Orlando-area cancellations begin as Irma prepares for weekend arrival

September 7, 2017, 1:14 PM · The Walt Disney World Resort has cancelled two of its scheduled hard-ticket events for this weekend, when Hurricane Irma is forecast to hit the state of Florida.

Sunday's Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Saturday's Night of Joy are now off, due to the expected storm. Visitors with tickets to Sunday night's planned Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party may exchange them for tickets to another night of the Halloween party, any night of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, a one-day Park Hopper ticket (that must be used within two years), or a full refund.

Given that a one-day Park Hopper can cost between $162-174 and party tickets sell for much less than that, the theme park ticket exchange would be your best bet, financially, unless you are already an annual passholder. Then go for one of the other ticket nights. Or the refund. Hey, it's your money again now.

Ticket holders for Night of Joy can use them for Friday night's concert at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, or return them for a refund.

Universal also has canceled the Saturday night performance of its competing religious pop music event, Rock the Universe. Same deal — Saturday tickets are now good for the Friday event.

As of Thursday afternoon, neither Disney nor Universal has announced any other closures at their theme parks, but we'd be shocked if any major parks were open to guests on Sunday or Monday, given the current forecast. (And we'd bet against a full day of operation on Saturday, too.) We will keep you updated with closure announcements as we hear them.

Update 1: Fort Wilderness campground at WDW is closing at 2pm on Saturday. Guests advised to leave or transfer to another resort.

More storm coverage on Theme Park Insider:

Replies (3)

September 7, 2017 at 2:27 PM · Rock the Universe's Saturday show has also been canceled. Fridays show is still on.
September 8, 2017 at 7:46 AM · Anyone staying at Fort Wilderness, especially in the cabins, should get proactive and find new accommodations in the area *today*. Take everything, including your food (the housekeeping staff will help themselves otherwise).

Do not wait for Disney for assistance/guidance. Their contingency plan will stick you out in the far, mostly unused buildings of All Star Sports, and you will be on your own for food, unable to leave the room until the storm passes. I speak from experience.

September 8, 2017 at 2:51 PM · Does anyone know how CMs are sheltered during events like this? I'm worried about them-especially College Program kids. #mommimg

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