Based on updated information from the National Weather Service and consultation with emergency preparedness officials, Walt Disney World theme and water parks will operate on an abbreviated schedule on Friday, September 3, 2004.

Current forecasts indicate tropical force winds will not reach the Walt Disney World Resort until daylight on Saturday. Based on this information, we anticipate closing on Saturday. Additional schedule announcements will be made as updated information becomes available Friday.

This schedule will allow us to feed and care for the more than 75,000 Resort guests who will be staying on Walt Disney World property throughout the weekend.

HOURS OF OPERATION

Magic Kingdom: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Epcot: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Disney-MGM Studios: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Disney's Animal Kingdom: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.


Blizzard Beach: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Typhoon Lagoon: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Disney's Wide World of Sports: Open for scheduled events

Downtown Disney: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Pleasure Island: Closed
Cirque du Soleil: 6 p.m. show only

All Walt Disney World Resort hotels will remain open throughout the storm. Guests staying at Disney's Ft. Wilderness Resort & Campground will be relocated to other hotels on property.

We have an extensive hurricane preparedness plan and are staffed and prepared for a realm of possible impacts that this type weather could have on our property.

All Walt Disney World Resort Cast Members scheduled to work on Friday should report to work. Cast Member questions will be answered upon arrival.

Walt Disney World will be sending non-operations personnel home on Friday in phases.

Guests who have questions should call (407) WDW-INFO or (407) 939-4636.