10/6 Hurricane Matthew update

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Current information from Disney World regarding Hurricane Matthew.  The Hurricane strengthened overnight and is passing over the largest of the Bahamas islands.  It is expected to be along the Florida coast this evening.  Here’s the latest news from the theme parks:

As the Emergency Management Team continues to monitor Hurricane Matthew, Walt Disney World Resort is taking the necessary steps to ensure the safety of our Guests and Cast Members. While our theme parks are operating as normal on Thursday, Oct. 6., please note that due to the potential weather impacts in Central Florida associated with Hurricane Matthew, Walt Disney World Resort will be implementing the following operational changes:

THEME PARKS, WATER PARKS & RESORTS:
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Theme Park is cancelled for Thursday night. Guests may call 407-566-4985, option 5, to make alternate plans, anytime from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT.

Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground is closed now through Sunday. This includes all Thursday and Friday performances of Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue and Mickey’s Backyard BBQ.
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park will be closed Thursday and Friday.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park will be open Thursday; however, the Learn to Surf experience is closed. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park will be closed Friday.

KtP note: All water parks close once thunderstorms begin.

Spirit of Aloha dinner shows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will be cancelled Thursday and Friday evenings.

Select spa locations, including La Vida Health Club at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, and Ship Shape Massage, Salon and Fitness at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, will be closed beginning Thursday at 12 p.m. through Saturday evening.

ENTERTAINMENT, AMENITIES & OTHER OFFERINGS:
Characters in Flight at Disney Springs is closed now through Sunday.

Select weekend events at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex have been canceled, including the 2016 Disney Cross Country Classic and Baseball Canada’s Friday and Saturday have been cancelled.

At this time, our parks will be open tomorrow, and as such, scheduled Cast Members should report for their shifts. If Cast Members experience scheduling issues as a result of Hurricane Matthew (i.e. childcare issues due to the closing of local schools), they should contact their leaders immediately. The YMCA Family Centers may be available for child care based on space availability.

SeaWorld

SeaWorld is closing at 2pm today and will be closed all day tomorrow.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Dream

• The October 3 sailing of the Disney Dream is being extended by one day, as Port Canaveral will not be available for the ship’s scheduled arrival on Friday, October 7. We are now planning to disembark in Port Canaveral on Saturday, October 8, once the Coast Guard has determined that the port is safe for cruise ship operations. We are working with the guests onboard to assist them with their travel arrangements.
• The October 7 sailing of the Disney Dream from Port Canaveral is being cancelled. Refunds will automatically be processed back to the original form of payment used for cruise bookings. Guests are invited to call us at 1-866-325-3905 or 407-566-7032 beginning Monday, Oct. 10, to book a future cruise at a discount.

Disney Magic

• The October 7 sailing of the Disney Magic from New York is being changed to a Canadian itinerary, with plans to visit Sydney, Nova Scotia; Halifax, Nova Scotia; and Saint John, New Brunswick. Guests who remain on this revised itinerary will receive an onboard credit. Guests who would like to rebook a future sailing at a discount OR cancel their sailing for a full refund are invited to call us at 1-866-325-3905 or 407-566-7032.

Disney Fantasy

• The October 8 Disney Fantasy sailing from Port Canaveral to the eastern Caribbean is expected to sail as scheduled. We will continue to monitor the weather and make any necessary adjustments.