Disney World guests have been urged to cancel their upcoming vacation plans. Disruptive weather is gearing up to cause numerous issues for those traveling by plane or car, and the National Weather Service has warned ahead of this impending storm.

Guests visit the Magic Kingdom on the day Hurricane Milton hit the area inside Disney World as Disney World guests enjoy their time.
Credit: Jamie S., Inside The Magic

Disney World Guests: Stay Home, Don’t Bother With the Parks

Imagine stepping off a plane, Mickey ears in hand, ready to walk down Main Street, U.S.A.—only to find your vacation shadowed by storm clouds. That’s the reality facing thousands of guests set to descend on Walt Disney World as the National Hurricane Center (NHC) raises alarms about a brewing tropical system near Florida. Could the Most Magical Place on Earth soon be dealing with the most inconvenient storm of the season?

Travelers from around the country, many of them planning long-anticipated summer vacations to Central Florida’s theme parks, may now be caught in the path of a moody Mother Nature. But just how serious is this latest weather alert—and how might it impact operations at Orlando International Airport and inside the parks?

Let’s break it down.

A split image displays a vibrant satellite view of a Category 5 hurricane swirling on the left and a drenched Main Street at Disney World on the right, with a "Last Chance" caution sign centered between the two scenes.
Credit: Inside The Magic

What We Know So Far About the Tropical Development

According to the National Hurricane Center’s 2 p.m. update on Saturday, meteorologists are monitoring a potential system expected to form later this week off the southeastern U.S. coast. While it hasn’t developed yet, a broad area of low pressure is forecast to emerge over the next several days, bringing with it the risk of heavy rainfall and strong winds.

2pm EDT July 12th – An area of low pressure could develop off the SE U.S. coast & now has a low chance (20%) of TC formation as it moves generally westward across the Florida Peninsula into the north-central portion of the Gulf. – @NHC_Atlantic on X

“Environmental conditions could become marginally conducive for the gradual development of this system by mid to late next week,” the NHC noted. As the system drifts westward across the Florida peninsula and into the Gulf of Mexico, weather may become increasingly severe—particularly for Central Florida.

Currently, the storm system has a 20% chance of development over the next seven days. If it does evolve into a named storm, it will be dubbed Tropical Storm Dexter, making it the next in the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season lineup.

Tomorrowland Magic Kingdom Hurricane Milton
Credit: Jamie S., Inside The Magic

Why This Matters for Disney Guests and Travelers

Though only a small percentage chance of development exists, the National Weather Service and Orlando International Airport aren’t taking any chances. The airport issued a weather alert, advising travelers that flight operations and baggage deliveries could be delayed. Guests are strongly encouraged to check directly with airlines and stay updated on airport conditions via nasstatus.faa.gov.

Weather Alert Due to weather conditions, airline operations may be affected – flight/baggage delivery delays may occur. Please check with your airline directly for any updates regarding their operations. For airport status, visit: nasstatus.faa.gov. Thank you. – @MCO on X

But the story doesn’t end at the airport.

If heavy rainfall does sweep across Florida mid to late week, parks like Disney World and Universal Orlando may also face disruptions. Rainy weather could lead to delayed ride openings, canceled shows, and a generally soggier experience for families who’ve waited all year for their dream vacation.

And with this summer’s earlier Tropical Storm Chantal already soaking parts of the Southeast, many are wondering: Is this the start of a weather pattern that will continue to impact theme park travel through the summer?

A row of strollers in front of Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort ahead of Hurricane Milton.
Credit: Jamie S., Inside the Magic

Hurricane Season 2025: More to Come?

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) originally predicted 13 to 19 named storms this season. Of those, 6 to 10 are expected to become hurricanes, with 3 to 5 potentially reaching Category 3 strength or higher.

However, in a slight shift, Colorado State University recently revised its forecast, suggesting a slightly less active season than previously anticipated. While that may seem like a relief, forecasters caution that it only takes one storm—strategically timed and poorly placed—to throw vacation plans into chaos.

A large airplane soars over a fairytale castle backdrop near Orlando Airport, with a massive swirling storm depicted in the sky. The scene elegantly combines elements of aviation, fantasy, and weather phenomena—perfect for those dreaming of vacations to Disney World.
Credit: Inside The Magic

Disney World Guests: How to Prepare for a Weather-Impacted Disney Trip

If you’re heading to the parks this week, pack for flexibility and stay weather-aware:

  • Monitor the forecast daily

  • Download airline apps for real-time notifications

  • Invest in travel insurance, if possible

  • Pack ponchos, umbrellas, and waterproof footwear

  • Check Disney’s app for weather-related updates on show and attraction closures

Whether or not Tropical Storm Dexter forms, Central Florida is almost certain to experience heavy rainfall during the mid-to-late week window. Disney and Universal both have robust weather contingency plans, but for guests, preparedness is key.

A tropical threat is brewing just as the magic is about to begin. Will your Disney trip be a washout—or just a little wet? Stay tuned, stay safe, and stay flexible.

The post Vacations on Hold as Disney World Guests Advised To Remain Home as National Advisory Now in Effect appeared first on Inside the Magic.

You Might Like