See INSIDE Disney World During Hurricane Idalia

Hurricane Idalia has made landfall on the western coast of Florida as a Category 3 hurricane.

Various counties within Orlando were under different weather warnings, watches, and advisories as the outer bands of Idalia made their way through the area (News 6 Orlando). Disney World’s theme parks remain open (though certain experiences at the resort are closed). So, what does Disney World look like right now? Let’s take a look.

As of 9:30AM on August 30th, Magic Kingdom was pretty empty. There weren’t many folks as we were scanning into the park.

When we got to Main Street, U.S.A., there were a few more people, but considerably less than you’d normally see.

Here’s a look down Main Street.

Disney World is open and operating as normal today after Hurricane #Idalia — our team in Orlando is safe and we’re thinking of all who have been affected by the storm! pic.twitter.com/cXUaq9KZKp

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) August 30, 2023

Starbucks on Main Street, U.S.A. was practically empty.

Wait times were considerably low, and there were temporary closures at Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, Space Mountain, and Astro Orbiter (at the time we checked).

Even later in the day, wait times remained low. The longest line at 4:35PM ET was Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at 85 minutes.

Our friend Peter Pan was strolling around and braving the weather.

We also saw a Country Bear friend out and about.

Prince Eric’s Village Market was closed during our visit (as well as Maurice’s Popping Machine). But we noticed that many other stands were open or opened later during the day.

A heads up that Prince Eric’s Village Market is closed in Magic Kingdom ☔️ pic.twitter.com/tdasIb28Er

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) August 30, 2023

During one part of the day, we noticed that a large number of outdoor rides were temporarily CLOSED, likely due to some potential inclement weather heading to the area.

Over at EPCOT, the crowds were not that bad. We saw a small crowd of people entering the park…

…but those crowds quickly dispersed once we were inside.

The rides were posting pretty low waits, and Starbucks had a VERY short line.

Other things we noticed during our day were:

• The parking lots were relatively empty, though they started to get a bit more crowded later in the day
• The stage show at Magic Kingdom was canceled during our time there
• Some outdoor carts and umbrellas near outdoor seating were closed
• A Food & Wine Festival booth at EPCOT had a delayed opening (we specifically saw the booth at the China pavilion had a delayed opening)
• Certain Food & Wine Festival booths were checking people out at the counter rather than the smaller kiosks that were more exposed to the outside elements
• Several outdoor entertainment options were not offered in EPCOT (except we did see the JAMMitors were available)
• Recreational offerings were moved indoors at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

WESH 2 News reported that Orange County and Osceola County — the counties within which Disney World is located — were under a tornado watch until 3PM on August 30th. A wind advisory was later issued until 7PM. A tropical storm warning also remains in effect until 6:30PM on August 30th.

Overall, the weather in the parks was rainy and windy, so if you are visiting today, be sure to pack appropriately and consider wearing a raincoat instead of an umbrella (since that umbrella might just be whisked away by some of the stronger wind gusts).

Our thoughts go out to those being seriously impacted by the storm as it makes its way through more of northern Florida. If you are located in any of those areas impacted or expected to be impacted, please stay safe and watch for the latest weather updates.

Major storm surge flooding in the big bend, including Cedar Key-

This is the only tidal gauge we have in the area, and it's up over 6'… pic.twitter.com/HTpjsvLqL0

— Eric Burris (@EricBurrisWESH) August 30, 2023

We’ll continue to keep you updated with weather and theme park news. Make sure to follow along so that you’re in the loop. Stay safe!

Click here for more details on Hurricane Idalia

Are you at Disney World right now? Let us know in the comments.

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