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As Hurricane Idalia looms ever larger over Florida, Walt Disney World has issued an operational update for concerned guests. Walt Disney World has issued a new operational update with travel advice for guests. The resort is also offering Florida residents evacuating from the storm , together with first responders assisting in storm-related recovery efforts a 50% off discount on Disney Resort hotel stays on the evenings of August 29-31, 2023. Read on for the latest: For Guests staying at Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground: As Disney continues to monitor the weather, they are asking that all Fort Wilderness Guests remove and stow all outside items, including décor, and take in camper awnings by 6 PM on Tuesday, August 29. If you’d like to depart early or discuss alternate options for your vacation, please contact (407) 939-2744. Travel Flexibility: At this time, change and cancellation fees imposed by Disney will be waived for check-in dates of August 28, 2023 through September 5, 2023. Guests currently staying at our Disney Resort hotels whose travel plans have been impacted by the storm may receive a discounted rate to extend their stay through the evening of August 31, if needed, by visiting the front desk. Evacuees & First Responders Support: Florida residents evacuating from the storm and first responders assisting in storm-related recovery efforts may also receive 50% off Disney Resort hotel stays on the evenings of August 29-31, 2023. For evacuees, please call (407) W-DISNEY for details. For first responders, please call (407) 828-3200 (Option 3). This applies to new bookings only and is based on availability. Storm Recovery: Walt Disney World is prepared to once again serve as a staging area for storm-related recovery efforts for the state of Florida. For Guests looking to modify or cancel their Disney Resort hotel reservations, please visit DisneyWorld.com/Plans. For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site

As Hurricane Idalia continues to grow rapidly, with its sights firmly fixed on the west coast of Florida, Port Canaveral in the east coast has issued an update. Port Canaveral hs issued an update on Hurricane Idalia as the storm continues on a path towards the west coast. The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) has set Port Condition "X-RAY" for Port Canaveral. The busy port say that sustained gale force winds are predicted within 48hours. Port Canaveral will remain open and conduct normal Port operations, but they anticipate limited waterside and vessel shoreside, with port operations subject to change as the weather conditions dictate. While severe weather is expected, based on current forecasts and storm information, Port Canaveral is NOT issuing a marina evacuation order for Hurricane Idalia. Vessels berthed at marinas located in Port Canaveral should consult with their marina owner/operator and comply with marina specific requirements and precautions. Continue to monitor Port Canaveral and https://twitter.com/BrevardEOC and the Port Status Hotline at 321-394-3411 for updates. The National Hurricane Center has just released its 11 am Hurricane Idalia update, and the storm is shaping up to be a major hurricane that is set to slam Florida with dangerous life threatening winds. Idalia has gained additional strength Tuesday morning and has maximum sustained winds of 85 mph with stronger wind gusts. The storm currently remains a Category 1 hurricane for now, but it is expected to undergo rapid intensification and become an extremely dangerous Category 3 hurricane before landfall on Wednesday. The intensity on Wednesday morning just before landfall has increased in the forecast up to 125 mph, only 5 mph below Category 4 strength. Idalia is located about 275 miles south-southwest of Tampa, Florida, and is moving northward at 14 mph. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 15 miles from the center and tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 160 miles. Landfall is still expected in the Big Bend area of Florida early Wednesday morning. For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site

In the 11 am update from the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Idalia is growing rapidly and is expected to come ashore with winds of 125 mph, only 5 mph below Category 4 strength. The National Hurricane Center has just released its 11 am Hurricane Idalia update, and the storm is shaping up to be a major hurricane that is set to slam Florida with dangerous life threatening winds. Idalia has gained additional strength Tuesday morning and has maximum sustained winds of 85 mph with stronger wind gusts. The storm currently remains a Category 1 hurricane for now, but it is expected to undergo rapid intensification and become an extremely dangerous Category 3 hurricane before landfall on Wednesday. The intensity on Wednesday morning just before landfall has increased in the forecast up to 125 mph, only 5 mph below Category 4 strength. Idalia is located about 275 miles south-southwest of Tampa, Florida, and is moving northward at 14 mph. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 15 miles from the center and tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 160 miles. Landfall is still expected in the Big Bend area of Florida early Wednesday morning. For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site

Great news as Disney’s Animal Kingdom is set to host Extended Evening Hours for the first time ever in November. Great news for those of you, like us, that can remember when Disney's Animal Kingdom opened late into the evening, as for the first time ever, extended evening hours are to be offered at the theme park this November. Extended hours are an opportunity for guests at select Walt Disney World and Walt Disney World-affiliated hotels to spend some extra time in the parks. This update was revealed on the Walt Disney World monthly operating calendar, which is currently showing extended evening hours onNovember 8, Currently the calendar only shows through November 8, so we presume that more dates will be available into November. Guests staying at the following resorts are entitled to enjoy extra hours at the theme parks Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Disney’s Beach Club Resort Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Disney’s Contemporary Resort Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village Disney’s Beach Club Villas Disney’s BoardWalk Villas Disney’s Old Key West Resort Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows Disney’s Riviera Resort Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Walt Disney World Swan Hotel Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel Walt Disney World Swan Reserve Shades of Green on Walt Disney World For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site

As Idalia continues to threaten Florida, Rosen Hotels & Resorts is offering special rates to allow Florida residents to have an affordable and safe place to weather the storm. As Hurricane Idalia rapidly approaches Florida's gulf coast, Rosen Hotels & Resorts is once again offering special rates to allow Florida residents to have an affordable and safe place to weather the storm. Rosen Hotels & Resorts has activated its Severe Weather Relief Rates to help locals evacuate to a safe and affordable place as they ride out Hurricane Idalia. Rosen Hotels & Resorts have a long standing tradition of helping Floridians during stressful weather events, including providing free Wi-Fi, allowing pets and not applying additional pet fees. “We do this because it is the right thing to do,” said Harris Rosen, Founder and COO of Rosen Hotels & Resorts. “The safety of our guests, our associates and families across Florida is something we will go to great lengths to protect.” Severe Weather Relief Rates: (not including taxes) Rosen Inn International, Rosen Inn, Rosen Inn Pointe Orlando & Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista $69 per night Rosen Plaza $99 per night Rosen Centre $109 per night Rosen Shingle Creek $129 per night To reserve a room, please call 866-33-ROSEN (76736) or visit RosenHotels.com/hurricane For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site

Walt Disney World have shared a video taking us inside the latest attraction at EPCOT that is set to debut this fall. The journey begins soon! Walt Disney World have shared a first look at Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, a new walk through attraction opening at EPCOT this fall. The video shared on X (formerly Twitter) shows Walt Disney World Cast Members experiencing the attraction. The new attraction located in World Nature at EPCOT will allow guests to explore the wonders of water along a lush trail that’s fun for all ages—based on the Disney animated film Moana. Where Water Comes to Life Stroll along a self-guided outdoor trail where you can play with water as it travels from the sky to the oceans and back again. Along the way, you’ll find that: Water Is a Friend: Moana befriended the ocean… and you can, too! Enjoy magical encounters with water and discover its playful personality, just as Moana did on her heroic voyage. Water Connects Us All: All water is connected—and it connects us to one another. As you traverse this trail, you’ll connect and interact with water in new ways. And you’ll learn about the global water cycle, which takes water on a wondrous adventure around our planet. Water Needs Protection: Throughout your journey, you’ll learn how you can help protect this precious natural resource and make a positive impact on the world. Make a Splash… or Stay Dry! You can choose to get wet—or take the dry path instead—as you explore this whimsical, watery world. For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site

As Tropical Storm Idalia continues to intensify, Walt Disney World has issued an update this morning at 9 am. As Idalia becomes a hurricane, Walt Disney World has issues an update on its preparations for the storm ahead of its arrival Wednesday. The update, posted this morning, Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at 9:00 am asks all guests staying at Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground to remove and stow all outside items, including tents and décor, and take in camper awnings by 6 pm on Tuesday, August 29. If you’d like to depart early or discuss alternate options for your vacation, please contact WDW at (407) 939-2744. For Guests looking to modify or cancel their Disney Resort hotel reservations, please visit DisneyWorld.com/Plans. This follows yesterdays brief statement posted at 3pm, Monday, August 28 which read, "Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions. We are closely monitoring the path of the projected weather as we continue to prioritize the safety of our Guests and Cast Members." The resort also reassured concerned guests that they can reschedule their upcoming trip or cancel their stay with all customary cancellation fees to be waived. For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site

As Idalia continues to intensify, and the storm is now officially a hurricane, Orlando International Airpot have issued their latest update on the storm. As we continue to monitor Hurricane Idalia, Orlando International Airport have shared their latest update on the storm, predicting that, "we do not foresee any significant impact to our operations at this time." While the airport is confident of no major impacts, they are urging passengers to check with their airline in regards to specific flights. Here is the update in full: Operational Update - Hurricane Idalia Our airport is open and operational. We continue to monitor the status of Hurricane Idalia and we do not foresee any significant impact to our operations at this time. If operational changes occur, we'll post about it. A quick reminder that many airlines may adjust their schedules to better accommodate their travelers during this inclement weather – delays and cancellations may occur. Please make sure to verify with your airline directly for any updates in regards to your specific fight. The airports latest update is in stark contrast to Tampa international Airport which is closing ahead of the storm. The latest update from the National Hurricane Center predict that the worst of the weather will stay to the west of Central Florida. Gusty squalls will begin to enter Central Florida this afternoon, increasing in frequency and intensity into tonight. It is expected that the worst effects of Idalia will be felt for the majority of Central Florida late Tuesday and through the day on Wednesday. For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site

As Idalia continues to intensify, the storm is now officially a hurricane, and is targeting Florida with effects of storm to be felt as early as today! As we continue to monitor Idalia, the storm continues to intensify and officially became a hurricane in the early hours of Tuesday morning. In the latest update from the National Hurricane Center, Idalia is expected to rapidly intensify into an extremely dangerous major hurricane before making landfall in the Big Bend area of the state on Wednesday. Currently Idalia is spinning northwest of Cuba with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph and is moving north towards Florida at 14 mph. The National Hurricane Center are urging residents to prepare now, as life-threatening storm surge and dangerous winds are becoming increasingly likely for large portions of the Florida Gulf Coast. Residents in these areas should follow advice today from local officials. Destructive winds will occur along the Florida Gulf Coast's Big Bend Region with huge impacts in Levy and Dixie counties. Winds over 100 mph are possible in these areas on Wednesday morning. Here in Central Florida, if the current track of Idalia continues, the worst of the weather will stay to the west of Central Florida. Gusty squalls will begin to enter the area this afternoon, increasing in frequency and intensity into tonight. It is expected that the worst effects of Idalia will be felt for the majority of Central Florida late Tuesday and through the day on Wednesday. For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site

As Tropical Storm Idalia continues to intensify, ahead of a direct hit on the gulf coast of Florida, Walt Disney World has issued a statement to guests. As Tropical Storm Idalia continues on a path towards Florida, Walt Disney World has issued a brief statement on its website, detailing its preparations and cancelation policy ahead of the storms predicted impacts on Central Florida. The update posted at 3pm, Monday, August 28 reads, "Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions. We are closely monitoring the path of the projected weather as we continue to prioritize the safety of our Guests and Cast Members." The resort has also reassured concerned guests that they can reschedule their upcoming trip or cancel their stay with all customary cancellation fees to be waived. In the latest update Monday afternoon from the National Hurricane Center, Idalia is now nearing the western tip of Cuba, with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph, moving north at 8 mph. The National Hurricane Center are urging residents to prepare now, as life-threatening storm surge and dangerous winds are becoming increasingly likely for large portions of the Florida Gulf Coast where a Storm Surge Warning is in effect, including Tampa Bay & the Big Bend. Residents in these areas should follow advice from local officials. Here in Central Florida, we are predicted to experience strong gusty winds, especially in squalls, with heat rainfall amounting to 2 to 3 inches with locally higher totals of 4 to 5 inches, and a few tornadoes. For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site

As Tropical Storm Idalia continues to intensify, the storm has forced the cancelation of the $uicideboy$ show at AMALIE Arena, scheduled this week. As Tropical Storm Idalia continues to intensify, the storm that is set to grow into a major hurricane making landfall between Tampa Bay and the Big Bend area sometime late Tuesday into early Wednesday has forced the cancellation of a big show this week in Tampa. Due to the forecast severe weather, the $uicideboy$ event at AMALIE Arena on Tuesday, Aug. 29 has been rescheduled to Sunday, Nov. 5. All tickets for the original date are valid for the rescheduled date. If a guest cannot attend the rescheduled date, refunds are available at point of purchase through Thursday, Sept. 28. For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site

As Tropical Storm Idalia continues to threaten Florida, Universal Orlando have followed Walt Disney World in issuing a statement detailing their preparations for the storms impacts. As Tropical Storm Idalia looks more and more likely to cause severe weather conditions in the days ahead, Universal Orlando Resort have followed Walt Disney World and issued a statement on its website regarding the current storm that is threatening Florida. The very brief update this afternoon from Universal at 4.05 pm Monday, August 28 reads, "At this time, our park operations and hours are continuing as normal. We are closely monitoring the weather. Please check back for updates." The resort has also reassured concerned guests that they can reschedule their trip or cancel their stay with all customary cancellation fees to bewaived. Here is the severe weather policy from Universal: Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations Severe Weather Policy While an incredible vacation awaits at Universal Orlando Resort™, unfortunately we can't make guarantees about the weather, but your travel plans can still be stress-free. In the event that a hurricane or tropical storm warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center or a state of emergency is declared for the Orlando area or in your place of residence, within seven days of your arrival, you can contact our team in advance to reschedule or cancel your Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations Package, hotel room only accommodations and Universal Orlando theme park tickets booked directly with Universal Orlando, without any cancellation or change fees imposed. If you have purchased airline tickets as part of your Universal Parks and Resorts Vacations package, you may still be subject to cancellation and change fees assessed by those airlines. If you have purchased Universal Orlando products and services through third-party suppliers, travel agents or tour operators please contact them directly for information regarding their cancellation or change policies and procedures. The policy does not apply to certain special events, dining experiences or group related bookings. We want you to feel safe and will work with you directly to best accommodate your needs. For more information, visit our severe weather policy frequently asked questions page. If you have additional questions or need to change or cancel your travel plans, please contact a member of our Guest Contact Center team by calling 800-711-0080. For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site