How To Follow Disney World Hurricane Irma Updates

It looks like a little rain isn't enough to shut down the happiest place on earth — nor is a massive hurricane. As Irma makes its way to Florida this week, several businesses have announced that they're shutting down over the weekend in light of the hurricane (Orlando International Airport included), but as it turns out, Disney World will be keeping its doors wide open. Some rides, however, will be shut down for safety, so if you're currently vacationing in the theme park, here's how to follow Disney World's Hurricane Irma updates and stay safe.

Fortunately for those enjoying their time in the Magic Kingdom, Disney World seems to have a pretty robust system of getting information out to its visitors, so if you have a smartphone on you, you're set. You'll want to start by checking in on Disney World's special Hurricane Irma page, which will let you know what rides have been closed and which events have been canceled. It also has easy-to-follow instructions on how to get refunds for tickets to any events that are now canceled, like Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Night of Joy at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Disney World also has a pretty thorough page of frequently asked questions on its hurricane policy, which is worth checking out.

If you're looking for updates that come to you, rather than having to seek them out on a website, don't worry — there are plenty of options for that, too. If you're on Twitter, you can get weather updates from the following users:

• The Disney Information Station (which seems to update frequently)
• Walt Disney World's Twitter page (which has more general news straight from the source)
• Walt Disney World Weather (which seems to have more general weather updates than information on specific closures or cancelations)

If you're not a Twitter user, you can also follow Walt Disney World on Facebook for updates. Follow the page and make sure to turn on notifications for it, so that you get a nudge from your phone when new information becomes available.

Regardless of where you're getting your updates, you'll want to make sure you keep an eye on the weather. Irma is a Category 4 storm, and while its path through Florida could still change, it will definitely be bringing heavy rains and winds with it. No one wants the weather to ruin their trip, but in this case, you'll definitely want to follow advice from Disney staff and head indoors if necessary.