducting a phased reopening of the theme parks and Disney Springs on September 30th. Click here for more information.

We’ve been keeping a close eye on Hurricane Ian as it approaches landfall in Florida in the coming days.

Hurricane Ian©WESH2

Most recently, the counties where Disney World is located, Osceola and Orange counties, have been place under a Hurricane watch. And now, Orlando’s major has shared the precautions it will be taking ahead of Hurricane Ian.

In an announcement on their website, Orlando International Airport has shared that they will “cease all operations” starting at 10:30AM EST on Wednesday, September 28th. During this time, entry to all parking facilities will also be closed.

Operational Update – Hurricane Ian
Commercial operations at MCO will cease at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, 09/28/22. Entry to all parking facilities will be closed at that same period. Please contact your airline for flight updates. pic.twitter.com/P75DooP2EA

— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) September 27, 2022

If you have a flight planned in or out of the Orlando International Airport this week, they recommend calling your airline directly to make alternate plans, and get updates on specific flights.

At an Orlando Press Conference, we learned that MCO operations will depend on recovery and individual airlines. It may take up to 3 days to get back to normal.

Orlando Airport

Additionally, Orlando Sanford International Airport is expected to close. According to WESH2, that airport is expected to close after its final flight out today, September 27th, with the expected flight at 4PM EST.

UPDATE: Orlando International Airport has indicated that it expects commercial operations to resume on Friday, September 30th, pending its damage assessment.

If you are staying at Disney World or had plans to visit during Hurricane Ian’s impact, you can read about their cancelation policies during a hurricane here.

Crowds ahead of Hurricane Ian in DISNEY WORLD

Disney shared a statement noting that they will prepare for “necessary operational adjustments” based on information from the National Weather Service. So far, they have already made adjustments by closing Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa, or the Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort on September 28th through September 30th.

©Disney

Additionally, Typhoon Lagoon water park will be closed on September 28th and 29th, as well as Winter Summerland and Fantasia Gardens.

Typhoon Lagoon

Along with closures, Disney has shared an updated cancelation policy for the upcoming week. Disney will not enforce cancelation policies until further notice on things like dining reservations and other experiences including the newly reopened Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and Savi’s Workshop in Galaxy’s Edge.

The Disney Parks and Disney Springs closed on September 28th and 29th. But, Disney World will be conducting a phased reopening of the theme parks and Disney Springs on September 30th. Click here for more information.

As we continue to learn more about Hurricane Ian and its impact on Disney World and the Orlando area, we will be continuing to share all the latest, so stay tuned to AllEars!