Hurricane Ian has grown in strength to a Category 4, nearly a Category 5, as it approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast this morning. As the storm grows closer, weather conditions are worsening in Central Florida, and Orange County is now under a tornado watch.

Hurricane Ian has reached wind forces of 155 mph, just 2 mph away from a Category 5 classification. It is expected to reach Central Florida tonight, but will likely weaken as it crosses land.

As the hurricane approaches, tornadoes are likely. The National Weather Service advises those under the tornado watch to prepare to seek shelter and enact emergency plans. While the area theme parks are closed, guests at resort hotels should take note of the designated shelter spots within their buildings.

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The post Hurricane Ian Grows to Category 4, Tornado Watch in Effect For Walt Disney World & Universal Orlando Resort appeared first on WDW News Today.

We bring you a lot of stories every single day. Sometimes it’s hard to keep up. So in case you missed anything from our feed, we have rounded up all our stories in one place to get the news at a glance. Here is your Daily Recap for Tuesday, September 27, 2022.

Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom

• Our latest photo report highlights an Oogie Boogie Spirit Jersey, Coco Ears, 50th Anniversary Vinylmation Series 2 Figures, and more!
• Preparations are underway at the Magic Kingdom to brace the park for the impact of Hurricane Ian this week.
• The 1971-era turnstiles at the Country Bear Jamboree entrance have been removed at last.

EPCOT

• We have a full list of food booths coming to the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays this winter.
• The Holiday Cookie Stroll will also be returning to EPCOT for the holidays this year.
• Simu Liu and Daymond John have been added to the roster of Candlelight Processional narrators for this year.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

• After an extended multi-year absence, the Avatar Maker has finally returned to Windtraders.

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

• The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser has cancelled two of its upcoming voyages due to the impact of Hurricane Ian.
• Check-ins at all Walt Disney World Resort hotels will halt for a 48 hour period due to Hurricane Ian.

New Merchandise

• A new Princess Tiana ear headband by Color Me Courtney has arrived at Walt Disney World.
• The latest addition to the Vault Collection is a new pair of Orange Bird Crocs!

Other Walt Disney World Resort News

• This morning, Walt Disney World Resort went under a Tropical Storm Warning.
• This was quickly upgraded to a Hurricane Watch this afternoon as Ian’s strength increased.
• Finally, the National Weather Service issued a Hurricane Warning this evening.
• Disney After Hours events are returning to the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios starting in January.
• Orlando International Airport will close starting at 10:30am tomorrow as well as the hurricane approaches.
• All four Walt Disney World theme parks as well as Disney Springs will be closed on September 28 and 29 due to Hurricane Ian approaching Florida.
• Walt Disney World has issued a lengthy statement in which they detail event cancellations, the halting of check-ins and resort-wide bus transportation, and much more as Hurricane Ian barrels toward the resort.

Disneyland Resort

• The Disneyland Resort is offering up to 15% off select hotel rooms for dates through December 2022.
• Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel lobby has closed as its transformation into the Disney Pixar Place Hotel begins.

Disney Cruise Line

• Disney Cruise Line will no longer require guests to be vaccinated before boarding.
• The September 30 sailing of the Disney Wish has been cancelled due to Hurricane Ian.

Entertainment & Media

• “Deadpool 3” finally has a release date along with a confirmed return for Hugh Jackman as Wolverine.

WDW News Today

Disney World Announces Closures Due to Hurricane Ian, Facade Collapses at Hollywood Studios – NewsToday 9/26

Celebrating 40 Years of EPCOT

BREAKING: Walt Disney World Parks and Disney Springs Closing Due to Hurricane Ian

A Look at Disney’s Upcoming Animated Feature ‘Strange World’ – Disney Entertainment News Today 9/27

That’s it for today; we hope you enjoyed this Daily Recap. Thanks for stopping by, and we’ll see you tomorrow!

The post All Four Walt Disney World Theme Parks Closing Due to Hurricane Ian, Hurricane Preparation Begins, 2022 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Food Booths Revealed, & More: Daily Recap (9/27/22) appeared first on WDW News Today.