Tropical Storm Forms, Heading For Walt Disney World, Florida

Walt Disney World and parts of Florida are now preparing for a Tropical Storm, which is predicted to hit early this week.

Tropical Storm Idalia is currently hovering in the Gulf of Mexico, and could reach hurricane strength by the time it hits Florida in the coming days.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Idalia has the potential to affect western Florida and the Panhandle with severe weather starting on Tuesday.

"If you're anywhere along the western Florida peninsula — so let's say from about Fort Myers northward to the Panhandle — you really got to be paying attention, even if you're outside of the cone," National Hurricane Center deputy director Jamie Rhome said in a video briefing Sunday morning.

"There's a notable risk of rapid intensification while the system moves across the record warm eastern and northeastern Gulf of Mexico," the National Hurricane Center said in a Sunday morning forecast.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 33 counties.

Walt Disney World takes hurricane warnings very seriously. If, in the event of a hurricane warning, or if a hurricane hits Walt Disney World, the Parks will close and Guests will stay inside their Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Cast Members will be in the lobby to entertain Guests, and Disney will ensure they provide as much magic as possible during the unprecedented time.

Per Disney, "If a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area—or for your place of residence—within 7 days of your scheduled arrival date, you may reschedule or cancel your Walt Disney Travel Company Disney Resort hotel packages and most room only reservations (booked directly with Disney) without any cancellation or change fees imposed by Disney. Most room-only and vacation packages can be modified, or cancelled online, including changes to travel dates."

Walt Disney World also has a policy for those who have booked through the Walt Disney Travel Company. Per their policy:

Cast Members will be able to reschedule your vacation to your new desired travel dates if the same special offer is available for those dates. If the same special offer is not available Cast Members will assist by identifying alternate offers, if any, during your new desired travel dates. All amounts you paid to the Walt Disney Travel Company for rooms, park tickets and other Disney products and services will be applied toward your new reservation.

Any discounts or special offers applicable to your original confirmed vacation may not apply to the rescheduled vacation travel dates. You are responsible for applicable package pricing for the new vacation dates.

Walt Disney World has only closed its Orlando theme parks eight times for hurricanes since opening in 1971:

• 1985: Hurricane Elena
• 1999: Hurricane Floyd
• 2004: Hurricane Charlie
• 2004: Hurriance Francis
• 2004: Hurricane Jeanne
• 2016: Hurricane Matthew
• 2017: Hurricane Irma
• 2019: Hurriance Dorian
• 2022: Hurriance Ian

At this time, Walt Disney World has not announced any closures for Tropical Storm Idalia, but make sure to continue to monitor the official Walt Disney World website for the most up-to-date information.