As Hurricane Ian continues his churn through Florida it has been a long night here in Orlando with not much sleep as the storms relentless rain and sustained wind continues to pound outside our windows. Hurricane Ian may only be a shadow of his former self, having been downgraded to a Tropical storm, but in the darkness of night, Ian has been an unwelcome visitor to Central Florida. Flood warnings and flash flood warnings are still in effect across Central Florida, here in Orange County, many homes have lost power, tree limbs are scattered across the roads, and there is reports of flooding due to the heavy rain. The area has already received a total rainfall of 8 to 12 inches with an additional 2 to 4 inches expected. At Walt Disney World where thousands of guests have been asked to stay in place throughout the night, flooding has been reported at the Riverea Resort, and at the Swan & Dolphin hotels. On the main tourist strip of International Drive, where many visitors, recovery crews, and storm evacuees hunker down in hotels, it appears that no major damage has been reported so far. In Kissimmee, police and fire crews announced at 3 am that they were no longer responding to calls as sustained winds have reached 45 mph. Flooding appears to be the main problem in the area. In Downtown Orlando street signs had blown over, and throughout the area tree limbs had given in to the storms constant pounding, while flooding has been an issue, with reports an ambulance was trapped in standing water on Silver Ct. Now as daybreak arrives, we will discover if Ian has played fair on his visit to Central Florida.

As Central Florida hunkers down to ride out Hurricane Ian, Orange County Fire Rescue have shared pictures that show they and neighbouring Fire Departments are well prepared for whatever the storm has to throw at Central Florida. The massive Orange County Convention Center on International Drive here in Orlando is being used to stage USAR Task Force 4 The assembled crews have specialized technicians trained in hazardous materials response, water rescues, & structural collapse. The huge task force is comprised of units from Orange County Fire Rescue, Seminole County Fire Department, Osceola County Fire Rescue, Lake County Fire Rescue, Reedy Creek Fire Department, and Kissimmee Fire Department. The task force at the Orange County Fire Department is only part of the huge efforts Orange County Fire Rescue are putting into being prepared for any eventuality caused by Hurricane Ian, OCFD have units staged throughout Orange County including Water Rescue Strike Teams staged at Orlando International Airport. Here in Orange County we can all breathe easier knowing we are being well looked after throughout the storm, thank you all for your service.

As the weather continues to deteriorate in Central Florida due to the imminent arrival of Hurricane Ian, Orange County Government is urging everyone to shelter in place from 9pm as it is no longer safe to be outside. Winds are now gusting at 50 mph already, with reports of trees down in the area. “We’ve asked all of our residents to start the process of sheltering in place,” Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said at a 6 p.m. news conference. “You should not be out on the roadways at this time moving about the community.” “There’s no question that we’re now feeling the effects of this hurricane, and we haven’t seen the worst of it yet,” Demings said. Orange County covers Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and the 1-4 tourism corridor, with all hotel guests advised to shelter in hotel rooms from 9pm also. Orange County Sheriff's Office has posted on social media urging everyone to shelter in place: ATTENTION anyone in Orange County. Do NOT go outside. It's NOT SAFE. We're under a Hurricane WARNING & Tornado Watch, w/ 40-50 mph wind gusts already. County leaders urge everyone: SHELTER IN PLACE. OCSO say if you need to leave your home you should call 911 and they will help. Ian was a Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph at 8 p.m., and its center was about 95 miles southwest of Orlando, the National Hurricane Center said. It was moving northeast. Orlando is under a hurricane warning, and the National Weather Service said conditions will deteriorate Wednesday night. “The threat of significant to catastrophic flooding” was expected for an area that includes metro Orlando, the weather agency said, and flooding can be especially dangerous at night. In addition to the wind and the storm surge, the area could get 10 to 15 inches of rain, it said.

We all love a hurricane party here in Florida and the Flamingos at one of Floridas oldest roadside attractions are no exception! The flamingos are having a hurricane party in the bathroom, eating, drinking, & dancing. The St Pete attraction, Sunken Gardens has tweeted a picture to reassure everyone that Hurricane Ian may be pounding Florida, but the attractions Flamingos are safe, hunkering down with staff on-site looking after them throughout the storm in a bathroom! The Sunken Gardens in St. Pete’s is a botanical paradise in the midst of the bustling city. The 100-year-old Sunken Gardens is home to some of the oldest tropical plants in the region. Meandering paths guide visitors through a living collection of more than 50,000 tropical plants and flowers with lush demonstration gardens, cascading waterfalls, and a flock of flamingos, and well worth a visit!

Today, Wednesday 28 September 2022, Orlando International Airport canceled 580 flights due to Hurricane Ian. In preparation of the incoming storm all commercial operations at Orlando International Airport ceased at 10:30 a.m. this morning. With widespread flight cancelations and the airport currently closed until at least Friday 30 September, 100 airport guests so far have been transported from the airport to area shelters to ride out the storm. The airports Emergency Operations Center (EOC) are continuing 24-hour-a-day monitoring of the hurricane for any changes that may impact operations and airport readiness. MCO provided a look at their activated Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Airport leadership that’s part of the “ride-out” team stays on property to closely monitor the path of Hurricane Ian, and everything related to the landside and airfield operations. Commercial operations at the airport are expected to resume sometime Friday on a limited basis, depending on damage assessment to airport property and restoration as required. Travelers are advised to contact their airlines directly for information about their specific flights. Thank you to Orlando International Airport for the pictures, and update.

As Hurricane Ian continues on a destructive path through Florida with its sights set on Central Florida, Walt Disney World is now asking guests staying at their hotels to shelter in their buildings starting at 9pm tonight. Tropical Storm winds are already in the Walt Disney World area, and while there is no official curfew yet from the county, Walt Disney World is recommending guests enjoy dinner and hunker down in their room for the night. Here is the message, which is being presented on in-room televisions: At 9pm tonight after you’ve eaten dinner, we strongly recommend that you shelter indoors and do not leave your building or room. You can find the latest information about closures and impacts on DisneyWorld.com/Weather

As Hurricane Ian bears down on Florida, Walt Disney World is taking care of thousands of guests who are weathering the storm in its hotels. To feed everyone Disney are offering meal kits as well as keeping restaurants operating as much as possible, and Disney have provided details on which locations are currently operating. Full List of Walt Disney World Hotel Restaurants Operating During Hurricane Ian Offerings and availability subject to change. Please check with the individual location for details and hours. Locations may close at any time. * This Indicates Locations Offering Meal Kit Distribution. Disney’s All Star Movies Resort Open World Premiere Food Court* Silver Screen Spirits Disney’s All Star Music Resort Open Intermission Food Court* Singing Spirits Disney’s All Star Sports Resort Open End Zone Food Court* Grandstand Spirits Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Open Landscape of Flavors Food Court* The Drop Off Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village Open The Mara* Boma – Flavors of Africa Sanna Sanaa Lounge Kilimanjaro Club Level Victoria Falls Zuwadi Traders (Jambo House)* Jahari Treasures (Kidani Village)* Club Level – available for Club Level Guests Closed Jiko - The Cooking Place Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Disney’s BoardWalk Villas Open Belle Vue Lounge* Club Level – available for Club Level Guests Convention Center Buffet Closed Trattoria al Forno Flying Fish Café AbracadaBar Pizza Window BoardWalk Ice Cream BoardWalk Deli Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Open Centertown Marketplace* Banana Cabana Closed Sebastian’s Grill Spyglass Grill Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Open Contempo Cafe* Chef Mickey’s Outer Rim Cove Bar Club Level – available for Club Level guests Closed California Grill The Sand Bar Spyglass Grill* Steakhouse 71 Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Open Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood – Buffet offering Barcelona Lounge* El Mercado* Maya Grill Rix Bar & Grill Chronos Club Level – available for Club level guests Closed Three Bridges Bar & Grill Dahlia Lounge Rix Café Siestas Cantina Pool Bar Laguna Bar Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Open Gaspirilla Island Grill* Beaches Pool Bar* Citrico’s Enchanted Rose Closed Grand Floridian Café 1900 Park Fare Victoria & Albert’s Narcoossee’s Disney’s Old Key West Resort Open Olivia’s Cafe* Good’s Food To Go Gurgling Suitcase Closed Turtle Shack Poolside Snacks Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows Open Capt. Cook’s* Kona Island Tambu Lounge Pineapple Lanai Lobby Bar Club Lounge – available for Club Level guests Closed Trader Sam’s Kona Café ‘Ohana Disney’s Pop Century Resort Open Everything Pop Shopping & Dining* Petals Pool Bar Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter Open Sassagoula Food Court* Scat Cat’s Club - Cafe Scat Cat’s Club Lounge Mardi Gras Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside Open Riverside Mill Food Court* Muddy Rivers River Roost Closed Boatwright’s Disney’s Riviera Resort Open Primo Piatto* La Petit Cafe Closed Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera Bar Riva Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa Open Artist’s Pallette* Closed The Turf Club Bar & Grill The Turf Club Lounge Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort, Boulder Ridge at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort Open Roaring Fork* Whispering Canyon Cafe Territory Lounge Boulder Ridge Club Lounge – available for Club Level guests Closed Storybook Dining at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Geyser Point Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort Open Ale & Compass Restaurant Ale & Compass Lounge Beach Club Marketplace* Beaches & Cream Soda Shop Cape May Café Market at Ale & Compass* Martha’s Vineyard Lounge Yachtsman Steakhouse Club Level Lounges – available for Club Level guests Closed Crew’s Cup Lounge Hurricane Hanna’s Bar & Grill

As Hurricane Ian made landfall with sustained winds near 150 mph as it hit the west coast near Cayo Costa, the monster storm continues to target Central Florida, and we prepares to face off the storm. Conditions here in the tourism corridor are starting to deteriorate as we see the impact of Hurricane Ian already, the outer bands of the storm have been lashing us with heavy rain, and now the rain squalls are bringing 50 mph already here in Orange County. A tornado watch has been issued for Orange, Seminole, Brevard, Osceola, and Volusia counties through 1 a.m. Thursday. Conditions are going to get worse before the get better. How much worse will it get? Tonight, Wednesday 28 September, we can expect the rain will get heavier with wind speeds increasing with tropical storm-force winds and even hurricane-force gusts. Once into Thursday, 29 September we will continue to experience strong winds and heavy rain throughout the day before Hurricane Ian clears out on Friday, 30 September. During a Wednesday afternoon press conference Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said the area is projected to see as much as 24 inches of rain, winds nearing 100 mph and possible tornadoes as Hurricane Ian moves inland. He said the county is “within the crosshairs” of the storm, with significant winds expected to hit the area as soon as 2 p.m. ET. He said a tornado watch is in effect for much of east Central Florida and Orange County through at least 5 p.m. “Within the next 24 hours, we will get sustained winds of 95 mph. So that means that those are hurricane force winds that will create significant damage for our community," he said in the news conference. "We want everyone to be prepared for that. By this evening, we will be experiencing full tropical force, tropical storm winds.” As Hurricane Ian continues its path towards Central Florida we will update our news page with all the latest closures.

As Hurricane Ian continues to make tracks for Central Florida, area malls and stores are being forced to close up shop ahead of the major storms arrival. Malls including Mall at Millenia have announced their closure, as well as grocery stores including all area Publix, so if you want a Pub sub or a Publix Hurricane Cake you better get to a store quick as all Central Florida stores will close this evening, Wednesday 28 September, at 6 pm! Here is the list of closures right now. Mall at Millenia The mall will be closed Wednesday, September 28 and Thursday, September 29. Publix Stores in Central Florida including Orlando, Osceola and Seminole will close at 6 p.m. Wednesday, September 28, and will remain closed on Thursday, September 29. The Florida Mall The largest mall in Orlando is now closed until further notice. Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets is closed until further notice. Orlando International Drive Premium Outlets Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets is closed until further notice. Target Stores in Central Florida are now closed until further notice. Wal-Mart All Central Florida stores are closed until further notice. As Hurricane Ian continues its path towards Central Florida we will update our news page with all the latest closures.

As monster storm Hurricane Ian begins to wreck havoc in Florida, Target and Wal-Mart have announced that they are closing stores that are in the immediate path of the storm including stores here in Central Florida. Target is closing stores at 70 of its locations in Florida including all stores here in Central Florida. As residents prepared for Ian’s impact Target stores across Central Florida saw a constant line of customers stocking up on hurricane essential of bottled water, food and flashlights. Walmart also said it was temporarily closing its stores in areas that are in the storm’s path as a safety measure, this includes all stores here in Central Florida. As we have already reported Publix Stores in Central Florida including Orlando, Osceola and Seminole will close at 6 p.m. tonight and will remain closed on Thursday, September 29. As Hurricane Ian continues its path towards Central Florida we will update our news page with all the latest closures.

With Hurricane Ian on a collision course for Central Florida, The Disney Park Pass Reservation system is no longer accepting reservations for Friday, September 30 at Walt Disney World. As all the Walt Disney Theme Parks are currently closed, the Disney Park Pass calendar is greyed out for September 28, and September 29, but now September 30 is now no longer showing available also. Disney have only confirmed the theme parks will be closed on September 28 and 29, 2022, it remains to be seen whether the parks will open on Friday, September 30 or not. Disney are obviously being cautious amid uncertainty about weather conditions in the coming days. For live updates as Hurricane Ian continues its path towards Central Florida please check out our LIVE UPDATES news page. We will be updating you with all the latest theme park and amusement park updates throughout the storm.

With yet another major hurricane forcing Walt Disney World to temporarily close, it was inevitable that we would once again see the return of the infamous hurricane survival meal bags at the resort as Hurricane Ian makes its way to the area. As is typical for modified operations during hurricanes, Walt Disney World Resort will have limited food options for guests who are staying on property, and so the hotels has begun to roll out its hurricane meal kit menus for guests who are staying on property during Hurricane Ian. Offerings will likely vary by location but the bag contents shown in the picture above by twitter user Girl Meets Neverland during a previous storm are typical of resort shutdown meal bags. Bags are priced at $7, and offer sandwiches with a choice of fillings, including chicken salad, egg salad, tuna salad, roast beef, ham & cheese, or as an alternative, a vegetarian wrap. As well as the sandwich bags contain: carrots, a chocolate chip cookie, chips, fresh fruit and a 20 oz Dasani water. Kids bags are priced at $6, and contain ham & cheese, or peanut butter & jelly, together with carrots, a chocolate chip cookie, chips, fresh fruit and a 12 oz Dasani water. For live updates as Hurricane Ian continues its path towards Central Florida please check out our LIVE UPDATES news page. We will be updating you with all the latest theme park and amusement park updates throughout the storm.